Matt Hagens 
Pocket hole joinery is a favored technique in furniture making, spanning from traditional to modern woodworking. The key to a successful project lies in choosing the right pocket screws. Choosing appropriately ensures a tight, secure fit, preventing issues like stripping, …
As a seasoned woodworker, I’ve learned that the true test of craftsmanship lies in the details. Miter cuts, for instance, are more than just angled cuts; they are a testament to precision and skill. In this article, I’ll share my …
Paneling has a wide variety of uses and comes in a wide variety of materials. If you have added wainscoting and a chair rail to your living room or den, you’ve likely used a paneling of some sort – perhaps …
Wood posts, whether they’re part of a fence, deck, or gate, are prone to developing cracks over time. These splits, often resulting from natural aging and environmental factors, can be both an eyesore and a structural concern. But there’s good …
The world of woodworking is filled with squares, and we don’t mean the woodworker, although some may be a bit square. Squares are indispensable tools in the home woodworking shop and all carpentry work, as well as at construction job …
Wood finishing is essential to bring out the true beauty of wood, ensuring it not only shines but also endures, and wood oils are popular solutions. Danish oil will harden through polymerization when exposed to oxygen, forming a protective solid …
How is plywood graded? Well, the answer is not how well the plywood did on the history exam. Yes, yes, we know, a bad joke. But the question actually has many, many layers (pun intended). There are grades of plywood, …
I winced as I noticed every single stroke and drip of polyurethane that I’d carefully applied to my DIY shelving using a rag. It looked like a first-grader’s art project rather than a polished finish! Before you kick over that …
Remember when you were in high school math class, and it came time to study geometry? Geometry? What for? How is that going to help me in life? Bisecting an angle? Jeepers! Well, here we are now, a few years …
Sanding small grooves in wood can be tricky – especially when sanding furniture. This guide lays out practical methods to help every woodworker sand correctly. The real challenge? Getting into those tight spots without harming the wood. Here, you’ll find …
When speaking with family and friends who are getting into woodworking, I’m often asked, “Does super glue work on wood?” QUICK ANSWER: Yes, super glue works effectively on wood, especially for small pieces. It bonds quickly and is versatile but …
Shellac wood finish, renowned among woodworkers for its natural origin and lustrous sheen, is very interesting and debated. But what makes shellac a contender on the workbench, and are there considerations you should be aware of? Knowing the pros and …
Amaranth, more commonly known as purple heart (sometimes written as one-word purpleheart), is a particularly beautiful wood among exotic woods. It grows natively in the countries between Mexico and Brazil. The characteristics that set it apart from other exotic woods …
Polyurethane is a popular wood finish for woodworkers. It provides durability and enhances the look of wood. However, there are concerns about whether polyurethane is safe for kitchen surfaces and cutting boards. We will compare oil-based versus water-based polyurethane wood …
If I own a mutual fund that has Google in its portfolio, does that mean I own Google? Or at least a tiny, tiny part of Google? That would be cool Ownership can sometimes be complicated, though, especially when you …
Portable band saws are distinguished by their ability to perform complex cuts that other saws can’t do as efficiently. Whether it’s resizing structural steel in construction, cutting pipes in plumbing, or crafting decorative metalwork, these saws offer unparalleled precision. What …
When selecting a miter saw, understanding the various types and their capabilities is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on choosing the most suitable miter saw size for your woodworking needs. From the compact 10-inch saws ideal …
Ever wondered about the power behind your trusty reciprocating saw? Understanding its wattage is key to maximizing efficiency and ensuring you have the right tool for the job. In this article, I’ll break down the watts a reciprocating saw uses …