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Wood dust is more than just a nuisance—it’s a real hazard. While sweeping up chips might seem like the main concern, the fine airborne dust is the biggest threat. These particles are small enough to linger in the air and reach deep into your lungs, and over time, that exposure can have serious health consequences. Respiratory irritation, reduced lung function, and even cancer have all been linked to prolonged wood dust inhalation. The good news? A well-designed dust collection system …

Few tools offer the flexibility and capability of a router. From joinery and edge profiling to template work and full-scale production, the router earns its place as a cornerstone of any serious workshop. But while the tool itself is incredibly versatile, the results it delivers depend heavily on one key choice: the bit. Choosing the right router bit isn’t just about shape—it’s about material performance, precision, efficiency, and tool longevity. Whether you’re routing e …

Limited workspace shouldn't limit your woodworking capabilities. Whether you're navigating a small workshop, working in your driveway, or moving between jobsites, a reliable work surface is essential. Traditional workbenches serve well but consume valuable floor space and remain fixed in one location. A purpose-built portable workbench solves this challenge without sacrificing stability or functionality. This isn't about temporary solutions—it's about creating a legitimate workbench t …

Transitioning from weekend hobbyist to profitable woodworker requires more than just skill at the bench. Peter Eskildsen, owner of Peter's Custom Woodworking since 1993, has built a thriving business by mastering both craft and client relationships. His top strategies for woodworking profitability include: Taking small jobs that often lead to larger opportunities Building loyal client relationships for consistent work Being selective about which projects to accept Working efficiently with …

Can You Use a Track Saw Without a Guide Rail? Quick Answer: Yes, but it’s not recommended. A track saw is designed to deliver straight, precise cuts with minimal effort, but only when used with a guide rail. While you can technically run a track saw freehand, doing so sacrifices accuracy, increases safety risks, and can lead to wasted materials. You’re simply not getting the full benefit of the tool without a guide rail. In this blog, we’ll break down why guide rails are e …

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a woodworker, it’s that your workshop organization is never truly "done." No matter how dialed-in your setup seems today, a new tool, a new project, or just a better way of doing things will inevitably send you back to the drawing board. And honestly, that’s part of the fun. A well-organized shop isn’t just about keeping things tidy—it’s about making sure your storage solutions works with you, not against you. In …

Winter's approach means more than just a change in temperature for those of us with serious shops. Beyond the annual ritual of winterizing our homes, those of us who take our woodworking seriously face another critical task: protecting our workshops and the precision tools within them. The stakes are especially high for those of us working with cast iron tools, which are particularly vulnerable to the season's challenges. Whether you're in the humid Southeast where temperature swings can cr …

Finding the best woodworking gift for that family member or friend can be a bit of a beast, especially if you have no knowledge of the topic and don’t know where to start. Taking the time to shop for quality woodworking tools is an essential first step for the safety of your loved one and the longevity of their hobby or career. Take it from someone who has experienced a couple of close calls in the shop myself.  For birthday presents, Father’s Day gifts, Christmas gifts, or …

For on-the-go projects, the portability of a jobsite table saw is essential. Whether you're moving between jobsites or working within a space-constrained shop, you need a saw that can keep up without sacrificing performance. However, despite their convenience, contractor saws often come with compromises. Compared to large, stationary cabinet saws, they tend to lack the precision, power, and stability needed for more intricate or demanding cuts. The smaller table surface can limit support fo …

Jointing boards is a crucial step in woodworking and generally involves flattening one face and one edge of your stock. From there, a planer and table saw can be used to square and parallel the opposite edges, resulting in parallel and square stock ready for fine woodworking. While the jointer and planer have traditionally been the tools of choice for milling, many woodworkers wonder if a track saw can play a part in the process. We’ll explore the possibility of using a track saw to joint b …