Finishing & Sanding

Sanding and finishing can become less tedious by using a few of these simple tricks.


How to Add Color and Warmth to Water-Based Wood Finishes

How to Add Color and Warmth to Water-Based Wood Finishes

Water-based finishes are durable, fast-drying, and easy to clean up, but they don't add much color to the wood. These … Read More

How to Sand Smooth Curves with a Drill Press Sanding Drum

How to Sand Smooth Curves with a Drill Press Sanding Drum

Getting smooth, even curves doesn't require an expensive spindle sander. With a sanding drum in your drill press and a … Read More

How to Use Dye Stain on Wood for Rich, Clear Color

How to Use Dye Stain on Wood for Rich, Clear Color

Want to add rich color without muddying beautiful grain or figure? Dye stains penetrate the wood while allowing its natural … Read More

Shop-Made Detail Sander

Shop-Made Detail Sander

A large sanding block is a must for preparing surfaces. On joinery and small details, it's overkill. This small-scale sanding … Read More

Belt Sander Upgrade

Belt Sander Upgrade

A benchtop combination belt and disc sander is a great tool for fine-tuning and smoothing project parts. That doesn't mean … Read More

How to Ebonize Wood with India Ink for a Deep Black Finish

How to Ebonize Wood with India Ink for a Deep Black Finish

You don't need expensive ebony to get a dramatic black finish. India ink offers a simple way to ebonize maple … Read More

How to Flatten a Glued-Up Wood Panel with a Belt Sander

How to Flatten a Glued-Up Wood Panel with a Belt Sander

A glued-up panel too wide for your planer doesn’t have to mean hours of sanding. Use a belt sander in … Read More

Easy Fix for Flaws

Easy Fix for Flaws

Hide gaps and blemishes with this shop-made coverup. Read More

Oil-Based Wood Stain Tips: Get Smooth, Even Color

Oil-Based Wood Stain Tips: Get Smooth, Even Color

Oil-based wood stain is easy to apply, but getting consistent color takes more than wiping it on. These three simple … Read More

DIY Sanding Block with a Toggle Clamp for Easy Paper Changes

DIY Sanding Block with a Toggle Clamp for Easy Paper Changes

A toggle clamp makes changing sandpaper quick and easy. Build this comfortable, three-layer plywood sanding block for your next woodworking … Read More

The Ultimate Edge

The Ultimate Edge

Learn this simple technique for razor sharp tools. Read More

Sanding Block Upgrade

Sanding Block Upgrade

A simple add-on helps you keep crisp edges while sanding. Read More

How to Use a Random Orbital Sander for a Smooth Finish

How to Use a Random Orbital Sander for a Smooth Finish

A random orbital sander can produce an exceptionally smooth surface — if you let the tool do the work. These … Read More

Create an Aged Finish

Create an Aged Finish

Follow these steps to create a layered, vintage finish. Read More

Project Finishing Center

Project Finishing Center

Inexpensive hardware creates a handy turntable. Read More