Q & A
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Sealing in Sap on a Pine Slab?
Before I topcoat a pine slab for use as a coffee table top, what’s the best way to seal in the liquid sap that’s still oozing out of the wood?
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Best Protective Birdhouse Finish?
How do I keep a painted birdhouse’s colors from fading in the sun if I leave it out year-round? Is there a best paint to use?
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When to Install a Butterfly Key?
Should I surface a cherry slab in a thickness sander to smooth its faces before or after installing a butterfly key joint?
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Patch or Replace a Centerboard?
My wooden sailboat’s centerboard is shredded. I’m considering repairing the original, but it will still be a lot of work. Should I make a new one instead?
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Is Toning My Best Solution?
What stain and topcoat do I need to match these two finishes? Is toning the right approach here, or should I try some other technique?
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Cutting Stool’s Angled Shoulders?
How do I make a pair of angled shoulder cuts on my step stool project if my table saw blade only tilts in one direction?
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Faster Box Joints Tip
Unlike every other method I’ve seen for making box joints on the table saw, I double up the workpieces instead of cutting them one at a time.
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Why is Ironwood So Heavy?
What’s the scientific reason for why ironwood is so heavy? Does it have to do with slow growth and a “bunching up” property when cut?
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Best Finish for Bookstore Shelves?
We want a finish for our spruce bookstore shelves that will keep them looking natural. Would an oil be the best way to go, or will it soak into the pages?
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Good Finish for Bamboo?
Expert argues that a little wax, oil or no finish at all are good options for naturally oily, self-lubricating bamboo. Yesteryear’s “slip stick” offers proof.
