While we have moved away somewhat from default staining our woodworking projects, turning instead to wood oils or products like Rubio Monocoat, we still will occasionally use a wood stain as part of finishing the project. Stains come in a …
We’re so lucky to have so many different kinds of woods available to us to work within our shop. Supply chains have recovered somewhat from the disarray caused by the COVID pandemic, and lumber yards and specialty wood shops both …
Everything today has an acronym, and they have become a part of the English lexicon in everyday use now. You probably use some of them, too, at the least when you are using a messaging app on your phone. LOL, …
I know a little bit about maple trees. I live in the mountains of western Massachusetts, the northern Berkshires, and my property is surrounded by a lot of swamp maple, which is a dense wood. One of the trees is …
I hate shaving. Fortunately, I do not need to be clean-shaven every day, especially if I am working in the shop or the garden. Still, even shaving 3 days a week is an annoyance. But, when I do shave, I …
Cypress is valued for a number of reasons by woodworkers, carpenters, and home DIY enthusiasts for a number of reasons. The trees are slow-growing and can be somewhat expensive because it takes time to accumulate a meaningful amount of cypress …
Having worked with both Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir, I’ve learned a lot about what makes each of these woods unique from a woodworking perspective. In this article, I will share my experiences with these two types of wood. …
The human body becomes acclimatized to the environment in which we spend most of our time. We often hear about blood “thickening” in colder climates, and we get used to the colder temperatures; we hear, too, about those in the …
In a previous article, we asked the question of whether something that was hard can also be soft. In this article, we ask in the reverse: can something that is soft also be hard? We’re talking wood here, and we …
Deciphering Elm wood’s true nature: is it a hardwood or a softwood? This common question perplexes many woodworkers. Whether you’re selecting materials for a new project or deepening your woodworking knowledge, let’s explore Elm’s unique characteristics together, bridging the gap …
The cutting boards in our kitchen get a lot of work. That’s boards, plural. There’s one for poultry, another for red and white meats, and a third for vegetables. The one thing in common among the three, though, is the …
Green has become a popular color in the past decade for a number of reasons. The term “green” often refers to something that is environmentally friendly; green tea has risen in popularity, and Starbucks even offers a green tea chai …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …