Matt Hagens 
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Ever wondered if ash is a hardwood or a softwood? You’re about to find out, and trust me, it’s more fascinating than you think! We’re diving into the world of ash wood, exploring its unique qualities and why it’s a …
Having compatible and interchangeable batteries across your power tool lineup can make life a lot easier, as being able to use the same battery in your cordless drill, screwdriver, saw, and more is incredibly convenient. For Makita tools, the question …
If you are an experienced woodworker, whether professional or hobbyist, you know about these two power saws. Each comes as a corded tool and a cordless model, and each has a place in every woodworking shop. For the beginner woodworker, …
When was the last time you noticed one of your door hinges? They’re something we never pay attention to unless they start squeaking or stop working because a screw came loose. The former is easy to fix – a little …
We’re sure you have at least one power drill in your woodworking shop. They are pretty essential tools to have, whether corded or cordless or even a drill press. Along with the drills, you likely have a variety of bits …
We like walnuts. They’re in one of our favorite sweets – baklava. They’re also good to snack on, healthy and rich in protein, at 4.5 grams in a quarter cup. We keep a supply handy in the cupboard all the …
Ever wondered if alder is a hardwood or a softwood? From its surprising hardness level to its versatility in projects, I’m unpacking everything you need to know. QUICK ANSWER: Alder is a hardwood, known for its light brown color with …
Ever wondered if gluing those pocket hole joints is worth the extra effort? You’re about to discover the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind using glue in these joints. QUICK ANSWER: Yes, you should glue pocket hole joints. Gluing enhances joint …
In a recent article on these pages, we asked the question: How many corner joint methods are there? We wrote about two of them in that piece, the box joint, and the dovetail joint. But we only discussed the joinery …