Articles Index
How to Use a Panel Saw for Cutting Plywood
A panel saw system can cut plywood as accurately as a table saw, without having to muscle the plywood through the table saw. Learn tips for using a panel saw for cutting sheet goods.
How to Use a Straight Edge for Woodworking
A straight edge is essential for marking accurate lines on a woodworking project, but a good straight edge can be used for more. Learn how to get the most out of your straight edge.
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.
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.
Selecting Lumber for Your Woodworking Projects
When visiting your local lumber yard or home center, do you know how to find the pieces of wood stock that will be best for your project? Learn how to spot warp, cups, bows, twists, crooks, checks, splits and more.
How to Change a Saw Blade
A saw will always cut better with a sharp blade. Learn how to easily change a saw blade on your table saw, compound miter saw or radial arm saw.
What is Quarter-Sawn Lumber?
Quarter-sawn lumber is highly a popular cutting method, particularly in oak or maple, where look of the grain of the wood is affected by the cutting method.
Woodworking With Hardwood Lumber
Woodworking with hardwood lumber is much different than building with softwoods. Not only are they different species, but they are also measured and sold in another manner. Learn about the differences between hardwoods and softwoods, where hardwoods come from and which hardwoods you should use in your woodworking projects.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Woodturning can be a safe and enjoyable hobby, as long as proper safety precautions are taken. For instance, one of the most common safety hazards when using a lathe is loose-fitting clothing. An article of clothing can be caught in a spinning lathe, which can be very hazardous to the operator. Learn the proper attire for using a lathe safely.
Tips for Woodworking with Cherry
Cherry, specifically American Black Cherry, is one of the most revered species used for woodworking. Learn tips for getting the most out of this favorite wood.
Woodworking Profile of Festool Power Tools
In this woodworking company profile, learn how Festool started making tools in Germany and the innovations that make them a popular choice among woodworkers worldwide.
Woodworking Profile of Skil Power Tools
In this woodworking company profile, learn about the history of Skil Power Tools, how it advanced from the originator of the first rotary saw, the Skilsaw, to its current state as a popular subsidiary of Robert Bosch, GmbH.
Profile of Craftsman Tools, a Division of Sears
This profile of Craftsman Tools, a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co., centers around Craftsman power tools, the history of the company and the types of tools offered.
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 wood sizes of stock you need to complete your project.
Getting the Best Results when Woodworking with Teak
Teak is a hardwood that is commonly used for outdoor projects such as patio furniture, due to its noted weather resistance properties. Learn how to get the most out of teak when building your woodworking projects.
Getting the Best Results When Woodworking with Oak
Although there are numerous varieties of the species, one of the most revered types of wood used in woodworking is oak. Building woodworking projects out of oak can be very rewarding. It can also be very frustrating. There are a number of considerations one should remember when woodworking with oak. Learn some steps for getting the best results out of your oak woodworking projects.
Woodworking Profile of Jet Tools
Jet Tools is a manufacturer of a number of woodworking machines and tools, launching their woodworking line in the early 1980's. Learn more about Jet Tools in this woodworking manufacturer profile.
How to Use a Finish Nailer
Finish nailers come in a few varieties, (straight or angled magazine, various sizes of nails, pneumatic or cordless, etc.) but all operate on the same basic principles. In this woodworking tool tip, learn how to get the most out of your finish nailer, plus tips on making adjustments to the nailer when needed.
Applying Polyurethane for a Durable, Beautiful Finish
When finishing a woodworking piece, a good way to protect the wood is by applying polyurethane. While available in both oil-based and water-based polyurethane versions, by applying polyurethane, you're giving your piece a durable, easy to apply finish that provides protection to your piece. Learn methods for applying polyurethane properly to ensure a smooth, beautiful polyurethane finish to your woodworking projects.
Tips for Applying Wood Stain
Applying wood stain onto a woodworking project should show off the woodworker's skill rather than cover any imperfections, as paint would do. Learn tips for staining your handiwork and how to get the best color and protective finish you can.
How to Buy and Use a Wood Lathe
Woodturning is a popular subset of woodworking, in that all you really need is a good lathe and some sharp hand tools to get started. Learn all about wood lathes and what to look for when you buy one.
Removing Paint to Uncover Wood's Beauty
Wood refinishing can rejuvenate antiques or older pieces of furniture are really well-built, but the craftsmanship of the piece is buried beneath a coat of paint. Learn how to uncover furniture's underlying beauty.
How to Buy Pre-Owned Tools
New woodworking tools can be expensive, but used tools aren't always a bargain. Use this used woodworking tool buying guide when considering buying pre-owned tools so you get the quality tool that you need.
How to Use a Brad Nailer
Brad nailers are similar to finish nailers, except that they use much smaller nails and are designed for very delicate work. Brads used in brad nailers are made from 18-gauge wire, and are seldom longer than 1-1/2 inches. In this article, learn how to use a brad nailer, and when this should be your choice for fastening pieces in your woodworking projects.
Identifying Plywood Sizes
Buying plywood (and other sheet goods) at the lumber yard can be a bit confusing, particularly because the actual sizes (as measured with a tape measure) don't actually match the common name for the product. In this article, learn how plywood sizes are sold and how to discover what plywood sizes or products are best for each of your woodworking projects.