Matt Hagens 
We’re so lucky to have so many different kinds of woods available to us to work within our shop. Supply chains have recovered somewhat from the disarray caused by the COVID pandemic, and lumber yards and specialty wood shops both …
We all have a pretty good idea of the value of a topcoat on our stained projects. Stains will enhance the wood’s appearance and grain and provide color to the wood. However, stains offer no protection to the wood. Key …
We’ve measured and cut the wood for our project; glued, attached, and assembled the wood according to the project plans; and it’s now time to prepare the wood for our chosen finish. We all know this drill and the progression …
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 …
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 …
We like oil finishes on our woodworking projects. They create a beautiful finish, accentuate grains, and offer great protection for the wood surface. There are a variety of oils that work well on wood, and we’ve written about some of …
We will admit that we are not wood carvers. We love working with wood, of course, but our woodworking is in the making and building of things – desks and bed frames for the kids, outdoor decks, cutting boards, and …
The DEWALT DCS570 20V Circular Saw is known for its dependable cutting power, but like all tools, it can experience issues. This article presents 6 common problems that users may encounter and provides straightforward fixes. From lithium-ion battery malfunctions to …
When I finish a woodworking project, I want it to feel finished—not just well-built, but protected and complete. A good finish adds that final touch. It brings out the grain, protects the wood, and helps the piece last. And if …
In woodworking, there are some givens that we expect and plan for as the project nears completion and the pieces are assembled. Our nails, brads, and screws are handy, as are the drill and hammer. The piece comes together well, …
We’ve written quite a bit about wood fillers and putties, products that fill nail holes, cracks and holes in wood generally, and any opening in wood that needs to be filled. Key Points: One such article is about staining wood …
We know it to be a durable finish on our woodworking projects, and we’ve all likely used it in our shop. It’s a protective finish that saves the wood from heat (to a degree, pun intended) and moisture. It sits …
I own the DW735 and can attest it is a fantastic planer, the best “lunchbox” style planer on the market, in my opinion. Among the many power tools commonly found in the woodworking shop is a thickness planer. Depending on …
Once again, with the acronyms. If there isn’t a terms and terminology book for woodworking shops, there ought to be just to keep up with the acronyms. Key Points: Today’s 3-letter term is CBN, and to understand the answer to …
Got water-damaged, swollen wood furniture? Our easy-to-follow article will guide you in the water damage restoration process. The most important thing to do is allow the furniture to dry completely. You can do this by leaving it out in the …
Wood filler is a substance used to fill imperfections in wood, such as nail holes, cracks, and dents. It is typically made from a combination of wood fibers, resin, and a hardening agent. It can be applied with a putty …
Everything today has an acronym, and they have become a part of the English lexicon in everyday use now. You probably use some of them, too, at the least when you are using a messaging app on your phone. LOL, …
I know a little bit about maple trees. I live in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the northern Berkshires, and my property is surrounded by a lot of swamp maple, which is a dense wood. One of the trees is …