Invisible joints, pocket-hole joinery, and dowels have something in common. They are all ways of hiding screws and nail holes. The use of wood filler is another when screws are countersunk or a nail punch is used. What about larger …
We’re not sure here at Obsessed Woodworking how many times we have written “the right tool for the right job,” but this piece is a perfect example of that maxim. Tight spot tools, if you will. It’s not so much …
You’ve likely heard the expression “belt and suspenders” and understand its meaning. Better to be safe, so to speak, don’t want your pants falling down at an inopportune moment. That same discussion can be had about glue and screws. We …
Perhaps you remember that old advertisement with a construction worker hanging from a steel beam after applying some Gorilla Glue to his work helmet. It was a silly demonstration, but Gorilla Glue is pretty strong. Many of us have used …
Using a table saw to cut plexiglass, a common form of acrylic sheeting, is a fairly straightforward process with the right techniques. Plexiglass is an affordable alternative to glass and, when handled correctly, can be cut cleanly and accurately without …
Face gluing is a woodworking technique used to create thicker lumber from thinner boards. It’s a process that requires attention to detail, as the strength of the glued joint is crucial for the structural integrity of the final piece. Selecting …
We’ve written about wood glues in a past post, and if you want to read up a little bit on wood glues, you’ll find that post here. You’ll find some basic information about wood glue’s constituent chemical composition that generally …
Ever wondered how long you should wait for wood glue to set? Or to remove your woodworking clamps? A lot depends on the glue you’re using. One common type is PVA (such as the brand Titebond), which you might know …
I’ve learned over the years that one of the most crucial steps in achieving a flawless wood finish on any woodworking project is thoroughly removing all dust from the wood after sanding. No matter how precise my cuts are or …
Two old sayings came to mind prior to writing this article: Stay with this piece for just a few moments, and you’ll see what we mean. What, you may ask, does either have to do with woodworking or, in particular, …
Not all wood stock will come to you flat, square and smooth. This is, of course, true of rough lumber purchased directly from a sawmill. But it’s also true of your neighborhood lumber yard. For serious woodworking, whether making furniture …
Lumber is like meat. With meat, the fewer times a butcher needs to touch it with his knife, the cheaper it will be. But, you’ll have to touch it with your knife when you get it home: breaking down a …
Proper sanding is a key step in almost all woodworking projects. While hand sanding is an option, it’s time-consuming (and not much fun). A more efficient choice is using a power sander, particularly a random orbital sander. As sandpaper wears …
Antiquing furniture is a popular project for adding to a home’s decor. The introduction of antique pieces, whether genuine or faux, into a room’s furnishings adds to its ambiance and aesthetic, as well as its warmth. Finding just that right piece at …
Starting a woodworking project can mean needing special cuts in the wood, like grooves. Usually, a router does this job. But what if you don’t have one? No problem! There are other ways to get it done. This guide shows …
A well-equipped woodworking shop will have, at the least, a table saw and a chop saw/miter saw among its power tools. Each does what it is intended to do well and plays an integral part in the woodworking process. A very well-equipped woodworking shop will …
In the story of Goldilocks, we know the three bears each had their own mattress sleep numbers. One was too hard, one was too soft, and the third was just right. So it is with router bit speeds: To put a …