Essential Techniques

Learn these techniques to improve your woodworking skills.


Copper Patination

Copper Patination

We're going to explore the process of patination using chemicals or heat to purposefully induce the formation of patina, which … Read More

Using Bead Molding To Dress Up a Project

Using Bead Molding To Dress Up a Project

Of all the molding profiles available to woodworkers, one of the most versatile (and my personal favorite) has to be … Read More

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