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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Ever wondered what makes mahogany so special in the world of woodworking? From its classification as a hardwood to its unique properties that set it apart, you’ll discover why mahogany isn’t just wood but a symbol of quality and elegance …
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 …
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 …
Weight plays a part in woodworking, notwithstanding the fact we tend to think of woodworking as being length and width as we reach for our measuring tape or combination square on a workpiece. This is especially true of plywood in …
We’re not sure how many times we’ve written these words, but they are worth repeating: water is the enemy of wood. Today’s piece is about that very subject once again, this time as it relates to plywood. In the wild, …
Wood comes in a variety of colors by name – redwoods, green wood, and even whitewood. Redwoods get their name because of the bark and heartwood, with their reddish-brown color. The color comes from a high tannin level in the …
Choosing the right wood is important for any outdoor project. Pressure-treated wood is known for its sturdiness and longevity, making it popular for outdoor structures. On the other hand, many believe a solid coat of paint can give untreated wood …
Cedar is a classic choice for outdoor woodworking projects because of its natural resistance to decay and insects. But to get the most beauty and durability from cedar wood, it’s important to properly prep, apply the ideal wood finish, and …
The 2×4 is a foundational element in construction, framing everything from desks to homes. Its significance grew in the late 1940s with the transition to 2x4s, measuring 1.5” x 3.5”, the current US standard. QUICK ANSWER: Framing with 2x4s typically …
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 …
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 …
We all know the words hard and soft, and we know what they mean, generally. When it comes to wood, though, it is not quite so intuitive as we might think. Those of us who work with wood know that …