Plumbers and electricians often need to drill large-diameter holes (from 1/2-inch up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter) in order to run pipes and wiring through studs and joists. For most, the paddle bit (a.k.a., spade bit) is the most common choice. These bits drill quickly, although they don't drill the cleanest of holes, and blowouts on the back side of the hole can occur easily. While this typically isn't a concern for rough-in holes in construction, for fine woodworking projects, it is a bit more of an issue.

However, there are some ways to use these bits and mitigate the problems mentioned above. Learn how in Drilling with Paddle Bits.

(c) 2013 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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The compound miter saw is the most precise choice for cross-cutting bevels and miters (or both on the same cut). This power tool is commonly found on custom construction sites, and is particularly handy when cutting angles for hip/val roof rafters.

The problem is that cutting precise angles on a long rafter requires that the board be held flat on the saw table, both before and after the cut. This requires stable supports on both sides of the saw, the kind of supports afforded one with a quality miter saw stand.

There are a number of portable miter saw stands on the market, some good, and some, ummm, let's say challenging to use. However, with a little bit of scrap lumber you can build a sturdy miter saw stand with solid, adjustable supports for the lumber you need to cut.

Learn how to Build a Portable Miter Saw Stand. You can even adjust the length of the stand to accommodate the lengths of wood you need to cut.

(c) 2013 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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The most basic (and probably the most commonly-used) tool in woodturning is a roughing gouge. The roughing gouge is often used for rounding a blank that is mounted between the spindles of the lathe, for creating rounded profiles and more. Curved-shaped roughing gouges come in a variety of sizes, from very large to somewhat delicate (like the one in the image on this page).

The roughing gouge isn't a difficult tool to learn how to use, but you will need to spend some time practicing the techniques. Watching someone who is experienced with a roughing gouge can make it look easy, but you'll soon learn that it is a skill that must be mastered. Check out these Roughing Gouge Tips to get a handle on how to get the most out of the basic woodturning tool.

(c) 2013 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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We have a tradition in my family. Every few months, my wife decides to move everything in the house to a new location, whether it needs it or not. This, of course, includes moving all of the pictures and art on the wall.

The problem is that many of the larger frames have hooks on each side that are rarely level with one another, meaning that I have to measure the offset then measure that offset from a level line on the wall that is the distance down from the top of the frame that matches the exact height that she wants the picture. Quite a pain, if I dare say so, although I'd never admit that out loud.

I came across an article today that may change that. Candice Benge of Gallery Direct posted a blog post that may have solved my problem. With a piece of masking tape and a level, she came up with a way to get these pictures level quickly and easily every time.

Read How to Hang Level Artwork to learn this simple but very effective trick that I'll definitely try the next time my wife decides to redecorate.

Photo courtesy of Gallery Direct Outlet

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