Techniques

Tablesaw Tapering Jig I recently built a pair of garden benches that required several identical parts that were tapered on both sides.To make the job easier, I built this jig...

Cross-Grain Trim I recently needed to attach molding across the sides of some bookcases. Because the sides were solid wood, I had to allow for some seasonal movement. I used...

Why Does My Wood Have Stripes?   Q: I put a clear finish on a beautiful ash table I made and found faint stripes an inch or two wide going...

After today’s installment we have one installment left in this multi-part series. Last week we added the top front rail with dovetails and the drawer support system. This week we...

Working with Melamine It’s dirt cheap, it’s practical, and best of all, there’s no sanding and finishing! By Dave Munkittrick Melamine is the professional cabinetmaker’s best friend. Build a cabinet...

Portable Food Safe This safe features two sliding doors and two removable trays. By Randy Johnson No more smashed frosting, cracked crusts or capsized casseroles.You can take your culinary creations...

Perfectly Parallel Fence Here’s a quick and easy way to align your tablesaw fence with your miter slot.Plane down a board until it fits into your miter slot without play....

Repairing Ripped Belts Sanding belts can rip at the worst possible moment – such as when you're out on a jobsite with no spares. When this happens I remove the...

Is Polyurethane Food-Safe?   Q: I’m planning on finishing a set of wooden plates with polyurethane. Is this finish safe for food? A: According to finishing expert Bob Flexner, all...

Glazing Techniques from a Pro Use gel stains to add richness, depth and color. By Kevin Southwick Some wood finishes have richness and depth that combine to create a special...

Modular Desk System Mix-and-match components make a desk that fits your needs. By Bruce Kieffer This computer-desk system has more going for it than great looks. The system is based...

Tablesaw Jig Clamp I added this hold-down to my tablesaw’s sliding cutoff jig and find it a great convenience, because the height of the clamp is easily changed. This clamp...