Woodworking

Crafting wood can be a complex and rewarding task, but often times beginners may find themselves frustrated with their results. But no matter where you are in your woodworking journey, there are always tips and tricks that can help you create something beautiful – without breaking the bank. We’re going to look at woodworking tips and tricks for makers of all skill levels so even if you feel like it’s too overwhelming to attempt your own project, we’ll provide some guidance so don’t give up just yet!

How-To: Wooden Beer Mug

How-To: Wooden Beer Mug

Becky Stern @ CRAFT writes: The rising temperatures and humidity in the northeast have me craving a cold frosty brew, and what better way to drink it than in a wooden beer mug you made yourself. Drean on Instructables shows you how to form this design, although you should investigate to be sure the wood […]

The Secrets of Secret Doors

The Secrets of Secret Doors

I so love and admire the work of Jeffrey and Jillian of Because We Can. They trade in wonder. Everything they do is infused with at least a little (or a lot of) pixie dust. I met them at the first Maker Faire Austin, when they presented their CNC-built art mini golf course, and I was in awe of the creativity and ingenuity in evidence. At the latest Maker Faire Bay Area, true to form, they presented a talk on The Secrets of Secret Doors. So cool.

Herringbone Gear Can Crusher

A reduction gear train made of pine plywood sheathing scraps laminated together with screws and powered by a 3/4 h.p. electric motor. Herringbone or Chevron gears are stronger than spur gears and do not have any tendency to move along the axle even under heavy loads. There are no bearings other than the center hole […]

One-Sheet Plywood Staircase

One-Sheet Plywood Staircase

I’ve always enjoyed the mental exercise of planning a piece of plywood furniture to maximize efficient use of the material in the sheet stock, so I tend to appreciate good ones when they pop up, every now and again. Here’s a nice example, a 32-inch-tall staircase, with four one-foot steps, from Instructables user Pilgrim55.