Tricks of the Trade
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Bags Keep Your Finish Fresher
This reader’s solution to preventing his finish from drying out in the can is surprisingly simple, but extremely effective.
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Another Way to Cut Veneer
This reader didn’t want to buy a specialized tool just to cut thin veneer, so he turned to a tool from another hobby to do the job just as well.
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VIDEO: Substitutes for Mahogany
Mahogany is many woodworker’s favorite woods to work with, but it’s not always available when or where you need it.
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A Quick Trim for Binding Drawer Slides
Have you ever made a drawer slightly too wide so that the slides bind? This reader did and he shares his solution.
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Test Fitting Dowel Joints
Dry-fitting a dowel joint is a must before you glue it together, but the dowels are made to such tight tolerances that they can get stuck in their holes. This reader has a solution.
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VIDEO: A Cleaner Way to Putty Nail Holes
A reader’s tip makes cleaning up excess wood putty a thing of the past, using something all of us already have in our workshops. Chris Marshall explains in this Tricks of the Trade video.
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Use a Bar Clamp as a Planing Backstop
Holding a box or drawer for final planing can be a challenge if your bench doesn’t have a vise or bench dog holes. This reader has a solution.
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DIY Wood Stain
An antique furniture restorer shares an old recipe for making a rich nut-brown wood stain.
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Locate Holes More Accurately with a Scratch Awl
It’s easier to center your drill bits on a hole location when the center has been marked with a scratch awl.
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Turning Your Chuck the Right Way
Do you ever get confused about which way to turn your drill press chuck key for tightening or loosening? This reader shares a simple tip to help you never forget.
