Are Festool Tools Worth The Money?

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

Mirka Dust Extractor vs Festool: Is One Better?

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

What Are Spring Clamps Used For?

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

SawStop Overarm Dust Collection vs Floating

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

Pros & Cons of Using Beeswax As A Wood Finish

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

How to Clean Polyurethane From Brush

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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.   …

Read more

Is Aspen a Hardwood?

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

What Is Sande Plywood? How & When To Use It Explained

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

How Tall Should a Workbench Be?

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

Is Polyurethane Flammable After It Dries?

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

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 …

Read more

What Is A Coping Saw Used For?

Photo of author
Matt Hagens

How well do you cope in your woodworking shop?  That question doesn’t have to do with your mood or your ability to handle the stress of woodworking (that’s a joke), but rather how you make cope cuts.  There really is …

Read more