Before beginning the finishing process of their a project, the woodworker needs to be sure that every possible bit of sawdust and grit left behind by sanding has been removed. While vacuums and tack cloths work well to get most of the sawdust, there is another final measure I like to employ before I begin staining, painting or applying an oil to my projects.

Learn this handy tip for removing even the finest sawdust from your woodworking projects before you begin to apply finish.

2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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Corresponding with the new Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool and the Dremel Multi-Tool, Dremel has put together ten great home improvement ideas with Paul Ryan of DIY Network.

Additionally, Dremel is looking for more such ideas, and is willing to pay for them! Submit your favorite project idea using a Dremel tool (200 words or less) for a chance to win up to $2500.

To check out these 30 minute ideas, plus read about the contest, visit the Dremel 30 Minute Miracles site.

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As we get into early November, a lot of people begin to think ahead toward the "gift giving" season.

If you have a woodworker on your list this year, check out this list of Woodworking Gift Ideas. You'll even find a link from each of these ideas so you can check out some of the best prices on the web.

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

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For some reason, woodworkers as a group tend to detest math. So, what am I going to do? Show you how to use math to avoid getting ripped off at the lumberyard.

Many lumberyards like to simplify their board-feet measurements by rounding, but this seemingly innocuous practice can cost you a bundle. For that reason, whenever I buy hardwoods, I always double-check the board foot calculations and complain if my numbers don't match theirs. Frankly, if you know how to use even the most basic calculator it's so easy to do that I don't understand why anyone would be intimidated by the process.

In How to Calculate Board Feet, learn the simple formula to getting precise board foot calculations when buying hardwoods. Knowing this simple formula can literally save you hundreds of dollars a year (if not more) on your hardwood purchases.

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In 1923, the Ridge Tool Company got their start by building a pipe wrench. To this day, one of the company's prime claims to fame is with plumbing tools.

However, years later they began to market a number of power tools. Now a part of the Emerson Tool Company, Ridgid tools have become quite popular, likely due to their association with Home Depot.

In this woodworking tool company profile, learn about the history of the Ridgid Tools and how they have grown as a tool company.

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

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The Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool is, in my opinion, the best Dremel tool to date. In my mind, this tool is beginning to feel less like a craft or hobbyist tool, and more like something every woodworking shop and, for that matter, homeowner should consider.

That isn't to say that the Dremel 4000 rotary tool isn't without its faults, but it's obvious that Dremel is putting some thought into improving their flagship rotary tool. It is a big improvement over any other Dremel tool I've ever used.

In this woodworking review, check out the Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool and how they've improved upon their previous rotary tools.

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

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If you're looking for a tough yet lightweight cordless drill, the reviews on the Makita BDF452HW are quite positive. The lithium-ion batteries charge in only 15 minutes, and the drill is powerful, well-balanced and weighs in at a mere 3.5 pounds.

This Makita drill showed well in the testing done by Consumer Reports, Tools of the Trade, and it won the Editor's Choice award from Popular Woodworking. Check out what our friends at Consumer Search have to say in their Makita BDF452HW Cordless Drill Review.

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It doesn't matter if you put them in your garage, shed, laundry room or pool house, properly built utility shelves are amazingly useful. Fortunately, utility shelves don't have to look utilitarian, or as some might say, unattractive.

In these free woodworking plans, learn how to build utility shelves that are simple, strong and yet quite visually appealing. The woodworking plans are easy to follow and simple enough that even the beginning woodworker can build an attractive utility shelf in a couple of hours.

On top of that, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you made them yourself, and didn't resort to buying a pre-packaged solution from the home center that won't stand the test of time. Learn how to Build Your Own Utility Shelves properly, and you'll find plenty of locations around your home where you'll want to build and install them!

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

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The tool that formed the basis for what would eventually become Milwaukee Electric Tools actually came as a request from one of the most renowned innovators of the early 20th century. The response, and the tool had a profound effect on the ability of this innovator to develop his product, and perhaps eventually his legacy.

This is the story of how Milwaukee Tools began, with a single product that was far superior to anything else on the market. Although fate would provide it's own twist, this single tool innovation was enough to provide the trunk of a tree that would eventually encompass the over 500 tools and 3500 accessories offered by today's Milwaukee.

In this woodworking tool company profile, learn about the history of the Milwaukee Electric Tools and how they have built their reputation for their woodworking power tools.

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

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When you choose to employ a stain finish to show off a woodworking project, one viable option is to employ a gel stain. Gel stains can be quite messy to work with, but they give you control over the depth of the color of the stain, and can produce some marvelous results.

With that in mind, there are some specific issues you should consider before choosing to try a gel stain. Some projects simply aren't very well-suited for gel stains.

Learn some tips for applying gel stain finishes and some steps for avoiding common problems when using them.

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

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