Woodworking: Most Popular Articles

Basic Cabinet Design
Cabinet design, whether for kitchen cabinets or utility cabinets for your garage, is based on some common principles. These free cabinet plans show how to build some utility cabinets, but the design can be easily adapted to kitchen cabinetry. Why buy when you can build your own cabinets from these free woodworking plans.

Planter Box Woodworking Plans
In these free woodworking plans, we build a planter box, large enough to hold numerous relatively large plants. The woodworking plans are relatively simple, and can be altered to accommodate nearly any size. The planter box has a heavy plastic liner and drainage system to drain off excess water. Build your own planter box today!

Ultimate Wood Sawhorses
As every carpenter or building contractor knows, a good set of saw horses are practically worth their weight in gold. They can be just as useful in the wood shop. I've never found a stronger set of saw horses than the ones you can make from these free woodworking plans. For years, I used a very sturdy set of these saw horses as the base for a portable extended-table saw. They're stackable, sturdy and two adults can stand on one of them comfortably. Build a set of your own.

7 Power Woodworking Tools
When getting started as a woodworker, many believe they need to buy a shop full of woodworking tools. However, with just seven power tools, a woodworker can go a long way. Learn which seven woodworking tools are the most useful for any beginning woodworker.

Portable Shop Table
As a woodworker, I can never have enough table or bench top space in the workshop. To help solve the problem, I built a lightweight, portable workshop table that can be moved on built-in rollers and then dropped down onto the table's legs when in position to keep it from moving. This is an easy and fun woodworking project to build. View the free woodworking plans here.

Table Saws
Table saws are the most versatile of all home woodworking machines. Learn how to find the best table saw for your workshop.

Plywood Grades
There are many different types and grades of plywood, from marine plywood to exterior plywood, A-A to CDX, and the type or grade you choose to use will be dependent on how the project will be used. Learn where and when to use the different types and grades of plywood.

Bathroom Sink Cabinet
In this set of free cabinet plans, we take you step-by-step through building a bathroom sink cabinet, complete with a deep drawer and storage compartment under the sink. These free woodworking plans come complete with measured drawings and a bill of material so you can build this woodworking project in your wood shop.

Top 10 Hand Tools
What are the essential hand tools every woodworker needs? We list the Top 10 woodworking hand tools you'll need for nearly every project.

Portable Miter Saw Stand Plans
When a woodworking project calls for compound angles and/or very precise cross-cuts, the woodworking tool of choice is the compound miter saw. When working outside of the wood shop, a quality miter saw stand for your miter saw is almost a necessity. In this set of free woodworking plans, we show you how to build such a quality, sturdy portable miter saw stand.

Modular Coffee Table Plans
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Cutting a Dado
One of the most useful joints, particularly when building cabinets, is the dado. A dado is merely a groove cut into one piece of wood that will securely hold another piece of wood. This article shows you how to properly cut and when to use dados in your woodworking projects.

Plywood Sizing
Plywood is available in a variety of sizes, and the the sizing can be a bit deceptive. Learn how plywood sizing works and how to find the right size of plywood for your project.

Make Your Own Featherboards
A featherboard makes working with smaller stock on your table saw or router table much saver and simpler. These free woodworking plans will show you step-by-step how to create your own featherboards.

Shop-Built Woodworking Jigs
Many woodworking plans call for pieces that can most easily be formed by using a woodworking jig. Fortunately, many of these woodworking jigs can be made right in your wood shop. Learn how to build many typical woodworking jigs that you can use over and over again in your woodworking projects.

Compound Miter Saws
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.

Make a Set of Washer Boxes
Now that you've built your own set of washer boxes, only one step in this woodworking project remains: learn how to play washers! In this step, we'll show you the rules and give you some tips on how to play washers.

Modular Wine Rack
In these free woodworking plans, we show how to build a very attractive modular wine rack. The best part of this woodworking project is that the units are expandable. The more wine you have, the more racks you can add!

Band Saws
The band saw is not only the woodworking tool of choice for cutting precise curves, but it is versatile enough to handle a number of cuts that is typically the domain of [link url=http://woodworking.about.com/od/toolsequipment/p/RadialArm.htm]radial arm[/link] or [link url=http://woodworking.about.com/od/machinetools/p/tablesaws.htm]table saws[/link]. Learn the features to look for when choosing a band saw for your wood shop.

Plate Joiner
A plate joiner is often referred to as a biscuit cutter, and while if has a single purpose, it performs that task with with incredible accuracy. Learn how to properly use a plate joiner, and the features you should look for when purchasing one of these handy woodworking tools.

Butt Joints
The Butt Joint is the most basic woodworking joint. Although the joint is simple, there is a considerable amount of accuracy that must be maintained for a butt joint to function properly. Learn how to make clean and functional butt joints.

Radial Arm Saws
While the table saw is widely regarded as the king of woodworking tools, there may not be a more versatile tool for the wood shop than the radial arm saw. Once you learn the many ways to use a radial arm saw, you'll want one to use on all of your woodworking projects.

Build an Under-Window Bookcase
In building a bookcase, woodworkers use the same basic principles they would use when building cabinets. In these free bookcase plans, you'll learn how to make beautiful oak or pine bookcases while employing standard cabinet building techniques. With these free woodworking plans, you'll build a piece of furniture you'll be proud to display in your home or office.

How to Make Louvers
Louvered doors and window shutters are very attractive, and quite useful way of protecting windows, giving privacy to closets and dressing areas, acting as vents for HVAC units, and more. In this set of free woodworking plans, we show you a simple way to build louvers into doors or window shutters, including a router jig for consistent reproduction. Learn how to build louvers the easy way!

Mortise & Tenon Joints
Mortise & Tenon joints have been employed by woodworkers for centuries. Learn tips and tricks for making strong, tight fitting mortise and tenon joints you'll be proud to display.

Gel Stains
When you want to stain your fine woodworking projects, one option is to employ a gel stain. A gel stain will give you some control over the depth of the color that you add. Learn how to properly apply and work with gel stains.

Cabinets 101
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Garden Planter Box
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Dovetailed Drawer Plans
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Half Lap Joints
Half lap joints are a basic form of joinery where half of the material is removed from two pieces of stock so that they fit together flush. Learn how to create these basic woodworking joints and when you should employ them.

Ultimate Sawhorses
This image gallery contains pictures of all of the About.com Free Woodworking Plans. Click on the image to see the step-by-step instructions for building these sawhorses in your workshop.

Portable Miter Saw Stand
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Wine Rack
This image gallery contains pictures of all of the About.com Free Woodworking Plans. Click on the image to see the step-by-step instructions for building this beautiful modular wine rack in your workshop.

Bookshelf
This image gallery contains pictures of all of the About.com Free Woodworking Plans. Click on the image to see the step-by-step instructions for building this bookcase woodworking project in your workshop.

CuttingJigs
Woodworking Jigs are very handy for making somewhat difficult tasks easier as well as consistently repeatable. Most woodworking jigs are or can be homemade. In this article, we describe two such homemade woodworking jigs, one cross-cut and panel cutting jig and another for ripping stock up to four feet in length, using only a circular saw. Learn how to make these simple and effective woodworking jigs.

Through Dovetails
Of all woodworking joints, the through dovetail is revered for not only its strength, but also for its beauty. Dovetail joints can be challenging to fashion, but dovetailing jigs and routers have made this joint much easier to perfect. Learn the keys to a quality through dovetail joint.

Wooden Toolbox
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Biscuit Joinery Basics
When your woodworking plans call for certain types of connections between pieces of stock such as edge-to-edge joints, miter joints, T-joints and corner joints, one of the simplest and most effective methods of joinery is the biscuit joint. Learn tips and tricks for making strong, accurate biscuit joints.

Understanding Wood Sizing
When you visit your home center or woodworking supply house, you'll notice that stock comes in varying 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.

Wine Rack with Wine Glass Rack
In this set of free woodworking plans, we build a terrific wine rack that holds thirteen bottles of wine, but also has a built-in wine glass rack that will hold twelve of your favorite wine glasses right next to the wine. This is a fun woodworking project to build, and includes a complete set of free woodworking plans, so you can build your own version of the wine rack with wine glass rack.

Wood Shop Accessories
While every shop should have an assortment of woodworking tools, there are a number of shop accessories that are just as useful. Some of these accessories are tools that aren't necessarily "woodworking tools" but a few of the rest are items that can be built in the shop. Here is our Top 10 list of Wood Shop Accessories.

Jointers
A jointer is a woodworking machine whose primary purpose is to create a flat surface on one edge of a board. However, the jointer also excels as making a perpendicular edge square to that flat side. Learn how to properly utilize this useful power tool for your woodworking projects.

Band Saw Circle Cutting Jig
Many woodworking plans call for cutting stock into circular shapes. Woodworking projects like round table tops, archways and many other circular forms need consistent, precise rounded cuts that can't be obtained cutting by hand. One of the easiest ways to cut circular shapes is with a jig. In this set of free woodworking plans, we show you how to build a simple yet very effective circle cutting jig for the band saw.

Mitered Butt Joints
While the Butt Joint is the most basic method of woodworking joinery, a Mitered Butt Joint is often more favorable, because the end grain of the two pieces of stock are hidden. This is especially useful on picture frames or joining moldings. Learn how to create a clean mitered butt joint.

Play Washers
This image gallery contains pictures of all of the About.com Free Woodworking Plans. Click on any image to see the step-by-step instructions for building these woodworking projects in your workshop.

Tall Oak Mirror
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Make a Bamboo Wind Chime
With their soothing sounds, wind chimes make a terrific addition to any backyard, deck or patio. If you buy them in a store, they also can be rather pricey. Ironically, they are relatively easy to build. In this set of free woodworking plans, we show you how to build a bamboo wind chime. This is a fun woodworking project to build, one that you can easily make with your kids!

Circular Saws
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.

Plywood
A number of woodworking materials available in the home center are man-made. Plywood is one such manufactured material. Learn how plywood is made and the advantages of using plywood.

Lighting Your Workshop
When designing the layout of your woodworking shop, pay special attention to lighting. A well-lit shop should have consistent illumination on all work surfaces so you can use your woodworking tools from any angle without casting shadows.

Featherboards
This image gallery contains pictures of all of the About.com Free Woodworking Plans. Click on the image to see the step-by-step instructions for building your own featherboards in your workshop.

Dovetailed Drawer Building
One of the most fundamental skills of furniture making is building dovetailed drawers. In these free woodworking plans, we discuss and go through the basics of building through dovetailed drawers. Follow along step-by-step through these free drawer plans.

Oak Book Stand
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Cutting Board
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CircleCuttingJig1_Gallery
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Box Joints
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.

Rabbets
Another very useful joint for connecting two pieces of stock, particularly when building cabinets, is the rabbet. A rabbet is merely a dado cut into one piece of wood at the edge that will securely hold another piece of wood. This article shows you how to properly cut and when to use rabbets in your woodworking projects.

French Polish
Back as far as the Victorian era, French Polishing has been a effective, although time-consuming method for finishing woodworking projects. While it is seldom used today, few finishes offer such a remarkably beautiful shine. Learn how to create a french polish finish, and put it to the test on your next furniture set of woodworking plans.

Computer Monitor Riser
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Bread Tray
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Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
When working with soft, porous woods such as pine, fir, birch and maple, stains often are absorbed unevenly. This can leave a streaky, inconsistent finish. To help combat this problem, apply a pre-stain wood conditioner. Learn how this one extra step will yield much better results in your stained woodworking projects.

Random Orbital Sanders
Technological advances in recent years have made Random Orbital Sanders a necessity in every wood shop. The random action of the sander makes most sanding a relatively quick chore, without creating scratches from the sanding action that other sanders leave behind. Learn the features you should look for when purchasing one of these versatile woodworking tools.

Knick Knack Shelf
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Bamboo Wind Chime
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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.

Ridgid BS1400 Band Saw Review
The Ridgid BS1400 Band Saw is one of a number of entry-level band saws that have hit the market in the past few years marketed toward hobbyist woodworkers. While the Ridgid Band Saw certainly doesn't have the horsepower for production shop work, it may be the perfect choice for the weekend woodworker. Check out our review of this solid, but basic band saw.

Softwoods
Walk through the lumber department of any home center and 90% of the material you find will be softwoods, and only about 10% hardwoods. Why the disparity? In this article, you'll learn the types of softwoods and when to use them in your woodworking projects.

DeWalt DW618PK
In the latest of our series of reviews of woodworking tools, we undertake an in-depth product test of the DeWalt DW618PK Fixed & Plunge Router Kit. Learn the features that set this router kit apart from the competitors in it's class.

Craft Storage Center
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CarveWright Machine
The CarveWright Wood Carving Machine, also known as the Craftsman CompuCarve, is a compact, powerful counter-top woodcarving machine. This impressive machine allows the woodworker to design a carving on computer, download the file to a memory card and carve the design on the machine. Learn the advantages and drawbacks of this very interesting woodworking tool, and how you can use it on your woodworking plans.

Layout Square
Every carpenter carries a triangular layout square in their nail pouch, and in the wood shop, a layout square is equally as useful. Learn the features of the layout square, and why you should always have one within easy reach when woodworking.

Air Compressor Care
If you use pneumatic woodworking tools in your wood shop, you need a quality air compressor to power those tools. Because most air compressors need little day-to-day maintenance, they are easy to overlook. However, there are some items you should keep your eye on to make sure your pneumatic woodworking tools have a proper supply of air.

Chisels
No matter how many power tools or woodworking machines you have in your shop, there will always be a need for chisels. There are literally hundreds of different types and sizes of chisels, and so you can always find the right chisel for the job. Learn the different types of chisels, and how they can help you with your woodworking projects.

Drill Press
When your woodworking plans call for holes to be drilled in stock, no tool is more precise than the drill press. Learn the features you should look for when purchasing a table-top or floor-standing drill press.

Porter-Cable 4212 Dovetail Jig
In this woodworking tool review, we test the Porter-Cable 4212 Dovetail Jig. This dovetailing system is well-built and relatively easy to use for cutting through dovetails, half blind dovetails, rabbeted half blind dovetails, box joints and sliding dovetails. There is also room for improvement. Learn the features and functions of the Porter-Cable 4212 Dovetail Jig.

Hand Sanding Tips
Power sanders are perfect for most sanding tasks, but for an absolutely perfect finish, one should complete the sanding by hand. Learn tips and tricks to make this tedious task one you'll want to incorporate into every project.

Wood Screws
Wood screws are probably the most commonly-used mechanical fasteners used in woodworking, and for good reason. They are strong, versatile and easy to use. Learn the different types of wood screws and how to properly use them in your woodworking projects.

Craftsman Compound Miter Saw
The Craftsman Professional Laser Trac 12-inch Compound Miter Saw (Model 21235) is a relatively inexpensive 12-inch compound miter saw that is well-built and versatile. While there are a couple of features that could be improved upon, with the extras that are included, this woodworking tool is a surprisingly very good value.

Ryobi JM82 Biscuit Joiner
A Biscuit Joiner is a relatively simple tool to operate, as it is really designed to do one primary task: cutting slots for biscuits. While the Ryobi JM82 Biscuit Joiner is one of the least expensive biscuit joiners on the market, it has a number of very thoughtful features. Learn the features that make this woodworking tool an exceptional value.

Half Blind Dovetails
Of all woodworking joinery, the dovetail joint is known for strength and beauty. There are times when a half blind dovetail joint is the best choice for the connection. Learn when to use and how to build a quality half blind dovetail joint.

Sliding Dovetail Joints
When considering the design of a woodworking project, there are numerous types of joinery to consider. One of the most versatile woodworking joints is the sliding dovetail joint. It is strong, has numerous practical uses, and can be made with a variety of woodworking tools. Learn the uses and methods for building the beautifully simple sliding dovetail joint.

Dadoes on a Short Arbor Saw
Many small and medium table saws have relatively short arbors. This can be a problem when trying to use a stacked dado blade on one of these table saws, as the arbor isn't long enough to accommodate the dado blade and chippers. Learn how to cut dadoes and rabbets when your table saw or radial arm saw has a short arbor.

Jigsaws
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.

Plastic Shopping Bag Saver
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Bosch 1617EVS Router Review
The Bosch 1617EVS Fixed Base & Plunge Router kit is a very well-engineered tool, one that has been quite popular for a few years. This unit has some very nice features, but also could use some innovation in other areas. Even with some minor warts, it is still one of the best routers in its class.

Craft Storage Center Plans
If you need a set of shelves for storing some relatively lightweight items (such as fabric in a sewing room), check out these free woodworking plans to build a craft storage center. We've included an optional folding ironing board in the measured drawing and bill of materials. Build your own craft storage center today!

Saw Blades
There are many different types of saw blades, each of which is designed for a particular cut. While combination blades do provide some of the advantages of the different types of blades, even the best combination blade cannot cut better than the right blade for the job. Learn the different types of saw blades to select the right one for your woodworking project.

Milwaukee 5616-24 Router Kit
The Milwaukee 5616-24 Router Kit, with a 2-1/4 HP heavy-duty motor and includes a fixed base and plunge base. It includes a number of ideas that we really liked, plus a couple that we'd like to see revised. Learn both in our review of this heavy-duty woodworking tool.

Ten Basic Router Bit Shapes
Fixed base routers, plunge routers and shapers are all used to apply certain shaped edges on wood. Whether applying an edge dressing to a larger piece of stock or creating a piece of moulding, the shape to be applied to the stock is determined by the shape of the router bit in the router's collet. Learn the ten basic router bit shapes and how each one is commonly used in woodworking projects.

Expansion & Shrinking Wood
Preparing for expansion and shrinking in woodworking projects will help eliminate problems later. Learn tips for understanding how wood expands and shrinks, and how to plan for it.

Splinter - The Wooden Supercar
For years, in the early years of aviation, airplanes and airframes were made from wood. They were strong, durable and relatively lightweight. Today, wood is rarely considered strong enough for use with a powerful engine, but that didn't stop Joe Harmon. He has designed the Splinter, a 600-HP supercar made primarily from wood. We had an interesting discussion with Joe, to learn his inspiration and how he decided to build a sports car from wood.

Ridgid BS1400 Band Saw
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Tall Oak Mirror Plans
In this set of free woodworking plans, we build a relatively simple but very attractive tall oak mirror. These free woodworking plans include a set of detailed drawings and step-by-step comments that detail everything you need to know to build one of these tall oak mirrors. Download the plans and build this woodworking project today!

Particle Board
Particle board is widely used in commercial furniture for a number of reasons: it is cheap, lightweight and stable. However, should you use particle board in your fine woodworking projects? In this article, we outline the advantages and disadvantages of particle board, to help you decide whether you should use it to complete your woodworking plans.

Finishing with Shellac
Shellac has been a finish of choice for woodworkers since the early 1800's. Shellac is actually derived from a secretion from an insect, which, when processed and mixed with alcohol, makes an amazing finish for woodworking projects. Learn the history of shellac and how to properly apply and refinish with shellac.

The 3-4-5 Rule
A long-held and very simple method for determining square is to use the 3-4-5 rule. This rule uses the Pythagorean Theorem (don't worry, you won't have to do any complicated math) to create a square corner. The principle is simple and very easy to implement, whether you're dealing with a very small project or building a house. Learn to use the 3-4-5 rule to square up your woodworking projects.

Heartwood vs. Sapwood
As an ever-improving woodworker, you should understand the difference between heartwood and sapwood, and why most experienced woodworkers will remove sapwood and use heartwood when building their furniture or other projects. Learn the reasons why you should do the same when building your woodworking projects.

Circular Saw Measuring Jig
There are times where you may find yourself without a table saw. However, if you have a circular saw and a straight-edge, you may be able to work almost as quickly and accurately as if you had a table saw. How? With a circular saw measuring jig. Learn how to make and use this simple but extremely effective woodworking tool accessory.

Safe Pressure-Treated Lumber
For years, pressure-treated lumber was treated with an arsenic-based substance to help protect against moisture. In recent years, health concerns caused the United States' Environmental Protection Agency to convince lumber companies to change to a new, copper-based formula. However, is this new formula better? Learn how to build safer woodworking projects using this "new" pressure-treated lumber.

Top 10 Safety Rules
There are a few simple safety rules that every woodworker should always follow. Make Safety a habit, and you'll be much less likely to encounter a problem when woodworking.

Pocket Joints
Pocket Joints are little more than a screw driven through a diagonally placed hole. Pocket joints are very similar in origin to dowel joints and mortise & tenon joints. While pocket joints can be difficult to create by hand, with a special pocket hole jig, they are very easy to use. Learn the benefits of pocket joinery and when to use them in your woodworking projects.

Free Oak Book Stand Plans
Coffee Table books are commonly revered for their terrific photography and handsome layout. While these books look great flat on a table, they look even more impressive when displayed on a book stand. In this set of free woodworking plans, we show you how to build an oak book stand that you'll be proud to use to display your books. They are easy to build and make a terrific gift.

Lacquer Finishes
Lacquer has been used for literally thousands of years to protect woodworking projects. Lacquer provides a hard, durable, clear finish that does a good job of protecting against water damage. Most modern lacquer finishes are designed to be applied either by spraying or by brush. Learn the advantages of using a lacquer finish to protect your woodworking projects.

sandpaper
The finish on a woodworking project is only as good as the sanding job that is done underneath the finish. The first step to proper sanding is to choose the right grades of sandpaper for the job. Learn how to select the proper sandpaper for finishing your woodworking projects.

Band Saw Safety
The band saw is generally regarded as one of the safest woodworking tools in the wood shop, provided, of course, that basic safety rules are followed. Learn the basics of how to use your band saw effectively and safely.

Power Drills
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.

Computer Monitor Riser Plans
In the interest of ergonomics, sometimes computer monitors need to be raised a few inches so that the user is looking straight ahead instead of downward. Instead of using a box or stack of phone books, build this neat hardwood computer monitor riser, equipped with two dovetailed storage drawers.

Cutting Curves in Thick Stock
When needing to make curved cuts in thick stock, most woodworkers turn to their band saw. However, what should one do when a band saw isn't available? Learn which woodworking tools are the next best choices for making the curved cuts necessary to complete these woodworking projects.

Fix a Stripped Screw Hole
One of the most frustrating experiences when dealing with wood furniture is when a screw hole becomes stripped out and will no longer hold the fixture or accessory it was designed to hold. Learn a few different simple methods for tackling this aggravating woodworking problem.

Chairmaking & Design
In Chairmaking & Design, author Jeff Miller tried to write a complete course in chairmaking design. Each successive chair design builds on the skills learned in the lessons of the previous chapter's design. The book begins with some chairmaking basics, and then progresses through nine different chair models. Improve your chairmaking skill with this useful book.

Nails, Brads & Tacks
In years gone by, no woodworker could get by without a wide variety of nails at their disposal. With today's woodworkers, though, nails are becoming more and more a thing of the past. That doesn't mean that there isn't a place for nails, brads and tacks in today's wood shop. Learn the benefits of the different types of nails and when you should use them in your woodworking projects.

Planers
When your boards are too thick, a surface planer is the perfect power tool for thinning them down to size. Learn the functions and features to look for when you need one of these very handy woodworking tools.

Hardwoods
Hardwoods, as woodworking materials, have much different uses than softwoods. Learn about the differences between hardwoods and softwoods, where hardwoods come from and which hardwoods you should use in your woodworking projects.

Hitachi KM12VC Router
In this review of woodworking tools, we test the Hitachi KM12VC fixed base and plunge router kit. This router is a bit less expensive than some other routers in its class. Learn the features that make this router a decent value.

Spindle Sanding with a Router
When needing to sand curved cuts from a jigsaw or a band saw, the best results come from an oscillating spindle sander. However, if you don't have a spindle sander, there are other options with other woodworking tools. In this article we show you how to use your router table as a spindle sander.

Bosch JS5 Jigsaw Review
The Bosch JS5 Jigsaw is a top-of-the-line jigsaw, with orbital jigsaw action, a variable speed motor, and one-handed jigsaw blade changes. In this woodworking tool review, we put the Bosch JS5 Orbital Jigsaw to the test. Read our review and find out how this jig saw fared against the competition.

DeWalt DW618PK Router Kit
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How to Remove Table Saw Rust
Many woodworkers live in high-humidity areas, and cast-iron table saws don't mix well with humidity. Often, the saw's table will rust easily. How should one go about removing the rust and then preventing its return? Learn some steps to removing the rust and keeping your table saw rust-free.

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.

Featherboard
A featherboard is used on a table saw or router table to hold smaller pieces of stock against the blade or bit to insure a clean cut.

Leigh D1600
Advancements in dovetail jigs over the past few years have made creating dovetails as simple as following instructions. In this product review, we detail the features of the Leigh D1600 adjustable dovetail jig.

Porter-Cable 893PK Router Kit
The Porter-Cable 893PK Multi-Base Router Kit has been redesigned. The improvements include an improved plunge base for better plunge router action. In this Review of Woodworking Tools, we test the Porter-Cable 893PK.

Ridgid R2900 Router Review
The Ridgid R2900 Fixed Base and Plunge Router Kit is a very solid, well-built unit with some very innovative and unusual features. It also has some items that could be improved. Learn the features that set this router kit apart in this woodworking tool review.

Painting Outdoor Projects
When building outdoor woodworking projects, the woodworker is presented with a problem: how to protect the project from the elements. While there are certain types of wood that are more resistant to the elements than others, there are ways to protect projects that are made from nearly any type of material. Learn how to protect your plans from the elements, so you can get years of enjoyment from your woodworking plans.

Wood Fillers on Stained Wood
Filling nail holes on stained woodworking projects can be a source of frustration, particularly for beginning woodworkers. The difficulty is in getting the filler to match the color of the stained wood. Learn strategies for matching wood fillers with stain colors to get the best results from your woodworking plans.

PSI Portable Panel Saw System
In this woodworking tool review, we test the PSI Woodworking Portable Panel Saw System PPS-2. This portable panel saw system allows the the woodworker to turn a circular saw into a precise panel saw that will cut panels as long as 114-inches. Learn the benefits and features of this well-engineered woodworking accessory and how to use it on your woodworking projects.

Freud FT1700VCEK Router Kit
Our review of the Freud FT1700VCEK Fixed Base & Plunge Router Kit really revealed two separate woodworking tools, one that was exceptionally well built and another that could use a but more engineering. Check out this woodworking tool review to find out the good and bad.

Fastener Organization Tips
Every woodworker eventually ends up with a substantial assortment of screws, nails, brads and other mechanical fasteners. Keeping these fasteners organized can be a headache. Learn some suggestions for organizing your fasteners so you can have them available for your woodworking projects.

Hand-Rubbed Lacquer Finish
Lacquer woodworking finishes have been used for hundreds of years because they are durable, clear and dry quickly. They also can be rubbed to an incredibly glossy finish. Learn tips for creating a mirror-like lacquer finish on your woodworking projects

Fine Woodworking Magazine
Fine Woodworking is regarded as one of the finest periodical magazines relating to woodworking on newsstands today. In this article, we give our full review of Fine Woodworking.

Bench Grinders
Few woodworkers may think of a bench grinder as a woodworking tool, but in actuality, it belongs in every wood shop, not because you'll want to use it to help with the woodworking, but to keep all of your woodworking tools functioning properly. Learn the features you should look for when choosing a quality bench grinder to add to your cache of woodworking tools.

Milwaukee 12v Cordless Driver
The Milwaukee 12v Compact Driver (Model #2401-22) is an innovative, powerful, heavy-duty driver that would be a welcome addition to any stable of woodworking tools. Learn the features that make this Milwaukee 12v Compact Driver one tool that you probably won't want to put down when building your woodworking projects.

Festool OF 1400 Plunge Router
The Festool OF 1400 EQ Plunge Router is loaded with innovative features that make this woodworking tool well worth investigating when you need a plunge router. In this product review, we discuss the features that make this well-built plunge router a very enjoyable tool to work with.

Sliding Bevel
A sliding bevel is the perfect woodworking tool for duplicating unusual angles. It can adjust for any acute or obtuse angle your woodworking project requires, and be locked in place for replicating that angle.

Methods for Squaring-up Stock
When you need a piece of stock to have four square edges, what is the best woodworking tool and method for squaring-up the stock? Should you choose to use a jointer or your table saw? Well, maybe both. Learn methods for squaring up stock and when to use each method on your woodworking projects.

Choosing a Wood Shop Vacuum
Many advanced wood shops have extravagant central dust collection systems that keep sawdust and debris to a minimum around woodworking tools. What should you do if you don't have the room or the budget for a dust collection system? Consider a portable wood shop vacuum that you can move from tool to tool and use as needed. Learn the features you should look for when buying a wood shop vacuum.

Air Compressors
In the modern wood shop, pneumatic nailers have become as commonplace as the saw and hammer. However, in order to power these pneumatic tools appropriately, a woodworker needs to have the proper air compressor. In this article, we discuss the features to look for when shopping for an air compressor, to meet the needs of all of your pneumatic woodworking tools.

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.

Leigh D1600 Dovetail Jig
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Review of New Yankee Workshop
Norm Abram, host of The New Yankee Workshop, is a master carpenter who has inspired literally millions of people to begin woodworking. In this article, we give our review of The New Yankee Workshop.

Turn Your Own Hammer Handles
If you've ever broken a really nice wooden-handled hammer or other hand woodworking tool, you know how frustrating it can be have to throw the tool away and buy another. Why trash it when it is so easy and fun to make your own hammer handles? Learn the secret to making handles for your woodworking tools.

Festool OF 1400 EQ
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Board-foot
Hardwoods in North America are measured by board-foot. Learn how to buy the stock you'll need based on this specialized lumber measurement system.

Irwin Quick Grip Clamp Review
If there is one axiom that applies to all woodworkers, it is that we can never have enough clamps. For those woodworkers, we suggest checking out the Irwin Quick Grip woodworking clamps. In this woodworking tool review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this one-hand operated woodworking tool.

Kreg Jig K3 Pocket Hole System
The Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System has simplified pocket joinery. While pocket joints have been used for many, many years in woodworking projects, the Kreg Jig is the woodworking tool that has made repeatable, consistent pocket joints affordable. Learn the features of the Kreg Jig K3 Pocket Hole System that make pocket joinery simple.

Tape Measure
A Retractable Tape Measure is an absolute must for any woodworker. A quality tape measure should have both Standard and Metric markings, a locking mechanism and a slightly loose hook on the end of the tape. Learn the features you should look for when buying the most versatile measuring device in woodworking tools.

Claw Hammer
The most basic tool in carpentry is the claw hammer, and while the woodworker in the shop won't need a hammer nearly as often, it is a necessary woodworking tool. Learn the features you should look for when buying a quality hammer.

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 with Poplar
Poplar is one of the most common types of wood used in furniture making, boat-building and other woodworking projects because it is inexpensive wood, fairly workable, will take paint well and is moderately durable. While Poplar shouldn't be used for every set of woodworking plans you intend to build, it is a versatile wood and can be used for a number of projects.

Keller Dovetail System
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