Watching someone pour and finish concrete is much different from finishing it yourself. You know you will need concrete, a shovel, and a trowel, but what else should you use? The intricacies of properly and professionally finishing concrete take time to master, so it is okay for even the experienced general contractor to read up…
Tool Tips
The Best Route To Perfect Edges
Since all routers spin the bit in the same direction, knowing which route you should take may be challenging. Move all handheld routers counter-clockwise when working on the outside edge of a project, as shown in the diagram. If you are routing inside edges, also shown, the direction should be clockwise. If using a router…
How To Easily Create A Mortise
In mortise & tenon joinery, the tenon (or tongue) on one piece fits into the mortise (or hole) of another. Creating a mortise typically requires a mortising machine, a drill press outfitted with a mortising attachment, or a combination of a drill press and hand chisels. Whew! But, hold on … here’s a nifty trick…
Templates for Cutting Crown Molding
Make a set of handy templates to help you set up a compound miter saw for common crown molding cuts. (Note: These instructions are for molding with a 45⁰ spring angle. Adjustments for a 38⁰ spring angle are given at the end.) You will need four templates: two for outside corners and two for inside…
How to Trim Laminate Countertops
The final step in completing a laminate countertop — trimming its edges flush — can be nerve-wracking. After all, you have a lot of time and money invested in your project, and the last thing you want to do is ruin everything while trimming. Relax! These pointers ensure clean results every time. Use a router…
How to Extend the Life of Your Bench Tools
While it’s always exciting to buy new woodworking bench tools, it’s just as exciting to see your favorite tools still functioning after years of regular usage. You get to know them inside and out. There are a few commonly overlooked ways to extend the life of your power tools, and their simplicity might surprise you. Do…
10 Ways to Get the Most from Your Table Saw
You’ll find a table saw near the center of most wood shops, and for good reason. This essential machine performs many tasks, such as ripping boards to width or sawing on-the-money miters, bevels, and joints. With the proper tools, a table saw can help you cut tapers, raise door panels, or even carve out wide…
Everything you Need to Know About Miter Saws and Getting the Perfect Cut
Choose the best miter saw for you, then get clean, on-the-money results using these tips and techniques. Miter saws help you do much more than simply cutting boards to length. With one, you can make clean and accurate angle cuts past 45°, making them the perfect tool for cutting miters in everything from interior trim…
How To Get A Perfect Spray Finish
Spraying is a great way to produce a professional-looking finish. You could use a traditional spray gun fed air from a compressor, but be prepared to fill the air around you with overspray (finish that goes in the air instead of onto your project). There’s a better way. A high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer provides much…