Designing Furniture for Wood Movement
Why wood swells and shrinks across the grain, how to estimate it, and the classic construction details that keep tabletops and panels from cracking.
#wood basics
Tips
Sanding and Finishing Basics
A no-fuss approach to sanding through the grits and choosing a beginner-friendly finish — plus the mistakes that cause blotches and swirl marks.
Flattening and Squaring Stock: Face, Edge, Thickness, Width, Length
The classic milling sequence that turns rough or warped boards into flat, square parts — with machines or hand planes.
Choosing Lumber at the Big-Box Store
How to pick straight, flat boards from the rack: nominal vs. actual sizes, what to look for, and what to leave behind.