Shop Projects

These knobs are made by cutting a circle out of a square blank but then using the scraps, connecting them with two sticks in the middle that are joined with a simple lap joint.

To quickly clear jams in a shop vac hose, use an electrician’s wire-fishing tape, which is often sold as “fish tape." After a few pokes with the end of the tape, the clog will fall out of the hose.

To prevent a mattress from sliding around on a platform bed, mix a nonskid additive into some of the finish used on the bed and apply it to the platform with a roller.

A pivoting arm system makes opening and closing a blast gate easy.

Downsizing from an ample workspace spurs innovation.

Bonnie Hawk shares how the folks at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship keep their shop clean and dust free.

Here's a look at some easily made tools that will make life easier in the shop: the dovetail marker, the glue-bottle wrench, a drawer opening strap, pins for centering a tabletop, spacers for aligning drawer parts when cutting dovetails, and a foolproof depth stop for drilling.

Framing lumber, turnbuckles, bolts, and bags of sand make Tim Manney's rock-solid workbench quick to make and easy to move.

David Welter's shop has lots of light, separate machine and bench rooms, plenty of electrical outlets, and sufficient storage space.

An easy way to install high-performance wood flooring over concrete.