Build a Canoe Paddle
A single length of framing lumber will help you hone your skills with a spokeshave, a drawknife and a block plane. It was a bright summer’s day in 1993 at historic Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, [...]
Outdoor Finishes
Simple to Super Durable Outdoor finishes have one thing in common; they all require maintenance. Of course, paint is unequaled at protecting the wood from its two biggest enemies: moisture and [...]
A Small but Mighty Handle for Augur Bits
One of the most exciting new tools that my students and I got to try and use this year was the 6 Piece Bushcraft Survival Auger Kit with T-Handle and 5 Auger Bits in Tool Roll from WoodOwl. The [...]
Outdoor Finishing
When I was a kid, my dad made a pair of Adirondack chairs that sat out front of the old farmhouse I grew up in. Looking back, they added a quaintness to the house. They were attractive pieces, [...]
Outdoor Kitchen
This outdoor kitchen keeps everything needed for an outdoor gathering close at hand. Project #2210 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 5 Days • Cost: $800 If you live in the Midwest, you’ll know [...]
Yard Games: Kubb
I’m sure you’re thinking, what’s Kubb? The original name, “Kubbspel,” translates (roughly) into “throwing block game.” The goal is simple: knock over wooden “Kubbs” or soldiers by throwing [...]
Yard Games: Ladder Golf
Professional-sized ladder golf sets are larger and more robust than the chintzy ones you usually find in yard game kits. This project is a great way to use some long skinny scrap pieces too. [...]
Build A Patio Planter
Strong, simple joinery provides lasting beauty. If you’ve been thinking about beautifying your patio, and you want to do it in a weekend, I’ve got just the thing. This sturdy planter is made from [...]
Exterior Oil Finishes
Easy to use and maintain, they keep outdoor wood furniture looking like new. You’ve spent the winter building a set of cedar Adirondack chairs; or maybe you’ve purchased a teak garden bench. You [...]
Outdoor Week and Woodworking Month
It’s April, which means April fools (see ours below), spring, and woodworking month. The change in weather means those of us with unheated shops can finally emerge from hibernation and [...]
Myth-Busting the Meaning of Yakisugi
It isn’t called shou sugi ban, nor is every charred workpiece in a project called yakisugi. It’s simply a charred finish with its origins in Japan. An important lesson I learned during my [...]
Finish an Exterior Door
How to choose and apply a long-lasting clear finish. What do fancy wooden boats and beautiful wooden front doors have in common? They both need a clear finish that can really stand up to the [...]
