There are several ways to keep your DIY woodworking tools sharp. Most are kept sharp by using an abrasive whetstone to wear the metal to a narrow cutting edge. The better-quality natural stones are more expensive, but you can get satisfactory results from cheaper, synthetic stones. As part of the sharpening, whetstones are lubricated with water or oils to make sure the steel does not overheat and to prevent fine particles of metal and stone from clogging the abrasive surface. read more...
Woodworking Tools and Equipment
Find the Best Woodworking Hand Tools
There are many woodworkers who believe that using hand tools and only hand tools is the way to make anything. From furniture to birdhouses, only hand tools will do for them. Others will use a combination of hand tools and portable power tools and perhaps sedentary equipment like a table saw or other large machinery which helps move the process along faster. read more...
The Indispensable Woodworking Chisel
There are only a few truly indispensable hand tools for woodworking today. Near the top of the list would be the basic chisel. This is a tool that does it all, from carefully paring away thin shavings in intricate detailed work to quickly scooping out large chunks of waste wood. You will find chisels in every basic aspect of woodworking, from furniture making to trim carpentry to woodcarving. read more...
Woodworking Saws – What to Look For
There are many things to consider when choosing a woodworking saw blade. Making safe, smooth cuts with your radial arm saw, table saw, compound slider miter saw or chop saw depends on having the correct blade for the tool and for the kind of cut you want to make. Performance varies from blade to blade, so choose wisely. read more...
An Overview of Woodworking Routers
If you’re thinking of putting together a woodworking shop, one of the things you’re eventually going to want to have is a woodworking router. This is one of the most useful and versatile pieces of machinery you’re ever going to own. Woodworking routers are typically used for making a variety of different cuts on the edges of boards. The variety of different bits available allows you to do some pretty amazing things. read more...