Dealing with Woodworking Mistakes

Because the universe of possible foul-ups is limitless, it’s as important to learn to deal with mistakes as it is to learn to sharpen a chisel or adjust a tablesaw. Finding the right remedy is the challenge. In this article, Fine Woodworking’s Sandor Nagyszalanczy collects methods for dealing with common woodworking mistakes. More than a dozen professional woodworkers’ strategies are detailed, including how to deal with short cuts, repairing and covering up defects, tightening loose fits, warped panels and parts, assembly and finishing failures, and how to remember your mistakes so you learn from them. Side information talks about avoiding mistakes by using good design and careful measuring, along with tips for cutting and machining parts, assembly and glue-up, finishing, and time management.

From Fine Woodworking #95