WOODWEB's Knowledge Base contains over 9,000 articles. Here's a list of the most recent additions:
Another Wood Identification Conundrum 
Another unknown wood gets a close look from the Woodweb detective crew. Could
it be Paulownia? January 18, 2012
CNC Crash-and-Burn Stories 
CNC routers can start fires when things get out of control. Here are some photos
and some stories. January 19, 2012
A Corner Cabinet for a 50-inch Television
Cabinetmakers share experience with building a TV cabinet into a room corner.
January 1, 2012
Safety Gear and Equipment to Reduce Kickback Risk 
This discussion of kickback in the shop, its causes, and how to prevent it, includes
several very frightening personal accounts of accidents. January 19, 2012
What Do You Call That Space Behind the Hinge?
From aperture to void, woodworkers consider the appropriate term for a part of
a cabinet that has no name. January 19, 2012
Veneer Vacuum Mold: Convex or Concave?
Experience says an convex mold is easier to use and more effective for veneer
layups. January 19, 2012
CNC Rated Horsepower and Real Capacity
Here's a good discussion of what horsepower ratings mean in the real world. January
2, 2012
Reviving an Old Sharpening Stone
Here's the story of an old, legacy grinding wheel and the difficulties a woodworker
encountered while trying to make it work again. January 2, 2012
Step-Stool Strength Issues
Furnituremakers consider the stresses on a two-step stool. January 23, 2012
Drying Split Catalpa Logs for Benches 
Catalpa dries well and is fairly rot-resistant. January 23, 2012
Inserts for Custom Wood Range Hoods
Advice on choosing the necessary manufactured liner for a wooden range vent hood.
January 19, 2012
Communication Between Cabinet Shops About Outsourced Work
A busy cabinetmaker who needs to send work to another shop for cutting on CNC
equipment wishes the other shop would meet him halfway on the transfer of information.
A debate ensues. January 31, 2012
Aerotech Router Bit Wear & Tear
Is the Aerotech dust-vacuum CNC attachment heavy enough to increase spindle wear?
January 2, 2012
Diamond Tooling Versus Carbide
Diamond bits are not best for every situation. Among other factors, they usually
require slower feed rates. January 2, 2012
Accurate Placement of Drawer Fronts on Existing Cabinets
Cabinetmakers describe various ways to quickly position and fasten new drawer
fronts on an existing cabinet for a refacing job. January 2, 2012
CNC Spindle Rotation
Here's a discussion of router spindle control and the reasons to use "conventional"
or "climb" cutting paths. January 19, 2012
Board and Batten Wainscot
"Board and batten" conjures up images of barn siding, but the term could also
refer to a well-made and distinctive wainscot. Here's a well-informed conversation
about wainscoting. January 2, 2012
Skilled Labor and Old-School Arc Drawing
The quickest path between two ideas is never a straight line, Einstein. January
2, 2012
Structural Testing for Chairs
There's the Fat Man test, the Little Boy test, the Throw it Off the Roof test,
and the "Entire state is sliding into the ocean" test ... you get the idea. January
3, 2012
Handling an Order Cancellation Early in the Contract
Two lessons are learned from this case where a customer wants to cancel without
explaining: One, contracts should spell out the exits for both parties; and two,
some things in life are more important than business. January 31, 2012
Ductwork Choices for Dust Control
A woodshop owner considers the cost and value of PVC ducts as compared to various
metal duct options. January 3, 2012
Jointing Door Stock Twice
Is a shop worker being too careful and creating double work? How much trouble
is it worth to be extra sure that door parts are precisely milled? January 19,
2012
Taking on Help
A furnituremaker with a growing workload gets advice on how to hire his first
employee. January 2, 2012
Choosing a Phase Converter
Here's advice on choosing a phase converter to bump up two-phase power to supply
three-phase motors, with some explanation of how those gizmos actually work. January
31, 2012
Murphy's Law in the Shop
Bad things happen to good people. Want to hear about it? January 2, 2012
Allowing for Wood Expansion in Solid Board Paneling
A woodworker puzzles over the measures needed to let V-groove wood board paneling
expand and contract with seasonal moisture changes in a seaside home. January
2, 2012
Dust Collector for a Widebelt Sander
Advice on cyclones, filter types, ducting, et cetera for good dust collection
on a wide-belt sander. January 31, 2012
Shopping for an Edgebander
Here's some detailed advice on how to choose the right edgebander for your volume
and style of production. January 1, 2012
Compressor Issues with Air-Powered Sanders
Pneumatic sanders use a lot of air, and can strain the capacity of some compressors.
January 19, 2012
Processing Credit Card Sales
Here's a detailed thread about various ways to manage the process if you choose
to accept payment by credit card. January 2, 2012
Cyclone Filter Clogging and Duct Sizing
Troubleshooting a clogging situatin in pleated air filters for a cyclone dust
collection system. Is too-small ducting the problem? January 23, 2012
Good Bandsaw Blade for Resawing Veneer?
Woodworkers discuss veneer production on the bandsaw. January 12, 2012
Tool Change Calibration Methods
From fully automated to eyeball-and-caliper manual adjustment, there's more than
one way to get tools dialed in. January 19, 2012
Hand Methods for Trimming Edgebanding
Non-edgebander-owning cabinetmakers talk edgebanding tips and tricks. January
19, 2012
How to Stack and Dry Large Beams
Advice on stacking, stickering, and banding large-dimension Oak timbers for air
drying. January 18, 2012
Widebelts, Drum Sanders, and the Budget
Widebelts are generally preferred among cabinetmakers, but there are votes (with
reasons) for double drum sanders and stroke sanders. January 12, 2012
Troubleshooting Planer Setup and Tearout
Tips on setting up a planer to avoid tearout. January 2, 2012
Glue Joint Failure in Heat-Treated Wood
Wood that has been "roasted" at 300-plus degrees Fahrenheit loses some of its
adhesive bonding qualities. January 19, 2012
Replacing Electronics for Big Iron
Here's a tip: shop around for parts or components before you buy a whole new touch
screen, display, controller, or similar electronic element for shop machinery.
You could save a bundle. January 2, 2012
Vacuum and Part Size
A question about how to relate vacuum requirements to minimum part size. January
2, 2012
Adjusting a Shaper Spindle
A bent spindle, bad bushings, or worn spacers could cause a shaper to wobble and
make sloppy cuts. Here's advice on making precise adjustments or repairs. January
2, 2012
1/8" Router Bit Feeds and Speeds
The critical factor with a slender bit is depth of cut: too deep, and it will
snap. January 2, 2012
Moving Out? Take Your Stuff.
A landlord tries to stretch a lease provision about elements connected to the
building into a claim on a tenant's dust collection system. Fat chance. January
2, 2012
Gang Rips Saws and Glue-Ready Edges
A gang ripsaw or straight-line ripsaw should yield a glue-joint ready edge, but
only with proper blade sharpening and maintenance. January 12, 2012
Shopping for a Straight-Line Rip Saw
There are different flavors of straight-line ripsaw for different parts of the
industry. Here's advice for a cabinetmaker with a budget, shopping for a smaller
machine. January 2, 2012
Sizing Up Clamp Racks
Clamp carrier systems are useful, but your mileage may vary. January 12, 2012
Shopping for a Veneering Vacuum Pump
Basic vacuum pumps are affordable. January 19, 2012
Window Sash Shaper Cutters for Outswing Casement Windows
Outswing windows are a challenge for toolmakers and woodworkers. Here is some
info. January 2, 2012
Calibrating a Hollow Chisel Mortiser
Careful adjustments to the spacing between the chisels and the bit can prevent
overheating, smoking, and chisel breakage. January 3, 2012
Converting MBF Price to Cubic Meter Price
Converting prices and converting volume aren't quite the same process. Here's
a discussion. January 31, 2012
Making a Standard Refrigerator Look Built In
Wood-look panels applied to a standard refrigerator fall short of providing the
appearance or useability of a true built-in model. January 1, 2012
Isolating Air Lines from Compressor Vibration 
To prevent vibration and noise, install a short section of suitable flexible tubing
between the compressor and the copper air lines.January 3, 2012
Thin Kerf Carbide Blade for Resawing
What's the lower limit to available resaw blade thickness? January 2, 2012
Matching Veneer to Solid Wood Surroundings
Advice for applying veneer to MDF and finishing it to match the European steamed
Beech already installed in the room. January 3, 2012
Sharpening Schedule for Scoring Blades
If you cut a lot of melamine, how often does the scoring blade need to be sharpened?
January 19, 2012
Hanging Panels with Z Clips on a Crooked Wall
Nice step-by-step game plan for hanging wall panels with Z clips onto a furred-out
metal stud wall (some straightening required). January 2, 2012
Troubleshooting Side Tear-Out on a Five-Head Moulder
Tips on preventing tear-out in a moulder. January 2, 2012
Fumed Larch Glue Adhesion Issues on Fire-Retardant MDF
It is the veneer, the adhesive, or the substrate? Probably the adhesive. January
3, 2012
Shopping for a 4mm-Kerf Saw Blade
Suggestions for tooling to cut a 4mm slot for spline joinery. January 12, 2012
Improving Adhesion with Plastic Edgebanding
Here's a tip: try priming the banding with contact cement. January 2, 2012
Low-Tech Cyclone Trash Can
Tips on building a simple cyclone dust collector for a shop vacuum, on the cheap.
January 23, 2012
Replacing an Old Frequency Generator Converter with a Solid State Inverter
Advice on replacing a failed component in an older edgebander with more modern
and advanced equipment. January 1, 2012
The Ten-Cent Router Switch Repair
A woodworker fixes the variable-speed control dial on his DeWalt plunge router
by sliding a dime under it. Go figure.January 3, 2012
Grinding Down Bits when Only the Tip is Worn
ztp If you're cutting solid hardwood in many shallow passes, you may be able to
re-grind bits and use them for longer.January 31, 2012
Shopping for a CNC for the Small Shop
CNC for the small shop has come a long way in recent years, as this conversation
demonstrates. There are many excellent options on the market, and many factors
to consider. January 3, 2012
CNC for Veneer Marquetry
Is there CNC equipment that can do fine work with very thin veneer stock? Here's
an in-depth discussion. January 3, 2012
Beyond the Spiral: Serpentine Stair Example
Here's a quick tour (concept to finished product) of an ambitious free-standing
staircase project that includes opposite curves. January 12, 2012
Shapers Versus Router
Can a 1.5 horsepower shaper outperform a 3 horsepower router for cutting door
panels? Yes, but best would be a 3 horsepower shaper. January 16, 2012
Dressing a Wide-Belt Sander Drum
Here's a quick, full explanation of how to re-dress a worn drum on a wide-belt
sander. January 18, 2012
Commercial Countertop Shrinkage
A very long laminate countertop in an industrial loft buildout experiences movement
problems because of humidity changes. January 12, 2012
Radio-Frequency Gluing, Humidity, and Wood Moisture
Humidity in the shop is a factor for RF gluing, but wood moisture content is the
critical issue. January 12, 2012
Line Boring Bit Recommendation
Debating the advantages of brad-point and V-point bits for production boring.
January 12, 2012
Wood Identification Problem (Western Walnut)
Sawmillers discuss the differences among Eastern and Western varieties of Walnut
(and Butternut). January 2, 2012
Sawing and Drying Red Gum
Advice on how to process Red Gum and comments about its marketability. January
2, 2012
Using Router Bits with a Shaper
The proper spindles sizes are hard to find, and there's also debate about whether
a shaper spins too slowly for router bits. Still, here is some practical advice.
January 2, 2012
Butt Seaming Veneer Panels
Advice on joining three 4x10 veneered wall panels together with a seamless and
stable joint. January 12, 2012
Humidity Control, Warping, and Case-Hardening
Maintaining the right drying conditions is a tricky problem, and improper control
can lead to defects in the lumber. January 2, 2012
Comparing Line Boring Machinery
Cabinetmakers discuss how to shop for a solid, reliable line boring machine and
how to get the best use out of it. January 2, 2012
Time Frame for Scuff Sanding and Topcoat Application
It turns out that there are physical reasons why manufacturers recommend no overnight
waiting between sanding and applying a second coat of a catalyzed finish. Here's
a detailed explanation. January 2, 2012
Mirrored, Frameless, Full Overlay Door Details
Here's a good discussion of assembly methods, adhesive application, and hinge
and catch details for a vanity door with a full-face mirror on the front. January
1, 2012
Spray Room Cleaning and Hygeine
For a quality finish you need a clean shop and spray room. Here's advice on getting
there. January 2, 2012
Wide Belt Sanders and Phase Converters
Stepping up to a large widebelt and three-phase power brings a big boost in capacity
and efficiency. January 1, 2012
Suitable Bits for Cutting Thick Solid Hardwood
High speed steel (HSS) outperforms carbide in solid wood because of heat issues.
But HSS is getting hard to find. How about a carbide spiral fluted hogger instead?
January 3, 2012
Panel Processing Time with and without CNC
A CNC shop and a cabinetmaker using conventional equipment compare the labor time
used to cut up and bore an entire kitchen. January 1, 2012
Glazing Techniques
Advice on achieving good adhesion and appearance with a glazed finish. January
2, 2012
Slabbing with a Chainsaw
Advice on low-tech slabbing methods, to rescue a nice log from the burn pile.
January 2, 2012
Cleaning Up Silicone to Fight Fisheye
Once you have silicone contamination on a cabinet, it's very hard to get rid of.
Here's another look at a common and pesky problem. January 2, 2012
Troubleshooting Cracking Precat
Pre-catalyzed finishes can have problems with brittle failure, cracking, and crazing
(especially some of the early formulations). The only fix is to strip and start
over. January 2, 2012
Fingerprints in Finish
A cabinetmaker tries to figure out how his pieces are getting fingerprints on
them. January 2, 2012
Refinishing Plantation Shutters
Here's advice on how to handle the refinishing work on movable louvered shutters,
and how to charge for the complicated labor that's involved. January 2, 2012
Troubleshooting an Edgebander Pre-Heat Fence
The pre-heating fence on an edgebander is a seldom-used accessory. It may be repairable
with off-the-shelf components. January 2, 2012
Tough Bandsaw Blades for Dirty Logs
No bandmill blade is really a match for rocks or gravel. But here is some advice
on tough blades and cleaning and sawing methods for dirty logs. January 2, 2012
Drying Walnut and Cherry in the Garage
A garage or attic is an okay place to air-dry small quantities of hardwood. January
2, 2012
Pre-Glued Dowel Advice
Pre-glued dowels seem to hold well if holes are precisely drilled, but don't save
a lot of time except in an automated setup. January 2, 2012
Cleaning Up Stripped Doors
A paint-thinner fix for glossy spots on stripped and refinished doors. January
2, 2012
Waterborne Finishes Swelling MDF
Some, but not all, waterborne finishes cause troublesome swelling in MDF surface
fibers. January 2, 2012
Telescoping Gates for Pets and Toddlers
Ideas for safety gates built into a kitchen cabinet. January 2, 2012
Cabinet Catches for a Motor Home
Standard hardware suppliers have hardware that will work for cabinetry in a van
conversion or motor home interior, but specialty hardware is also widely available.
January 2, 2012
CNC Vacuum for Veneer Bagging
A CNC vacuum has plenty of power to clamp glue-ups — even on the side. January
3, 2012
Minimum Useful Size for Walnut Logs
Heartwood is the valuable part of a Walnut log for most buyers, so you need a
decent-sized sawlog. January 2, 2012
Kiln Drying Gum
Sap Gum and Red Gum should be dried separately using different schedules. January
2, 2012
Flat-Table CNC Versus Pod and Rail or Beam Saw
What starts out as a question about energy usage of various equipment turns into
a detailed discussion comparing CNC equipment with other choices in terms of efficiency
and output. January 23, 2012
Cabinet Startup
A general contractor gets advice on getting started building his own cabinets.
Some have done it on a shoestring. January 23, 2012
Converting a Bandmill to Narrower Blades
A sawmiller trying to put a previously owned Mighty Mite bandmill back into service
gets advice on dealing with blade tracking issues. January 19, 2012
Drawers To The Rescue
An installer gets organized on site, and life is good again. January 23, 2012
Distressing Oak to Create Deep Grain Texture
Outstanding examples and explanation of how to create a deep, worn-in grain texture
using wire-brush wheels. January 19, 2012
Shapers: Single-Phase Versus Three-Phase
A discussion of what makes a three-phase shaper different from one with a single-phase
motor, and whether the difference matters. January 23, 2012
Kitchen Design: Symmetry Versus Functionality
Here's a nice exercise in cabinet design: Whether to choose cabinet sizes for
symmetrical appearance, even though it will call for special hardware to make
a trash pull-out work.January 31, 2012
Case Hardening Explained
A semi-technical discussion about how the wood drying process can create stresses
between interior and surface wood layers — and about how to reduce or prevent
that situation. January 19, 2012
Extending Bit Life in Laminates
Some HPL laminate panels are extremely rough on CNC tooling. Here are suggestions
for choosing bits that will last longer. January 31, 2012
Blade Tracking Issues with Hard Hickory
Blade characteristics such as gullet depth, sharpness, and rake angle affect the
performance of a bandmill blade in a very hard hardwood log. January 19, 2012
Troubleshooting Forklift Hydraulics
An old forklift seems to have a little internal bleeding. What's the remedy? January
31, 2012
Hot Cooking Surface Built Into a Wood Tray
Puzzling over an odd problem: How to put a heated stone or iron cooking surface
into a wooden tray for use at a restaurant table. Interesting suggestions here
for insulating materials, air spaces, et cetera. January 19, 2012
Fan-Shaped Table Top Glue-Up
A discussion of how wood movement may affect a table top assembled from thin pie-slices,
assembled in a radial pattern. January 19, 2012
Setting Up a Kremlin Cup Gun
A finisher gets tips on how to dial in his new spraygun. January 19, 2012
Suitable Gun for "Detail" Glazing?
Trying to find the best applicator for "pinstripe" glazing work. January 19, 2012
Matching Maple Veneer to Sawn Maple
A furnituremaker's problem: dealing with a color difference between solid sawn
Maple table legs and the birdseye Maple veneer top. January 19, 2012
Different Kinds of Cedar
A quick run-through of the various tree species commonly referred to as "Cedar".
January 19, 2012
Eliminating Sanding Swirls in Waterborne Lacquer
Sanding issues could explain those swirl marks, but in this case, a second coat
fixed it. January 19, 2012
Naphtha for Reducing CV in Hot Weather
Off the shelf standard naphtha isn't what you're looking for — you want "naphtha
150". January 19, 2012
Air Supply Needs of Line Boring Equipment
Pneumatic cylinders on a line boring machine don't need a whole lot of air. January
23, 2012
Team Player
When you advertise for a "team player," what are you asking for? Seriously — this
job seeker wants to know. January 2, 2012
CNC Router
Bits for Solid Wood
If the operation heats up the bits, high speed steel may last as long as carbide.
December 2, 2011
Putty for Nail Holes in Windows and Trim
Struggling to find a nail-hole filler that's compatible with waterborne clear
finish. December 6, 2011
Cedar for Outdoor Furniture
A discussion of the health issues concerning Cedar sawdust, and of fastening and
strength issues. December 6, 2011
Finish Turns White When Applied
A clock-maker learns to fight the milky-white blush that comes from finishing
in cool, humid conditions. December 6, 2011
Flipping a Heavy Table Top by Yourself
Ideas for muscling around a heavy conference table top in a one-man shop. December
6, 2011
Combination Machines in Furniture Shops
Furnituremakers share experiences with combo equipment. December 6, 2011
CNC Routing Chipboard with Two Passes
Here's a discussion of the fine points of onion-skin techniques for cutting small
parts. December 2, 2011
Diamond Versus Carbide: Tool Life and Production Trade-Off
Diamond bits last longer, but need to run slower than carbide because of overheating
problems. December 2, 2011
Vacuum Pump Exhaust Setups
Thoughts on how to exhaust a vacuum pump outside the shop, in order to reduce
heat buildup. December 2, 2011
Attaching a Plexiglass Protective Top
Clear silicone adhesive caulk works well. December 6, 2011
Red Oak and Pin Oak for Flooring
Advice on the sawing characteristics of Red Oak and "Pin Oak" December 6, 2011
Sawing for Wood-Turners
Wood-turners, carvers, and other artists provide a market for figured wood in
short lengths or chunks. December 6, 2011
Poplar for a Dining Table?
Even for a paint-grade piece, Poplar is not a great choice because of its softness.
Maple makes more sense. December 6, 2011
A Spalted Slab in a Wine Cellar
Kiln-drying kills the fungus in spalted wood, and 60% RH in a wine cellar will
not support fungal re-growth. December 6, 2011
Setting Glass in Laminate or Melamine Doors
Cabinetmakers describe how they insert glass into laminate and melamine cabinet
doors. December 2, 2011
Beveled Edge Fabrication
Purchasing, making, and applying laminate beveled-edge material. December 6, 2011
Film Buildup on Glassware in a Cabinet Finished with Pre-Cat
It's not the finish — it's soap and water buildup from wet glassware, caused by
the finish being vapor-tight. December 6, 2011
Keeping Wood Dry in Storage
How much heat is needed to keep stored lumber dry indoors? December 6, 2011
Conversion Varnish over Metal Hinges
Is it safe to use a wood finish on metal? December 6, 2011
Honeycomb Caused by Stickers?
Do stickers cause honeycomb? Well, it could happen. December 6, 2011
Bastogne Walnut
Beautiful crotch figure from an urban Walnut tree salvaged in California. December
6, 2011
Veneering a Half Cylinder
Detailed comments on the choices relating to cauls, glue, vacuum bags, and other
elements of veneering a half-cylinder. December 6, 2011
Humidity and Raised Glue Lines in Furniture
A closer look at detectable raised glue lines that appear in solid wood joints,
related to humidity changes. December 16, 2011
In Praise of Old-School Bench Vises
Some simple but clever old iron that still works after many decades. Gotta love
it.December 2, 2011
Eliminating Cherry "Tan Lines"
Clear tape used to hold a miter glue-up apparently blocked the ultraviolet light,
leaving Cherry wood with light lines. Is there any fix? December 6, 2011
Removing the Glue Pot from an Edgebander
Photos and description of getting a gunked-up old glue pot loose from a Brandt
KD 54 edgebander. December 2, 2011
Joinery and Assembly for Cabinet Miters
Using tape and glue to hold and secure long miter joints. December 2, 2011
Air-Drying Big Timbers Over Long Time
If you plan to air-dry posts and beams for a period of years, here's advice on
stickering, sawing over-size, end-sealing, et cetera. October 26, 2011
Finishing a Wood Cabinet in a Shower Area
A commercial job in a wet area calls for extra-special care. December 6, 2011
Getting Started in Finishing
A cabinet and furniture builder gets advice on a starter spray-gun setup. December
6, 2011
Filling Pores in Painted Oak Cabinets
Finishers have suggestions for filling grain and pores before the first coat.
But after the paint or coating is on, it's tough. December 6, 2011
India Ink with Shellac for a Piano Finish
Advice about an uncommon approach to achieving a deep black finish on a piano.
December 6, 2011
Tip Clogging in Air-Assisted Airless Guns
The low pressure and low flow can lead to a lot of clogging at the tip. Here's
some discussion about filtering and cleaning.December 6, 2011
Applying Waterborne Urethane over Solventborne Stain
Solvents in an undercoat are likely to adversely affect waterborne topcoats. Shellac
in between is the way to play it safe. December 6, 2011
Doweling Machine Choice: CNC or Not?
When is it worth having CNC capability in doweling operations? December 2, 2011
Spray Painting House Exteriors
Quick advice on equipment options and methods for painting houses. December 6,
2011
Pinholes in Pigmented Poly
Troubleshooting a pinhole problem with an opaque poly coating — could it be solvent
pop?December 6, 2011
Maple and MDF for Raised Panel Doors
After considering the advantages of stability and uniformity, a cabinetmaker opts
for MDF raised panels — and he's glad he did.December 2, 2011
Gun Recommendations for Spraying Shellac
Advice on gun and tip choices for use with shellac. December 6, 2011
Retarding Lacquer Dye or Stain Drying
Dye solvents tend to be fast-drying, and it's hard to get them to work with hand
application methods. December 6, 2011
Masking Between a Painted Exterior and a Natural Interior
Determining where to locate the transition between finished cabinet interiors
and the exterior, and details of masking to isolate one from the other. December
6, 2011
Custom Paint for Cabinets
Matching paint or stain colors using a waterborne conversion varnish isn't a big
deal, but it's typical to apply an up-charge. December 6, 2011
Dye Coverage and Oak Pores
Oak pores sometimes do not take stain or dye well. Here's some advice. December
6, 2011
Semi-Opaque Sage Green Finish
Call it "French Provincial," but how do you mix it? December 6, 2011
Spray-Booth Fan Sources
Finding a vendor for spray-booth fans. December 6, 2011
