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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 create …

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 …

Track and circular saws serve distinct purposes in the world of woodworking and construction. While both tools can make straight cuts, they have significant differences that typically prevent a straightforward conversion from one tool to the other. Here are some key reasons why a circular saw can't convert into a track saw. Base DesignOne of the primary differences between a circular saw and a track saw is their base design. A track saw features a specialized base with a groove that fi …

Achieving dead-straight dados and rabbets isn’t something you can free-hand. With the right tools and techniques, your woodworking projects can become nothing short of straight-line perfection. Explore three ways to achieve perfectly straight dados and rabbets with a router.Utilize Rigid Aluminum Guides and a Grooving AccessoryConsider using rigid aluminum guides, like the UJK ProGrip Clamp, in combination with a grooving accessory, such as the UJK Universal Grooving Jig. These accessories provi …

Many woodworking projects start with sheet good processing—that is, taking full-size sheets of plywood, MDF, or particleboard and cutting them into smaller panels for your specific project. While working with these large sheet goods may seem challenging, having the right tools—namely a track saw, parallel guide system, and guide rail square—can make this process easier and more accurate. Let’s explore the fastest way to break down sheet goods with a track saw. Step 1: Start With a Known Straight …

Square lumber and square cuts are the foundation of many a woodworking project, from crafting a unique piece of fine furniture to building custom casework and cabinets. The ability to make square cuts is fundamentally crucial in achieving professional-grade results, so let’s discuss one quick and easy way to dial in your cuts for squareness: the five-cut method.What Is the Five-Cut Method?The Five-Cut Method is a technique used to determine the squareness of a sheet good panel. It’s a straightfo …

Woodworking is a rewarding craft, but even the most experienced woodworkers face mistakes that only appear during the glue-up and assembly phase. It's frustrating when mistakes that seemed invisible earlier suddenly become glaringly obvious. To save time, materials, and sanity, review these tips to avoid common glue-up and assembly mistakes that often only appear after you’ve invested hours in a project.Dry Fit Your PiecesBefore applying glue, always dry fit your pieces. This step helps you iden …

The Festool Domino is a game-changer in the world of woodworking, renowned for its ability to create strong, precise, and efficient floating tenon joinery. Woodworkers must understand the tool’s nuances and employ the right techniques to harness its full potential and achieve the best possible results. Explore some essential ways to get the best results with your Festool Domino in this article.1. Perfect Your Setup and CalibrationEnsure you set up your Festool Domino correctly and calibrate it a …

While a drill press is a fantastic tool for drilling perpendicular holes consistently, not every woodworker has access to one. Perhaps the project has matured to a stage where you can no longer “bring the workpiece to the tool.” Fortunately, there are other ways to drill perpendicular holes without a drill press.Using Plywood Drill Guides One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to drill perpendicular holes without a drill press is by creating plywood drill guides. Here's how to do it …

A well-organized woodshop is essential for a smooth workflow and efficient woodworking projects—we’ll even call it a prerequisite. By implementing a systematic approach to organizing your woodshop, you can maximize productivity, minimize clutter, and create a safe and inspiring environment for your craft. Assess Your SpaceBefore diving into the organization process, evaluate your woodshop space. Consider the size, layout, and any limitations you may have. Take note of windows, doors, power outle …