Woodworking guides

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

Woodworking Business Intermediate

Most woodworkers price by gut feel and quietly work for less than minimum wage. Here is a simple formula that covers…

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Wood & Materials Intermediate

A strip of purpleheart or a padauk inlay can transform a project. Here’s how to choose exotic woods, glue the oily…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Finishing Intermediate

Dyes colour the wood itself; stains sit on top. Learn the difference and you can colour any wood evenly — and make…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Finishing Intermediate

Mineral oil, board butter, hardwax oil or varnish? Match the finish to how the wood gets used — and know which…

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Project Plans Intermediate

The Adirondack chair defines summer relaxation. This cedar build uses simple joinery and a curved fan back for real…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Intermediate

The humble circular saw can cut cabinet-quality edges — if you pick the right saw, the right blade and a straightedge.

4 min readOct 17, 2026

Tools & Reviews Intermediate

A plane that chatters or tears out is almost always a tuning problem, not a bad tool. Here’s how to sharpen and set it…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Joinery & Techniques Intermediate

Epoxy and wood make stunning river tables and fills — if you choose the right resin and prepare properly. Here’s the…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Joinery & Techniques Intermediate

Box joints are strong, decorative and very achievable with one simple jig. Here’s how to build it and get gap-free…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Joinery & Techniques Intermediate

Turning is woodworking at speed. Learn the core cuts and one golden rule — ride the bevel — and the lathe stops…

3 min readOct 17, 2026

Joinery & Techniques Intermediate

Tables, chairs, doors and beds have relied on the mortise and tenon for thousands of years. Here’s how to cut one that…

3 min readOct 17, 2026