Woodworking Knowledge

Once you have tackled a few projects that were thoroughly detailed in pre-made plans that you got from a magazine or downloaded from the Internet, you begin to see that just about anything is possible once you know the basics. Now that you've cut your teeth on those commercial plans, perhaps you see the need for a new table that can fit in the corner of your room, or a new dresser with some interresting detail work.

If you want to learn more about the species of wood you have selected, look through our wood species information pages . Included are the wood's basic characteristics, where it can be found, and the most common uses for that species. Or if you are looking for some more basic information, check out the wood page for links to wood grading, sizing, and information on wood movement.

If you are looking for options for your project's joints, our collection of joints is sure to please. You are sure to find the optimal joint, and possibly a few artistic variations to add some flare to your project. The joints are organized by the type of project it is destined to be used in, so it is easy to track down just the right joint.

Woodworkers collect tools like some people collect baseball cards... But to make sure you get the right tool, be sure to check out our tool information. In addition to a basic description of the tools, the most common options and variations are presented along with a brief discussion of their benefits, all geared towards ensuring that you buy the right tool for what you intend to do with it.

And of course, when you are finished with your project, it will need some sort of finish to protect it and bring out its character. That is when you should consult our pages on finishing . These pages are intended to give you an unbiased look at each finishing product, what it is, how to use it, how to clean up, and what to watch out for.