Hot Furniture & Woodworking Posts
How To: Install a half-mortise lock
If you are interested in creating a jewelry box for your kid, wife, or even yourself, installing a half-mortise lock can be a tricky project. This is a piece of hardware that will help make any jewlery chest look professional and adds a bit of character to the piece. So in this tutorial, you'll discover just how difficult it can be to install a half-mortise lock. The video offers some helpful advice that will make the job much easier. But in order for it to work, make sure you follow the step...
How To: Choose the right wood filler
Accidents happen. Once they've taken place it's impossible to go back and fix whatever mistake you made. Or is it? When it comes to wood, or other materials, dents, indentations, or cuts can easily disappear when using the right type of wood filler. It's especially important to choose the right one, when you have to stain your wood. Not doing so can result in an obvious mistake that almost anyone can catch. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to determine which wood filler is right for y...
How To: Make a mitered spline jig
If you're interested in making any kind of l-shaped furniture, having the right jig to create the right kind of joiners is a big help. In this tutorial, you'll find out how to make a mitered spline jig using a router table. It's a pretty difficult task that requires you to be accurate and sure about your cuts. If you have a biscuit joiner, this is a cinch, but if not, check out this tutorial to help you make easy cuts. Enjoy! Make a mitered spline jig.
How To: Make a great inlay using a router
Creating a wooden inlay for any piece of furniture can help add a beautiful accent that will be admired by all. In the past, making inlays was a difficult task that required time and patience and was a tough challenge for any woodworker. Nowadays, technology is so advanced, that making these inlays can be an easy task, especially when you use a router. Check out this tutorial on how to use a router in order to create a great inlay for you table, dresser, or whatever you want. Enjoy! Make a gr...
How To: Cut mitered half-lap joints
There are many ways to attach pieces of wood. You can use screws or nails to keep them nice and secure or another option can be wood glue. But when making certain items, it's a good idea to use joints when connecting pieces of wood. In this tutorial they talk about how to make mitered half-lap joints. The best time to use these joints is when you're using one to two inch stock. Items like desks and dressers usually have half lap joints. It adds studiness to the internal structure without need...
How To: Use a router to make a bowl
There's nothing like the sweet satisfaction of making something using your own two hands. It can give you a great sense of pride knowing that you were able to make something that you and others can use. If you're interested, check out this video tutorial on how to make a bowl using a router and other tools. It's easy to follow and will result in a beautiful bowl that anyone can use. Enjoy! Use a router to make a bowl.
How To: Cut rabbets on a table saw
One of the most commonly used tools in woodworking is the table saw. It's easy to use and make clean accurate cuts for any wood project. Out of all the different cuts that can be made, a rabbet is a common one. A rabbet is just a notch that is usually cut into the edge or end of a board and is used with things like cabinets or drawers. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how to cut rabbets on a table saw. So sit back and enjoy! Oh, and when using a table saw, please be careful! Cut rabbets o...
How To: Build a folding workbench
Thinking a nice workbench would make an excellent addition to your tool shed? Joe Truini from dannylipford.com shows you how to build a space saving, folding workbench for your garage or shop. Get your shed in shape with this excellent tutorial.
How To: Install a built-up crown molding
Installing molding in your home, is a great way to add character and elegance for an inexpensive price. Whether it's base or crown molding, it's a great option for your home and a good way to help bring up the value of it as well. In this video tutorial, discover what it takes to install built-up crown molding in your home. It's a project that will require two or more people and can easily take a day or two depending on experience. So good luck and enjoy! Install a built-up crown molding.
How To: Build a fireplace mantel from scratch
If you have a bare fireplace in your home, it can sometimes look unfinished and boring. Installing shelves or a new layer of brick or stone can help the cause. But a mantel can do so much to a fireplace as well. In this tutorial, you'll discover how to build a mantel from scratch. It's a great way to add character to not only your fireplace, but to your home as well. It's project that can take a day or two to complete depending on your level of expertise. So good luck and enjoy! Build a firep...
How To: Make a cube puzzle out of wooden blocks
If you like to work with wood and want to make a fun and challenging project, you can make a cube puzzle. A good tip to keep in mind is that your saw blades are sharp, aligned, and adjusted properly and cutting as straight as possible to get the tightest fit when you are putting your puzzle together.
How To: Make a custom built-in entertainment center
If you're looking to make use of some extra space in your home, this tutorial may be the answer. This video focuses on making a custom built-in entertainment center. It's a task that can take two or three days to complete, depending on time and skill. Once completed, though, it gives you a great amount of storage and space to put all your entertainment needs. Enjoy! Make a custom built-in entertainment center.
How To: Build your own picture frame from scratch
This tutorial shows you how to build your own picture frame from scratch. It's a grea tutorial for those interested in saving some money for a high-end frame or for those interested in expanding their woodskills. This tutorial has great insight and tips for making a great looking frame. Sit back and enjoy! Build your own picture frame from scratch.
How To: Install a wood handrail in your home
If you've recently bought a home or currently reside in one with stairs, handrails are an important way of ensuring you and your family's safety. If you are looking to add a handrail on the opposite side of the wall, this tutorial will give you the necessary steps and tools needed for the project. It's an moderatley difficult task that takes time, but will look great once completed. Good luck and enjoy! Install a wood handrail in your home.
How To: Install a wood stair railing kit in your home
Many home that have stairs in them, tend to have either wood or metal stair railings. Each has their own benefits, but metal tends to be cold and less attractive to homeowners and potential home buyers. Installing a wood stair railing adds much more character to the space and can increase the value of a home significantly. So check out the tutorial above and see if this is a project you would like to tackle. Enjoy! Install a wood stair railing kit in your home.
How To: Add details to your moldings and door casings
Sometimes when it comes to existing moldings, they tend to be dull and lack any kind of style to them. But the best way to maximize their look without breaking the bank, is to add some detail to existing moldings that are already in place. This can help with the character of the room and even house. So check out this tutorial and find out if you got what it takes. Enjoy! Add details to your moldings and door casings.
How To: Best use your space by installing pull-out shelves
If you're looking for a way to maximize the amount of space you have in your cabinets, this video tutorial may have what you need. In it, you will be shown, step-by-step the process of removing old shelves and adding pull-out shelves instead. This ensures that whatever space is available is being used properly in your kitchen cabinets. Good luck and enjoy! Best use your space by installing pull-out shelves.
How To: Apply a ceramic tile over an old countertop
Sometimes, it can be a pain to remove an countertops made of material such as wood and laminate. So an easy to do option would just let it be. If you're looking to add ceramic tile, you can easily do that over your existing countertops. This video will show you how for a quick to do and easy kitchen project. Enjoy! Apply a ceramic tile over an old countertop.
How To: Build an attractive breakfast nook in your home
If you own a home with a big kitchen and are looking for a way to optimize the space, this tutorial may have what you need. This video will show you what supplies are needed in order to create a helpful seating area for a corner of your room, known also as a breakfast nook. Enjoy! Build an attractive breakfast nook in your home.
How To: Treat your furniture for bed bugs
Nothing is worse than bed bugs, right? Those pesky little creatures can make you seriously uncomfortable and cost you tons of money replacing furniture. But you can treat your furniture without spending money or having to throw it out. You will need to inspect everything thoroughly and make sure to to follow every step properly. This video will show you how to treat furniture for bed bugs.
How To: Calibrate your jointer
You will to learn set up and calibrate your jointer for optimal woodworking and creating a clean and straight edge on a rough board to later use as a reference. You will also learn a system on how to set up your knives to achieve the perfect cut using a jig and how to select the best jig to work with.
How To: Refinish wood furniture with simple techniques
When that dusty old dresser you have starts looking more fit for Grandma than your sleek 21st century home, it may be time to refinish.
How To: Assemble an IKEA Kvarnö garden table
Looking for comprehensible instructions on how to assemble your IKEA Kvarnö garden table? You're in luck! This free video tutorial presents comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to put together a Kvarnö table. For detailed instructions and to get started setting up your own Swedish garden table, watch this helpful how-to.
How To: Finish antique furniture to give a distressed look
Kathy Carroll of the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes and Faux by Kathy demonstrates how to give a decorative distressed look to antique furniture pieces. Distressing is a great way to revive outdated or worn pieces, as well as achieve character and age newer pieces. Antiquing furniture techniques are easy to do and can be done by everyone from veteran decorative artisans to the beginning crafter.
How To: Whittle a wooden bird
Whittling has been around for years and years and doesn't require a great amount of skill to perform. What it does require is patience, a steady hand, and a creative mind. This tutorial focuses on how to start of whittling a wooden bird. So sit back, pay attention, and enjoy!
How To: Build a bat box and get rid of insects
If your yard is full of pests in the summertime that you can't get rid of, consider building a bat box. Bats are great animals - they eat any unwanted insects and only come out at night so they don't bother anyone.
How To: Build a bat house for the bats in your yard or barn
A lot of people fear bats; in fact, bats rank third on America's most feared list behind spiders and snakes. Most people get nervous around bats because they are hard to see at night and can fly around undetected; not to mention that Dracula myth that hasn't done bats any favors.
How To: Recover a chair with custom fabric
If that old chair is covered in holes or stains, or boasts a pattern that can best be described as "70s chic" it may be time to update it a bit. In this video learn how to save your favorite comfy chair and recover or reupholster it like a pro. By recovering your furniture yourself you can avoid the cost of buying a new one or paying a professional, with the added bonus of holding on to a long-loved piece of decor.
How To: Measure wood by relative dimensioning
The Wood Whisperer demonstrates how we can install hinges on a cabinet without a tape measure, using relative dimensioning. In this example, we use center lines instead of marking the top and bottom of each piece that needs to line up. Using shims at the bottom and top of the door, we center the door on the cabinet to the desired spot. At this point, it's as simple as marking the center lines where you want your hinges to go on both the door and the cabinet frame. Now we can simply attach our...
How To: Upholster a cushion
Let's face facts: Upholstering a cushion can be difficult. However, it can also be easy. So easy, in fact, that this video guide can present a complete and thorough overview of the entire process in just over a minute and half of time. Watch to learn a simple upholstery method that will insure your cushion turns out perfect every time!
How To: Re-paint old furniture
If your furniture has seen better days but is nevertheless structurally sound, restoring it might be as simple as applying a fresh layer of paint or wood stain. This free video tutorial demonstrates a method for refinishing furniture with a power sander. For more information, and to get started rejuvenating your own antique furniture, watch this video tutorial.
How To: Build your own custom workbench
Enhance your garage with a custom-built workbench. If you can use a wooden workbench, you can build one. And this carpenter's guide, which presents a complete breakdown of the build process, will show you precisely how to do it. For more information, and to get started building your own custom worktable for your garage woodshop, watch this free video guide.
How To: Build a garage workbench
Want a work table for your garage workshop? If you can use a wooden workbench, you can build one. And this carpenter's guide, which presents a complete breakdown of the build process, will show you precisely how to do it. For more information, and to get started building your own custom worktable for your garage woodshop, watch this free video guide.
How To: Build a workbench on a tight budget
A good first project for anyone interested in doing woodworking projects on a regular or semi-regular basis is, naturally, a wooden workbench. This carpenter's guide will help you to build a solid work table without breaking the bank in the process. For more information, including a step-by-step breakdown of the assembly process, watch this free video tutorial.
How To: Build a fireplace mantel
Have an interest in building a protruded mantelpiece for your fireplace? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this free woodworker's guide can present a complete overview of the process in fewer than 10 minutes. For more information, including a step-by-step look at the mantel (or mantle) building process, watch this DIY guide.
How To: Design and assemble your own custom kitchen cabinets
Beautiful cabinets really make the kitchen, don't they? Not only are cabinets handy storage, they also lend a certain level of elegance to the room depending on their craftmanship. If you would like to perform a kitchen makeover but don't want to hire someone else to do it for you, check out this eight part tutorial on how to build custom kitchen cabinets on your own.
How To: Install a built-in wardrobe
If you're looking for a means of saving money as well as closet space, installing your own built-in wardrobe can be a great way to go. This free DIY video tutorial provides a nuts-and-bolts overview of the entire process.
How To: Make an accurate boomerang
In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to make an accurate boomerang. Material required are 4-6mm thick ply wood or hard board or paper-mache, saw and some spray paint. Search for and download boomerang plans from the internet. The boomerang has three protrusions or handles equally spaced with each protrusion being 14cm long and the diameter of the circle at their ends being 4.5cm. Trace the plan on the plywood and cut it out with a ‘U’ shaped saw. Next draw out the line for ...
How To: Install Dry Core basement sub floor
First, the plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) subfloor floats on a corrugated or “cleated” waterproof underlayment, so the wood never actually touches the floor. The underlayment material can be made of Styrofoam or heavy-duty polyethylene, the same material used in corrugated plastic drain pipe (one of the toughest plastics available). This underlayment creates an air gap above the concrete. Combined with the wooden panels, the air in this space provides a thermal break that acts as insu...
News: Smart Chairs With Butt Memory
Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka (creator of the crystal chair) is back with a new "shape-shifting" chair, set to debut at Milan Design Fair this upcoming week.