Shop Blog

With this class in building Roorkhee chairs, I bit off way less than I could chew. After the second day, we just have to finish up a couple details on the leather and metal work before we start [...]

Good design is fundamental in woodworking. I’m devoting this last installment of “fundamentals week” to the idea that design is next – after knowing your material and how [...]

As my article on building the Southern Gent’s Mirror Stand – in the August 2013 Popular Woodworking Magazine (issue #205) – passed through design and begin routing (being passed from editor [...]

For a few years I’ve had the idea of following up my Beginner’s SketchUp and Intermediate SketchUp Webinar series with and Advanced SketchUp series. Exactly what an Advanced SketchUp [...]

Storing Lumber This rack is easily made from galvanized iron pipe and threaded floor flanges. For light loads use 10-in. lengths of 1/2-in. pipe and 2x4s. For heavier loads go to 3/4-in. pipe and [...]

Saw Sharpening Jig I made this jig to hold a dovetail or other backsaw when filing and resetting the teeth. To use, insert the saw blade, teeth up, and clamp the jig in a bench vice.…

Sawing Rack My shop is simply too small to cut full-size sheets of plywood on the tablesaw.After many a bitter battle using a circular saw to cut floppy sheet stock perched on sawhorses, I [...]

Most classes I teach end up being a “dovetail death march” (in a good way). There is a lot of traditional joinery, late nights, sore feet and little hope of finishing the project in five days. [...]

As we pull up curbside I get out and follow a coworker inside, new sights and sounds adding to my nervousness. The hallway, filled with the acrid smell of sweat and cleaning fluid, feels a mile [...]

Successful Stripping You can do it safely and effectively. Here's how. By Michael Dresdner Let's face it; stripping wood is a drag.We approach it knowing it’s a difficult, messy [...]

Three Steps to Precise Cuts By Richard Tendick A trim router is a precision tool—if it’s tuned up correctly. Tuning corrects two common problems: an uneven cut and a sticky base. By [...]

How to Install Knife Hinges They’re a sure sign of good craftsmanship, but are almost invisible. By Brad Holden Small and discreet, knife hinges lend a tidy, refined look to your project. [...]