Is Teak Wood Expensive?
I once had a teak bench in my garden. It was lovely, and over time it acquired the gray color it is known for after aging. I still treated it with a little oil, including teak oil, which actually does …
Matt Hagens
Is Spruce a Softwood Or A Hardwood?
Ever wondered if spruce is a softwood or a hardwood? You’re not alone. I’ve seen many struggle with this question, especially when selecting the right wood for their projects. With its unique characteristics, Spruce often leaves us guessing about its …
Does Sealing Wood Help Prevent Warping?
Even though the warp drives in Star Trek lore were merely make-believe and came from Ray Bradbury’s imagination, engineers and scientists today appear to be close to a warp drive engine. Imagine that. (pun intended) A warped sense of humor …
How Long Does Water-Based Stain Take To Dry?
My, how impatient we have become these days. Instant gratification is the rule now – we want it all, and we want it now. Those of us who work with wood know this doesn’t work well in the shop. Years …
Is White Oak Good For Cutting Boards?
I’ve often been asked about the best wood for making cutting boards. Through my experience and practice, I’ve found that white oak is a strong candidate. I’ve discovered that white oak’s natural antibacterial properties and water resistance make it stand …
How To Thin Wood Glue
Those of us who are proficient in the kitchen know that it’s important to put lids and covers on tightly to prevent food from going bad in some way. Sometimes that bad can be a film forming on the top; …
Can You Paint Over Non-Hardening Wood Putty?
It’s inevitable that we will make holes in or dent wood as we work with it on a project. We have sharp tools in our hands and in our shop, and sometimes our hands are clumsy. We have hammers and …
Is Birch A Hardwood Or A Softwood?
I saw a sign in a woodworking shop once that read: “Life’s a birch,” and it made me smile. You may not have worked with solid birch wood before, in birch flooring, for instance, but you may have worked with …
Do You Need to Prime Wood Filler Before Painting? Pro Tips & Techniques
I winced, looking at the scratches and dings all over my dresser, wondering if all that wood filler I’d smoothed into the gashes would prevent the new paint from adhering properly. Should I prime it first? Before you risk peeling …
How To Attach A Glass Table Top To Wood Base
We’re woodworkers. We work with wood for the tactile satisfaction, for the love of wood’s appearance, for the grain, and for the warmth, it introduces in a room. But not everyone feels the same way, and modern materials have insinuated …
What Is A Chucker Lathe?
While we have casually mentioned lathes, turning, and turnery in some of our past articles, we’ve never really written about lathes in detail. Today we will dip our toe in that water a little bit more than we have previously. …
Does Festool Ever Go On Sale?
Bargain hunters look for coupons, special discounts, package deals, and previous year’s models, or wait for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or tax holiday sales. With so many cordless tools on our wish list to outfit our woodworking shop, sometimes corners …
Is Hickory a Hardwood Or A Softwood?
Hull Barret, the character played by Michael Moriarty in the movie “Pale Rider,” was being beaten by a group of five bad guys. “Preacher,” played by Clint Eastwood, came to his aid and felled the five of them. He did …
Is Hemlock a Hardwood or a Softwood?
Have you ever wondered if hemlock is a hardwood or a softwood, and why it matters for your projects? This isn’t just about identifying a type of wood; it’s about why this wood might be the perfect choice for your …
What Is Quarter Sawn Oak?
Amish woodcrafters are known for their quality furniture and their woodworking skills. They go to great lengths to create and produce well-made oak furniture that will last. Among those lengths is the sawmilling of their own lumber. Trees are felled, …
Is Sycamore a Hardwood Or A Softwood?
Have you ever wondered about the true nature of sycamore wood? Is it a hardwood or a softwood, and what are its unique characteristics and uses? Discover why sycamore’s intriguing qualities matter to woodworkers. QUICK ANSWER: Sycamore is classified as …
What Is Planer Snipe? (And How To Stop It)
Snipe hunting is an old joke, a fool’s errand considered to be a practical joke. Those of our generation remember it, but you younger woodworkers may not. It’s been around for a long time, and the first suggestion of it …
Do Bosch Batteries Fit Other Brands? (Bonus 18V Compatibility Chart)
In the world of power tools, efficiency is king. And when you’re in your shop, the last thing you need is a truckload of batteries for every brand of tool you’ve got. Enter the Bosch AMPShare Battery Platform – a …