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Q & A: Getting Stain Out of Corners Q: I like using gel stain on difficult to stain woods like birch because it doesn’t leave a blotchy look. But man, the stuff is a pain to get out of [...]

Q & A: Easy Drawer Dividers Q: Help! The junk drawer in our kitchen is out of control! I have trouble finding anything in there. Is there a simple way to add dividers to my kitchen drawers [...]

Storing Lumber This rack is easily made from galvanized iron pipe and threaded floor flanges. For light loads use 10-in. lengths of 1/2-in. pipe and 2x4s. For heavier loads go to 3/4-in. pipe and [...]

Saw Sharpening Jig I made this jig to hold a dovetail or other backsaw when filing and resetting the teeth. To use, insert the saw blade, teeth up, and clamp the jig in a bench vice.…

Multiple Plugs Faced with cutting hundreds of plugs for a big project, I came up with this idea: I cut the plugs a little deeper than needed. Then I ran strips of masking tape down the faces of [...]

One Man’s Trash … I jump at any chance to dig through an old building—you never know what you’ll find. Rummaging through an old farmhouse and barn slated for demolition, [...]

“Turn” Handles Into Savings The price of good turning tools can be pretty steep. Since most of the better lathe tools can be purchased without a handle, put your money where it [...]

Q & A: Clean Up Squeeze Out Q: I saw one of those woodworking wizards on television the other day. As I watched the guy build a three-day project in 30 minutes, I noticed he washed off glue [...]

A Bead in any Board Click any image to view a larger version. I wanted an antique beadboard look for my cabinet doors, but stock beadboard didn’t work out with my door size. Here’s what I came up [...]

Q & A: Sanding Scratches Revealed Q: What can I do to see sanding scratches before I apply stain? I always miss some of them until it’s too late. A: Doesn’t that drive you crazy? [...]

Q: I’ve got an old plane that my grandfather left me. I’d like to use it, but its cutting iron is really rusty. Do I need to buy a new one? A: Don’t throw away that iron yet. Flattening the …

Q & A: The Right Mortise/Tenon Fit Q: What’s the right fit between a mortise and a tenon? I’m going crazy trying to measure them with a dial caliper! A: You’re not alone. [...]