Which Nail Works for Which Job?
Most of us have a jar of nails hidden away in the junk drawer that gets pulled out whenever we need to hang a picture or do a simple household repair. But how do you know if you are using the correct nail for the job? Here are three...
Plan for Shrinking and Expansion in Your Wood Projects
Everyone loves the look of real wood in the home. Many homeowners are interested in using wood in a home renovation project but do not realize that wood changes throughout the year. Depending upon the moisture level in your home, your wood project will shrink or expand and may...
Improvement in Construction Gives Positive Outlook on Lumber Industry
There is finally some good news for Kansas City lumber buyers. All indicators are pointing toward continued growth for the lumber industry as construction activity continues to increase slowly, but steadily. This is great news for our industry, which has seen logging levels drop to those that were comparable...
Keep Dust Levels Low in Your Wood Shop
Working with wood inherently comes with the concern of exposure to wood dust particles and the general nuisance of the accumulation of the dust as you work. This dust can easily cause a number of health problems if you do not use the proper methods to contain it. Plus,...
How Different Pieces of Lumber are Cut From the Tree
The process of how a tree is most efficiently cut into its constituent boards is one of the most fascinating aspects of the modern sawmill. In the old days, a master carpenter would eye the round side of the log and direct the cuts as each was made. As...
Be Safe When You Use That Router Table
Router bits are relatively small and don’t seem like they could do a lot of damage; however, using a router improperly could result in an injury. Follow these basic tips to keep safe when using your router table. Always wear safety glasses when operating a table router, even if...
Tips for Staining Your Deck After a Summer of Use
Your deck likely gets a ton of use during the summer months, and once fall arrives, it may need some maintenance and a new coat of stain. Follow these basic tips to prepare your deck for staining. Before You Start Before staining your deck, you need to take everything...
A Field Guide to Woodworking Joints
No two woodworkers will agree on the best joint to use in every situation. Still, knowing the basics of each type of joint will serve the average woodworking hobbyist well. Here is a quick rundown on the various types of joints used in woodworking: Butt Joint – The most...
Save That Project! Solutions to Common Woodworking Mistakes
Woodworking can be an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. Watching as a piece comes to fruition underneath your hands is truly rewarding. Unfortunately, there are times when a single misstep can ruin an otherwise exceptional project. Here are three common woodworking mistakes and a few ways to make them right:...
Keeping Your Wood Deck Protected from Water Damage
A wooden deck that is well-built and well-maintained can easily give your family years of enjoyment. In order to keep your deck in tip top shape, it’s important to inspect the boards, railings and stairs on an annual basis. Water is the number one enemy of wooden decks. During your inspection,...