Profiles Index
Ridgid Tools Profile
Ridgid Tools, a division of the Emerson Tool Company, have been building tools since 1923. Although they didn't begin offering power tools until much later, Ridgid's line of power tools has become quite popular, and are offered at least in part in Home Depot stores. Read this woodworking profile of Ridgid tools.
Table Saws - the Workhorses of the Wood Shop
Table saws are the most versatile of all home woodworking machines. Learn how to find the best table saw for your workshop.
Jigsaws - What Features do you Really Need?
When needing to make curved cuts, few tools are as versatile as the jigsaw. With the proper blades, jigsaws can also be employed to cut metal, plastics and other materials. Learn the features you should look for when buying one of these useful woodworking tools.
Stationary & Plunge Routers
With the wide range of shapes that can be routed onto edges, routers may be among the most exciting of woodworking tools for a beginning woodworker to use. Learn the features you should consider when looking to purchase a router.
Compound Miter Saws - Precise Angled Cuts Made Easy
Precision angled crosscuts are remarkably easy with a compound miter saw. Learn the features you should look for when purchasing a single-bevel or double-bevel compound miter saw.
Choosing a Cordless Drill
As technology has improved, cordless drills have become much more popular as woodworking tools. With improved battery life and torque, cordless drills are a viable option for nearly all hand held drilling tasks on any woodworking project. Learn the features you should consider when looking to buy a cordless drill for your wood shop.
Profile of Milwaukee Electric Tool
This profile of Milwaukee Tools centers on their development as a power tool manufacturer, and includes information such as the history of the Milwaukee Electric Tool, innovations and contributions to the woodworking marketplace and the types of Milwaukee woodworking tools offered.
Profile of Bosch Power Tools Division
This profile of the Bosch Corporation centers on their power tools division, and includes information such as the history of the Bosch power tools division, innovations and contributions to the woodworking marketplace and the types of Bosch woodworking tools offered.
Tips for Woodworking with Maple
Along with cherry, walnut and oak, maple is one of the most popular hardwoods for woodworking. It's tough and looks great when finished properly. Woodworking with maple can also be somewhat trying, as it can be temperamental, particularly in the finishing stage. In this article, learn some tips for woodworking with maple, to get the most out of your maple furniture projects.
Woodworking Safety Equipment
There are a few simple pieces of safety equipment that every woodworker should use. Developing the habit of using the safety equipment every time you work in the shop will help protect you from injury.
Tips for Moving Your Woodworking Tools
Most stationary woodworking tools are quite heavy and bulky. This can really cause concern when one is faced with moving to a new location, be it across the street or across the world. Here are some tips to keep in mind when considering moving your wood shop.
Doweling - Woodworking Joinery
Doweling has been used for centuries as a method of woodworking joinery. The principle of doweling is simple: a few dowels are glued into matching holes in corresponding boards. The joint is clamped until the glue dries, which yields a strong, durable, classic woodworking joint. Learn how to incorporate doweling into your woodworking plans.
How to Use a Block Plane
The block plane is among the most versatile hand woodworking tools, because it can be used to shape and clean up so many parts of woodworking projects. Whether you are using your block plane to shape, flatten, smooth, or even add a chamfer to an edge, you'll find that keeping a sharp block plane at the ready is a must in the woodshop. Learn tips for safely and effectively using your block plane.
Woodworking with Pine
Pine is one of the most common softwoods available at home centers. Pine is typically regarded as utilitarian, but it can also be used for building fine woodworking projects. Stable pine, particularly old long-leaf pine, is quite beautiful in fine furniture. Learn tips for getting the most out of pine in your woodworking projects.
Table Saw Tune-Up Tips
The table saw is, without a doubt, the workhorse of the wood shop. However, a table saw occasionally needs to be tuned-up in order to keep it working in optimum condition. Learn how to determine whether your table saw needs to be aligned, what adjustments to make and how to make them. Once your saw is tuned, you'll see better results on your woodworking plans.
Twelve Table Saw Safety Tips
The table saw is the workhorse at the center of most woodshops. It is also widely regarded as one of the most dangerous power tools. With the proper precautions, the table saw can be much safer. Learn twelve table saw safety tips to help you operate your table saw safely and effectively.
Find the Best Circular Saw for your Shop
Carpenters and building contractors have used circular saws for years because of their versatility and portability. A circular saw can rip and crosscut hardwoods, softwoods and other building materials with ease. This same versatile tool has numerous uses in the workshop. Learn the features that you should look for when choosing one of these useful handheld power woodworking tools.
Choosing a Power Drill
With the increasing popularity and improved quality of cordless drills, one might be tempted to avoid using a power drill. However, there definitely are reasons to add one to your shop. Learn the features you should look for when selecting a power drill to add to your collection of woodworking tools.
Cutting Mortises with a Hollow-Chisel Mortiser
A mortise can easily be cut using a power drill and a sharp chisel. However, when you have a lot of mortises to cut, a dedicated mortiser is a real time saver. A mortiser is basically a modified drill press that uses a hollow, four-sided chisel with a drill bit in the middle designed to cut square holes. Learn the features to look for when purchasing a hollow-chisel mortiser.
Stacked Dado Blade Sets
Using a stacked dado set is probably the easiest method for cutting dadoes and rabbets, particularly in plywood. While there are other types of dado blades (primarily wobble dado blades), the stacked dado set will give the cleanest cut with edges that will be square to the foot of the cut.
Understanding Wood Sizes
When you visit your home center or woodworking supply house, you'll notice that stock comes in varying wood sizes using terms that may not make sense to the beginning woodworker. Learn how to find the exact sizes of stock you need to complete your project.
Box Joints - A Simple Alternative to Dovetails
Dovetail joints are beautiful and strong, but aren't always the most practical choice. Would you use dovetails when joining two pieces of plywood? Not likely. However, a box joint would work fine, and have some of the qualities of dovetails. In this article, we discuss how and when you should use box joints instead of dovetails in your woodworking projects.
How to Complete a Durable, Beautiful Polyurethane Finish
When finishing a woodworking piece, one common protective finish is polyurethane. While available in both oil-based and water-based versions, polyurethane is durable, easy to apply and provides
protection to your piece. Learn methods for applying polyurethane properly to ensure a smooth, beautiful polyurethane finish to your woodworking projects.
Using Your Radial Arm Saw Safely
Radial arm saws are among the most versatile tools in the wood shop. They can be used to cross-cut, rip, cut compound angles, cut dadoes and rabbets on your woodworking projects. Like all other woodworking tools, they can be dangerous if used improperly. Learn safety tips for using your radial arm saw safely.
Do You have a Disaster Plan for Your Woodworking Shop?
We all have a disaster plan for our home, in the event of a weather-related emergency or other such natural disaster. Have you considered how to prepare your wood shop for such a natural disaster? In this woodworking tip, we discuss a few steps to help protect the tools in your shop from damage in the event of a weather-related emergency or other natural disaster.