Matt Hagens 
When we began the Obsessed Woodworking resource for the home woodworking enthusiast, we jumped right in with very specific woodworking techniques, power tools, joinery, hand tools, and more for experienced woodworkers. Not experts, mind you, but nonetheless experienced hobbyists. Here …
We’re not sure here at Obsessed Woodworking how many times we have written “the right tool for the right job,” but this piece is a perfect example of that maxim. Tight spot tools, if you will. It’s not so much …
A warped sense of humor can be funny and fun, but warped wood isn’t. It will be either unusable or require a lot of effort to make it so. When it comes to lumber and its arch-enemy, water, warping is …
You’ve likely heard the expression “belt and suspenders” and understand its meaning. Better to be safe, so to speak, don’t want your pants falling down at an inopportune moment. That same discussion can be had about glue and screws. We …
We all know of hand-held drills, and we all probably have one in our woodworking shop. They’re great for a quick drill, maybe to create a starter hole for a screw, when we don’t need exactness of any kind. But, …
We’ve written of routers on these pages in the past, most recently here, where we discussed the difference between fixed base and plunge routers. But we realized we jumped into router discussion without talking about router basics first. So, we …
Cauls are indispensable in your woodworking shop for laminating panels, and they are both utilitarian and easy to make. They are not to be confused with the fatty omentum covering the intestines of a cow or pig or the amniotic …
Perhaps you remember that old advertisement with a construction worker hanging from a steel beam after applying some Gorilla Glue to his work helmet. It was a silly demonstration, but Gorilla Glue is pretty strong. Many of us have used …
Are you questioning the strength of balsa wood? Despite its reputation as a lightweight and seemingly fragile material, balsa wood hides an unexpected robustness. From model-making to more intricate applications, understanding the true strength of balsa wood can open up …
You know the importance of choosing the right material for your projects as a woodworker. You’re likely wondering, “Is Acacia wood strong enough for my next project?” I’ve spent years working with various woods and understand the dilemma of selecting …
We’ve written of hard and soft woods in the past, and each has its best uses in a woodworking shop. Don’t conflate hard and soft as strong and weak, though. When used in the right projects, all woods have strengths …
Wondering if you can cut plexiglass with a table saw without ending up with a mess? I’m going to share pro tips for cutting through plexiglass smoothly, ensuring clean, crisp edges every time. QUICK ANSWER: Yes, you can cut plexiglass …
Just how many types of wood sanders are there to choose from? Have you ever wondered that as you develop your list of “must-have” tools for your woodworking shop? Virtually every woodworking project requires some sanding, whether by a power …
Face gluing is a woodworking technique used to create thicker lumber from thinner boards. It’s a process that requires attention to detail, as the strength of the glued joint is crucial for the structural integrity of the final piece. Selecting …
I clenched my teeth, recalling the table saw kickback that sent my beautiful oak cutting board careening wildly across the shop, leaving a gaping divot behind. Stick with me before you end up ducking behind machinery to dodge wayward wood …
Glues today are very strong, stronger, even than the wood they join. They are also effective adhesives with other materials too, but we’ll focus our attention on wood. Wood Glue Shear Strength Wood glue really does hold, and in most …
The new dining room table you just completed looks great with its rounded edges cut and sanded smooth. The new cabinet doors look wonderful and add an air of elegance to your kitchen with raised panel cathedral features. And just …
Ever wondered how long you should wait for wood glue to set? Or to remove your woodworking clamps? A lot depends on the glue you’re using. One common type is PVA (such as the brand Titebond), which you might know …