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 …
Rubio Monocoat Oil, my go-to for a robust, single-coat finish, beautifully merges hard wax and linseed oil. It’s a game-changer for my woodworking projects, deeply penetrating the wood and forming a resilient seal that stands up to daily wear, especially …
Rubio Monocoat is a favorite wood finish among woodworkers because of its durability and single-coat application. Its protective features and natural finish are undeniable, yet the question persists: is a second coat ever necessary? Let’s address the conditions that warrant …
As a woodworker, I understand the challenges of sanding uneven surfaces. This article is designed to guide you through effective techniques and tools for tackling irregular and curved wood surfaces. You’ll learn about hand sanding methods using tools like sanding …
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 …
If you have followed Obsessed Woodworking over the last 18 months, you’ve read a number of articles on pocket hole joinery. We like pocket hole joints and use them often in our woodworking projects, and know a little bit about …
Safety first is always the rule in our woodworking shop. We want to preserve all ten digits, the flesh on our forearms, and our pretty faces. Safety first also applies to the tools we use. We’ve invested good money in …
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, …
