Techniques
Hand Cut
Joinery and shaping done with hand tools rather than power tools — saws, chisels, planes, and marking gauges.
5 guides
Chip Carving for Beginners
Three Foundational Cuts, $30 in Tools, and Your First Rosette in an Hour
Start chip carving with one knife under $30, basswood, and three cuts that build every pattern. Knife grip, sharpening, and a rosette walkthrough.
Beginner
What Is a Dovetail Joint?
Why They Work, When to Use Them, and How They Compare
Dovetail joints lock two boards with wedge-shaped tails and pins. Learn how they work, the five types, proportions, and when to choose another joint.
Beginner
What are Mortise, Dovetail, and Mitre Joints?
The Three Joinery Families and How They Combine
Mortise, dovetail, and mitre joints each solve a different problem. Learn what each one resists and how the secret mitered dovetail combines all three.
Beginner
How to Build a Kumiko Panel
Build a Japanese Geometric Lattice Panel
Build a 6-inch asanoha kumiko panel — Japanese friction-fit joinery with no glue or nails. Strip milling, grid construction, and infill fitting.
Beginner
How to Design and Build a Workbench
How to Design and Build Your First One
A workbench is a tool, not just a table. How to find your height, choose the right design, and build one from construction lumber in a weekend.
Beginner