Woodworking

Smoking a pipe can be a very enjoyable experience; however, to properly use a wooden pipe, it must be seasoned. Seasoning a tobacco pipe is a very important part of using the pipe, as it will...

When working on delicate projects with sharp tools, you want to be able to see your subject as clearly as possible, even if your wood shop is in a basement or garage with few windows. Take care to...

Woodcarving pictures are a labor of love. The cost of materials and availability of desirable wood in wide enough pieces is prohibitive unless you have access to a woodlot. It is possible to cut...

Poster frames are necessary for more artwork than just posters. Poster frames can also be used for puzzles and other odd-sized items. The problem is that it can often be difficult to find just the...

Cedar is a strong, fragrant wood that can be carved with a carving shave, a sharp wood knife, chisel and saws. White cedar doesn't crack or shrink in water, making it a favorite medium for carving...

Exterior signs serve as decorations that can display the name (usually surname) of the residents of the home upon which they hang. These are often found on cottages, which can become even cozier...

When we own a home it is our castle; we live, laugh, cry and entertain in our home. One of the more popular features to any house is the deck. This is where many funny stories are shared during a...

This wooden catapult is powered by rubber bands, and is a fun and simple project to build. Whether it is used to storm a living room castle or in the office to launch candies over a cubicle wall,...

Wooden signs are extremely popular as interior and exterior decorations, and they make innovative gifts. Numerous types of wooden signs are available in stores, but you can easily make them at...

Whether stationary or portable, recipe book racks are a nice addition to any kitchen and a good beginner project for the novice woodworker. Magazines, books and free plans are available that have...

Yard art can add personal touches to your front lawn. Artwork pops up seasonally as a way to customize holiday decorations. Yard art can be elaborate or simple, depending on your goal and your...

Listening to music is an enjoyable pastime for most people. Regardless of the type of music you listen to, keeping your collection organized is important. There is nothing more frustrating than...

Tung oil has been used for centuries as a finish for wood and for many other purposes.The Chinese used tung oil to waterproof masts and sails for their junks. The U.S. military used tung oil to...

A dovetail saw and a tenon saw are back saws that are used for making small cuts in furniture. The dovetail saw is used to make dovetail joints, while the tenon saw is used for making tenon and...

The typical sword of the Roman infantryman was called a gladius. According to Nigel Rodgers, it was worn on the right side. This made it easier to draw because of the soldiers' large shields on...

One of the most important tools involved in making custom picture frames is the Lion Miter Trimmer. This tool, powered by a hand lever, trims the ends of wood into perfect 45 degree miters, making...

There's nothing like incorporating the beauty and elegance of hand-cut dovetails into your woodworking. It's a joint to be proud of, but it's also a joint that can make you want to pull out your...

In this age of mass produced power tools, many people may have forgotten about old-fashioned hand saws. Many are languishing in the bottom of tool boxes or in the back of tool sheds, rusted and...

Making a tobacco pipe can enhance the experience of smoking. Designing, building and using a pipe of your own is the cheapest way to avoid spending a large amount of money on a pipe. Making your...

Buying a band saw for cheap is a matter of smart shopping and using any resource available to you. By asking around to see if anyone is trying to get rid of one, you can save yourself quite a bit...

Using pegs to help secure the tenon in a mortise-and-tenon joint adds extra strength and beauty to your furniture. Hardwood dowels really simplify the process of making these pegs.

There is no denying that using full mortise hinges really elevate your piece from good to great; however, installing them can seem very intimidating. This simple jig can be very useful and will...

The bokken, as a wooden katana replica, provides a safer alternative to training with a live, razor-sharp samurai sword. Carving your own bokken provides you with a practice weapon with strengths...

A fancy walking staff lets all of your fellow hikers know that you take hiking and fashion seriously. By making your own staff, you can add personal touches that identify it as uniquely yours. You...

Oil stones are known for their durability, and many are actually passed down from father to son. Eventually, even the well-maintained oil sharpening stone will become dished, usually in the...

Crafting walking sticks is an old art. Many artisans choose sticks with natural curves that are not intended for actual use beyond decoration. These walking sticks are pleasing to look at, but...

Cutting into a nice piece of cedar is a joyous experience for a woodworker. The smell that is released, the color, texture and softness of this wood make it fun and easy to work with. It is all of...

Oftentimes, when you're out camping, whether for sport, family recreation or with an event, a wooden camp chair can come in handy. Making them yourself doesn't have to be difficult. Use some...

The mortise and tenon joint is a staple of fine woodworking. Different variations of this joint can be found in almost every type of furniture project. In order to bring your skills to a higher...

Many modern pistol cases are nothing more than glorified metal suitcases with locks on them. While this might be practical, the aesthetics leave a lot to be desired. The good news is that making...

It's important to keep our antiques looking and functioning the best we can. Refinishing is sometimes part of that upkeep. Bentwood chairs can seem a little tricky due to the lack of flat surfaces.

It's not difficult to measure a picture frame, but cutting the four strips of molding requires a high degree of precision. It's essential that each set of matching molding strips are cut exactly...

As intimidating as woodworking can seem, finishing your furniture seems to be even more of a daunting task. All that hard work comes down to the final step of applying the finish properly. Most...

Help Ted E. Bear escape from being underfoot. Don't just keep on picking him up and sticking him somewhere. Build him an attractive park bench to sit on with materials available at your local...

A band saw is one of the most useful tools in any wood shop. The narrow blade can be useful in cutting curves of retailed work, but can also be used for larger jobs. However, as with all tools,...

Woodworking isn't just about your tools and techniques. The quality of the finished product also comes from choosing the right materials for the job. If you want to get the best hardwood you can...

Scrapers are an essential part of woodworking. They help prepare the surface for finishing and eliminate a lot of sanding time by cutting the wood fibers and leaving a smooth surface. The key to...

Cedar is a versatile wood with a deep amber color. Because cedar is weather-resistant, it's a great option for many outdoor projects. Cedar has a unique smell, which sets it apart from many...

Wood working is a hobby with a large learning curve. The craft requires years of practice, and even with a lifetime of experience, you can always learn a new trick or two. Learning methods and...

Basketball has become a popular sport in many countries around the world. Although the rules remain the same from one nation to the next, you can use a variety of materials to play the game. DIY...

Making a piece of furniture yours by hand painting it adds character to your home. End tables are the perfect place to experiment because they are small, usually inexpensive and can be...

Even the finest of furniture can become lifeless and dull-looking given enough use and time. Rather than take on the labor-intensive task of refinishing, why not breathe new life into the existing...

Crown molding can add elegance and style to any project. Whether you're attaching it to cabinetry, wall-to-ceiling junctions or any number of finish trim applications, the most important part of...

Exotic hardwoods offer a broad range of alluring beauty to woodworking. With their vibrant colors and unusual grain patterns, it's no wonder they are prized among woodworkers, wood turners, and...

Paint a wooden picket welcome sign to greet guests as they arrive at your home. Made from an actual picket fence, the sign has the look and feel of primitive country décor. Look for old wood...

Bosch is a leader in power tools. From woodworking to home building, they offer a large variety of powerful, high-quality tools to do the job right. Want to find some for yourself? Here is what...

Looking for a fun and challenging project to help pass these drab winter months? If you are a woodworking hobbyist, give yourself a real challenge and build an elegant Japanese pagoda birdhouse....

More often than not, cabinets come with shelves you can install. Depending on the age and the use of the cabinet, however, the shelves may get damaged or broken. When that occurs, you may need to...

Ladder bookshelves are useful decorating pieces because of their simplicity and functionality. Their uncomplicated structure creates an easy, do-it-yourself project that saves both time and money....

A jointer is a simple machine that, properly used, can make the difference between a good project and a great project. It consists of two flat beds separated by a cutting head and an adjustable...