Choosing wood materials may not seem difficult, but it becomes more complicated when the project is one of a kind, like an “airplane.” Yes, you heard it right. Plywood isn’t just for furniture—it’s a go-to material for aero modeling too. Thanks to its low moisture content, it’s great for outdoor use, making it a reliable … Read more
While not a true finishing technique, wood graining is the art of transforming surfaces to have the appearance of wood. This can be used on different items and materials that range from metal doors to kitchen cabinets. When the wood graining technique is perfected using the proper tools, the results can be widely varied. The … Read more
It may seem at first to be an odd question. Is there a difference between old-growth wood and new-growth timber? After all, isn’t all wood the same? What difference does it make if the trees are older when they are cut down for timber? The simple difference is that old-growth wood comes from trees that … Read more
In terms of construction and architecture, the two main trades associated with handling wood are joinery and carpentry. Admittedly, the similarities between the two professions are quite close, and many people are confused as to which one to hire for their project. But there are differences between the two professions. And knowing that will help … Read more
A draw knife is a woodworking tool used to shape wood by taking away shavings. The blade is slightly curved, but its most distinctive feature is the handles on both sides. You pull the draw knife towards you when in use, hence the name. But what is a draw knife used for? Draw Knife Uses … Read more
When looking at a typical workbench, you may see random holes drilled into the material. The holes are not randomly placed. Instead, they are known as dog holes. The holes help woodworkers secure the pieces they are working on. In addition, they can be used like a vise when considerable pressure is needed. Dog holes … Read more
Contact paper is an excellent way to line surfaces like cabinets, drawers, countertops, and more. Though many of these surfaces are made out of wood or particle board, contact paper may not stick to them as well. However, by applying extra adhesive, you can make contact paper stick to wood or particle board. The downside … Read more
Spalted wood is any kind of lumber that’s been affected and discolored by fungi. During the process, the fungi usually populate and extract the nutrients from the wood, leaving behind dark dotted (or lined patterns) along with soft, punky areas that are unique to each piece of wood. Spalting affects the weight and strength of … Read more
Guitar fretboards are usually made of raw and genuine Rosewood or ebony. Some of them are also made of maple, which will generally be varnished, and you don’t have to worry about oiling them at all. The unfinished wood, like ebony and Rosewood, is left raw because these woods are quite oily by nature, so … Read more
Cherry is an excellent timber option used worldwide in a wide variety of applications. Be it furniture, cabinetry, veneer, or flooring, cherry is a beautiful timber to work with. The beauty can further be enhanced, and the wood is protected using an oil finish such as tung oil. But can you use tung oil on … Read more