Matt Hagens 
This project was built and designed by Nick from Rocky River Woodworks. It’s a clean and compact console table built from two boards using basic joinery and affordable materials—an ideal build for woodworkers interested in functional furniture that’s fast to …
This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a small, refined gift box featuring wraparound walnut grain, clean mitered corners, and a brass coin accent—perfect for sharpening multiple woodworking skills in one focused build. The box …
This project was built and designed by Jon Peters of Longview Woodworking. It focuses on veneering a simple cabinet using figured eucalyptus, showing how approachable the process can be for anyone interested in upgrading their woodworking skills. Veneering offers a …
This project was built and designed by Drew Fisher from Fisher’s Shop. It showcases how to create striking Celtic knot patterns using contrasting wood inlays and careful lathe work. By embedding thin strips of colorful hardwood into angled cuts and …
I’ll be the first to admit it—I’ve made just about every mistake possible when using wood glue. From slathering on way too much, to pulling clamps off too early, to wondering why my joints weren’t holding, I’ve learned the hard …
This project was built and designed by Sam Macy. It’s a practical method for making high-impact business signage using pallet wood, painted lettering, and an epoxy topcoat—all while keeping costs low. Sam’s approach balances visual appeal with durability, making it …
This series was built and designed by Jonny from Jonny Builds. It features five woodworking illusions that play with perspective, geometry, and clever engineering — ranging from classic tricks to kinetic sculpture. Each piece looks impossible at first glance, but …
This project was built and designed by Jon Peters of Longview Woodworking. It’s a smart, budget-friendly solution that uses wooden drawer slides instead of metal hardware, fitted into a shop cabinet designed around donated drawers. Rather than reworking drawer boxes …
This project was built and designed by Zach from Bear Mountain Builds. It’s a functional and feature-rich upgrade for any drill press, designed to improve accuracy, usability, and cleanup in a compact shop space. Instead of building an overly complex …
This project was built and designed by Tom from Alley Picked. It’s a detailed restoration of a mahogany desk destined for a downtown lawyer’s office—refined, repaired, and refinished with a professional touch. From chipped veneer to stubborn red undertones, this …
Woodworking can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, offering a blend of creativity and technical skill. However, those new to the craft often encounter a range of common mistakes that can lead to frustration and wasted materials. Whether it’s from an …
Wood isn’t cheap these days, and that can make woodworking feel out of reach. But here’s the thing — you don’t always have to buy it. Some of my best projects started with wood I found for free. From construction …
Some of the handiest tools in my shop didn’t come from the hardware store — they came from around the house. From kitchen drawers to bathroom cabinets, everyday items can solve woodworking problems in clever ways. These simple stand-ins save …
Some of the handiest tools in my shop didn’t come from the hardware store — they came from around the house. From kitchen drawers to bathroom cabinets, everyday items can solve woodworking problems in clever ways. These simple stand-ins save …
The 2×4 is a foundational element in construction, framing everything from desks to homes. Its significance grew in the late 1940s with the transition to 2x4s, measuring 1.5” x 3.5”, the current US standard. QUICK ANSWER: Framing with 2x4s typically …
Two old sayings came to mind prior to writing this article: Stay with this piece for just a few moments, and you’ll see what we mean. What, you may ask, does either have to do with woodworking or, in particular, …
This project was built and designed by Nick from Rocky River Woodworks. It’s a practical and approachable wall-mounted rack, designed to help organize coats, bags, leashes, and more just in time for the school year. Built from construction-grade lumber with …
Some of the best woodworking tricks I’ve learned didn’t come from books or YouTube — they came from watching my grandfather and dad work around their shops. These were the little habits and clever fixes they used without thinking, but …