The band saw is likely the best choice for woodworkers wishing to make curved cuts, but in most cases, these cuts are done "free-hand," simply rotating the wood on the band saw's table to follow a cut line. While this is certainly a skill that takes practice, even the most accomplished woodworkers would hardly be able to cut a perfect circle free-hand.

For such a task, one must incorporate a jig, and then cutting a perfect circle becomes almost automatic. In this article, learn how to quickly and easily build a Simple Band Saw Circle Cutting Jig that is adjustable to almost any practical diameter circle that you need to cut!

(c) 2012 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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When using stains on softwoods, such as SPF lumber (meaning that it could be spruce, pine or fir), the color of the stain can appear uneven and splotchy. The stain will also will look different when applied to each of the species of SPF lumber.

You can even out the color across the different varieties of wood and reduce the uneven color by applying a pre-stain conditioner to your softwood projects before staining them. In this article, learn all about how to apply a Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner to give your softwood projects a clean, evenly-stained look.

(c) 2012 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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If you look at old pictures of woodworkers on job sites, you'll likely find that they carried their tools in a wooden toolbox with a long dowel handle along the top. This toolbox design was used not only by woodworkers, but plumbers, blacksmiths and many other trades that required a durable toolbox with easy access to their tools.

Even though few of today's craftsmen would use such a toolbox on a daily basis, there's something to be said for the vintage look of seeing some classic tools in such an elegant carrying case. If you like the look and want to build one for your tools, check out this set of free woodworking plans for our version of a classic woodworking toolbox. The joints are all glued with no screws or nails, which only adds to the mystique of this timeless classic design.

(c) 2012 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Ipe is a variety of hardwood that typically comes from Brazil. This species is often used for outdoor projects because of its ability to be resistant to water.

Learn how to work with this exotic hardwood, one that requires some specific handling steps to work with safely in How to Work with Ipe. Once you understand the proper precautions when using this hardwood, you should end up with some pretty amazing results.

(c) 2012 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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