Woodworking Projects
Projects for every stage, from a first cutting board to furniture, shop storage and outdoor builds.
WoodworkIt
WoodworkIt is a practical guide to woodworking in a home shop. Learn which tools a beginner actually needs, how different woods and sheet goods behave, how to measure, cut, join, sand and finish, and how to set up a small workshop safely. Power-tool guides always point back to the manufacturer's manual and the safety basics.
Woodworking Tools
Which tools a home woodworker needs, in what order to buy them and how to use them safely.
Wood and Materials
How hardwoods, softwoods and plywood differ in strength, stability, workability and cost, and how to choose the right finish and glue for a project, based on the Wood Handbook and manufacturers' technical data.
Woodworking Techniques
The core skills behind every project: accurate measuring and marking, clean and safe cutting, strong joinery, efficient sanding and a finish that lasts.
Workshop Setup
How to set up a safe, efficient home workshop in a garage, basement or corner: workbenches, tool storage, layout, electrical and lighting considerations, and the safety equipment every shop needs.
Latest Guides
Research-based guides, newest first
Workbench Ergonomics: Height, Reach and Comfort
How to set up a woodworking workbench for comfort and safety: work height, reach, neutral wrist positions, lifting, and keeping the bench stable.
Woodworking Techniques: Measure, Cut, Join, Sand, Finish
The core woodworking techniques in order: measuring and marking, cutting safely, basic joinery, sanding and finishing, with common mistakes and safety notes.
Woodworking Tools for Beginners: What to Buy First
Which woodworking tools to buy first and why: measuring and marking, hand tools, clamps, power tools and dust collection, with OSHA saw safety basics.
Woodworking Safety Basics: The Hazards and Controls
The main woodworking hazards and how OSHA says to control them: machines, kickback, dust, noise, electricity, fire, finishing chemicals and ergonomics.
Wood Joinery Basics: Glue, Nails and Screws
How wood joints hold together: glued joints and grain direction, nails and wood screws and how they resist loads, and wood movement in joints.
Woodworking Clamps and Glue-Ups: Pressure and Prep
How clamps fit into a successful glue-up: moisture content, surface preparation, spreading adhesive, assembly time and pressure, per the Wood Handbook.