Matt Hagens 
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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! …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
We know polyurethane, and we like polyurethane. We use it as a finish for our woodworking projects often. We have a bit of experience, then, in washing our brushes after using polyurethane, as well as cleaning up after its use. …
We know we repeat ourselves, but water is the enemy of wood. To this, we want to add another: the sun’s UV rays are also the enemy of wood. Each will lead to the deterioration of wood fiber, weaken the …
If you get hit in the head with a piece of wood, you’re probably going to think it’s pretty hard. The bump will last for a while, too. But, just how hard was the piece of wood that you got …
As I eagerly cracked open the can of Rust-Oleum I’d grabbed to paint a wooden side table, doubts started flooding my mind. Would this industrial metal paint actually adhere properly and look decent on wood? Hold on before you slap …
Sande plywood, known for its durability and uniform appearance, is a standout material in woodworking. It’s especially valued for its moisture resistance, making it ideal for various construction and furniture projects. This article explores sande plywood’s properties, uses, and advantages …
We’re not sure how many times we’ve written these words: water is the enemy of wood, but it is germane to today’s piece on warped cabinet doors, whether kitchen or bathroom. The kitchen sink, the dishwasher, the bathroom sink, the …
How tall are you? At 6’1”, I’m neither tall nor short, just sort of 6’1”, with somewhat long arms (35” shirt sleeve length) and an fairly erect stance – age hasn’t quite caught up with me yet. In preparing to …
Wondering if linseed oil darkens wood? What will it do to your project? What about boiled linseed oil? Does it behave differently than raw? Let’s explore those questions and more, giving you a clear picture of using linseed oil as …
Take a guess how much polyurethane is produced every year. Go ahead, guess. Here’s a hint: it’s a commodity product, meaning it is produced in huge quantities each year. If you guessed 25M metric tons every year, you are either …