Matt Hagens 
I’ve used polyurethane on just about everything—bar tops, tabletops, nightstands, shelves. Some projects turned out great. Others… not so much. At first, I figured any clear coat would do the job. Just slap it on and wait for it to …
I’ve made my fair share of wooden coasters over the years—usually as a way to use up scrap wood from bigger projects. At first, I didn’t put much thought into the finish… until I started seeing water rings and dull, …
Sanding is a key step in woodworking that can make or break your project. It’s not just about smoothing surfaces – it’s about creating the perfect foundation for your finish. With the right techniques, you can turn rough wood into …
It’s late. The workshop is quiet except for the occasional drip of resin slowly falling into the mold. You lean in, watching colors swirl together like ink in water. Each pour feels strangely personal—like creating something entirely new out of …
I’ve always believed that a few well-built projects can make a home feel more finished—and more valuable. Whether it’s extra storage, better organization, or just something that looks great, woodworking has a way of turning small upgrades into smart investments. …
There are few things worse than looking at a frame (mirror, painting, picture, window, door) or a tabletop or desk that is out of square. Fortunately, we have squares to help us, as well as accurate measurements. In the category …
In restaurant kitchens, you are likely to see plastic cutting boards used. They are color-coded and used for a specific cutting purpose: vegetables on one, raw chicken on another, cooked chicken on a third, then fish, raw meat, cooked meat, …
I’ve built a few coffee tables over the years—some simple, some more refined. One thing I learned early: the tabletop makes or breaks the whole project. It’s what people see first. It takes the most use. And if you pick …
I’ve made more charcuterie boards than I can count. Some turned out to be real eye-catchers and made great gifts. Others taught me what not to do—mostly when it came to choosing the right wood. At first, I picked whatever …
I’ve made a handful of serving trays over the years—some for gifts, some to sell, and a few that just live on our coffee table full-time. They’re simple to build, but like a lot of small projects, the type of …
I’ve made a handful of serving trays over the years—some for gifts, some to sell, and a few that just live on our coffee table full-time. They’re simple to build, but like a lot of small projects, the type of …
I’ve made a lot of picture frames in my shop—some for family photos, others as gifts, and plenty just to practice miters or try out a new profile. It’s one of those deceptively simple projects. Looks easy at first, but …
I’ve built a few coffee tables over the years—some simple, some more refined. One thing I learned early: the tabletop makes or breaks the whole project. It’s what people see first. It takes the most use. And if you pick …
Your grandpa’s workshop didn’t have a laser level or Bluetooth miter saw. It had a coffee can full of screws, a band saw that could kill a man, and the faint smell of pipe tobacco baked into every corner. And …
This project was built and designed by Billy from Newton Makes. It’s a comprehensive and thoughtful walkthrough for building a cutting board that not only looks great but stands up to daily use. Whether you’re a beginner in the shop …
I’ve made more charcuterie boards than I can count. Some turned out to be real eye-catchers and made great gifts. Others taught me what not to do—mostly when it came to choosing the right wood. At first, I picked whatever …
This project was built and designed by Nick from Rocky River Woodworks. It’s a quick, functional build made from a single piece of wood and a short length of rope—perfect for woodworkers looking to create a high-margin item in under …
This project was built and designed by Stan Sullivan. It’s a practical setup for building your own rip fence and a clever alignment jig that ensures accurate, parallel cuts on the table saw—something every woodworker needs. With a focus on …