Matt Hagens 
Wax on, wax off. We remember that line from the first Karate Kid when Mr. Myagi had Daniel waxing his antique cars to build up his arm strength and motion. We’ve never written about waxing our furniture projects here on …
When it comes to understanding the size of a band saw, the key lies in the diameter of its wheels. This measurement is the primary factor in determining the nominal size of the band saw. Closely related to the wheel …
How many types of saws are there? After attempting to make a list, we stopped at 3 dozen and figured simply that there were a lot. Power saws, hand saws, specialty saws, portable saws, job site saws, and the list …
So many of us use decks to extend living space to the outdoors, with a slider allowing easy movement from kitchen to them. Patio furniture, and maybe a pergola, finish off that outdoor sitting space. A concrete pour, perhaps with …
Selecting the right wood stain is crucial for any woodworking project. The choice between oil-based and water-based stains affects the appearance and durability of the finished work. This article provides an in-depth comparison of the two types of stains. It …
I remember the first time I used linseed oil. I didn’t know what it was, but it had been recommended as a treatment for the door threshold step on my new house years ago. I was told it would protect …
If you have a home woodworking shop, you no doubt have glue in it as a part of your shop inventory. Many actually like to keep a variety of glues on hand and which one is chosen for use is …
The black walnut tree, known for its rich wood and abundant nuts, has been a topic of interest for woodworkers, investors, and homeowners alike. QUICK ANSWER: Black walnut tree value varies based on size, age, and wood quality. Mature trees …
Many of us have a miter saw in our woodworking shop. It’s easy to operate and can make quick cuts on our workpieces both at right angles and at miter angles. Whether a single bevel, double bevel, compound, or even …
We’ve all heard the expression, “Measure twice, cut once.” There is great wisdom in those words, and the advice should be followed. Beyond the carefulness of measuring twice, though, is the tool you use to make that measure. Having confidence …
I often get asked about the best methods for cutting thin strips of wood. While my go-to recommendation is always a table saw for its precision and safety, I understand that not everyone has access to one. In such cases, …
Chairs need to support people; tables need to support dinner, or computers and books, or vases filled with water and flowers; cabinets need to hold their content; and, doors need to support the weight of their woods. This is basic …
If you’ve been making picture frames, cabinet faces, or tables in your woodworking shop, then you likely know pocket holes and pocket hole joinery. Most woodworkers consider it the strongest of joints, even more, strong than mortise and tenon joints. …
We know Festool, and we like Festool very much. Its line of power tools are well crafted and highly specialized. Yes, they are expensive, but their quality is undoubted and very well respected in woodworking circles. We’ve written about them …
We all know what abrasives are and the role they play in our woodworking projects. Abrasives have been used for millennia, going back to our ancestors who used stones to shape and sharpen tools and weapons. We know that sandpaper …
Makita and Festool are renowned for their top-tier track saws (plunge saws), yet the question arises: can their tracks be used interchangeably? In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll examine the critical distinctions and compatibility aspects of tracks from both brands, Makita …
There are table saws, and there are table saws. Basic, or feature-rich, table saws are a necessary power tool in a home woodworking shop for both hobbyists and enthusiasts. The difference between those two, by the way, is the occasional …
Power tools are dangerous, and extreme caution is required when operating them. Even the smallest and simplest power tool can draw blood if you aren’t careful, and that is to be avoided. I remember so clearly Mr. Davis’s accident in …