Category: Woodworking

Solar Energy is a renewable source of energy. One hour’s worth of sunlight can supply enough energy to power the entire world for a year. Solar technologies like photovoltaic panels convert this energy into electricity. Other technologies like solar thermal energy and thermal storage allow us to store solar energy. If we can harness this energy for a period of time, we could store it in batteries or thermal storage systems.

One of the most important woodworking tools that you absolutely must have is a woodworking bench. Some folks are lucky enough to have space (and the money) to hold a full-sized woodworking bench. Individuals like myself need to look instead for the best portable workbench.

What makes the best portable work table or workbench? The best designs can fold up for easy storage in shared spaces, like a garage or work shed. For example, the Keter folding work table collapses to just 4.4-inches thick, giving it a thin profile for storing or transporting to the job site.

Another factor that people look for in the best portable workbench is total weight. Full-sized woodworking benches can weigh hundreds of pounds and take two or more people to move. The best portable work table designs weigh less than 50-pounds in most cases.

A key feature found in all the best portable workbench designs, including my Keter folding work table, is the speed at which it assembles and disassembles. You should be able to manipulate a good design in less than a minute and the best portable workbench designs in half a minute or less.

Stability and support are key features to look for, and they are one of the reasons I purchased the Keter folding work table. It supports a workload of up to 1,000 pounds. That will be more than I will ever work with inside of my woodshop.

For most users, stability comes into play during sessions with an electric or hand-powered plane. Sawing is another activity that seems to stress cheaply-made portable workbench designs. Look for support structures and pay attention to the angle that the legs sit when open.

Consider the total worksurface when shopping for the best portable workbench for your shop. Some split designs offer a minimal surface to work. A larger work table or benchtop provides you with more room to assemble and hold project pieces as you work.

The best portable workbench products consist of quality materials that will last for a long time. Components that handle weight and torque without warping or buckling are critical. That type of durability is hard to find with rock-bottom prices.

A flat tabletop is a must for any product to be considered the best portable bench. Uneven work surfaces can be problematic with builds, especially if using the workbench to aid in glue-ups. A flat tabletop is necessary when using a hand plane on boards or lining pieces up with a level.

Unique tabletop designs can make or break a workbench in your shop. My Keter has tracks that hold clamps in place. It also has holes that I can insert other fasteners or accessories.

Split-table designs have a seam that opens across the table surface. That allows you to use your portable workbench like a large vise. Some portable tables come with several “dog holes” that hold bench dogs, clamps, or perpendicular fences.

One thing that all of the best portable work table packages come with is accessories. You will find products that come with two or more clamps that work on the tabletop through a track system, through holes, or along the edge. Other designs come with bench dogs or some other accessories (which may be proprietary to the manufacturer).

Finally, you need a portable workbench that is easy to use. None of the features or add-ons that I have mentioned will mean anything if the bench is too difficult to use regularly. That includes any required assembly after you buy it!

The advent of woodworking power tools into both the woodworking hobby shop and professional cabinet shops has over the years changed the type of woodworking project we are able to handle.

From the very early beginnings of power tools in the woodworking shop in 1895 with C and E Fein’s electric drill press and then Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker who invented the electric drill as we know it today.

The famous Black and Decker design from 1916 based on the ‘pistol grip’ feature of the classic Colt 1911 45ACP brought us to where we are with a huge range of very sophisticated woodworking power tools from a variety of brands and manufacturers.

Most hobby woodworkers can now aspire to the even the finest of cabinet shop grade projects if they are prepared to learn the skills and invest money in the necessary woodworking power tools.

From the humble DIY’ers modern Black and Decker Cordless 20V drill to professional wood shop jointers, compound sliding miter saws and innovations like the Festool Domino Joiner there is no project that cannot be tackled with the commensurate patience and skill.

And of course the money to buy the more expensive woodworking power tools.

Which then brings us to the often asked question, what is the recommended woodworking power tools list? It’s a question asked not only for the beginner who may be setting out to plan a small woodworking shop to get started in the hobby or asked by a seasoned woodworking hobby warrior who’s never out of his shop!

Is there an ideal woodworking power tools list? The simple answer is no. There is not a ‘one flavor fits all’ list of woodworking power tools for your particular shop or needs

Let’s ask ourselves why one power tools list that has been put together to meet a specific need may to be good for you. The very first thing to take into consideration is your budget. And when thinking about a tools or workshop budget of any kind it’s also really important to think into the future and try and future proof your purchases.

There’s nothing worse than buying a DIY or home grade cordless drill for $45 only to find that you’ve decided to take on a complete home remodeling project 3 months down the line and the cheap drill doesn’t get the job done.

We can basically break down the woodworking power tools list into about 3 categories. DIY and home workshop use.

The serious weekend woodworker who has ‘graduated’ to bigger and more serious projects, and then the full time semi professional woodworker who has been learning the skills for a couple of decades at least.

So which one are you? If you’re a DIY’er with a list of jobs around the home your needs are entirely different to the woodworking hobbyist who is about to design and make a walnut liquor cabinet or a maple wood dresser with dovetail joint drawers.

As a DIY woodworker your woodworking power tools list will likely comprise of a good budget cordless drill, cordless circular saw, a detail or orbital sander and maybe a jigsaw. You could probably also look at that most versatile of tools the reciprocating Sawzall for those jobs around the house and yard that the jigsaw or circular saw won’t handle.

The fine woodworking hobbyist will have a woodworking power tools list that probably includes a benchtop planer, compound sliding miter saw, plunge router, an edge joiner and maybe a band saw or table saw.

Where ever you are in the woodworking hobby your woodworking power tools list will be different. Our advice is always to consider and plan your purchases carefully and buy the very best you can afford, and then add some by stretching a little so you future proof these woodworking power tools in your shop as your projects grow alongside your skills.

Engineered timber flooring, a kind of flooring that is composed of 2 to 3 ply layers that are pressed as well as glued to each other are popular in Singapore. Why not? It is gorgeous and elegant. On top of these, it is proven to be cost-effective and easier to install compared to its solid wood flooring counterparts. For these reasons, they are recommended by engineers and architects.

Putting the said factors into consideration, it has become the go-to material of homeowners who are renovating their property. And aspiring ones who want to ensure that they are going to achieve their dream home. A residential place that is one for the books in terms of aesthetics. 

On the one hand, it can be said that engineered timber flooring is a great option if you want to achieve aesthetics, functionality, and structural stability. On the other hand, despite these, it should be noted that your decision to go for it or otherwise boils down to your needs, preferences, and budget. Because of this, the said timber flooring may or may not be the one for you. 

To help with your decision, check the pros and cons of engineered timber flooring. 

Pros

• It looks great…almost perfect, actually 

When it comes to aesthetics, it can be said that you can’t go wrong with engineered timber flooring. This, thanks to its natural-looking appeal and smooth surface. Plus, because of the wide range of options that are available on the market, there is an available option out there that can suit your preference and style. 

• Easy to maintain 

Engineered wood is perfect if you are the busy type and always on the go, but want to make sure that your residential place is as clean and tidy as it can be. This is because all it needs is some light mopping and vacuuming and voila! It can regain its lustre and more! 

• Durable

Due to its multi-layer construction, engineered wood is a cut above the rest when it comes to 

durability. It can handle extreme pressure and is incredibly sturdy. This is a good option if you 

have heavy furniture and appliances and you want something that can withstand wear and tear. 

Cons

• Not created equal

Engineered flooring is indeed durable, but those that are out on the market are not created 

equal. Some products are built to last while some are poorly made. Plus, some may look and feel 

like solid wood, but are actually brittle.

• May fade overtime

If exposed to sunlight for extended periods, engineered timber flooring may lose its lustre due 

to the sun’s UV rays. And this isn’t an issue that can be easily fixed. The good news is that you can prolong its aesthetics with blinds, curtains, and rugs. 

• Additional costs may accumulate 

Yes. Upfront, engineered timber flooring is cheaper compared to solid wood flooring. However, 

additional costs may accumulate when installing and maintaining it. Also, as the top layer of the 

flooring is made of food, it requires the same level of cleaning as well as maintenance as that of 

its solid wood counterparts. 

Summing up

These are the pros and cons of engineered timber flooring that can help you decide if this particular kind of flooring is right for you or otherwise. Also, it is important to note that if ever you decide to go for this, make sure to compare various entities out there before shelling out your hard-earned cash. 

By doing so, you can be rest assured that you can get your money’s worth and end up with the right flooring that can complement your needs, preferences, and budget.

Outdoor decks are a good place for hosting an alfresco dinner party or doing recreational activities with your family and friends. But the options when building or updating it can be overwhelming. Should you choose wood or composite decking? Plastic or aluminum?

With so many outdoor decking products available, it’s challenging to know which will be the best and right for your home. Use these tips to consider options that fit your budget and help create the outdoor space you’ve really wanted.

1. Know the different types of decking materials.

Do you love the look and feel of real wood? Or do you prefer a low-maintenance material like wood-composite decking? How about a lighter-weight material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking? Natural wood, wood-composite, and PVC decking are the three most commonly used materials for decking. And getting familiar with these will help define your deck and shape your budget.

Let’s take a look at their pros and cons.

Pros:

Wood Decking. It’s authentic and gives a natural warmth. It also has the lowest upfront cost.

Composite Decking. It requires low maintenance and can resemble exotic wood species.

PVC Decking. It never needs a protective finish and will never rot.

Cons:

Wood Decking. If unmaintained, it can easily crack, split, and change color.

Composite Decking. It is more expensive than wood and available in a limited range of colors.

PVC Decking. It tends to discolor when used with rubber or other PVC products.

Other decking materials include timber floor decking, redwood decking, ipe, and more.

2. Consider safety.

Your outdoor deck will be the best place for you to grill and dine with your family or use it as your gym or remote office. So it’s imperative to make sure it’s safe.

If you’re shopping for new outdoor decking products, consider their slip factor. Wood and aluminum decking types are known to resist slip best in both wet and dry conditions. It can be dangerous if you are out on your deck after rain, and your deck is slip-proof.

Another way to reduce slip is by adding outdoor area rugs that are water- and stain-resistant. Be sure that they’re also protected and regularly cleaned to prevent mold growth.

3. Illuminate your deck and increase security.

Lighting does not only add pleasure to an outdoor deck but also increases safety and security. With a well-designed deck lighting, you can enjoy your deck even when the sun sets.

Step and deck path lights can safely illuminate traffic throughout your deck and help enhance the view from indoors at night. Other types of deck lighting include balusters, downlights, hanging deck lights, in-floor lighting, under-table lighting, and post caps and rail lights.

So many factors come into play when choosing the best outdoor decking products for your home. Before you start shopping online or head to the store, it’s best to be prepared and informed. Remember these tips and gather inspiration from outdoor decking ideas. Once you narrow down your choices, you can start evaluating your options and choose the right one for your home.

Classes in the “industrial arts” were first presented to senior high schools in the 1880s, and also for the following century, taking a program in woodworking, technicians, preparing, and printing was an usual educational rite of passage for boys.

Beginning numerous decades earlier, store classes began to be gotten rid of from additional curriculums. With the reduction in academic funding, as well as raising focus on standardized testing, institutions started to choose electives, institute stricter graduation requirements, and also focus more on college prep academics and also the topics required for passing state tests. There wasn’t cash or time to preserve tools and also sawdust-filled workshops, and one by one college districts dropped their store courses, figuring that trainees who desired to seek trade abilities could do so later at a vocational university.

This demise of store courses is quite unfortunate, as they were never ever entirely about preparing students for trade employment. Rather, they instructed all guys hand-operated skills that they could use and also appreciate throughout their lives, whether they became a woodworker or a medical professional. They were taken into consideration part of becoming a well-rounded man– one able to use both his hands and also his mind.

Arguably the industrial arts class that is most missed is timber store. Learning how to collaborate with wood is not only handy, enabling you to make and also fix things around your house, however permits you to satisfyingly get in touch with a long history of craftsmanship. Woodworking was among the earliest abilities the human race developed; the pre-industrial world was greatly constructed from wood, and for thousands of years, all men had at least a simple understanding of just how to form as well as control it. Align until the second fifty percent of the last century, tradesmen as well as experts alike had the confidence to be able to construct wooden shelves, closets, or perhaps chairs for their family members.

Today, in our age of plastic as well as factories, woodworking has actually transformed from an usual needed skill into something almost mystical or amazing. Since a lot of 21st-century customers are made use of to driving to huge box stores to grab one more mass-produced replacement when their desk crumbles or their chair breaks, any kind of guy today that can approach a lumber heap with saw and plane to form an attractive and enduring substitute is admired as a “true artisan.”

This universal admiration of hand ability is appreciated, the truth is, woodworking is no secret. And thankfully, even if you missed out on taking a detailed store course in high school and also really feel ill-equipped to take on an easy woodworking task, it’s certainly not too late to find out. Below’s a listing of some fundamental skills you would certainly do well to establish. None of these skills require pricey, unsafe machinery or unique tools. They are the fundamental abilities every woodworker should understand.

1. Understand Just How Timber Works and Acts

Prior to you put any kind of device to your lumber, you will need to comprehend its appropriate positioning as well as what instructions to aircraft the board. As trees expand, development ring layers remain to improve one another as well as this creates stunning grain that receives our boards. This grain can make planing it harder if we ignore the optimal instructions to function. Operating wood grain is kind of like petting a feline– if you go from tail to head, you will find the hair standing straight up as well as might get a hissing displeasure, however if you animal “with the grain” from head to tail, you’ll find the hairs lay down nice and also smooth and also purring will follow.

It’s also vital to comprehend exactly how wood increases and contracts as humidity changes throughout the year. All wooden building and construction takes this natural residential property into account and ignorance of this can be disastrous.

1. Sharpen Saws, Planes, and also Chisels

Way too many people have actually bolstered the myth that working wood by hand is really hard work, just since they were making use of a boring tool. It is an axiom amongst woodworkers that in order for points to go smoothly, you need to “allow the device do the work.” If your saw requires a great amount of press to cut or if you discover you require a running beginning to make shavings with your hand aircraft, you aren’t doing on your own any supports. Developing your devices is a basic as well as fundamental skill since it is something that needs to happen consistently. Not only is it inefficient to deal with dull tools, it threatens. If you feel like you need to push your carve with body weight to complete the cut, when it does pop cost-free, you will blow up as well as your tool will certainly stab into whatever is in its path. Learn just how to develop your devices and also you will certainly discover woodworking to be delightful, risk-free, and reliable.

1. Utilize a Hand Plane

With a great deal of woodworking tools, the standard strategy is quite obvious. But not all of them are so intuitive. Appropriate use hand planes requires a little direction and also method to develop the feel of adjusting the cut from rugged to fine. Furthermore, the edge can be askew or the cap iron can be in the wrong location. Although these things need a bit of research study to figure out, properly making use of a hand plane is an undeniably attainable skill. I motivate you to get an old aircraft and hop on YouTube to search “tune up an old-timer plane” or “just how to use a hand plane.” There will certainly be sufficient hours of video clip to make up for what you missed in store course.

1. Preparation Lumber With Hand Tools

Possibly you have a tablesaw as well as a 13″ thickness planer already, but most of us do not. Beware not to come under the catch of feeling like you have to acquire pricey equipments to construct things. When I deal with wood, I utilize only hand tools as well as enjoy every minute of it. If you discover just how artisans functioned their lumber before devices controlled the furnishings market, you will certainly discover woodworking by hand to be effective and also sensible. There are lots of tried-and-true strategies to accelerate the process that complimentary us from feeling like we need to do machine-perfect work by hand. The real secret is to utilize the appropriate device for the work: coarse tools for coarse work and also fine tools for great job. Still not persuaded? Have a look at my buddy Jim’s story. I wish it influences you.

1. Cut a Mortise and also Tenon Joint

This is one of the most basic joint in all wood building and construction. Whenever we have to join a straight member (like a chair rail) to a vertical participant (like a leg), we need to interlock these pieces at an appropriate angle. By fitting a tenon into a matching mortise (hole), we can produce a solid 90 ° joint. It may look user-friendly to make, attaining a nice, tight fit needs cautious strategy as well as practice. There are many ways to make a mortise, yet I use a stout chisel created for that task and also simply figure out the size of the tenon based on that sculpt’s measurement. Reducing the tenon is typically a matter of four straight saw cuts. When you do discover just how to lay this joint out correctly and also suffice to a snug fit, the world of woodworking opens up to you. At that point, you recognize all the joinery called for to construct most tables and chairs.

1. Cut Dovetail Joints

What if you want to make a box? The admired (and overly-mystified) dovetail joint is a really strong way to join edges of boards. Of all functions that non-woodworkers admire today, the dovetail joint is the one that produces the most awe. It is made up of one side cut into wedge-shaped “tails” that mate into corresponding “pins.” When fitted together, the wedge form avoids the boards from moving apart in one instructions. This joint has actually been really standard construction because the 1700s. Never indicated to excite, it was usually purposefully hidden behind veneer, molding, or paint to ensure that nobody would certainly have to consider that “unsightly” joinery. It had not been till the arts and also crafts movement that noticeable joinery was considered a visual possession. Today, making dovetail joints has actually ended up being a base test for severe woodworkers, however don’t allow this scare you away from trying it. Have a look at a few of the four million “Exactly how to Cut Dovetails” videos on-line and then enter the shop. It’s a lot more uncomplicated than people assume: Cut tails. Trace the tails on the other board. Reduced out the waste you mapped. That’s pretty much it. All the fine tuning is simply method.

1. Finish Your Furnishings

After spending a number of weekend breaks developing a great table or breast, how are you going to complete it? Finishes improve and also shield the item you have actually functioned so tough to develop so don’t cop out as well as do the “rub it with oil” thing. There are many beautiful coatings that end up being force of habit to collaborate with. I make use of shellac 99% of the time. As soon as you get the feel down, it’s actually fast to use, extremely flexible, quickly repairable, and you never ever need to cleanse a brush (because it re-softens in alcohol)! There are various other varnishes that provide great protection for exterior use as well. I advise grabbing an excellent starter book, like Jeff Jewitt’s Hand Applied Finishes. It is straightforward and also simple, without getting as well far into trivial matters.

One of my mentors began as a cabinetmaker who enjoyed functioning timber however feared getting to the ending up component. He began doing some digging to get more information concerning it and became so addicted to the procedure that nowadays he detests needing to build anything due to the fact that all he intends to do is the finishing! I assure that if you provide a little power to finding out just how to effectively complete your job, your pleasure of the ended up piece will be considerably enhanced. These last touches are enough to influence you to tackle another task.