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    • Woodworking Q&A


    No matter how diverse our backgrounds, we all have at least one thing in common: We’re all interested in improving our woodworking skills. Whether your a beginner looking for help with your first project or an experienced pro looking to pass along some time-tested techniques, StartWoodworking.com’s Q&A forum is a great place to begin.

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    Most Recent Questions
    A good finish for Alaska Yellow Cedar also a good glue to use for the yellow cedar.

    I have been told that most staines wont work well with the yellow cedar because of the natural oils in the wood.Also finding glues to use is also a challenge because yellow cedar is very oily.Ju

    by thesawdawg | June 14, 2012
    0 answers
    Strongest joints or a firewood storage box

     

    Hello,

    by Saybre | May 3, 2012
    1 answer
    How can I lighten the tone of aniline dye after it has dried on my project?

    I built a cherry table to accompany an old Welsh Cupboard top. The top is cherry and is quite a dark color.  I am working with aniline dye for the first time.  After muc

    by halfabubbleoff | April 27, 2012
    1 answer
    If you have used the Grizzly wet sharpening system, What do you think about it? Is the quality of the machine good and how are the results?

    I need to sharpen plane irons, chisels, and my turning tools.  I have been using sandpaper and scary sharp method for irons and chisels and my 12" disc sander for the gouges, etc.&nbsp

    by Seajay | April 19, 2012
    1 answer
    How many of you use SketchUp?

    Hi folks,

    How many of you all use SketchUp?

    If you use it, how did you get started?

    If you don't, why not?

    Just curious... Thanks, Gina

    by curryleaf | April 9, 2012
    6 answers
    PayDollar传款易 — 一站式国际电子支付供应商
    by artinezetamm | March 13, 2012
    0 answers
    How do I build simple, solid, hardwood, interior doors keeping in mind that I am an absolute beginner?
    by timlindop | March 12, 2012
    1 answer
    How would you bore a tapered hole?

    Say a 2 inch deep hole that varied from 1/4 ot 3/4 inch in diameter with smooth sides.

    No special project in mind, just curious.

    by Rxalph | March 4, 2012
    1 answer
    How to Bend Ebony Wood?

    Hello,

    by wael elsafty | February 26, 2012
    1 answer
    what wood would be good for practicing in making joints.

    Although many years ago I took wood working shop in school for two years. That was 30 years ago I wish to get into it now as a hobby. I feel I need to begine with the basics.

    by user-972143 | February 21, 2012
    2 answers
    how do I get access to watch videos
    by gladstone1 | February 20, 2012
    1 answer
    Table Saw no longer cutting square

    I hope someone can help me with this...

    by NikonD80 | February 6, 2012
    2 answers
    I am new to Google's Sketchup. What tools or add ins should I be using so the program acts more like pencil on paper? Thanks for all your help.
    by Joe_Croton | January 29, 2012
    0 answers
    I want to mount a 14 x 14 shelf on a bedside table. The table built in Season 3 has a shelf mounted with dowels but this does not allow for seasonal expansion in the wood. Other articles in FWW say expansion ability is critical. Thoughts?
    by scotian | January 25, 2012
    1 answer
    I want to make a TV stand out of MDF (3/4 inch). Would I use glue and brad or finish nails, or screws? I would prefer to not have the hardware showing.
    by andrewj71 | January 8, 2012
    2 answers
    So I really want to build! My dad was an awesome woodworker, I can not seem to cut anything straight, can someone please help me?
    by Jennypooh 1970 | January 8, 2012
    2 answers
    season 3 end table did you use tong oil before the 3 coats of wipe on poly
    by dave54000 | January 4, 2012
    1 answer
    What is the best stripper for old end tables?

    I have a couple end tables in good condition but the finish is bubbled up.

    What is the best way to strip and refinish these tables?

    by dmcfish | December 29, 2011
    1 answer
    I've bought several old Stanley planes in various condition. What is the correct bevel angle for Bailey and Bedrock planes, numbers 2 through 8? Thanks
    by Jim_K52 | December 29, 2011
    1 answer
    where is the video for the truck bed slide

    Saw a video on truck bed slides and can't find it again.  Can you help?

    by larr | December 28, 2011
    1 answer
    Having an Issue with Plywood Chip-out

    I am trying to make a box out of 1/2 inch plywood using box joint/finger joint joinery.  I have a box joint jig made from same plan as this one:

    by aa040371 | December 14, 2011
    0 answers
    How do I make a cabinet shell square?

    I am making 2 spice cabinets.  I want to make sure they are square before I attatch the back and faceframe.  I measure diagonally and am off by about 1/4 inch.  How do I correct t

    by CraigLow | December 5, 2011
    3 answers
    Trouble joining boards for a table top

    I am joining 7 lengths of 6" wide walnut for a table top.  I am using dowels to keep the boards in line - just like the side table in season 3.

    by thaiboy | November 3, 2011
    3 answers
    table saw or miter saw

    I'm somewhat of a beginner with both a table saw and a compound miter saw.

    by scben | October 30, 2011
    4 answers
    How do I remove shellac?

    Our kitchen cupboards are OLD & shellac coated.  They are desperate.

    by vtlady | October 29, 2011
    2 answers
    How to clean a bandsaw blade?

    My 3/8 blade needs cleaning.  I've been doing some small projects using cherry, and the blade is in need of cleaning.  

    by joeTomeo | October 21, 2011
    4 answers
    In the article "Smart shop in a one car garage" where can the premade metal draws be aquired.
    by joebamato | September 30, 2011
    2 answers
    Finishing polyurethane

    I'm finishing a myrtlewood clock in semi-gloss polyurethane and have finished application of 5 coats with light sanding (220, 00 steel wood, 0000 steel wool) between coats and 0000 steel woo

    by shopkingdom | September 8, 2011
    13 answers
    How do I make a storage cube?

    I need to know how the dividers and shelves are attached to one another. I was going to use dowels, but is there another way. I will be using 3/4" pine. Thanks

    by Zahn | September 8, 2011
    21 answers
    Best ways to sell my projects?

    I'm currently doing woodworking as a hobby but would like to start selling my projects full time. I'm self taught through DVDs, magazines, books, etc.

    by gene1775 | September 1, 2011
    2 answers
    Using Steel wool?

    Quite often I see steel wool used in the finishing process. Over many years I have used steel wool but i have seen some rust form on some of the projects; usually in the corners.

    by desoto | August 25, 2011
    3 answers
    Nightstand shelf Season Three

    Can I substute 1/2" or 3/4" for the shelf. The plans call for 5/8" I do not have a planer and can not locate 5/8 at the lumber yard or home center

    by pk3y6ndp | August 14, 2011
    2 answers
    Adobe Flash does not work.

    Adobe had a pop up that I needed to upgrade.  When I upgraded Flash no longer works for Fin Woodworking or Start Woodworking.

    by AlanSweet | July 27, 2011
    3 answers
    All types of tape.

    What is the best way to store "all kinds if tape".  Right now I keep several kinds on a pegboard, masking, duct, cellophane and also in a plastic storage bins.  I recently ha

    by getbettermpg | July 22, 2011
    4 answers
    Good Timber for External Use

    My Dad died just over 10 years ago.  Due to the nature of where the grave is located, we are not allowed to put up a permenant grave marker in stone but we have been given permission to put

    by NikonD80 | July 13, 2011
    3 answers
    In the Getting Started Shaker Table series why does Mike Pekovich apply wax with steel wool when he counsels against that procedure in a previous Fine Woodworking article?

    In the Mar/Apr issue (#218) of Fine Woodworking, Mike Pekovich has an article on the virtues of Wipe-on Poly.

    by smettler48 | June 30, 2011
    1 answer
    How do you replace a mullion in a French Door

    I love to salvage and recently had the opportunity to salvage some old and and very well made French doors. The problem is that they were in a building and I think rats chewed on the wood.

    by gaildziuba | June 26, 2011
    1 answer
    Is there a European type hinge for a framed cabinet that does not leave a gap?
    by kevin02 | June 25, 2011
    1 answer
    Dodging the Lally columns...

    Hi, folks. I need a bit of advice and sanity-check here. I'm in the process of setting up a workshop in my basement.

    by Loxmyth | June 23, 2011
    5 answers
    Building a blanket chest in cherry to be lined with cedar. Do I finish the interior side of the cherry case?

    I'm building a blanket chest in cherry. I'll line it with cedar. Should I put a finish on the inside of the cherry before I put the cedar lining in?

    by ce000 | June 16, 2011
    1 answer
    Adjustments to nightstand project

    I am makeing the night stands but have to adjust the high from 29 1/4 to 26" how do I adjust the shelf placement and start of the taper

    by pk3y6ndp | June 15, 2011
    1 answer
    Anyone had problems with the Porter Cable 557 Plate Joiner?

    My son and I both purchased one, and both of them have terrible run out in the blade.  The blade measures roughly .157 in width, but the slot cut is greater than .180.  You can see the

    by 40splinters | June 14, 2011
    3 answers
    Why won't my circular saw make square cuts?
    Hi All:   A few years ago, my brother-in-law gave me a used DeWalt 7-1/4" circular saw - a rugged, hefty mo
    by Ron_C | June 7, 2011
    5 answers
    Need help selecting wood for a workbench

    Hi:

    What widely-available nominal-dimensioned lumber species would be my best bet for building a workbench?

    by Ron_C | May 12, 2011
    8 answers
    How do I fix a cupped tabletop?

    Hello everyone,

    by egabriel | May 11, 2011
    2 answers
    Can someone give me the plans for a German Carousel Pyramid or where i can get one
    by freeburger | May 7, 2011
    0 answers
    Where can I get plans for a Bombe chest
    by RonBurd | April 23, 2011
    4 answers
    Does anyone know of a sure method of dust collection on the bandsaw?

    I purchased a 14" Jet Bandsaw in November of 2010. I really like the way it cuts but one thing I found out quickly was there was no dust collection chute installed on it.

    by cajunbeat | April 21, 2011
    3 answers
    when drilling a pocket hole do you drill into the joining piece if so how deep
    by RIVERRATI40 | April 21, 2011
    1 answer
    How can I differentiate an oil stone from a water stone?

    I have some older stones from my Dad and from yard sale purchases. How can I tell which to use oil on, and which to use water on?

    by Earl_Westman | April 16, 2011
    3 answers
    I WANT TO MAKE MY SON, A BEDROOM SUITE, A KING SIZE BED, 5-6 DRAWER DRESSER/MIRROR, 2 NIGHT STANDS, 6 DRAWER CHEST NEEDS TO BE VERY STRONG?m

    My name is James Reeves, l live in Trenton, Ontario, Canada l needd fellow woodworkers help in building a complete bedroom suite.  My son wants me to build him a king size bed, 2 ni

    by jimswoodproducts | April 14, 2011
    1 answer
    Can oak be lightened in color?

    I have recently finished building a red oak table for a client.   I sent him some samples of stain colors for him to choose from.  He thought all of them were too dark, including

    by SSCobra | April 12, 2011
    2 answers
    Why I can't see the second season of getting starting woodworking - the guide to Woodworcing basics for beginners?

    When I push the button to start seeing the series of second season I'am asking to enter with user name and pass. I put these I have for entering www.startwoodworking.com but ask me again.

    by rokich | April 12, 2011
    3 answers
    How do you stop drift toward the end of a cut on a Router table?

    I purchased edge banding bits from Eagle America and while these look great in the pictures, I can't seem to make the cuts without drift at the end of the cut.

    by cajunbeat | April 9, 2011
    2 answers
    How does wood such as pine treated with a preservative such as Thompson's or Olympic be expected to last compared to commercially treated lumber for an outdoor project?
    by joeTomeo | March 31, 2011
    1 answer
    Anyone have any experience flattening Shapton glass stones? Do you need the diamond lapping plate or can you use sand paper?
    by T.D. | March 29, 2011
    2 answers
    Fixed: Why can't I post a question? This system is buggy.

    One of our staff members just alerted me to a problem with our Q&A posting forms.

    by GEide | March 22, 2011
    1 answer
    What is 8/4 stock?

    I recently had a question from a reader about what we meant by 8/4 stock in a recent Fine Woodworking magazine article.

    by BetsyE | March 22, 2011
    1 answer
    What ways are commonly used to make through dovetail joints?

    I have been reading Fine Woodworking off-and-on for a number of years, and this year subscribed. I recently bought a house with garage and was able to purchase a number of us

    by Earl_Westman | March 17, 2011
    17 answers
    Why doesn't the image appear in my gallery post?

    Hi all, I just ran into a situation where someone's image didn't appear in their gallery post. See screenshot below.

    by GEide | March 17, 2011
    1 answer
    Band saw purchase advise

    I'm about to purchase a band saw to add to my basement woodshop. Does anyone have a recommendation for a band saw under $1000. I'm considering the Rikon 10-325 or the Grizzly G0555 x14.

    by lgsmith15 | February 15, 2011
    3 answers
    Finish for drawers

    I am completing my first chest of drawers and need some opinions on how to finish the drawer boxes. The drawer fronts are red oak and the back and sides are poplar with birch ply bottoms.

    by airshow | February 14, 2011
    3 answers
    Box to store and display pocket watches
    I have a dozen collectable pocket watches and would like to build a storage/display box for the watches. Suggestions would be most welcome. Thank you.
    by tiredncranky | February 13, 2011
    2 answers
    How do you know when shellac has gone bad?
    I have been using old shellac and have not seen anything wrong.
    by Elmer Kreisel | February 13, 2011
    2 answers
    Shellac - Applying

    For the life of me, I can not apply shellac.  I have mixed one pound, two pound and three pound cuts and the results are always the same.

    by blackemmons | February 13, 2011
    14 answers
    My full name has not been set to my account like it is supposed to be. I received a notice to contact the site administrator.

    I filled out all my information as requested so I do not see what the problem is. Please advise or correct this issue for me. I am looking forward to learning from everyone.

    by lbmm4139 | February 13, 2011
    3 answers
    Planer or jointer -- what comes first?

    I'm setting up a shop on limited resources. I've got a small tablesaw and router so far.  What do you recommend I get next, a planer or jointer? 

    by JoMomma | December 10, 2010
    11 answers
    Basic Chisel Set for Furniture Making?

    I’ve just started making furniture and am about to buy my first chisels. What types and sizes should I start with?

    by Chuck_Morgan | November 4, 2010
    3 answers
    How to prepare furniture for paint

    What is the best product to use as a first coat if I want to paint a piece of furniture with latex; waterbased paint or a primer? Is there a difference between them?

    by GEide | November 4, 2010
    2 answers
    What's the difference between a shoulder plane and a rabbet plane?

    I recently purchased a Stanley #90 rabbet plane.

    by jfsksa | November 4, 2010
    2 answers
    What Size Rails and Stiles?

    New to woodworking here...Can anybody tell me if there is a standard width for rails and stiles?  I'm guessing it depends on the size of the workpiece?

    by jbogusch | November 1, 2010
    5 answers
    Workbench Layout

    I've decided to build myself a proper workbench rather keep making do.  I've got a basic idea for the design; sort of a cross between the Essential and Matt's Monster workbenche

    by NikonD80 | November 1, 2010
    4 answers
    Shelf pins for bookcase - strong enough?

    I'm thinking about using metal shelf pins to hold up bookcase shelves, since I want to be able to adjust the shelves.

    by losttexan | November 1, 2010
    3 answers
    bench chissels

    hello everybody, could someone please tell me what the best bench chissels are.

    I can,t  choose between lie nielsen and blue spruce.

    by juryaan | November 1, 2010
    3 answers
    How to Ebonize Oak

    Question: I am trying to ebonize an oak table. I applied a solution of vinegar and steel wool to a sample board, but that turned the oak bright purple.

    by Bob_Black | October 5, 2010
    1 answer
    I’m making a kitchenette table and want protection against watermarks. Is there a finish that comes close to the water resistance of Formica?

    Question: I’m making a kitchenette table and want protection against watermarks. Is there a finish that comes close to the water resistance of Formica?

    by John_Willoz | October 5, 2010
    3 answers
    Is it safe to rip 1/8-in.-wide strips between the rip fence and blade?

    Is it safe to rip 1/8-in.-wide strips between the rip fence and blade?

    by Ed_Pirnik | October 5, 2010
    1 answer