Recent Shop Tips Stories

• Online Extras for 2020 Workshop Solutions

  March 9, 2020

  Online extras from Workshop Solutions, a special publication by FineWoodworking   Bob Van Dyke’s Essential Stop Blocks Stop blocks help you cut parts more accurately and more consistently. Bob shows…

• 

  Workshop Tip: A simple wingnut improves any toggle clamp

  March 5, 2020

  Replacing the top nut with a wingnut makes adjustments easy

• 

  Workshop Tip: Silicone baking mat secures waterstones

  February 27, 2020

  Nonslip surface keeps diamond plates and waterstones from slipping.

• 

  Workshop Tip: Reversible planing bar works two ways

  February 20, 2020

  A toothed stop stabilizes awkward work, while a flat bar on the other side makes changing and repositioning boards easier.

• 

  Workshop Tip: Sheet goods table has built-in panel lifter

  February 13, 2020

  Big, rolling table handles sheet goods, making them easier to break down with a track saw. A pivoting lift bracket and locking wheels add to its worth.

• 

  Dust Collection: Our Favorite Articles

  February 10, 2020

  It's easy to think of dust collection as a "nice to have." After all, sweeping up sawdust with a broom works to keep the shop clean, and you don't mind…

• 

  Handwork: Build a saw bench

  February 4, 2020

  Megan Fitzpatrick builds a pair of versatile saw benches to make it easier to crosscut and rip boards, drill, finish, help support workpieces, and more.

• 

  Sharpening gouges and drawknives with a lapidary wheel

  January 29, 2020

  Chairmaker Russ Filbeck demonstrates how he gets his drawknives and carving gouges sharp in short order using abrasive belts and a rubber lapidary wheel on his grinder.

• 

  Workshop Tip: Shellac conversion tables give ratios for small amounts

  January 16, 2020

  Tables give guidelines when you're mixing shellac in small portions

• 

  Workshop Tip: Chisel and honing guide make a great glue scraper

  January 15, 2020

  Make a chisel plane using a sharp chisel or plane iron in a honing guide.