The Anvil Test

Destroying 10 joints taught us surprising lessons about joint design, wood failure and the tenacity of modern glue. Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the December 2005 [...]

Past Imperfect

If anyone ever sees that, they’re looking too closely. I spend a lot of time looking at antique furniture, often from below. My interest is pieces made about 100 years ago, from the Arts & [...]

Use A Compass For Layout

A swing of an arc is the solution to many layout and construction problems. If you think a compass is only for drawing circles, think again. This simple and inexpensive device can divide almost [...]

21st-Century Workbench

This hybrid design holds work any which way you want it to. Good design is little more than selective thievery. This workbench is a good example of that. A combination of features from several [...]

Earlex SprayPort 6003 Test

Tool: SprayPort 6003 Manufacturer: Earlex MSRP: $499.99 I first became aware of High-Volume Low-Pressure (HVLP) systems about 20 years ago. At the time, it seemed like a great idea – reduce [...]

Stacking Bookcases

Make Boxes to fit your books – and your space The typical bookcase is a good example of poor design. We make them that way because that’s the way we’ve always made them; almost every plan you see [...]

Combination Squares

Choosing and using this must-have measuring and layout tool. In 1878, Laroy S. Starrett designed and patented the combination square. His invention was a multi-purpose layout and measuring tool [...]

Cabinetmaker’s Tool Chest

Store all the tools you need in easy reach If I were to make three lists – the tools I want, the tools I own and the tools I need – the last would be the shortest. When I …

What’s The Difference Between Screws?

Everything you always wanted to know about screws, but were afraid to ask. Many of the tools and fasteners we use in woodworking have been around for thousands of years. The concept of the screw [...]

Contemporary Shelves

  Construction lumber dressed up for display. For sturdy, attractive and affordable material to build these shelves, bypass the fancy stuff at the front of your local home center and head [...]

Mirrors in Multiples

Designing the process can be as challenging as designing the object. The way something looks is only the first half of a design problem. How to make it and how to make it efficiently are often [...]

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