How to Cut a 60 Degree Bevel On a Table Saw

Man using a table saw to cut a piece of wood

Tables saws come in a variety of sizes and the cutting surface can be made from cast iron or aluminum. The blade is embedded in the table, and can be raised or lowered to adjust the depth of your cut. The table saw is a versatile tool that can be used to achieve bevel cuts …

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How to Get a Smooth Lacquer Finish

Man spraying lacquer on wooden chair

Lacquer is a quick-drying, non-curing finish. It dries quickly, making it easy to build up multiple coats in a short period of time. If you work carefully with the right supplies you can easily build a smooth lacquer finish on any workpiece. Read this article to find out how.  How to Apply Lacquer with a …

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Reciprocating Saw vs Oscillating Saw

Reciprocating saw

This article reviews the basic facts about reciprocating and oscillating saws. I’ll compare and contrast their similarities and differences, and boil things down to one major differentiating factor. Finally, you’ll learn when to use a reciprocating saw, when to use an oscillating saw, and which is better.  Reciprocating Saw vs Oscillating Saw There are a …

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What Is a Drill Press Swing?

Drill press swing with wood

Drill press swing is a measurement used by woodworkers, metalworkers, and tool manufacturers to describe the capabilities of a specific drill press.  Drill press swing assumes that your goal is to drill holes in the center of your workpiece. It measures, in inches, the maximum width of material that can be center-drilled on that drill …

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Drill vs Screwdriver

A man using drill to wood

One of the first lessons to learn when you start working with tools is the difference between drills and screwdrivers. I’ll review all the key details about both tools, including different types of drills and screwdrivers. Then, I’ll compare and contrast drills and screwdrivers, revealing their similarities and differences. Drill vs screwdriver, learn what the …

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Dremel vs Drill

Dremel with screw

Two of the most popular and best-known rotating power tools are drills and rotary tools, often called Dremels. Learn about these two tools, their differences and similarities, and when to use each one. I’ll tell you the major differentiating factor between Dremels and drills, and which is better overall. What Is a Dremel? Dremel is …

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What Is a Pocket Hole Jig?

Parts of a red pocket hole jig, dowel jig

Pocket holes are an extremely method of joining two wood pieces together in woodworking, and are used to make tables to desk drawers to cabinets. A pocket hole jig makes this process extremely simple. Pocket Hole Jig Features If you’re looking for a pocket hole jig, here are some of the features you should be …

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What Is a Countersink Drill Bit?

An image of what a countersink drill bit looks like

It won’t take you long to discover a need for countersinking a screw in one of your DIY projects. By countersinking, you are able to achieve several objectives. It hides the fastener while preventing tear-out, along with eliminating deburring hazards. Types of Countersink Bits There are two main types of countersink bits: combination and one-piece. …

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What Is a Miter Gauge?

Miter gauge with red handle

Miter gauges are accessories used with large, bench-mounted power tools. A miter gauge guides material as it is introduced to the tool at a specified angle. What is a Miter Gauge? A miter gauge is a device that is used on table saws and bands saws to hold the workpiece an a defined angle while …

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What Is a Compound Miter Saw?

Men preparing to use compound miter saw

A compound miter saw is a bench-mounted power tool with a tilting circular blade. They are most often used to cut wood, although metal, masonry, and plastic can also be cut with a compound miter saw. This article will explain further what is a compound miter saw. Furthermore, compound miter saws are used to change …

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How to Change a Miter Saw Blade

Man about to change the blades in his miter saw

A miter saw is a versatile power tool that can cut through a variety of materials. Get comfortable changing the blade of your miter saw to increase the capabilities of this machine. Learn when and how to change a miter saw blade, how to perform the replacement, and what kind of blade is best for …

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How to Cut Crown Molding With a Miter Saw

Miter saw cutting new crown molding for house under construction

Crown molding instantly makes a room feel more elegant, and installation can be accomplished by any DIYer with the right tools. A miter saw is the perfect tool for making the angled cuts required to install crown molding in corners. After a primer on the words used to describe crown molding, I’ll explain how to …

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