For centuries, woodworkers have been using wax formulations to give their projects shine and luster, and to provide at least a bit of protection. Over time, much more durable finishes have become available that have pushed wax finishes to the side.

Is there no longer a place for a wax finish?

Well, yes and no. This traditional finishing method can still be used in certain instances, and when properly used, can add an unmatched luster and shine.

Learn how, and more importantly, when you should apply a Paste Wax Wood Finish.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Sometimes a good imitation can be almost as good as the real thing.

The About.com Guide to Miniatures, Lesley Shepherd, has posted a very interesting step-by-step article on how to create a faux mahogany finish. While she specializes in miniatures, the steps can easily be adapted to a full-size piece.

Learn how to Create a Faux Mahogany Finish. Perhaps it will give you an idea for an upcoming woodworking or re-finishing project.

(c) 2009 Lesley Shepherd licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Not every task in woodworking is cut and dried, so to speak. Some tasks in the wood shop are much easier, not to mention safer, if a well-designed jig is used for the task.

In this list of Woodworking Jigs, find a number of various jigs you can build in your wood shop to make woodworking tasks easier.

Do you have a favorite jig that you like to use in the shop? Have an idea for improving an existing jig? Perhaps an everyday item that makes a woodworking task simpler or safer? Tell us about it in Readers Respond: Make Woodworking Easier and More Consistent with Woodworking Jigs.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Probably one of the most characteristic parts of a barn is the design of the doors. Typical Dutch-style barn doors are as attractive as they are functional and work great not only on a barn, but on a shed, garage, storage building or even on rustic houses.

They're also a lot of fun and far more inexpensive to build than what you would pay to buy them if you had them made commercially for your installation.

In this set of free woodworking plans, learn how to build a simple yet remarkably strong set of Barn Doors. It takes a few hours to build the doors and install them, but you'll be amazed at how they'll transform the barn, shed or garage on which you decide to install them. You'll be even more amazed at how little they cost to build!

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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