CATEGORIES

Best Pro Tips

Expert advice from the job site

The Best Cuts

Saw blade savvy to give you an edge

Workshop Workhorse

Master your circular saw with these tips

Form and Function

Garden collectibles bring a touch of useful whimsy to the great outdoors.

Stitched Together - For the Birds

This British crafter is inspired by the beauty of the natural world.

Floral Pot Protectors

Floral Pot

Shop-Made Outdoor Yard Games

Need a new yard game or two for your next get-together? Here’s three: Kubb, Ladder Golf, and Lawn Darts.

Patio Lounger

Try your hand at building a durable and stylish seat that’s fit for the great outdoors

Outdoor Finishing

A guide to three kinds of finish that shield wood from the weather.

Outdoor Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen keeps everything needed for an outdoor gathering close at hand.

How does Dremel's newest Rotary Tool stack up to one from 30 years ago?

When evaluating a new tool, there are two paths often taken—how does the tool function for its intended purpose, and how does it improve upon what came before it? When looking at the former, the new 8260 Cordless Smart Rotary Tool score a perfect 10! It’s powerful, the battery life exceeds expectations, and the app is well designed and thoughtful. Looking at the latter—specifically comparing it to a circa-1992 Dremel 395 I “borrowed” from my Dad in college (sorry, Dad!)—we start to find a more interesting narrative of progress.

Bosch GEX18V-5N Random Orbit Sander

Bosch recently introduced new 12V and 18V brushless cordless random orbit sanders. In addition to the latest brushless motor technology, Bosch paid special attention to lowering the center of gravity of the tool, allowing your hand to be closer to the material. We tested the 18V version and found it to be a great all-around sander.

Ridgid R4850 Planer

The already well-regarded Ridgid thickness planer just got an upgrade. Ridgid, the Home Depot exclusive brand, just announced an upgrade to their thickness planer. The new R4850 offers some great features that make it a good option for your shop.

TSC-200 Crosscut Sled

If you caught the last issue of Popular Woodworking, you might have noticed a photo or two in the cigar humidor article featuring a new crosscut sled. The TSC-200 Crosscut Sled from Infinity Tools is a pretty nifty little sled, and if my initial project or two with it are any indication, it will be a great asset to the shop.

A Bargain Honing Jig and How To Improve It

When I first learned how to sharpen, I bought a very simple and inexpensive honing jig made in England by Eclipse. Today, the same jig is widely available under many diff erent brand names and often costs less than $15. It works quite well—I’ve used mine for years— but I’ve made a few small refinements to it. The jig’s body is aluminum, so it’s very easy to modify using a file or disc sander.

Shop-made Grilling Tools

Become the master of the grill after you’ve built these shop-made grilling utensils.

Stripes Microwave Bowl Cozy

Microwavable glass dish

Bobbleton Cowl

Crocheted in chunky yarn in the round, this quick and easy cowl features bobbles to add fun texture.

Heirloom Aran Afghan

Intricate cables and pattern stitches combine to make a piece you will be sure to pass down through the generations.

Days Gone By Lapghan

Stitch a warm and cozy heirloom lapghan that you can pass along to the next generation. This project will make a nice intro to tiny cables for crocheters who haven’t tried crossed stitches previously.

Bozeman Shawl

Wrap yourself in this elegant triangular shawl that alternates openwork rows with rows of bobbles. Work it up in your favorite color and it will be your go-to accessory for warmth and beauty this winter.

Keepsake Bowls

Two beautifully stitched bowls to pass down from generation to generation to hold lovely little charms and trinkets.

Kalispell Throw

The Kalispell Throw is an amazing winter project and will keep your legs cozy as you make it. Be prepared: This velvet yarn is the softest, most luscious yarn you’ll ever work with. Rows of cluster stitches add another layer of fun to this project, as do the fuzzy tassels in each corner.

Mochaccino Cardigan

This adorable cardigan features a lovely textured bobble stitch pattern and drapes elegantly. You’ll love accessorizing with this piece!

Motif Magic

Magical moments are made of these!

A Hand Plane Starter Set

Expert Answers

Good Vibrations From a Smooth Operator

"Bosch GEX34-6N Random Orbit Sander"

Trestle-style Saw Horses

"Sturdy, space-saving shop assistants"

Spanish Cedar

Aromatic and rich, the wood of Cedrela Odorata is a joy to work with and is a staple in Central American logging operations.

Mid-Century Nightstand

A simple case is elevated by a unique leg design and elegant suspension.