Ever wondered if you can mix oil-based polyurethane with water-based stain? You’re in the right place! I am going to dive into the nitty-gritty of combining these two finishes. Why does this matter? Because getting it right can transform your …
When we began our woodworking hobby, we assumed there was a generally accepted order in which our project was to be finished. If the wood was to be stained, we stained, and then we added a topcoat, whether polyurethane, varnish, …
Teak wood is a good choice for outdoor furniture, as you probably know. You might even have a piece or two of outdoor teak furniture yourself. It’s a durable wood, has a Janka rating of 1155, which ranks it harder …
I’m not a crafty person…well, let me rephrase that: I am not a crafts person. I have friends who make crafts and sell them at craft fairs. It’s a sideline for them, and making the crafts is more important to …
When I was a coffee drinker, I remember using white vinegar to clean the coffee maker every couple of weeks. It worked well and was the only reason I bought it, as I do not consider it a good vinegar …
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 …
If you have ever visited Japan or watched videos of Japanese techniques in woodworking, chances are you have learned of the ancient ways of wood joinery and the building of houses without nails, screws, or other mechanical connecting elements. The …
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 …
We all have a pretty good idea of the value of a topcoat on our stained projects. Stains will enhance the wood’s appearance and grain and provide color to the wood. However, stains offer no protection to the wood. Key …
We’ve measured and cut the wood for our project; glued, attached, and assembled the wood according to the project plans; and it’s now time to prepare the wood for our chosen finish. We all know this drill and the progression …
There are few things worse than looking at a frame (mirror, painting, picture, window, door) or a tabletop or desk that is out of square. Fortunately, we have squares to help us, as well as accurate measurements. In the category …
I’ve used polyurethane on just about everything—bar tops, tabletops, nightstands, shelves. Some projects turned out great. Others… not so much. At first, I figured any clear coat would do the job. Just slap it on and wait for it to …
We like oil finishes on our woodworking projects. They create a beautiful finish, accentuate grains, and offer great protection for the wood surface. There are a variety of oils that work well on wood, and we’ve written about some of …
The DEWALT DCS570 20V Circular Saw is known for its dependable cutting power, but like all tools, it can experience issues. This article presents 6 common problems that users may encounter and provides straightforward fixes. From lithium-ion battery malfunctions to …
When I finish a woodworking project, I want it to feel finished—not just well-built, but protected and complete. A good finish adds that final touch. It brings out the grain, protects the wood, and helps the piece last. And if …
In woodworking, there are some givens that we expect and plan for as the project nears completion and the pieces are assembled. Our nails, brads, and screws are handy, as are the drill and hammer. The piece comes together well, …
We’ve written quite a bit about wood fillers and putties, products that fill nail holes, cracks and holes in wood generally, and any opening in wood that needs to be filled. Key Points: One such article is about staining wood …
We know it to be a durable finish on our woodworking projects, and we’ve all likely used it in our shop. It’s a protective finish that saves the wood from heat (to a degree, pun intended) and moisture. It sits …
