Q & A
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Biscuits or Mortise and Tenons
Can you use biscuits instead of mortise and tenon joints?
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How to Cut Accurate Circles in Plywood?
This reader wants to cut accurate circles in a top grade of plywood to be made into Lazy Susans. Our experts weigh in on the best jigs and methods to help ease the task.
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How Much Gap Should I Leave Around Cabinet Doors?
I am building a jelly cabinet, which is half of a pie safe, using red oak. I am confused as to what the gap or reveal should be between the door and frame.
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How to Deal with Pitchy Pine
Is there a way to not get sappy when working with resinous pine? Our expert finisher weighs in.
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How to Repair Scuffed Lacquer
Repairing scuffed lacquer is a task that can be frustrating. Here are a few easy tips to help ensure your success.
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What Is the Best Finish for Marquetry
Marquetry images don’t see a lot of wear and tear — so what’s the best finish option?
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Finishing Options for Garden Beds?
What’s the best finish option for an outdoor raised garden bed? Can your finish provide the properties you want for your wood when used outdoors?
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Should I Stick with Distilled Water?
Should I switch the water in my paint solution from distilled to “ordinary” well water in the sprayer when I paint my house?
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Why Did Red Stain Turn Brown?
What caused a red oil-based stain to turn brown after six years? It isn’t sunlight, and the color shift is uniform over the whole piece.
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Pigment-free Paint for Outdoor Bench?
Is non-pigmented paint the best way to topcoat the pressure-treated slats on my outdoor bench? I once read that it’s preferable to pigmented paint. True?
