Page 92 - Learn Woodworking Tips with Rockler

Learn how to apply a natural finish on close grained hardwood.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are just starting out with letter carving.

There are lots of ways to cut a mortise. Your router table is one of the quickest and most foolproof options.

Making exact copy reproductions of spindles looks difficult, but by following three key guidelines you'll get a perfect spindle every time — no matter how many you want to make.

A folding pocketknife or fixed blade is handy to have around the house or in the field. I recently tried my hand at making my own knife from a kit.

Consider these four types of dovetail joints for your next project.

In this Rockler demonstration, Rob walks you through the basics of applying a finish with an HVLP paint sprayer. The sprayer he is using is the Earlex HV6003PUS HVLP Spray Port Sprayer. From the turbine, through the hose and all the way to the gun, this HVLP system is built with rugged quality and ease-of-use in mind. Using a paint sprayer is a great way to apply finishes, such as paint or polyurethane. The letters HVLP stands for high volume low pressure. These systems can deliver nearly 50 percent more finish with less overspray than a conventional spray gun. HVLP spray systems consist of a spray gun, a turbine, and an air hose. HVLP sprayers are not difficult to use.

Wouldn’t it be great if all "standard size" materials were really standard?

If you can learn the tendency of how certain grain patterns react to being cut, you can avoid tearout. Looking for those predictable patterns is called "reading the grain."

You probably rely heavily on your table saw for accurate cuts, every time you use it. Here are some easy checks you can do on your saw to make sure it's cutting perfectly.

Never change the precise 90-degree setting of your drill press table again with this adjustable angle-drilling jig.