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That’s a Funny Looking Chisel – Viewer Question
Marc, I am watching your Entertainment Center Video (Pt 1) and noticed something odd with your large chisel. How did you flatten the back of it? It looks like there are three channels cut into it.
Check it out!Water-Based Dyes and Pinned Tenons – Viewer Question
I am building maple morris chairs and I am thinking of using water based dyes from General Finishes. I would like to do the leg outside edges in say a burgundy or ebony and the rest of the chair in light or medium brown. My question is : How much, if any, might the color applied to the edge bleed onto the surrounding surface and if so, do you know of any tricks to remedy?
Check it out!Wipe or Scrape Glue Squeeze Out? – Viewer Question
I watch New Yankee Workshop and every time Norm has a squeeze out of glue, he cleans it instantly saying it could affect the finishing. I see glue squeeze out of your work and looks like you let it dry and scrap it out. Does that not affect the finish?
Check it out!Clamping Miters? – Viewer Question
I am working on a set of cabinet doors with mitered corners and I am wondering what you have found to be the best clamps? I am not having much luck with the glue process using a set of cheap corner clamps that I picked up praying that they would work.
Check it out!How To Start Big Projects? – Viewer Question
How do you jump into starting a project? I have problems starting if I know I’m not going to have time to finish it that day, which is why I have recently only been turning pens.
Check it out!A Good Design For Clamp Racks? – Viewer Question
I’m having a hard time finding a good design for mounting my clamps on the wall. I am interested in your design for your clamp racks. Maybe you could post an upclose pic?
Check it out!How To Finish Without Streaks? – Viewer Question
This Viewer Question is a little different than what we usually do. Instead of a simple question and a simple answer, this is an example of a long exchange that eventually leads to an excellent result and a happy ending. Matt is having a finishing problem and looking for some help.
Check it out!Should I Buy a 6″ or 8″ Jointer? – Viewer Question
Jeff has a question about buying a jointer and asks: I am setting up a woodworking hobby shop. Would you recommend a 6 or 8 inch jointer?
Check it out!Pneumatic vs. Electric Sanders – Viewer Question
Nathan asks if I could highlight some of the characteristics of pneumatic and electric sanders.
Check it out!Fence Position for Right-Tilt Saw? Viewer Question
I have a right tilt table saw. Where do you put the fence when you make a 45 cut?
Check it out!Veneer Both Sides of a Panel? – Viewer Question
I noticed that you veneered both sides even though only one would show. Is this to ensure equal moisture balance in the piece, or was it pride in craftsmanship? Also, if you’re veneering plywood or MDF, is this necessary considering these materials are dimensionally stable?
Check it out!How To Calculate Lumber For Projects? – Viewer Question
I’m having trouble figuring out how much lumber I need for projects. I know how to calculate the board feet needed, but that doesn’t factor in how much material is lost from the countless errors I’m bound to make. Do you have a formula for calculating the amount of material needed for a project?
Check it out!How Much Glue? – Viewer Question
Every project I have done has had the same problem. GLUE!!! I think I have been making the rookie mistake for WAY too long and thought I would see if you had any input on it. I ALWAYS use entirely too much in my joints.
Check it out!FDA Approved Wood Glue – Viewer Question
How do I tell which wood glues are FDA approved for using with a wood cutting board?
Check it out!Washing Natural Bristle Brushes – Viewer Question
I’ve read that the last step in cleaning ANY brush is to wash in soap and water. It is my understanding that natural bristle brushes do not hold up to water. So how can I use water to clean it? Is it that a short exposure time is ok?
Check it out!A2 vs O1 Tool Steel – Viewer Question
I am about to purchase a Veritas shoulder plane and am faced with the choice between A2 and O1 steel. A2 the harder steel, has the benefit of holding an edge longer but is more difficult to sharpen. O1 steel is softer, allowing easier sharpening to a keener edge, but will dull quickly.
Check it out!Working With New Wood Species? – Viewer Question
I had a co-worker give me some olive wood recently. I was wondering if you have ever worked with this wood and if so any suggestions?
Check it out!Antique Washstand Restoration – Viewer Question
I am currently repairing an old family washstand for a friend of mine and I would appreciate your input on what kind of finish to put on it that would not diminish it’s value or character.
Check it out!Pre-Finish Strategy? – Viewer Question
Should I pre-finish the pieces when I have them cut to the final sizes but before routing the rebates and dadoes or rout the rebates and dadoes and then do the pre-finishing?
Check it out!Antique Mahogany Finish – Viewer Question
This Viewer Question come from Rob. He writes:
Hey Marc, thought I’d take advantage of my Guild membership “red phone” for the first time. I’m building a wine cabinet out of Honduran mahogany, and would like the finish to mimic the antique mahogany pieces in the same room. I am testing out a [...]
Sanding Too Much? – Viewer Question
This question comes from Michael who asks:
“When sanding, I usually sand down to 400 grit. I saw one of your videos where you sand to 180 grit. Am I sanding too much?”
And my response:
Hey Michael. In my opinion, yes. I believe that after 150-180 grit (on most woods), we have a case [...]
Identifying Wood Species? – Viewer Question
This question comes from Andrew who asks:
“Love your videos, they have given me some great ideas. My question is, what resource is available to learn about different wood species? I see on various shows someone will look at a piece of wood, and instantly identify the species. I would like to learn how do that.”
And [...]
Brass Dowel Rods – Viewer Question
Our question this time comes from Joel. He writes:
Garret Hack’s article on breadboard ends from issue #110 of Fine Woodworking is guiding my construction of a cedar vanity top with oak ends. The drawboring is next in my process and I’m thinking of using brass rod. Should I be mindful of any special considerations [...]
Do I Need A Special Blade? – Viewer Question
This viewer question comes from Jed who asks:
“I am trying to make a cutting board with 2 different species of wood. The problem is, when I cut the strips (with the grain) I get chips and the different strips don’t match up perfectly. Do I need a special table saw blade to do this? I [...]
Cross-Grain Issue – Viewer Question/Project
This entry is both a Viewer Question and a Viewer Project. Several month’s ago, Tim emailed me with his question, and just this week he emailed me the results of his hard work. Check it out.
So I’m joining a vertical piece to a horizontal piece. I was originally thinking about using a [...]












