Woodworking Techniques

These classic techniques, jigs and know-how will help you simplify your time in the shop and bring an added level of precision to your work.

A Perfect Film Of GlueA Perfect Film Of Glue
Laying down a uniform film of glue that's just the right thickness can be tough.
Bowl SaverBowl Saver
It takes longer to sharpen a chisel than it does to repair the bowl.
Clamping TechniquesClamping Techniques
Once you've crafted a perfect joint, you've got to figure out the best way to clamp the parts together while the glue does its thing.
Close the Joint With ClothespinsClose the Joint With Clothespins
Sometimes you've got a project on the line that calls for a lot of clamps, but doesn't require a lot of clamp pressure.
Easy (and Instant) Crack RepairEasy (and Instant) Crack Repair
Instead of trying to pack a crack with wood dough to hide it, try this simple and effective repair using CA (cyanoacrylate) glue.
Easy Edge BandingEasy Edge Banding
Getting thin edge banding consistently bonded to the edge of a carcass piece can be dicey.
Get the Pressure in the Right SpotGet the Pressure in the Right Spot
If you want a successful glue-up, it's very important that you get the clamp pressure in exactly the right spot.
Glue as a FinishGlue as a Finish
Glue as a finish, you say? Incredible, but true. CA (cyanoacrylate) glue provides a beautiful glossy finish on small turned objects.
Glue Squeeze OutGlue Squeeze Out
An A-Peeling Way To Deal With Squeeze-Out
Gluing Up StavesGluing Up Staves
Clamping staves can be a challenge, since pieces tend to slide past each other once they're slippery with glue.
Homemade PlywoodHomemade Plywood
While solid wood box lids and doors are easy to make, they do have one really bad habit - they tend to cup or twist.
How Many Clamps?How Many Clamps?
It's not uncommon to look at a big edge-to-edge glue-up and wonder "Do I have enough clamps on that thing?"
No Chuck? No Problem!No Chuck? No Problem!
A number of lathe turning projects require that you turn a spindle without the benefit of a tailstock being in place to support the end.
Non-Permanent Glue JointsNon-Permanent Glue Joints
Use a paper joint for joints you can easily take apart.
Provide Closure For DovetailsProvide Closure For Dovetails
The best way to make a dovetail is to allow the end grain of the sockets to project slightly past the face grain of the tails, then pare the end grain flush after the glue is dry.
Right Tool for the JobRight Tool for the Job
Gluing parts together correctly isn't as simple as pouring a bunch of glue all over the surface and putting on a clamp.
Squaring a DoorSquaring a Door
Clamping rail and stile joints closed doesn't automatically guarantee that the door you made is perfectly square. 
That's Not a Defect, That's CharacterThat's Not a Defect, That's Character
I'm guilty of using material in my projects that many would consider too full of defects to use.
Using Clamping BlocksUsing Clamping Blocks
Some projects just don't lend themselves to conventional clamping techniques.
Wood StabilizerWood Stabilizer
Here's how you can stabilize an irregular shaped blank for turning.
Adjustable Shelf Hole JigAdjustable Shelf Hole Jig
Here's an incredibly fast way to punch adjustable shelf holes in a cabinet case.
Classic Box JointsClassic Box Joints
Spice Up Your Drawers and Boxes with Classic Box Joints
Dado GaugeDado Gauge
Simplify setting up your stackable dado by using an easy to make Dado Gauge.
Dovetail Jig TipsDovetail Jig Tips
Cutting dovetails on a router-based jig is certainly easier than cutting them by hand. Still, there's a little bit of a learning curve. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your jig.
Doweling JigDoweling Jig
Build Face Frames Fast with a Shop-made Doweling Jig
Drill Press Mortising FenceDrill Press Mortising Fence
A pair of hold-downs turn a simple fence into a secure mortising jig.
Half-Lap MitersHalf-Lap Miters
Build Stronger Frames with Half-lap Miter Joints
Jig-Cut TenonsJig-Cut Tenons
Cut precise tenons with a shop-made jig and a standard saw blade.
Jointer FenceJointer Fence
Rout Airtight Edge Joints with a Jointer Fence
Jointing on the Router TableJointing on the Router Table
A simple shop-made fence can turn your router table into a jointer that works great for cleaning up edges.
Loose Tenons Made Simple with beadLOCK®Loose Tenons Made Simple with beadLOCK®
If you can draw a line and drill holes, you can make mortise-and-tenon joints quickly and easily with this jig.
Miter Joints With SplinesMiter Joints With Splines
A stone-simple jig makes it easy to cut mitered spline joints on your router table.
Mortise & TenonMortise & Tenon
A mortise and tenon is one of the most ubiquitous and useful means to join wood together.
Mortise & Tenon: Know the PartsMortise & Tenon: Know the Parts
While it may seem a bit over the top, there are at least nine parts to label when it comes to a run of the mill mortise and tenon. 
Mortise & Tenon: Styles & TypesMortise & Tenon: Styles & Types
Just because they are all called by the same general name, mortise and tenon, does not mean that they are identical.
Panel Clamping StandsPanel Clamping Stands
Edge-glued butt joints are much easier to clamp with these simple shop jigs.
Perfect Dadoes Every TimePerfect Dadoes Every Time
A shop-made jig easily solves your perfect dado problems.
Small Parts SledSmall Parts Sled
You can easily and safely rip small parts using this table saw sled.
Applying Plastic LaminateApplying Plastic Laminate
Toughen up your work surfaces and jig facings with plastic laminate.
Avoiding Router TearoutAvoiding Router Tearout
Put an end to splintery corners, blown-out edges and ragged profiles with a few simple routing tips. Here are six worth trying.
Building Open Mortise & Tenon JointsBuilding Open Mortise & Tenon Joints
A table saw is all you need to make this sturdy variation of a mortise and tenon joint.
Cleaner Cuts with a Miter SawCleaner Cuts with a Miter Saw
Don't settle for raggedy edges from your miter saw. Just follow a few easy tips for crisp, cleaner cutting.
Cutting Corner Lap JointsCutting Corner Lap Joints
A table saw and dado blade will make quick work of this eye-catching, interlocking corner joint.
Cutting Tenons with a Dado BladeCutting Tenons with a Dado Blade
Make short work of cutting tenons with a stacked dado blade.
Dentil Molding on the Table SawDentil Molding on the Table Saw
Make dazzling moldings with an indexed miter gauge fence and a dado blade.
Drilling MortisesDrilling Mortises
Here's how to make quick work of mortising with a drill press and Forstner bit.
Installing Wood PlugsInstalling Wood Plugs
Replace messy, mismatched wood putties with custom wood plugs you make yourself.
Making a Rabbet-and-Dado Corner JointMaking a Rabbet-and-Dado Corner Joint
Even the thinnest of tongues offers plenty of strength to this refined rabbet-and-dado joint variation.
Making Spline-miter Box JointsMaking Spline-miter Box Joints
Splines can add strength and style to mitered box joints.
Making Straight Cuts with a Circular SawMaking Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw
Every shop should have a circular saw. A couple of simple jigs will keep it cutting straight and true.
Making Tongue-and-Groove JointsMaking Tongue-and-Groove Joints
What do you get when you cross two rabbets with a dado? A simple, multipurpose joint you'll make again and again.
Making Zero Clearance ThroatplatesMaking Zero Clearance Throatplates
Enhance your table saw's cutting quality and safety with a zero-clearance throatplate.
Mortising on a Router TableMortising on a Router Table
There are lots of ways to "skin" a mortise. Your router table is one of the quickest and most foolproof options.
Perfect Fitting LidsPerfect Fitting Lids
One of the slickest ways to get the lid of a box to fit the box perfectly is to assemble all six sides of a box into one piece - and then cut the lid from the box.
Quick and Easy TaperingQuick and Easy Tapering
Tapering is a simple and safe operation with the right jig. Build our version from scrap, and you'll be ripping tapers in no time flat.
Raising Panels with a Table SawRaising Panels with a Table Saw
Classic cabinet doors are within easy reach for your projects when you learn how to raise panels. All you need is a table saw!
ResawingResawing
If you've got a band saw, you can resaw 3/4" material down the middle to make the perfect sides and ends for small boxes.
Ripping Unrippable EdgesRipping Unrippable Edges
When neither edge is flat, you have options.
Simple Shelving JointsSimple Shelving Joints
"Rightsize" undersized plywood with a rabbet and dado.
Tuning Up a Benchtop Band SawTuning Up a Benchtop Band Saw
A little elbow grease will help keep your saw singing a sweet tune.
Double-Strip Battery Charging ShelfDouble-Strip Battery Charging Shelf
With the number of tools now powered by batteries, shop owners are finding that a charging station is becoming a "must-have" fixture.
Harvest TrivetHarvest Trivet
Protect your dining table from hot serving ware while adding a touch of seasonal beauty, with this leaf-theme trivet.
Keepsake BoxKeepsake Box
Here's a simple and fun way to make a band saw-style lidded box with your scroll saw.
'Last Man Standing' Peg Game'Last Man Standing' Peg Game
This stocking stuffer is made to travel with built-in peg storage.
Leaf SconceLeaf Sconce
Surprise a candle lover in your family with this scroll-sawn wall accent. It's a gift you can make in an afternoon.
Nameplate Wall PlaqueNameplate Wall Plaque
These personalized nameplates make great gifts for kids, just in time for the holidays.
Photo StatuettesPhoto Statuettes
Bring your favorite kids, sports or pet photos to life by turning them into three-dimensional statuettes. They're simple to build, and they make fun conversation pieces for the home or office.
Saw-Shaped XylophoneSaw-Shaped Xylophone
Even if your youngster is too little for a real hand saw, our xylophone saw toy is safe for tool lovers of all ages. Build one for the little one ... and one for you, too!
Scroll Saw Blade CaddyScroll Saw Blade Caddy
A few pieces of scrap and a sheet of Plexiglas will bring order to your diverse collection of scroll saw blades.
Scroll Sawn Picture FrameScroll Sawn Picture Frame
Surround your favorite 5 x 7 photograph with a unique floral pattern and catch a few scroll sawing tips while you're at it.
Snowflake OrnamentSnowflake Ornament
Add a little more sparkle to your Christmas tree with this scroll-sawn brass snowflake ornament.
Snowflake TrivetSnowflake Trivet
Bring a touch of wintery splendor indoors while protecting your dining table from hot serving ware with this snowflake-themed trivet.
Starry NightlightsStarry Nightlights
Help your little astronaut brave those dark nights in space with one of these Starry Nightlights you can make in about an hour.
Sunshine Wind ChimesSunshine Wind Chimes
A few scraps of exterior lumber and a bit of hardware are all you need to turn the next breezy day into gentle melodies.
White Oak TrivetWhite Oak Trivet
This lovely oak leaf pattern is complex enough to make the project fun, but simple enough so that you don't have to invest hours in the project.
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