General Basics Articles

Building a Basic Box
A core skill with lifelong implications

Squaring Stock
Straight wood make woodworking more fun.

Joinery

Butt & Rabbet Joints
A simple joint that's not so simple to make right

Half-Lap Joints
Very Simple, Very Tough

How To Cut Dados
There is more than one right way

Cutting Stopped Dados
It really is easier than you think

Joint Preparation
Great joints are not an accident

Tongue & Groove Joints
A versatile, easy-to-make old friend

Bandsaw

Resawing Basics
A little patience and practice yield great results!

Jointer

Jointer Basics
Setup - Alignment - Use

My Jointer Cuts Tapers
Sure it does, but it's not busted

Jointer Problems, Causes & Fixes
Straightening the frustrations of a "simple" machine!

Should I Buy a Jointer or Planer First?
Yes, there is an answer!

Router

Centering Router Guide Bushings
Bringing accuracy to your soon to be less frustrating shop!

Table Saw

One Cut MIter Gauge Test
A fast way to square your miter gauge

5 Cut Table Saw Sled Fence Test
Easy but Very Accurate!

Setting Up Factory Blade Guard Systems
No, they aren't automatically useless!

Installing a Zero-Clearance Insert
It's easy to do it right - and safe!

Table Saw Basics - Part 1 - Alignment & Setup
Setting your saw up correctly and then keeping it aligned makes it safer and more accurate

Table Saw Basics - Part 2 - Safety & Use
Learning to use your saw safely is easy. Remembering to use those lessons 15 years down the road is the problem...

Where to Stand at the Table Saw
Are you avoiding the wood or using the blade guard?