Squaring Large Projects

The problem with assembling a large project is it's hard to keep it from racking after you add the glue and then try to screw it together. As shown in the drawing, I solved this problem by making several plywood "clamping squares" that resemble a framing square. When clamped...

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Squaring a Mitered Corner

For some projects, like the mitered box shown below, a band clamp is the easiest way to hold the project together while the glue dries. But there is one small problem. The mitered corners tend to slip out of alignment as the clamp is tightened. So in addition to the band...

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Installing Hinges

When installing hinges, you need to be ready to make a few adjustments. This can mean putting on and taking off the door a few times. And one thing to avoid is breaking one of the brass woodscrews. So I use a single steel woodscrew to hold each leaf during the fitting process,...

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Checking Diagonals

Comparing the diagonals of a cabinet or a box is a great way to check it for square. But when you're working alone in the shop, measuing long diagonals accurately can be difficult. To make this job easier, I made a pair of simple tape holders. Each holder is just...

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Assembly Blocks

Sometimes you almost need a third hand to assemble a project. Especially working with large pieces of plywood. To help me keep the pieces aligned, I use assembly blocks made from scrap. I made these blocks from medium density fiberboard (MDF) with intersecting dadoes...

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Stile and Rail Cut Optimization on a Router

Making the stile and rail on a router can be tricky specially when working with thinner material. Let say you want to built a flat panel door that measures 16" by 32" and the stile and rail measures 1 1/2" in width.  Logically, you would cut two pieces that measure 1 1/2" by 32" and two pieces that measure at least 1 1/2" by 16 1/2".  Once...

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Sink Shelf

             Finally, an easy but useful project that can be completed in a few hours. This over-the-sink shelf can be constructed from softwood or hardwood.  It can be used for a multitude of applications,...

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Paper Towel Holder

    Finding useful projects that use scrap wood around the workshop can be a challenge. We like to use scrap wood on something worth while. This is why we decided to add this useful yet simple-to-build paper towel holder to our list of free plans.  This...

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Queen High Storage Bed Plan

This queen size high bed not only looks elegant but also converts unused space into an under-bed dresser!  A sturdy frame and platform support contain the mattress, thus eliminating the need for that space-wasting box spring. ...

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Wood Sharpening

There is nothing quite like a finely-sharpened edge. Many newcomers to the craft assume they are doing something wrong with their technique and quickly get discouraged because they just picked up grandpa’s old plane and started hacking away at some poor piece...

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Replaceable Inserts Save Sawhorses

In one regard, these sawhorses are like any others — they get chewed up with use. What’s different about them is they have a replaceable insert made from 2x stock. Once this insert gets riddled with saw kerfs, you simply replace it with a new one (Photo, right). These...

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Sure-footed Sawhorses Woodworking Plan

There are sawhorses and then there are SAWHORSES. What you really want is something hefty, strong, and safe for working on and standing on. But often what you wind up settling for is something (much) less, usually because you want to be able to fold up and store your...

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Picture Frame Clamp

This is a handy easy to make clamp for picture frames with mitered corners, I have recommended 3/4" thick material because it is easy to obtain, thicker material will give more stability for larger frames, if you go this route either use longer bolts or drill the inset holes...

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Combination Taper Jig and Straight Edge

With this jig you can cut tapers or true one edge of a bowed board. The 36" length and 8" width for the base is what I used for cutting legs for a project but any length or width of base can be made to fit the job. Extra clamp strips should be added to longer bases for cutting...

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Table Saw Cut Guide

Use this simple guide to align your cut mark and get an exact cut everytime. How to Make It Step 1 Cut a notch halfway through a short length of 1 X 3 and mark an X as shown. Step 2 Rotate board...

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Strip Cutting Gauge

Thin strips should be cut on a table saw with the wide board against the fence and the fence moved in for each cut, however it is difficult to accurately adjust the fence for each strip to be the same thickness. This gauge allows you to simply slide the fence over until...

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Drill Press Stand

A two drawer file cabinet can be easily converted to a drill press stand, most drills will require a base to raise the top of the cabinet to a convenient height. The locking drawers are an excellent place to store power tools out of the reach of small children that may...

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Baseball Bed Downloadable PDF Woodworking Plan

The perfect bed for the baseball fan or little leaguer. A standard twin size mattress fits into the bed. Note: Lathe work is required to make the bat posts. Finished Dimensions:Length: 78.75 inches (196.9 cm)Width: 43 inches (107.5 cm)Height: 43 inches (107.5 ...

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Bed Downloadable Woodworking Plan

A super sofa that doubles as a comfy bed! One minute it is a relaxing sofa. The next, it is a comfortable bed. Either way, our sturdy oak frame supports its fluffy mattress in the greatest of style. Build one for an extra bedroom, the family room, or that college-bound...

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Dresser and Nightstand Downloadable Woodworking Plan

A complimentary match to the Traditional Bed 31-DP-00961, these two project share similar construction techniques like the simple to do tongue and groove and the loose tenon joints. Unique shop tips included to ease the construction. A custom tinted stain from Sherwin Williams...

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Craftsman style Nightstand Downloadable Woodworking Plan

A Craftsman beauty that is at home wherever you place it. While it was designed as a nightstand to grace a bedroom, there is no reason you could not put this winning Craftsman style table anywhere in your home. Imagine, for instance, how perfectly it would serve as a lamp...

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Workbench Woodworking Plan

01-161 - The Acorn Workbench Woodworking Plan Scott Landis in his Taunton Book, The Workbench Book, said that this was the very best American designed bench on the market. This is a big project for a woodworker. The Acorn bench has a full-width end vise and a double...

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Build A Classic 5-Drawer Cherry Dresser

These days when you have a storage problem, the solution is usually a bigger hard drive or maybe a new CD burner. Personal space is defined in megabytes, and when you run short, you can't simply grab the nearest empty shoebox. Not so with the more tangible...

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" H " Style Hinges

" H " Style Hinges Butt hinges with a removable pin can easily be converted to a unique decorative hinge. Profile the hinges with a file or grinder, the edges...

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