Does Festool Own SawStop?
There are two companies and their product lines we have written about frequently in the past, each in articles devoted to just one at a time. Today, we get to write about both of them in the same piece. From …
Matt Hagens
Blum 564 vs 563H Drawer Slides: What Is the Difference?
Sometimes you run into a dilemma with parts and accessories in woodworking where the manufacturer is less than clear or helpful in defining the differences between their similarly named/numbered parts. We ran into one recently and would like to spare …
What Size Screws Do I Need For Blum Drawer Slides & Hinges?
I’m always on the lookout for the best hardware to enhance my projects. After experimenting with various brands and types, I’ve come to a firm conclusion: Blum drawer slides are, without a doubt, the best. Blum drawer slides use a …
How To Change a Black & Decker Jigsaw Blade
Black & Decker, a manufacturer of power tools, hardware, and appliances, has been around since 1910, when it was established in Towson, Maryland, a little bit north of Baltimore. About 40% of what the company sells in the United States …
Circular Saw Showdown: Rear Handle vs Regular Top Handle – Which is Better?
Every woodworker knows the significance of having the right tool for the job. But when it comes to circular saws, do you need the close-quarter control of a regular model or the powerful cutting power of a rear-handle saw? In …
Where Are Blum Cabinet Hinges and Drawer Slides Made?
The cabinets in our kitchen close softly and automatically once the door begins to move. It’s a cool feature, and it keeps the door in place well without any slamming or banging about. The hinges are well-made and perform as …
How And When to Use Corner Clamps
How many times have we said to ourselves how nice it would be to have a third hand? If only, we say, and how much easier it would be on some of the tasks we perform in our woodworking shop. …
how to join two pieces of wood at 45 degrees
In woodworking, getting the angles right makes all the difference, especially when you’re aiming for a sharp 45-degree joint. It’s not your everyday joint – it’s for those special projects where you need a perfect angle, like a neat cabinet …
How To Restore A Table Saw Top
Water is the enemy of wood. Water is also the enemy of cast iron. On wood, continued exposure to water leads to decay and rot. On cast iron, water/moisture leads to rust. We’re woodworkers, so why do we need to …
Combination Square vs Speed Square: What’s The Difference?
Ever stood in your workshop, scratching your head, wondering if a combination square or a speed square is the right pick? You’re not alone! I’m here to break down the differences between these two. Types of Squares We have quite …
Are Festool Tools Worth The Money?
While “You get what you pay for” is so often proven true, the question as it pertains to woodworking shop power tools requires something more than an axiom. I have a winter coat purchased from LL Bean 30 years ago …
Mirka Dust Extractor vs Festool: Is One Better?
It’s a long and dusty trail to walk for us woodworkers. Almost anything we do when we are in the shop will generate dust and wood debris, whether cutting or sanding or chiseling or planing. Dust collection becomes an important …
What Are Spring Clamps Used For?
When we wrote about the essential tools for the beginner woodworker, we spent some time discussing clamps. Even the simplest of woodworking projects is going to require the use of clamps at one point or another, something with a firm …
Avoid These Mistakes When Applying Polyurethane With a Foam Brush
I grimaced looking at the bubble-filled polyurethane finish I’d carefully brushed onto my DIY coffee table using a foam brush. It was supposed to leave a smooth, even coat not make my project look like a science experiment gone wrong! …
Using Polyurethane To Fill And Prevent Cracks & Knots in Wood
In my experience with woodworking, one of the key challenges I often face is dealing with cracks and knots in wood. These imperfections can affect both the look and strength of any wood project. I’ve found that polyurethane is effective …
SawStop Overarm Dust Collection vs Floating
Dust, dust flying everywhere. Such an annoyance in the woodworking shop. Table saw, router, miter saw, all tossing it around with each cut. There’s got to be something that will cure this. The laments of a beginner woodworker, and we’ve …
Jack Plane vs Smoothing Plane – What Is The Difference?
Homonyms abound in the English language. In this piece, we’ll discuss the plain and simple truths about planes, and one of the things you will learn is that there is not a plain plane in woodworking. Rather, there are purpose-specific …
Pros & Cons of Using Beeswax As A Wood Finish
I like beeswax as a wood finish because it’s easy to use and safe. It’s natural, which is great for many woodworking projects. But it’s not perfect. It has some downsides, like not being very tough and melting easily. I’ll …