Essential Techniques

Learn these techniques to improve your woodworking skills.


Mighty Miters At The Table Saw

Mighty Miters At The Table Saw

When it comes to miters, I've observed a solution to tame some of the unruliness of this vital joinery technique. … Read More

A Lesson in Boxmaking

A Lesson in Boxmaking

On these pages, I gathered a number of my boxes. Not a one is perfect, but in considering these, I’ll … Read More

Smoothing A Frame

Smoothing A Frame

Sometimes a little sanding is all it takes to level a joint. But in many cases, there’s a better way. … Read More

Review: MicroJig's CNC Workholding Kit

Review: MicroJig's CNC Workholding Kit

The CNC Workholding Kit is from MicroJig’s MatchFit line of products. In past Great Gears, we’ve looked at a few … Read More

Tips For Producing Identical Parts

Tips For Producing Identical Parts

The key to accurate results is consistency and organization. But you don’t need a huge shop to stay organized. Here … Read More

Using Hollow-Chisel Mortisers

Using Hollow-Chisel Mortisers

When you’re faced with the task of cutting a large number of mortises, then you need a method that’s fast, … Read More

Adding Paint to Your Woodworking Projects

Adding Paint to Your Woodworking Projects

Decorative painting only takes a modest number of paints and brushes for most projects and the basic skills to handle … Read More

Epoxy Seals Outdoor Furniture Feet

Epoxy Seals Outdoor Furniture Feet

I often make projects with plywood, and three boats later, I know to always seal every seam — especially the … Read More

Making Your Own Cutting Diagrams

Making Your Own Cutting Diagrams

After nearly 50 years of building projects in the Woodsmith production shop, we just knew it was time to explain … Read More

How To Create Perfect Curves on Small Workpieces

How To Create Perfect Curves on Small Workpieces

There are many ways to cut circles in woodworking, but choosing the appropriate procedure is paramount to the quality of … Read More

The Secrets of Kerf Bending

The Secrets of Kerf Bending

One of the easiest ways to create a piece that curves across its face is kerf bending. Unlike more complex … Read More

Perfect Profiles with Raised-Panel Bits

Perfect Profiles with Raised-Panel Bits

With the increasing popularity of router use, most manufacturers now offer high-quality raised-panel bits for use on the router table. … Read More

One Last Lesson

One Last Lesson

A toolbox's final gift to its builder. Read More

Gearing Up for Woodworking In America 2025

Gearing Up for Woodworking In America 2025

Connect, learn, enjoy, and inspire at Woodworking In America this fall. Read More

Shaping chair seats with hand tools

Shaping chair seats with hand tools

Start with a gouge, then wrap up with a scraper to shape comfortable chair seats. Read More