Tricks of the Trade
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Using Poplar as a Cherry Trim Substitute
When this reader couldn’t come up with a cherry trim for his family room, he got some surprising results from a cheaper option: poplar.
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VIDEO: Brushing Top Coats and Cleaning Brushes
Learn how to apply a smooth top coat using a brush. We demonstrate how to brush on a varnish finish and tip off the finish. Plus learn the best way to clean your brush once you’re done.
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VIDEO: Cutting Keyhole Slots
Keyhole slots are a great way to hang a picture or plaque on a wall. Keyhole slots are cut using a router and a keyhole bit. Learn how to set up your router and cut a keyhole slot.
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VIDEO: How to Resaw Lumber with a Band Saw
We show you the best types of blades for resawing, the best type of fence for resawing, and the best band saw features to look for when you want to make resaw cuts.
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VIDEO: Turning Hollow Vessels
Rob Johnstone takes you through the basics of using a hollowing tool to turn a hollow vessel on a lathe.
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VIDEO: Cutting Circular Pieces with a Band Saw
Chris Marshall shows off his technique for turning a segmented frame into a smooth circle using a band saw without a jig.
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Video: Prepping Wood for Water-Based Finishes
Water-based finishes can raise the grain fibers, leaving a rough surface. Before applying water-based finishes, follow these simple steps for a smooth finish.
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VIDEO: How to Cut Tenons with a Table Saw
Learn how to cut accurate tenons using a table saw. You can use a regular saw blade or a dado set to cut the tenons for mortise and tenon joints.
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Doweling Jig Doubles as a Drill Press
Need to drill a hole in a long workpiece but don’t have a drill press? This reader puts his doweling jig into service and finds it works just as good.
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Clamp Slots Take the Place of Bench Dogs
This reader came up with a space saving trick to give himself a more fully featured workbench even where his shop size was limited.
