Woodworking and carpentry projects require durable wood that can withstand wear and tear over time. Whether you’re creating furniture, tools, structures or other woodcrafts, it’s important to understand how to properly harden wood materials. Hardening wood increases its strength, protects it from damage and extends its lifespan. This process transforms wood fibers to make them … Read more
Whether you’re just starting out in woodworking or an experienced craftsman looking to expand your skills, properly finishing your projects is key to achieving beautiful, long-lasting results. One of the most popular and versatile wood finishes on the market for both protection and aesthetic purposes is tung oil. With its reputation for bringing out the … Read more
Staining maple wood to highlight its natural beauty is a challenge many woodworkers and DIYers have faced. Maple’s tight grain structure does not absorb stain uniformly, often resulting in unsightly blotches or an uneven finish. But with the right techniques and materials, it is possible to stain maple beautifully. In this comprehensive guide, we will … Read more
Does Oak Stain Well? The Surprising Answer Woodworkers Have Known for Years The short answer is: yes, oak stains beautifully due to its unique wood grain structure and porosity. But there’s more to the story of oak’s tremendous stainability that aspiring woodworkers may find surprising. Packed with open pores and large cells, oak wood readily … Read more
Does Epoxy Stick to Melamine? A Deeper Dive Into Common Crafting Question The bond between epoxy resin and various mold materials is an often-asked question amongst do-it-yourself craftspeople and hobbyists. When working with household items like melamine, ensuring a solid release is key to avoiding botched projects and wasted time and materials. In online workshops … Read more
Woodworking is a craft that requires expertise in tools, materials and techniques to complete projects successfully. However, even experienced craftsmen sometimes come across questions as they repair or restore wood items. One such common query relates to the drying properties of wood putty – specifically, whether it hardens over time like other wood fillers. This … Read more
Despite its proliferation across much of North America for decades, white ash (Fraxinus americana) remains an underrated wood choice for craftsmen and DIY homeowners. Once a prized material for everything from tools and kitchenware to fine furniture, it has sadly fallen out of favor amongst woodworkers in recent years. However, this durable hardwood still deserves … Read more
Can You Really Glue Painted Wood? The Surprising Answer Woodworkers Need to Know For many woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts, gluing together painted wood surfaces can seem like an impossible task. After all, we’ve all heard that wood glue needs to bond directly with the wood’s porous fibers to create a strong joint. But with a … Read more
Medum Density Fiberboard, commonly known as MDF, has become one of the most widely used and versatile manufactured wood materials for furniture, cabinetry, trim work and more. However, many woodworkers still find themselves wondering – does wood glue actually work to bond pieces of MDF together into a strong and lasting finished project? MDF offers … Read more
Whether you’re a hobbyist woodworker, craftsperson, or homeowner, properly drying wood is an essential part of any project. However, determining how long it will take wet wood to fully dry can often be a mystery. This is especially true after exposing wood to high pressure water from power washing. The powerful jets of a power … Read more