Woodworking New Year’s Resolutions That Actually Make You a Better Woodworker
A new year is the perfect time to slow down, sharpen your tools, and focus on the habits that truly improve your woodworking. This post explores simple, realistic resolutions that help you build better work, enjoy the process more, and grow steadily at the bench.
Stop Over Sanding Your Projects
Over sanding can quietly ruin good woodworking, especially when 220 grit is treated as a rule instead of a choice. This post explains why less sanding often leads to cleaner details, better surfaces, and work that keeps its character.
You Do Not Need Perfect Lumber to Build Good Furniture
You do not need perfect lumber to build good furniture. This post explains how understanding reference surfaces, joinery, and wood behavior allows you to turn imperfect boards into strong, well made pieces with character.
Why Your Finish Feels Sticky (Even After Days of Drying)
A sticky finish is one of the most common frustrations in woodworking, and it’s almost always caused by application or shop conditions rather than the finish itself. This post breaks down why it happens, how to fix it, and how a thin, controlled approach to finishing can make all the difference.
The Best Finishes for Everyday Projects
Choosing the right finish can make or break a woodworking project, and this post breaks down the durable, practical finishes I rely on most, from a simple homemade blend to outdoor, food safe, and specialty UV options.
Why Traditional Joinery Still Beats Screws & Nails
Traditional joinery combines strength, beauty, and craftsmanship in ways that screws and nails simply can’t match.
How Moisture Content Affects Your Project
If wood has a personality trait, it is that it never stops moving.
A Guide to Domestic Hardwoods: Walnut, Cherry, Oak & Maple
Understanding the characteristics, strengths, and best uses of America’s most beloved woods.
André Jacob Roubo’s Workbench
André Jacob Roubo (1739–1791) was a French carpenter, cabinetmaker, and author whose legacy rests largely on his monumental treatise L’Art du Menuisier (“The Art of the Carpenter”).
