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Tips and Techniques, from Canadian Woodworking, delivers practical, expert advice for woodworkers of all skill levels, with a focus on shop efficiency, tool use, and project-specific methods.
A little knowledge and experimentation with metal can reward a woodworker with a unique, customized handle, hinge or piece of hardware that will take the project to the next level. The best part – most woodworkers already have the necessary machinery to work with many metals.
To do good work you need good lighting. We look at 5 different options.
6 tips for adding texture to wood
In this video Rob Brown shows you more ways to add texture to your woodworking projects.
9 super-simple small shop hacks
Every woodworker would agree that small shop hacks can make your time in the shop more productive and enjoyable. They say it’s the little things that make a big difference, and I would tend to agree.
Installing Straight Knife Hinges
Most other hinges are easier to install, though no other hinge has the grace and simplicity of a properly installed set of knife hinges. With a bit of practice, knife hinge installation isn’t nearly as scary as you’d think.
The most enjoyable aspect of plane-making is the woodworking – and within the woodworking, freehand shaping is the very best. The first hand-plane I made was an open-handled smoothing plane that took at least a full day to shape. Thankfully, I have become much more efficient at it.
Learning how to apply veneers with an iron can open up your woodworking world. It allows you to use expensive, exotic species on surfaces without tools like a vacuum press. Once you get the hang of it you’ll find it’s pretty easy to do.
Making one box is much different than making 100 boxes. In order for the process to be smooth and successful, a different approach needs to be used. Jigs need to be used to their full potential and a careful, long-term approach has to be taken.
This set of three side tables, with delicate curved stretchers, resides at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Learn how Peter Coolican made the stretchers and secured them to the table’s legs.
Making Raised and Stacked Inlays
Inlays are often installed flush to a surface, but this is a process that can be used to add a real three-dimensional sense to your work.
Working with sheet goods in a small shop
Sheet goods are great for many applications in the furniture maker’s workshop, but they come with a number of challenges. Learn how to work around their difficulties to reap their rewards.
A surface that’s out of flat will do nothing but hinder your skills while working with hand tools. Once in a while, every woodworker should take the steps to flatten their work surface.
Give your clamp collection a home
None of us have enough of them, and they all need a home. Here are some ways to store your clamp collection.
If you are looking to spice up your next project, you might want to try adding this simple locking mechanism.
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.
