"I Can Do That" Manual Updated

The “I Can Do That” manual has been updated with a new chapter on Material Selection, and with information on the latest tool in the kit , the circular saw. You can download the latest version now at the “I Can Do That” web site (it’s available in both high and low resolution).

In case you’re not familiar with “I Can Do That,” it’s a column in every issue of Popular Woodworking that features projects that can be completed by any woodworker with a modest (but decent) kit of tools in less than two days of shop time, and using raw materials that are available at any home center.

The free manual (in PDF format) explains all the tools and shows how to perform the basic operations in a step-by-step format. Learn to rip with a jigsaw and circular saw, crosscut with a miter saw and drill straight with the help of our manual.

Our hope is that beginning woodworkers will build skills and confidence as they learn to make the most of that basic kit of tools, and complete projects they can be proud of. And, we try to present projects that are interesting and attractive so that advanced woodworkers will want to build them, too (perhaps with modifications to suit their tools and aesthetics).

An “I Can Do That” book is in the works right now; look for it this autumn. In the meantime, check back regularly for new updates to the manual, and the latest ICDT project. (Here’s a peek at the Shaker Creamery Shelves featured in the April issue , on newsstands at the beginning of March.)