Woodworking guides

In-depth, practical guides on joinery, tools, finishing, wood and running a shop — written by woodworkers, for woodworkers.

Project Plans Beginner

Farmhouse Coffee Table Plans: Chunky Legs, a Solid Top and a Weekend Build

Farmhouse coffee tables sell for hundreds. This forgiving weekend build uses construction lumber and simple joinery —…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Project Plans Beginner

Cedar Planter Box Plans: A 2-Hour Build From Fence Pickets That Lasts for Years

Western red cedar fence pickets make a rot-resistant, chemical-free planter for a fraction of the price of…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Project Plans Beginner

10 Scrap Wood Projects You Can Finish in Under Two Hours (and Actually Want to Keep)

That pile of offcuts is full of gifts and shop helpers. Here are ten quick, useful projects — each under two hours.

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Project Plans Beginner

Workbench Plans: Build a Heavy, Flat, Rock-Solid Bench for Under the Price of a Router

Your workbench is the most important tool in the shop. This build is heavy, flat and ready for hand tools and power…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Beginner

Cordless Drills for Woodworking: Drill vs. Impact Driver, Voltage and Clutch Explained

Every project starts with a hole and ends with a screw. Here’s how to pick the drill you’ll use on all of them.

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Beginner

Track Saw vs Table Saw: Which One Belongs in Your Small Shop?

One brings the saw to the wood, the other brings the wood to the saw. Here’s how to decide which suits your space and…

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Beginner

Pocket Hole Jig vs. Biscuit Joiner: Which Should You Buy First?

One is a fastener system, the other is an alignment system. Know the difference and the right first purchase becomes…

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Beginner

Wood Routers for Beginners: Fixed vs. Plunge, Size, Bits and Your First Cuts

The router is the most versatile power tool you’ll own — once you know which base, which size and which three bits to…

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Beginner

5 Table Saw Jigs Every Woodworker Should Build (and How They Keep You Safe)

A table saw is only as safe and accurate as the jigs around it. These five are cheap to build and make every cut better.

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Beginner

Woodworking Chisels and Sharpening: Choosing, Honing and Using Chisels That Pare Like Butter

A sharp chisel slices end grain with hand pressure. A dull one bruises it. Here’s how to choose chisels and keep them…

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Joinery & Techniques Beginner

Wood Carving for Beginners: Whittling, Relief Carving and the Cuts That Keep Your Fingers Safe

Carving needs only a knife, a block of basswood and a few safe cuts. Here’s how to start — and keep all ten fingers.

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Joinery & Techniques Beginner

Woodworking Joints Explained: 12 Joints, When to Use Each and How Strong They Are

Choosing the right joint is half of good woodworking. Here are the 12 joints that matter, from quick pocket screws to…

3 min readOct 17, 2026