Low-Cost Straightedge
Whenever I have to cut down a sheet of plywood, I reach for one of my trusty metal stud straightedges. Metal studs are available in different thicknesses for different applications. For example, [...]
Tool Storage Book
Put a ton of tools up on the wall in this tool “book.” Hang 1/2“ or 3/4“ thick plywood “pages” 4“ apart on horizontal 2x4s with 3“ door hinges. Screw and glue …
Folded Sandpaper Works Better
Sheets of sandpaper aren’t easy to work with. It’s tempting to scrunch a sheet up so you can get a better grip, but if you do that, most of the paper gets wasted. Tame the abrasive beast by [...]
Eastwood Ottoman
This classic Stickley ottoman oozes Craftsman style, but don’t let its simple form fool you—it packs in some great woodworking. Project #2221 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 4 Days • Cost: [...]
Eastwood Ottoman Upholstery
After the woodworking is done, finish your project with upholstery to match. The topic of DIY upholstery interests many woodworkers, however, few have access to detailed tutorials. Tacking a [...]
Mini Curio Cabinet
This small-scale curio cabinet is the perfect size to sit on a shelf, or in a bookcase. Project #2222 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 3 Days • Cost: $200 If you’re like me, you spent your [...]
Bespoke Toolmaker: Leather by Dragonfly
The world’s best custom-made apron is handmade by husband-and-wife team Patrick and Michelle Melchior. When I step into my shop,a few things happen each and every time — so much that they’re [...]
Dovetailed Shaker Tray
Requiring sawing, planning, and shaping skills, this tray is the perfect project to put hand-tool lessons to practice. Project #2220 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 1 Day • Cost: $45 This [...]
Hand Plane Restoration
Bringing an old hand plane back to life is simple to do, and will yield a top-not tool. When I build a project, I use a variety of “fancy” tools (readers’ words, not mine). Lie-Nielsen, [...]
Makita 9 1/4″ 36V Saw Review
Tool: 9 1/4″ 36V Track Saw XSH10 Shop Now Manufacturer: Makita MSRP: $542 As the owner of a sawmill, I have a variety of sizes of lumber that I work with regularly. Recently, as I’ve [...]
Don’t Let “Eventually” Become “Never”
If someone walked up to me and told me I wasn’t a very smart man, I’d have a hard time arguing with them. There are often times when I do something knowing full-well that the outcome isn’t going [...]
Blue Spruce Toolworks Scrapers and Burnisher Review
Tool: Card Scraper and Dual-Handle Burnishers Shop Now Manufacturer: Blue Spruce Toolworks MSRP: $21.99 The very first hand tool that I ever purchased was a set of Lie-Nielsen card [...]
