Make some push blocks
A good push block (or two) is an essential accessory to a table saw, bandsaw, router table or jointer. There are many commercially available ones, but I prefer to make my own.
Chris Wong
Chris is a sculptural woodworker and instructor.
Articles by Chris Wong
Gluing strategy tips
Glue-ups don’t have to be nerve-wracking experiences. Some basic material and adhesive knowledge, coupled with lots of planning, will go a long way to ensuring smooth gluing.
Building outdoor woodworking to resist rot
While many of the tools, techniques and materials used to create outdoor furniture and structures are the same as those used in making indoor woodwork, there are some differences that must be respected in order to ensure it has a long life.
Build a removable outfeed table
Improve your band saw’s ability to machine long workpieces by adding this support table. When not in use it can easily be removed and stored out of the way.
Simple Router Improvements
The router is a versatile tool. It’s essentially a motor that spins whatever cutter you choose. The accessories you use with it determine how you can use the router, and what you can do. Here are some simple improvements you can make.
Build a triple router table
Router tables are useful tools to have around, but they don’t always need to be big and fancy. This bare-bones router table is quick to set up and takes care of a few standard profiles often used in your shop.
CBN Grinding Wheels
Although they have been available since about 1970, cubic boron nitride (CBN) grinding wheels have only recently started to gain popularity among woodworkers.
Router collets
An essential component of any router, the collet is what holds the router bit in place as it rotates at over 20,000 RPM.
10 woodworking rules of thumb and exceptions
As they say, there's an exception to every rule. Here are 10 woodworking rules of thumb – along with why each rule is valid, and when it's okay to break the rule.
Learn to work with live-edge wood
Live-edge material is as unique as the tree from which it grew. Learn a few things about how to work with this unique type of material.
13 Simple Ways to Improve Accuracy
It sure is nice when you learn a simple, easy way to improve your accuracy when building furniture.
Make a 3D Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
Whether working alone or with friends and family, assembling a jigsaw puzzle can be fun, and completing one can be very gratifying. The same can be said about making one, and watching someone enjoy putting it together (or at least trying to) is especially enjoyable.
The 5′ Workshop
Small shop? A mobility kit under every machine isn’t the only answer.
21st century writing desk
Transform simple, straight lines into an elegant flowing form.
Working without numbers
Working without numbers is all about minimizing the risk of mistakes. Rather than using graduated scales to transfer measurements, use a few simple tools and tricks to take the frustration out of woodworking.
A unique way to wrap presents
While you’re wrapping presents this year, head to the shop. There’s nothing more eye-catching than a handmade wooden ribbon and bow.
Small shop storage solutions
One of the most important aspects of organizing a shop involves storing all the machinery, tools and supplies you will be working with. Learn a number of fundamental guidelines and tame that beast of a shop you’ve been working in!
Finishing with CA Glue
Next time you reach for your CA glue, it can be for finishing a small project, not gluing it together.
