How-To

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A Trick for Cutting Smooth Curves on the Bandsaw

Using the back edge of the bandsaw blade to pivot through curves leads to less waste and more accurate cuts

How to rub out a varnish to a mirror shine

Rubbing out allows you to adjust the sheen of a finish, while removing imperfections like dust nibs, runs, sags, or bumps from the surface.

Choosing the right wall anchors

Mario Rodriguez has gathered a range of wall anchors from toggles, to screws, to butterfly anchors and talks about how they work, where they are best used, and how to install them in drywall, plaster, and masonry.

Tips for drop-leaf tables

With Steve Latta's proven directions, rule and knuckle joints add class with little hassle.

Build a Shaker chest of drawers

Years of experience mending antiques led to the methods Tom McLaughlin used on this Shaker chest of drawers to ensure that it will live to be an antique someday, too.

Recent How-To Stories

How to make a rule joint

June 11, 2021

This joint links drop leaves to the tabletop and looks good with the leaves up or down.
The art of marquetry

June 9, 2021

Learn the double-bevel technique from a master of the medium.
Build an adjustable tablesaw L-fence

June 8, 2021

Rabbets, tenons, flush-trimming, miters, and pattern work all get significantly easier when you build an adjustable L-fence like this one by Bob Van Dyke
How to make a knuckle joint

June 2, 2021

Steve Latta demonstrates how to create a knuckle joint, the heart of a period drop leaf table.
Handplane a twist out of a board

June 1, 2021

To flatten a twisted board, Bob Van Dyke first determines which corners are highest and then systematically planes sections until the board is flat.
Create a continuous-grain apron and drawer

May 18, 2021

Mike Korsak demonstrates how to cut the apron and drawer front from the same board for perfect continuous grain.
Add Richness to Mahogany

May 14, 2021

This recipe creates an aged look for new mahogany.
What to Think About When Designing Any Table

May 12, 2021

Although tables come in many designs, there are a few basic forms, with many variations. Here is a look at all of them.
The best woods for steam-bending

May 11, 2021

Brian Boggs has steam-bent dozens of different woods over the years. Here he tells his favorites and why.
Dialing in a dado stack on the first try

May 10, 2021

Grooves, tenons, bridle joints, rabbets—this affordable tool cuts them all.