Essential Techniques

Learn these techniques to improve your woodworking skills.


Using Traditional Paint

Using Traditional Paint

A coat of paint is a great way to add a splash of color to a woodworking project. While water-based … Read More

Getting Clean Cuts in Plywood

Getting Clean Cuts in Plywood

Working with plywood can be tricky. Fortunately, there is no mystery to getting professional-grade results with a table saw or … Read More

Working With Epoxy Inlays

Working With Epoxy Inlays

These turned gift boxes have intricate inlays on the outside that grab all the attention. In this issue, we’ll focus … Read More

Adding Color To Pine

Adding Color To Pine

Woodworkers love the look of wood in its natural state, yet there are times when a hit of color would … Read More

Fold-Away Extension Tables

Fold-Away Extension Tables

I wanted to extend the short tables on my thickness planer, but I don’t have room in my small shop … Read More

Breadboard Ends Considered

Breadboard Ends Considered

Breadboard ends perform a decorative role as well as a functional one. Including the detail in a project falls along … Read More

Classic Crosscuts with a Miter Saw

Classic Crosscuts with a Miter Saw

Miter boxes like this Stanley No. 346 function a little differently than most you’ll see today, commercial or shop-made. Read More

5 Essential Squares For a Woodworker

5 Essential Squares For a Woodworker

All of these squares have surprising versatility in the shop, and yet none of them does exactly the same thing. … Read More

Make a Simple Epoxy Inlay

Make a Simple Epoxy Inlay

Traditional wood inlays are a great way to dress up a project. Using colored epoxy takes a lot less time … Read More

Techniques For Elevating Plywood

Techniques For Elevating Plywood

We have a clear penchant for using plywood — more specifically, Baltic birch plywood. It has strength, durability, and stability … Read More

Variable Angle Drill Press Jig

Variable Angle Drill Press Jig

How to drill angled holes on a drill press without having to reset it, using a drill press jig. Read More

Tool Kit for Surface Prep

Tool Kit for Surface Prep

The tool kit I recommend includes a mix of abrasive (sanding) tools and edge (cutting) tools. The criteria these tools … Read More

Plywood Edging Made Easy

Plywood Edging Made Easy

Plywood is a great material; the only drawback, though, is the exposed edging. The remedy to this is hardwood or … Read More

5 Tips For A Safer Woodshop

5 Tips For A Safer Woodshop

Working safely is often viewed as a bother, but not so if you plan accordingly. Here is a list of … Read More

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