Architectural Millwork at WOODWEB's Knowledge Base

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Fabricating Spiral Stair Handrails

More good advice on one of the most challenging tasks in woodworking: making handrails for a spiral staircase. May 26, 2008

Setting Up a Six-Head Moulder for Machining Tall Baseboard

Here's a detailed discussion of how to arrange the top knives for cutting of the flat and the profiled part of tall, highly detailed baseboard mouldings. March 31, 2008

Mortising Large Timbers

Ideas about tools and techniques to efficiently cut lots of big mortises in 5x5 posts. April 9, 2008

Curved Staircase and Rail Discussion

The Furniture-Making Forum takes on an architectural question: bending and laminating wood for curved stair projects. July 25, 2005

Raised-Panel Wainscoting for a Spiral Stairwell

true frame-and-panel wainscoting with concave panels rising up a spiral staircase. Woodweb's top trimwork minds chime in on this one for a top-flight discussion of a very tricky topic. July 9, 2007

Equipment For New Cabinet Business

Equipment and other advice for a beginning businessman. August 26, 2004

Finish and Feed Rates

Setup and operation tips for moulder operators. June 22, 2007

Radius Cabinet Job - Project Review

October 27, 2003

Moisture and Swelling Issues for a Porch Ceiling

Moisture-related expansion could cause beadboard porch ceilings to buckle. Why, and what can be done about it? This long discussion delves deep into the mysteries of moisture. February 8, 2008

Installing crown moulding

Calculations and tools for cutting crown angles. May 17, 2003

Scribing three edges

Templates, tic sticking and more for efficient scribing in difficult situations. September 20, 2003

Four Case Histories for Smart Specifying

December 4, 2001

Crown Moulding Expansion/Contraction Problem

Who or what is responsible for gaps appearing at joints after installation? June 4, 2004

Pursuing perfect miters

Methods and equipment for achieving the highest quality. September 20, 2003

Milling Wood Flooring on a Shaper

Extensive advice on how to make hardwood strip flooring on a cabinet-shop shaper. April 19, 2006

Installation Tips for Stair Treads, Risers, and Banisters

A skilled, experienced finish, cabinet and furniture man is looking at his first-ever staircase — and it's already framed. His questions set off a long discussion on stair construction techniques. November 19, 2005

Value added defined

Many definitions and interpretations are offered up. July 29, 2003

Radius Moulding Machinery Choices

Millwork pros discuss shopping for a radius moulder and the related knives. January 9, 2008

Laying Up a Laminated Door Arch

An extended discussion with pictures goes into depth about various ways to make a laminated wood arch for a doorway. September 5, 2006

Solid Wood Entry Door Construction

An extended technical discussion of proven methods for constructing large, heavy, durable custom doors using solid sawn lumber. January 18, 2007

Photographing Kitchens Professionally

Recommendations on creating high-quality shots of your work. April 2, 2004

Glued-Down Wide Pine Flooring

A long discussion of installation methods for wide board floors. August 21, 2006

Home-built moulder

Advice on the construction of a moulder, and encouragement to follow an easier path. November 18, 2002

Stupid Woodworker Tricks

With a nod toward David Letterman, pros discuss their least-best moments. January 24, 2005

Woodshop Waste Percentage

How much wood do you waste in the construction of your product? June 21, 2004

Cabinet and Millwork Installation Forum -- Coping Choices for Crown Moulding

Trim installers debate the relative merits of coping saws, jigsaws, grinders, and worm-drive circular saws for fine trimwork. October 3, 2006

AWI certification

Is membership or certfication with AWI worth your while?July 29, 2003

Moulder Purchasing Advice

A woodworker going into the moulding business gets advice on moulder choices and related issues. December 26, 2007

Increasing production flow

Presenting to a boss the numbers that prove production flow could be improved. (Business Forum) May 17, 2003

Helical Handrail Math for Spiral Stairs

Woodworkers puzzle over the twisted math involved in making a profiled handrail follow the curve of a spiral stair. January 26, 2008

Crowns on Band Wheels

Why do crowns exist, and do they improve band tracking? January 29, 2004

Taking Measurements on Site — Tape Measure or Laser Device?

The new generation of laser measuring tools can improve accuracy and save time. Here, cabinetmakers describe why they made the switch and how they use the new tools. November 22, 2005

Are bone-dry biscuits necessary?

Questions about the dryness and size of biscuits. April 24, 2002

Pricing Custom Cabinets and Trim

Even within one local market, prices can be all over the map. Balancing careful itemized estimating against local market conditions can help you turn a decent profit. August 23, 2006

Machining raised panels

Addressing workpiece movement and tear-out problems. April 9, 2003

Custom Architectural Woodwork on the CNC

A request for ideas for making some custom quarter-round mouldings turns into an extended discussion of custom techniques and the value of hand labor versus computerized production. February 19, 2008

Preventing Cupping in a Wide Board

Woodworkers discuss the "rip and flip" method, relief cuts, and similar methods of reducing wood movement. November 19, 2005

CNC configuration

Building a CNC router. May 1, 2003

Accurate Cuts on Crown Molding

Trim carpentry pros discuss saw stops, cutting methods, and measuring techniques for getting perfect miter cuts and joint bevels. March 18, 2006

Assembling and Gluing Staved Columns

Here's a boatload of advice and ideas about how to put together and glue octagonal columns made with staves. October 23, 2007

Achieving Consistent Copes

Why is it so difficult to cut copes the same every time? October 5, 2004

Poplar for a Storm Door: Movement Issues

An extended discussion of the behavior of Poplar in an exterior exposure. Science says Poplar is suitable for exterior woodwork, but experience may indicate the contrary. June 3, 2007

Troubleshooting Moulder Tear-Out

Tweaks to the knives, the feed rate, the drive belt set-up, or the bed board may help eliminate moulder chatter and tear-out. August 29, 2005

When to use waterbornes

Applications where waterborne coatings will and won't work. May 22, 2002

Better moulder finish quality

Eliminating snipe on mouldings. August 13, 2002

Safety and Burn-Free Flutes

A long discussion about how to make flutes without burn marks at the end, and without injury. February 16, 2006

Distressing Wood

Learning how to give new furniture that well-worn look. January 6, 2005

Moulding prices

Pricing product in a small, start-up moulding manufacturing operation. October 9, 2002

Laminating Stock for Arched Casings

Here's a wide-ranging discussion of gluing and clamping processes for laying up arched casings using multiple thin laminations. November 26, 2007

Straight-line vs. gang rip

Which is better suited to this moderate operation? June 24, 2002

Troubleshooting problems when moulding MDF

A detailed discussion of challenges in getting a smooth finish when putting profiles on MDF material. February 13, 2001

Selecting CNC Machinery

Choosing a machine to best suit your operation. January 28, 2004

Darkening existing finishes onsite

Setting up shop in the customer's home in order to modify a finish. October 9, 2002

Durable Wood for a Screen Door

A craftsman's question about screen door materials kicks off a long discussion about the qualities of various wood species, old growth and second growth. October 4, 2005

Drilling Long Holes in MDF

An MDF shelf made of two panels glued together poses a special edge-drilling challenge. October 2, 2007

Exterior Door Finish

Finding a finish that will stand up to the elements over time. October 20, 2004

Getting Into Flooring Production

The owner of a rough lumber business has been getting a lot of requests for hardwood flooring. Here's a discussion of what equipment he would need to start producing it, and what markets he should cultivate in order to make money. November 13, 2005

Scribing loose end panels

Woodworkers describe the processes they use. April 3, 2002

Router Table Add-ons

With a router lift, precision fence, and some customizing, a router table can "kinda-sorta" stand in as a poor man's shaper. November 26, 2006

Efficient Trim Installation

Extensive advice on organizing and planning for efficient production on site when installing baseboard, crown moulding, and window and door casing. October 25, 2006

Custom Fabricating Louvered Shutters

A long and chatty thread about whether, why, and how to build your own louvered wood exterior window shutters. April 24, 2006

Low-tech panel squaring

Methods and machines for squaring that don't involve CNC equipment. April 9, 2003

Crown moulding along cathedral ceilngs

How to deal with crown mouldings on cathedral ceilings and outside corners. September 25, 2001

Kitchen Cabinets and Floors — Which Should Be Installed First?

The decision affects both trades, and there's more than one well-reasoned opinion posted here. May 6, 2007

Joining a Rail to a Newel Cap

The joint where a handrail meets a profiled newel cap is a real head-scratcher. Here, experienced stair rail carpenters explain the fine points. August 12, 2007

Wine Cabinet Construction and Technology

More wine-storage concepts, information, and wine-cellar construction tips and techniques. November 11, 2005

Designing entertainment centers

Important considerations when designing and building multimedia centers. August 25, 2003

Hammering and Rolling Large Saw Blades

Saw blades can be pre-tensioned so that they take on a true, flat shape when spinning. The technique is an art that requires knowledge and experience. June 24, 2007

Moulding on a Curved Wall

Installing trim work along a curved staricase. February 28, 2004

Moulding Quality Issues

A batch of mouldings with quality problems sets off a discussion of proper dimensions, back-relief, and surface smoothness for base, casing, and jamb stock. December 15, 2005

Working On-Site with Hardwood Millwork

Hardwood details add beauty and value to any installation. November 27, 2001

Too-tight biscuits

Biscuit joining tricks and techniques. March 23, 2002

Bleaching, Pickling and Antiquing -- Hardwood Flooring and Millwork

Customized hardwood finishes offer new decorative dimension. December 3, 2001

Cutting crown flat

Calculating the angles to do it right. October 30, 2003

Routing a Large Radius with a Low-Power Router

Advice on how to sneak up on a radius corner rout using a great big bit in a smaller router. Tips on speed control, custom router plates, jigs, and roughing out the piece by hand. February 18, 2007

Shaper and Moulder Choices

Observations on the relative capabilities of shapers and moulders. January 9, 2006

Gluing and Clamping a Curved Laminated Stair Rail

A discussion of the fine points of glue choice, glue mixing, clamping methods, and allowing for springback. March 18, 2006

Helical Stair-Rail Science

Pros puzzle through the complexities of following a spiral stairway's curve using round stair rail. March 5, 2008

Designing a Raised-Panel Wall

A design discussion of full-wall-height raised-panel wainscot delves into issues of ideal proportioning versus matching existing elements. March 20, 2007

Curved cabinet doors

What's the most efficient way to build radius frame-and-panel doors in-house? May 15, 2002

Ways to Machine Radiused Casings

Woodworkers discuss various methods of making curved mouldings, including CNC and moulder techniques as well as ways to join segments. December 2, 2006

Architectural Millwork Installer Compensation

Owners and employees discuss the wages installers make, and the factors that affect the value of labor. November 11, 2005

Climb cutting and why not

Climb cutting on a shaper with feeder--safety and procedure issues. September 19, 2001

Filling Nail Holes in Paint-Grade Work

Pros share a dozen favorite ways to hide the fasteners. June 16, 2005

Crown Transitions for Corner Cabinets

Several ways to deal with a tricky crown molding detail at the top of corner cabinets flanked by manufactured upper cabs. October 25, 2006

Crown moulding with angled ceiling

Is it possible to take an out-of-kilter ceiling into account? November 22, 2003

Baseboard for Bullnose Wall Corners

A soft-corner baseboard treatment is easy to want, not so easy to do. Here's a spirited discussion of the trim installer's options for this pesky detail. July 9, 2007

Building Heavy Barn Doors

Can you make those barn doors stable? Here's a discussion of how to anticipate and deal with the inevitable movement of wood components. March 18, 2006

Making Fluted Pilasters

Detailed tips on efficient fluting, including images of a shop-made jig. October 5, 2004

Filling nail holes in prefinsihed moulding

The installer has shot your custom-milled cherry job full of nail holes. What do you do? September 19, 2001

Accurate Miters

Tips on achieving good miter joints when working to fine tolerances. October 25, 2006

Determining left and right hand doors

How do you keep them straight? (From WOODWEB's Architectural Woodworking Forum) March 5, 2003

Multimedia Installations -- Hardwoods and Tile, Stone, Marble, Metals and Glass

Complementary materials enhance hardwood installations. December 4, 2001

Crown Moulding Corner Fastening Techniques

Advice on using adhesive to fasten outside corner joints in large crown moulding, along with other practical tips for installing crown. October 12, 2007

Restoring Historic Windows

How to keep what's good, and make them work. April 11, 2005

Bending Pressure-Treated Wood

Detailed, authoritative information on the ins and outs of bending pressure-treated wood for curved outdoor decks or garden structures. May 23, 2007

Hidden-Pivot Bookcase Door

Here are detailed drawings for a nifty swinging-bookcase hidden door. October 12, 2006

Poplar in Exterior Conditions

Although some people have noted 100-year-old poplar porch posts that are still sound, poplar generally seems to rot quickly in exterior use. November 10, 2005

Polyester and Epoxy Wood Repair Fillers in Conservation Work

Tips on whether epoxy or polyester wood repair formulas are sufficiently authentic for conservation work, and some tips on how to use them. October 26, 2007

Materials Options for Exterior Gingerbread Trim

Here's an extended discussion of various natural wood, synthetic, and composite materials and how they hold up in outdoor exposures. November 24, 2007

Practical Lumber Tally Methods

A moulding manufacturer needs advice on a method for tallying lumber that his people can conveniently implement. January 27, 2007

Outsourcing drawings

Positive and negative experiences from those who have hired the job out. October 30, 2002

Ellipse jig

Making your own jig for ellipse-based arcs. (From WOODWEB's Cabinetmaking Forum) March 5, 2003

Ripping and Re-Gluing to Limit Cupping

The Wood Doc weighs in on the old-timer technique of ripping and re-gluing boards in order to lessen moisture-related cupping. February 19, 2008

Tapered Craftsman Porch Columns

A long discussion of the materials and joinery needed to reproduce this traditional architectural element. February 5, 2007

Replacing Paneling in an Elevator

Rules and standards related to elevators are so complicated and strict that the jobs tend to be quite expensive and difficult. March 4, 2007

MDF as Interior Trim

Does MDF make good trim, especially in a humid climate? Pros share their observations. December 20, 2005

Hardwood Flooring and Millwork -- Finishing Options

Pre-finished or site-finished? November 16, 2001

Radius of Convex Wall

Formulas for calculating this measurement. May 19, 2004

Using Coping Jigs

If you've got a lot of trim to run, coping jigs and accessories can save you some serious time. June 28, 2007

Job-Site Miter Saw Stands

Pros supply ideas with photos of versatile chopsaw stands for the job site. November 19, 2006

From residential to commercial work

What risks are involved when moving into much larger scale jobs? June 4, 2003

Bending 3/16 Solid Wood

Methods for bending wood to fit an arch. October 5, 2004

Math Question: Dimensioning Angles

Cabinetmakers chime in on methods for determining the size of an angled plane. February 8, 2005

Crown Moulding Tips and Tricks

Trim carpenters discuss jigs, chopsaws, stands, and techniques for cutting and installing crown moulding. April 20, 2007

What's Involved in Starting Up a Moulding Supply Business?

Here are some business issues to think about if you're considering starting to both manufacture and install large volumes of custom trim. April 20, 2007

Mitering Curved to Straight Mouldings

When an arc joins a straight line, some thinking and fussing are required to get a close match. Here, finish pros discuss the fine points. August 24, 2005

Entry Door Materials

Pros discuss wood choice, finishing, and construction methods for a durable exterior door. October 4, 2005

Vacuum Clamping -- Save Time, Save Money!

March 19, 2002

Tricked-Out Job Trailers

An extended thread on how to customize your "shop on wheels" for convenience and efficiency. August 13, 2007

Best Joinery for Passageway Door Construction

Cope-and-stick joinery is the classic "man door" method. But what's the strongest joint — dowel, mortise and tenon, or what? December 2, 2006

Radius Shoe Molding

Determining radius of cabinets in order to match molding. July 20, 2004

Machining S-Curved Crown Moulding

Woodworkers weigh in on a complex machining challenge: crown moulding with both an inside and an outside curve. September 5, 2006

AWI CAD Standard?

If there isn't one already, why not? December 26, 2004

Excessive Wood Movement in Outdoor Trim

Woodworkers troubleshoot wood movement and joint problems with base trim applied to an outdoor column. January 9, 2008

Finding Compound Angles for Crown Moulding

This discussion of cutting crown molding includes a set of tables for determining angle and bevel cuts when cutting flat on the saw table. April 20, 2007

Arched Door Casing Against a Curved Wall

Pros discuss a complex trim problem: The intersecting circular arcs resolve to an ellipse, but that doesn't make it easy. October 4, 2005

Competing with Site-Built Builtins

Can a shop get simple built-ins done for the cost field crews can build them at on site? April 24, 2006

Ripping hardwood straight

Why do ripped pieces come out banana-shaped? July 9, 2002

Complicated Trim Scribing Problem

When complicated pieces butt together, sometimes there is no alternative but tedious hand scribing and fitting. Best to avoid those situations by prior planning, if possible. October 12, 2007

Baseboard-to-Stairs Trim Transition

Here's a nice way to handle those trim transitions where baseboard moulding runs into the bottom of a staircase. October 25, 2006

Scribing Wood Mantels to Stone or Brick

The pros demonstrate how to make that mantel look like it was "made to fit." February 8, 2008

To nest or not to nest?

Is nesting appropriate for all shops? June 4, 2003

Exterior Door Construction Details

A discussion of the relative merits of mortise and tenon versus dowel construction. July 3, 2006

Truck, Van, or Trailer?

Installation pros discuss the convenience, gas mileage, and security of various vehicle choices. October 8, 2005

Troubleshooting Shaper Tearout

Solutions for a tearout problem include slower feed speeds, climb cutting, and larger-diameter tooling. April 5, 2007

Tablesaw blade safety device

Does a new sawblade-stop product really protect your fingers? July 29, 2003

Moulder Tearout Problems with Hickory

Hickory is notoriously difficult to machine. Here's a discussion on how to deal with tearout while making hickory crown moulding. February 19, 2006

Indoor Wood Shrinkage and Expansion

A learned discussion of the way building interior humidity causes dimensional change in wood. December 1, 2005

Tread Return Details for a Free-Standing Curved Staircase

Here's a complex and detailed discussion of stair tread fabrication for a high-end custom curved staircase, open on both sides. November 26, 2007

Steambending

How much time to allow based on thickness and proposed radius of wood. September 23, 2003

Static charge on wood

Troubleshooting and resolving static problems on freshly planed boards. October 9, 2002

Producing Stable Part Stock

With little time and no system in place, can this shop produce parts that won't move over time? October 20, 2004

Machining Knotty Alder

Rustic alder mouldings are in demand because of energetic marketing. But the material is extremely rough on knives, machines badly, and has a high waste factor. July 3, 2006

Hidden Bookcase Door Hardware

What kind of hardware and construction will support a bookcase full of books as it swings like a door? October 2, 2006

Planing on edge

Processing stock through planer to define parts' widths. January 3, 2003

Troubleshooting and Repair of Glue Failure in an Exterior Door

A raised-panel Hickory exterior door behind a glass storm door is coming apart from the effects of solar heat and moisture condensation. What can be learned (or done) in this situation? June 3, 2007

Pricing Trim Work

Stay away from square foot pricing for finish carpentry. Here are details on how to price by the piece and the joint (and factor in aggravation). June 23, 2006

Acceptable Runout Tolerances for a Shaper Spindle

High-quality machinery has minimal runout. Excessive runout is a safety risk and a source of trouble. December 20, 2005

Floating Bookshelves Without Brackets

Creative ideas for supporting shelves. February 28, 2004

Climb Cutting on a Moulder

Molding manufacturers discuss the potentially dangerous but sometimes necessary practice of climb cutting. January 22, 2006

Contact Cement and Bubbles Under Veneer

A report of veneer delaminating from architectural columns leads to a long string of cautions about using contact cement to apply veneer, along with advice about superior methods. March 4, 2007

Hidden Room (Secret Door) Details

Tips on hardware and other details for concealing a door by disguising it as a bookshelf, pool-cue rack, or the like. February 8, 2008

Applied wainscot

Creating fake raised panels for the lower portion of walls. April 3, 2002

Exterior door finishes

Products to use for protection from rain. May 22, 2002

Curved Stair Railings 101

A first-timer seeks advice from the old hands on fabricating and installing a curved banister. October 4, 2005

Fastening Retrofit Stair Treads

Installers discuss how to fasten replacement oak stair treads to an existing old stringer so as to minimize squeaking. September 5, 2006

Working with Iron Balusters

Installers share tips on laying out, cutting, and fitting metal balusters to a wood staircase and banister. August 2, 2005

Window Hinge Mortising Retrofit Techniques

Detailed advice for cutting new Soss hinge mortises on custom replacement windows to match already-mortised existing window jambs. June 3, 2007

Eliminating springback problems

Determining the radius to aim for when creating a curve with vac-laminated plywood. September 23, 2003

Tools and Techniques for Coping Wide Baseboard

Most carpenters apply a whole range of specialized tools and methods, but everyone has a favorite approach. November 19, 2005

Radius countertop edge

Making a radiused wood edge without resorting to segments. January 3, 2003

Machining Custom Crown from Synthetic Trim Material

Advice and feedback about making custom crown molding out of plastic trim materials, to match old trim for a curved porch restoration job. March 20, 2007

Bonding veneer to melamine

Bubbling veneer and contact cement. (Cabinetmaking Forum) May 1, 2003

Integrated fillers in cabinets

Using fillers, integrated or loose. April 3, 2002

Crown Moulding for Crazy Angles

How to figure and fit inside miter cuts for oddball intersections and radius curves. June 17, 2005

Designing Large Built-Up Crown Molding Treatments

Big trim build-ups at a high wall-ceiling joint call for large, well-defined profiles. Here's an example of the problem and some feedback from trimwork installers. May 21, 2007

Jigs for Elliptical Moulder Work

Aftermarket jigs let you do complex curved work on the moulder, especially if given additional shop modifications. May 21, 2007

Tablesaw blade guards

Choosing the best blade guard/dust collector. April 9, 2003

Tooling Up to Run Mouldings

Pros give advice on how to choose and use equipment for producing mouldings.

Multiple cut crown molding

Handling such installations with accuracy. April 3, 2002

To cleat or not to cleat

Does cleating cabinets save installation time and money? April 3, 2002

Wine Cellar Details

Tips on wine cellar construction. July 3, 2006

Polyurethane (PUR) adhesives

Basic overview of different PUR glues. September 24, 2002

Wainscot with toe kick

Notching and other ideas for integrating a toe kick with wainscot. January 3, 2003

Searching for a sales rep

Increasing sales by adding the right marketing professional to your team. September 20, 2003

Alternatives to Honduran Mahogany

A discussion of the qualities of some of the woods used as substitutes for Mahogany, plus an attempt to clear up some of the confusion around the much-misused "Mahogany" label. February 5, 2007

Working with MDF Trim

Thoughtful advice, handy tips, and whines about installing medium density fiberboard architectural trim material. May 6, 2007

Spiral Versus Fluted Dowels

Is either one better? The question sparks a discussion of how dowel joints work. March 20, 2007

Choices for Sanding Moulding

Hand-sanding mouldings is tedious and time-consuming. Here's a set of suggestions for mechanizing the process. July 23, 2005

Old Trimwork: Strip and Refinish, or Replace?

Trim pros discuss whether it's worth the labor to preserve existing woodwork in an old house. August 22, 2007

Machining Dadoes into Door Jambs

Ideas for high-volume production methods for cutting dadoes in door side jambs to receive the header jamb. April 30, 2006

Warping, Bowing and Cupping of Moulding Batches

Expert input on what could make fresh runs of moulding move in unwanted ways. October 2, 2005

Building a Glue Press

Creating a glue press system in-shop. April 2, 2004

Cutterhead Options for a Five-Head Moulder

Shop owners who machine S4S mouldings discuss the relative merits of carbide versus high-speed steel knives, and 2-sided versus insert cutter heads. September 15, 2006

Avoiding Shaper Blow-Out

Various suggestions for achieving clean, sharp profiles without tear-out and blow-out when running moulding on a shaper. July 28, 2007

Single Knife and Counterweight Setup on a Moulder

Using just one knife rarely gives the best results. November 19, 2006

Lathe and Shaper Setups for Fluting and Reeding Columns

Jigs and rigs for fluting and reeding columns or posts using a lathe, shaper, or router. April 24, 2006

Tallying Moldings

Suppliers round off piece lengths in different ways. Are you getting the quantities you ordered? May 29, 2005

New turn on rosettes

Could cutting rosettes on a lathe reduce tearout problems? July 22, 2003

Machining and Tooling for Large Tenon Production

Woodworkers suggest workable setups for high-volume production of large tenons for heavy doors. April 24, 2006

Wood Door Thickness and Quality

To make 1-3/8" solid wood interior doors, you usually have to start with 8/4 stock. Here, experienced pros explain their door fabrication processes in detail. February 17, 2006

Pulling Surface Joints Tight

Links to gadgets that can make this sometmes-frustrating issue a breeze. February 8, 2005

Consistent curves

How to create a long, accurate curve. May 15, 2002

Miterfolds for clean corner joints

A sweet technique for classy corners. November 21, 2003

Best Equipment for Tenoning Door Parts

Basic advice on machinery and cutters for making cope-and-stick architectural door parts. August 5, 2006

Surfacing curly woods

The best machinery and tooling to handle the job. October 9, 2002

Improving Moulder Efficiency

Two guys have their hands full trying to satisfy a busy shop's moulding needs. Here, they get some advice on how to streamline their operation. March 29, 2006

Fluted Round Wood Columns

Round, fluted wood columns are easy to buy. But if you want to make your own, here's some advice. May 21, 2007

Drum versus belt sander

Pros and cons of two approaches to surface sanding. October 9, 2002

Tooling Considerations with a Moulder Upgrade

Shop owners and experts discuss the tooling costs and choices relating to a new moulder purchase. June 23, 2006

Staircase Standards

Standard heights and dimensions for stair parts. January 24, 2005

Labor Charge to Hang Doors

Millwork installers discuss the steps, labor time and cost for installing interior pass-through doors. October 4, 2005

More Fun with Stud Finders

No stud finder works perfectly. In this thread, pros discuss stud finding methods high tech and low. September 4, 2005

Allowing for Springback in Laminated Railings

Pre-bent railings "uncoil" after unclamping. What's the solution? May 4, 2005

Ways to Cut Crown Molding

Pros discuss various methods. May 4, 2005

Attaching Plywood Panels to Drywall

Fastening decorative plywood panels to existing drywall is tricky, but doable. In this thread, experienced hands explain several techniques. July 24, 2005

Upgrading a Shaper Motor

Should a woodworker beef up the motor on his shaper when the original one breaks down? It's a questionable call. May 5, 2007

Veneered solid-core doors

Ideas for building exterior, teak-faced, slab doors. September 20, 2003

Crown Moulding and Cathedral Ceilings

The joint between horizontal to rake treatments when applying crown in a cathedral-ceilinged room involves some complex geometry, and usually creates awkward visuals. Here's more discussion on this pesky problem. April 6, 2007

Dadoing techniques

Using a router to make dados. June 24, 2002

Creating Custom Curved Moulding Profiles with a CNC Router

Any good CNC router can create mouldings, using either a ball-end cutter or a custom-ground bit. In this thread, pros provide a few pointers on the process. November 25, 2005

Lock-Miter and Miter-Fold Joinery with MDF

Detailed discussion of creating good corner joints when building up a column out of flat MDF. June 28, 2007

Is this "Fixed" Shelving?

Does a peg-bracket shelf with screws added to secure it fit the definition of a "fixed" shelf? May 5, 2007

Crown Moulding for Uneven Height Cabinets

Alternating high and low upper cabinets create a puzzle when it's time to apply crown molding at the top. Here, installers share ideas and show finished examples. July 24, 2005

High-speed jointing head moulders

Are these machines practical for a custom moulding business? June 13, 2001

Choosing an Installation Vehicle

Cabinet and millwork installers talk about their trucks, vans, hopes, and wishes. January 9, 2006

Sliding Table Saw Tips

Sliders are a little different for those used to working on a standard table saw. January 24, 2005

Coped Crown Installation

Coping in an octagonal room. April 18, 2004

Trimming real wood edgeband

Tricks for avoiding tears. April 17, 2002

Shop Drawing Submittals in Metric

When converting to 32mm construction, should all drawings be done in metric as well? April 18, 2004

Durable Joints For Crown Molding

The fine points of gluing and pinning crown molding copes and miters. February 25, 2005

No-Nail Wall Paneling Install

French cleats or Z-clips? Pros share tips and tricks. June 16, 2005

Cantilevered Shelf Supports

Practical idea for wall attachment and support for shelves that project straight out from the wall with no visible means of support. July 29, 2007

Curved Stairway Trim Job

Where chair rail meets moulding. February 28, 2004

Flexboard for architectural panels

Stability and strength of flexboard and similar materials. November 24, 2002

Ripping an Acute Angle

For a tricky millwork installation, the woodworker needs to rip a 65-degree angle on a plywood edge. Colleagues offer solutions. November 10, 2006

Pencil Preferences

Craftsmen discuss the pencils they like and where they carry them. November 11, 2005

Measuring and Estimating Trim Quantities

Tips for figuring quantities and ordering lengths. March 14, 2005

Radius Bead

A craftsman asks for advice on cutting a bead profile into an arched bookcase front, and hears the details of several alternative methods. October 4, 2005

Bending Large Pieces

Experienced hands offer tips on bending a thick piece of cherry for a curved rail. June 12, 2005

Veneered columns with PVC substrates

The best procedures and products to get the job done right. June 20, 2001

Door Core Alternatives

Several woodworkers explain why they use engineered lumber products for stave-core door construction. February 5, 2007

Terminating Crown Moulding at a Vent

A high-wall air-conditioning register interrupts a run of crown molding. What are the installer's choices? Pros supply ideas. July 5, 2005

Test for Moisture when Installing Hardwood Flooring

"Acclimating" flooring in the house before nailing down is not a sure-fire precaution. You should also provide a vapor barrier, and test the flooring, subflooring and slab for proper moisture content. December 26, 2006

Deck Construction with Ipe

Woodworkers talk about working and fastening Ipe decking, and discuss its machinability and toxicity. February 6, 2007

Raised Panel Finish Trim Around Replacement Windows

Undersized replacement windows in the fat wall of an older house create an opportunity for a creative, custom raised-panel window surround. May 21, 2007

What's a Finish Carpenter Make?

(...besides sawdust?) Pros share info on wage rates around the nation. June 16, 2005

Making Templates from Existing Mouldings

Moulding shop pros discuss how to scan and import profiles of existing mouldings in order to make exact drawings or manufacture new knives. November 10, 2006

Casing a Double-Curved Door Arch

How do you make and install moldings for an arched doorway set into a curved wall? Very, very carefully. April 24, 2006

Raised panel wainscot

Making wainscot onsite. November 24, 2002

Moulder Options for the Small Shop

Pros discuss the cost-effectiveness and convenience of various moulders, singly or in combination. November 9, 2005

Radius Limitations when Machining Curved Mouldings

Very tight curves introduce shape distortions in moulding profiles. March 4, 2006

Cabinet Scribes

Cabinet installers swap opinions on store-bought and field-rigged scribing devices. November 19, 2006

Job Site Toolbox Ideas

Installers tell how they transport and organize their tools on the job. December 9, 2007

Flush-Trimming a Curved Corbel

Following the curves on this piece is a challenge. Here, architectural trim pros discuss router and belt-sander techniques for working on curved edges. December 14, 2005

Choosing Wood for an Exterior Door

What species will provide good looks and durability? Craftsman trade opinions. July 2, 2005

Passage door construction

Techniques and joinery used in the construction of passage doors. January 3, 2001

Dark Putty

Ideas for blending a dark wood putty to match dark woods like cherry. July 3, 2006