Woodworking - Woodwaker

Sanding Mastery: Elevate Your Woodworking Skills with Reclaimed, Exotic, and Plywood Woods

Woodworking is a versatile and fulfilling hobby that allows you to create beautiful and functional pieces from various types of wood. One of the critical aspects of woodworking is sanding, which ensures a smooth, professional finish for your projects. Sanding is the process of abrading the wood surface using sandpaper or other abrasive materials to achieve the desired smoothness and finish. This post will delve into the intricacies of sanding for woodworking with reclaimed, exotic, and plywood woods, guiding you through essential techniques and tips to enhance your woodworking skills. Sanding for Woodworking with Reclaimed Wood Reclaimed wood offers … Read More

Picking the right Sander for your Woodworking project

Woodworking is a rewarding and fulfilling hobby or profession that allows you to create stunning pieces of art or functional items from wood. A critical aspect of woodworking is the sanding process, which refines and smooths the surface of the wood, preparing it for finishing or further shaping. Choosing the right sander and understanding sanding techniques are essential for achieving the best results in your woodworking projects. This guide will provide you with detailed information on various types of sanders, their uses, and essential tips to help you master the art of sanding in woodworking. How to Choose the … Read More

Choosing the Right Sandpaper for Your Woodworking Project: A Comprehensive Guide

Woodworking is a rewarding and creative activity that allows you to create beautiful and functional pieces from various types of wood. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced woodworker, one of the key aspects of producing quality work is ensuring a smooth, well-finished surface. Sandpaper plays a vital role in this process by helping you remove imperfections, prepare surfaces for finishes, and achieve the desired level of smoothness. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the different types of sandpaper, how to choose the right one for your project, and how to use it effectively to achieve the … Read More

Does Wood Glue Work on Painted Wood? A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving a Strong Bond

Wood glue is an indispensable resource for woodworkers, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts alike, offering the ability to securely join wooden pieces together. But what happens when you’re working with painted wood? Does wood glue work on painted wood, and if so, how can you achieve the best bond? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ins and outs of using wood glue on painted surfaces, discussing how to properly prepare the wood, apply the glue, select the right type of adhesive, and more. With over 2000 words of expert advice, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle your next woodworking … Read More

The Ultimate Guide to PVA Glue for Woodworking Enthusiasts

As a woodworker or DIY aficionado, you’re likely familiar with polyvinyl acetate, more commonly known as PVA glue. This versatile, cost-effective, and user-friendly adhesive has become a go-to for bonding wood and other porous materials. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of PVA glue, exploring its composition, how it functions, and the best way to use it with wood. Additionally, we’ll discuss proper storage techniques and recommend some of the top PVA glues for woodworking projects. Discovering PVA Glue PVA is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer that appears colorless and odorless. As a non-toxic adhesive, it’s perfect … Read More

How to use Wood Glue – Everything you need to know to picking and applying wood glue

The correct wood glue can assist you in creating long-lasting bindings on your woodworking projects. A lot of new woodworkers are surprised to learn that wood glue is often the strongest method for joining two pieces of wood together. It can hold better than screws or nails, and in most cases the glue is actually stronger than the wood it’s holding together. However, not all wood adhesives are appropriate for every use. There are so many different kinds available and we tend to evaluate them based on their strength alone, which isn’t always the most important factor in choosing … Read More

How to best store Wood Glue to stop it from going Bad or Expire

If you are like me you probably have a few tubes of glue laying around in your workshop that haven’t been used for some time. You might not be sure if it is still usable or if you should just throw it away and get a new tube. There are a few ways to ensure that the Wood Glue lasts as long as possible, in this post we’ll outline a few tips to extend that shelf life. Can Wood Glue expire or go bad? The truth is that wood glue can go bad and should be discarded in that … Read More

How to best properly Firewood – What to think about and how to best keep it dry

Storing firewood is a big part of preparing firewood for the winter. Once the firewood has been cut it is critical to select an appropriate storage method in order to safeguard all your hard labor and money spent. After spending a lot of time chopping and cutting, the last thing you would want to do is throw it in a pile and simply hope it survives the winter. The elements can be harsh, and wood is especially vulnerable to weather conditions such as rain and snow. Inadequate wood storage could result in firewood that is damp, unseasoned, and vulnerable … Read More

Cutting Firewood – What you need, safety and what season to cut

With electricity and heating costs continue to increase, many homeowners are looking for a break by cutting their own firewood. Something that might not be completely clear to many is how to actually acquire the firewood. Firewood – cutting your own or purchasing, what the best? Wood should ideally be collected and prepared at least six months before it is used in your stove. Particularly if you have access to fresh wood. Always try to thoroughly dry the wood before burning it. If you prepare the firewood early in the spring, it may dry out over the summer. Keep … Read More

SKIL Brushless Cordless Electric Chainsaw 5

User test of the SKIL 40-volt 14-in Brushless Cordless Electric Chainsaw 2.5 Ah

Review of the SKIL 40-volt 14-in Brushless Cordless Electric Chainsaw 2.5 Ah My house is on an acre of land with many (way too many) large pine trees and other tree species in both backyards, and for many years I used a craftsman’s 16-inch corded chainsaw suitable for general maintenance, including logging some relatively large trees. However, about three months ago, during a violent storm, a lightning bolt hit a very old, large red oak tree just behind my property, and a large branch broke in the middle of the tree. This main branch has three other big branches. … Read More

When should you use Tung oil for wood finish

What is Tung Oil pure tongue oil is made from the nuts of the tongue tree. tongue trees are found in Asia and South America and the oil has been used as a wood finish for thousands of years. It remains popular today because in its pure form Tung oil is more durable than some other natural finishes such as linseed oil. It does add a slight amber hue to light colored wood but it doesn’t darken over time or go rancid like linseed oil might, it is also food safe and water resistant it’s also Eco-friendly and it doesn’t put … Read More

How to Apply Shellac

What is Shellac Shellac is a traditional finish, it is a natural resin. Resin is kind of like epoxy but it’s not as strong as man-made epoxy but still very good and because it’s an alcohol it absorbs deep into the grain and is great for a first coat. Shellac will bring out the natural grain patterns of your wood and give it a nice finish. How to Apply Shellac Frequent Questions About Shellac If you have any questions not answered here, post them below and we’ll add them!

Chainsaw For Beginners: Use, Technique & Equipment

All handling of a chainsaw should always be done with the utmost respect. If the chainsaw is used incorrectly or carelessly, an accident can quickly occur with drastic consequences in the form of injuries. If you are a beginner, it is important to learn the basics of how a chainsaw should be used, whether it is through a course for chainsaw driving licenses or from someone in your circle of acquaintances who has that knowledge and can share. Here is a checklist of things to keep in mind before and while using a chainsaw: Things to think about Before … Read More

Chainsaws for Beginners: Tips & Buying Guide

Previously, chainsaws were mostly used by farmers and woodworkers, but as they have become lighter and less expensive, it is becoming more common for homeowners to own one. This means they can be used to quickly cut down smaller trees, cut wood for the fire, and so on without the need for professional assistance. Another reason for the increased popularity of chainsaws among homeowners is that they can now be powered by electricity rather than gasoline. There is a significant difference between what is considered a good chainsaw and what is the best chainsaw for you and the job … Read More

EGO Power+ CS1804 18-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Chain Saw

User Test Review Got the EGO 18″ to replace a older 16″ battery-powered model that was leaking oil like crazy in order to clear and cut down the fallen trees on my land. The saw comes fully assembled, packaged and ready to use but you will need to add some bar and chain oil before getting started. The EGO is one of the only battery-operated models that comes with an 18″ blade. The battery has a visible display that shows how much the battery is charged and changes throughout the charging process, upon inserting the battery in the charger, … Read More

Electric vs Petrol Chainsaw: Benefits, Differences & Use cases

Electric and battery-powered or petrol-powered, what type of chainsaw should you get? Since I have seen some confusion, I thought I would go through the differences between the different types, and the benefits of each so that you can more easily make a decision about which one suits you best. I know it can be confusing to buy a chainsaw, so hopefully this guide can help you in your decision. So what are the major differences between electric and gasoline powered chainsaws? Petrol-powered is generally more expensive, but is also stronger and can handle heavier wood work. Gasoline also … Read More

What are the Benefits of Electric Chainsaws and what they are Best Used For

The power source used to run the saw distinguishes a traditional chainsaw from an electric chainsaw. The names indicate the different models, with the electric powered by, you guessed it, electricity, and the regular powered by a fuel mixture of gasoline and oil. Electric chainsaws have become more widely available in a variety of settings in recent years, and consumers now have a wide range of models from which to choose. There are some considerations to make depending on the type of work you intend to do with your chainsaw and how heavily you intend to use it. Electric … Read More

Best Protective Gear for Chainsaw use (Most Important clothes & Tips)

When using a chainsaw, safety is key. There is always a risk of being injured while using a chainsaw, even for very experienced users. There are many types of protective gear and clothing and all have different types of functionality, so it is important you pick the right gear. Get help from a knowledgeable person in the area to find clothes that fit really well so that the equipment fits correctly and does its job. The types of clothing that are suitable may also depend on the season and area of use. Should the clothes have been damaged or … Read More

All types of protective and safety equipment for chainsaw use

A chainsaw is a tool that you must have great respect for and handle with knowledge. If you are careless, sloppy or do not use it correctly, it can maen some large and serious injuries. One way to avoid really big accidents is to use good personal protective equipment and clothing from head to toe. It is important that the protective clothing fits well and correctly to provide the greatest protection. If they are damaged, they need to be replaced and replaced with new undamaged items. Safety boots or safety shoes You can find both safety boots and shoes … Read More

How to Service & Maintain your Chainsaw – Complete Beginner’s Guide

All forest and woodworking tools, especially chainsaws, last longer and work better if you show them a little love now and then. I have collected a lot of tricks that I have learned over the years that have helped me maximize the life of my equipment. It’s frustrating when the saw does not work, and it’s even worse to have to spend money on new parts. I firmly believe that you can fix and maintain most things on a chainsaw yourself as they are pretty simple tools. In this post I’ve included some tips on how to replace and … Read More

How To Safely Cut Down A Tree Yourself – Beginners Guide

Some of my readers have asked for a guide on how to properly fell a tree, so in this post you will learn how to safely cut down a tree on your own. Felling a tree is definitely not an easy thing to do, in most cases the smartest thing to do is to hire someone who does the work for you so nothing goes wrong. However, if you are determined to do it yourself, you will learn how to do it with this guide. Equipment Needed Before Tree Felling Having the right equipment and knowledge of how to … Read More

How to sharpen router bits

You’ve got a router and it started leaving rougher cuts? It’s probably time to clean and sharpen your bit.

Makita RP2301FC 3-1/4 HP plunge router review

The longer you work with Makita RP2301FC, the more you realize this plunge router was created by and for people who are serious about woodworking.

What is the strongest glue for wood projects?

Are all wood glues essentially the same or should you spend a little more money for the best or ultimate glue? In this article, we’ll examine a number of different brands to determine which ones are actually that much superior to the competition. PVA glue is likely the strongest wood glue you can use. Since it depends on the wood, the joint, the wood’s orientation, whether it is inside or outside, and many other factors, we say probably. PVA glue is regarded as one of the strongest glue types because it typically reacts better than most other glues in … Read More

Waxed vs. dewaxed shellac

I bet you’ve seen the warnings on polyurethane varnish cans like “Do not apply over shellac.” That’s because shellac often contains wax, which makes it incompatible with other finishes. When the wax is removed, these adhesion problems disappear and you have one of the most useful tools for finishing at hand. Dewaxed shellac works perfectly as a coat between finishes that are not compatible. If you want to put water-based poly over an oil stain, you need to use dewaxed shellac between them. Want to put a fresh coat of finish on an old piece? Use a coat of … Read More

What to do with sawdust?

We’ve all got a lot of sawdust laying around right? If you are like me, you probably get tons of sawdust as you work and end up throwing it away. Instead, here are some ideas on what to do with it. Keep in mind that is important to remove and clean out your workspace from sawdust as it can be a main driver in workshop fires. Use it the garden as mulch Sawdust makes a great garden mulch! Wood is an amazing source of nutrients for the plants. Spread the sawdust on the top of your soil, do not … Read More

Sawdust collection for routers

If you’re sensitive to sawdust and want to keep your shop clean, you should reduce the amount of sawdust your router produces. It is also important to clean up your sawdust as it is one of the main risks to starting a fire in your workshop. There’s a number of optional accessories that will fit your router or attach to your router table and will help it throw less of unnecessary particles around. An efficient way to limit sawdust output is to collect it right at the source. There is no flawless solution for sucking up sawdust, but the … Read More

The 3 routers I have at my home workshop

Currently, I have 3 routers at my shop. A handheld micro, a small, and a medium router. I know many of you are just starting your adventure with woodworking, and are dreaming about buying your first router. I wanted to share my experience with using a number of routers over the years, and why I settled on these simple, popular ones in the end. My home routers are a pretty regular combination: a tiny handheld, a small and a medium. I don’t really feel the need for a large router at my home shop. The tiny one – Bosch … Read More

How to remove rust and protect your items against it

You don’t need to throw away your rusted tools. Using a few dust removal products will make them like new again. I bought an old, rusted table saw at a local auction. It was a great deal, but I was afraid the rust was in too deep. Luckily, the condition of the table was actually better than it looked on the outside. Derusting We’ve got a few options that will help restore our rusty items. I usually combine all of them as everyone has its strengths and weaknesses. Start with a wire brush Start with cleaning the item and … Read More

Router cleaning and maintenance

Most people I know never do maintenance on their router. It’s a recipe for disaster. Your router needs to be tuned-up on a regular interval. You just need to spend five minutes every few months to make sure your router will be running well for years. How to clean the body of a Router You need to keep the inside of your router clean. Separate the motor unit from the base and clean both. Start with the motor housing. Don’t forget about cleaning the height adjusting mechanism. To keep the body in good condition, you should lubricate the sliding … Read More

Best keyless chucks for drills

Can you change your drill bit without using a key? Sure you can. Just get a keyless chuck. Always losing your chuck key? I can relate. Of course, there’s a solution to this problem. You can replace you trusty trill chuck with a keyless chuck. Essentially, all keyless chuck models work the same. You grab the base with one hand and rotate the outer body of the keyless chuck with your other hand. This will make the jaws to move and release or grip your bit. Keyless chucks for drills have double the teeth Because of their internal structure, … Read More

How to edgeband plywood using veneer edging

A few strips of veneer edging and some easy tricks are all you need to conceal a plywood edge. One of my favorite techniques of hiding edges on a plywood project is to add a trip of edge-banding or veneer. It’s a ribbon made out of wood, that is the thickness of a thick paper piece. First, you need to be sure that your edging is big enough to cover the area that you’re working on. Always leave a bit of space for mistakes. You need to buy a veneer that will match the color of your project. Luckily, … Read More

Why use abrasive pads for sanding instead of sandpaper or steel wool

Abrasive pads don’t stuff up like sandpaper or leavy bits behind like steel wool. If you want to get the smoothest finish on your project, you should polish in between coats. This eliminates any imperfections that can be caused by air bubbles or dust. In the past, I used steel wool or sandpaper in between coats. Recently, my buddy brought me some abrasive pads. Turns out they work really well. They don’t clog up like sandpaper all the time, so they last longer. They don’t leave tiny particles behind like steel wool, so I don’t have to clean after … Read More

How to sand a surface flat using a belt sander

What’s the easiest way to make a wooden surface flat? Using a belt sander and this quick five-step process. Check out my favorite belt sander if you don’t have one yet: It happens so often to all of us. You’re gluing up several pieces of wood to make a tabletop. Then as you clamp them together, the wood shifts and you end up with a surface that isn’t flat. One of the best ways to even it out is to use a belt sander. Leveling a wooden surface is a simple five-step process. Clean the surface Clean out the … Read More

How to prevent a fire in your woodworking workshop

Fire in their workshop is something most people who work with wood fear. Safe use of tools, equipment and disposal of combustibles can reduce the risk to a minimum, even if the chance is always there. Like many woodworkers, I have dozens of different containers filled with flammable solvents and finishers on my shelves. I’ve read the warnings about how flammable some products are. Still, I never believed a fire could happen in my workshop. Turns out it did. One day, my buddy had just finished wiping the last coat of oil on a desk he was making. Just … Read More

The Workshop Book by Scott Landis Review

The Workshop Book by Scott Landis, is a fantastic read. I was curious to get a good perspective of the many home and professional workshops Landis visited while writing this book. A concept book The book is filled with tons of creative ideas for tool and wood storage, self-made tools, accessories, workshop location, and layouts. Some of the concepts can be lifted right out of the book. Others have to be adapted to your particular case. One woodworker that Lannis documented found an innovative solution to the space limitations of a small garage shop. He cut the garage in … Read More

Router table guide

The router revolutionized home shop woodworking. It’s an incredible tool. It’s capable of doing anything from edge-shaping to making sliding dovetail joints. It didn’t take long for innovative woodworkers to discover that mounting their router in a table adds a whole new dimension to an already useful tool. No time to read the whole thing? Here are my picks: Best Overall Floor Table Best Benchtop Value Benchtop Budget Benchtop A router table offers several benefits: Today there are hundreds of manufactured tables that, when combined with a one to three-hp router approach, will come close to the capabilities of … Read More