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Woodworking Techniques
These classic techniques, jigs and know-how will help you simplify your time in the shop and bring an added level of precision to your work.
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Bowl SaverIt takes longer to sharpen a chisel than it does to repair the bowl. |
Clamping TechniquesOnce you've crafted a perfect joint, you've got to figure out the best way to clamp the parts together while the glue does its thing. |
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Easy (and Instant) Crack RepairInstead of trying to pack a crack with wood dough to hide it, try this simple and effective repair using CA (cyanoacrylate) glue. |
Easy Edge BandingGetting thin edge banding consistently bonded to the edge of a carcass piece can be dicey. |
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Glue as a FinishGlue as a finish, you say? Incredible, but true. CA (cyanoacrylate) glue provides a beautiful glossy finish on small turned objects. |
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Gluing Up StavesClamping staves can be a challenge, since pieces tend to slide past each other once they're slippery with glue. |
Homemade PlywoodWhile solid wood box lids and doors are easy to make, they do have one really bad habit - they tend to cup or twist. |
How Many Clamps?It's not uncommon to look at a big edge-to-edge glue-up and wonder "Do I have enough clamps on that thing?" |
No Chuck? No Problem!A number of lathe turning projects require that you turn a spindle without the benefit of a tailstock being in place to support the end. |
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Provide Closure For DovetailsThe best way to make a dovetail is to allow the end grain of the sockets to project slightly past the face grain of the tails, then pare the end grain flush after the glue is dry. |
Right Tool for the JobGluing parts together correctly isn't as simple as pouring a bunch of glue all over the surface and putting on a clamp. |
Squaring a DoorClamping rail and stile joints closed doesn't automatically guarantee that the door you made is perfectly square. |
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Wood StabilizerHere's how you can stabilize an irregular shaped blank for turning. |
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Dado GaugeSimplify setting up your stackable dado by using an easy to make Dado Gauge. |
Dovetail Jig TipsCutting dovetails on a router-based jig is certainly easier than cutting them by hand. Still, there's a little bit of a learning curve. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your jig. |
Doweling JigBuild Face Frames Fast with a Shop-made Doweling Jig |
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Jig-Cut TenonsCut precise tenons with a shop-made jig and a standard saw blade. |
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Mortise & TenonA mortise and tenon is one of the most ubiquitous and useful means to join wood together. |
Mortise & Tenon: Know the PartsWhile it may seem a bit over the top, there are at least nine parts to label when it comes to a run of the mill mortise and tenon. |
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Small Parts SledYou can easily and safely rip small parts using this table saw sled. |
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Avoiding Router TearoutPut an end to splintery corners, blown-out edges and ragged profiles with a few simple routing tips. Here are six worth trying. |
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Drilling MortisesHere's how to make quick work of mortising with a drill press and Forstner bit. |
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Mortising on a Router TableThere are lots of ways to "skin" a mortise. Your router table is one of the quickest and most foolproof options. |
Perfect Fitting LidsOne of the slickest ways to get the lid of a box to fit the box perfectly is to assemble all six sides of a box into one piece - and then cut the lid from the box. |
Quick and Easy TaperingTapering is a simple and safe operation with the right jig. Build our version from scrap, and you'll be ripping tapers in no time flat. |
Raising Panels with a Table SawClassic cabinet doors are within easy reach for your projects when you learn how to raise panels. All you need is a table saw! |
ResawingIf you've got a band saw, you can resaw 3/4" material down the middle to make the perfect sides and ends for small boxes. |
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Harvest TrivetProtect your dining table from hot serving ware while adding a touch of seasonal beauty, with this leaf-theme trivet. |
Keepsake BoxHere's a simple and fun way to make a band saw-style lidded box with your scroll saw. |
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Leaf SconceSurprise a candle lover in your family with this scroll-sawn wall accent. It's a gift you can make in an afternoon. |
Nameplate Wall PlaqueThese personalized nameplates make great gifts for kids, just in time for the holidays. |
Photo StatuettesBring your favorite kids, sports or pet photos to life by turning them into three-dimensional statuettes. They're simple to build, and they make fun conversation pieces for the home or office. |
Saw-Shaped XylophoneEven if your youngster is too little for a real hand saw, our xylophone saw toy is safe for tool lovers of all ages. Build one for the little one ... and one for you, too! |
Scroll Saw Blade CaddyA few pieces of scrap and a sheet of Plexiglas will bring order to your diverse collection of scroll saw blades. |
Scroll Sawn Picture FrameSurround your favorite 5 x 7 photograph with a unique floral pattern and catch a few scroll sawing tips while you're at it. |
Snowflake OrnamentAdd a little more sparkle to your Christmas tree with this scroll-sawn brass snowflake ornament. |
Snowflake TrivetBring a touch of wintery splendor indoors while protecting your dining table from hot serving ware with this snowflake-themed trivet. |
Starry NightlightsHelp your little astronaut brave those dark nights in space with one of these Starry Nightlights you can make in about an hour. |
Sunshine Wind ChimesA few scraps of exterior lumber and a bit of hardware are all you need to turn the next breezy day into gentle melodies. |
White Oak TrivetThis lovely oak leaf pattern is complex enough to make the project fun, but simple enough so that you don't have to invest hours in the project. |
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