Aluminum oxide sandpaper cuts through wood, metal, and paint very easily. It stays sharp much longer than garnet or silicon carbide for most tasks. This strong abrasive is made from bauxite ore and is popular in workshops because it sharpens…
A thickness planer turns rough, uneven wood into smooth boards with the same thickness. It quickly changes twisted or rough lumber into clean, flat boards ready for joinery or finishing. Many woodworkers use a planer at home to save money…
An orbital sander can smooth rough wood much more quickly than manual sanding. These disks cycle at high speed while also vibrating, removing defects without creating swirl marks. This makes them perfect for use in DIY furniture and professional woodwork. Orbital Sander Basics:…
Spar varnish is a hard finish created for outdoor use and on boats. It shields wood from the sun, rain and harsh weather. That is why it is so often used on boats, outdoor furniture, porch swings, railing and decks. While standard…
One of the favorite materials used by DIY enthusiasts is chalk paint, which can make old furniture look brand new with little to no effort. You can paint dressers, chairs, tables, and cabinets without heavy sanding or priming. That is…
Food-safe wood glue is made for kitchen woodworking projects like cutting boards, salad bowls, spoons, and serving trays. Once fully cured, this glue does not leak harmful chemicals into food. That makes it safe for daily chopping, washing, and serving.…
A drum sander is a powerful woodworking machine used to make wood very flat and smooth. It is much faster and more even than hand sanders. Woodworkers use drum sanders to prepare tabletops, panels, cabinet doors, and flooring. Instead of…
Tannins in wood are natural compounds that help protect trees from insects, rot and other threats. They’re a tree’s best defense mechanism. Although tannins confer durability to wood, they can pose other kinds of problems for woodworkers: dark stains, color shifts and paint…
Carpenters use wood to make houses, furniture and lots of useful stuff. But not all carpenters do the same job. Some specialize in strong building frames, while others concern themselves with fine details like cabinets and furniture. Carpentry is categorized according to the…
Ammonia fuming is a unique wood finishing process that brings out grain without using paint or stain.  Instead of brushing anything on the surface, the wood changes color from the inside. The result is a rich, smoky appearance which highlights the grain…
