woodworking best practices

Cutting & Grinding (Cutting Tools & Grinders)

Cutting MDF & plywood: a Shop Smarts Challenge

Can you use the same tooling to cut both plywood and MDF on a CNC saw? There’s no definitive answer, as indicated by the mixed responses to this woodworker query in the recent Shop Smarts challenge. More than 150 woodworkers gave their input on January’s Shop Smarts challenge, presented by Woodworking Network and sponsored by Saber Diamond Tools. In a randomly selected drawing, Sean Ferguson of Ferguson Custom Woodworking won a $100 Visa gift card for his response.

Sanding and Finishing

3 Methods for sanding five-piece doors

The sanding operation is one of the key components to producing a quality finish. Although hand sanding is one option, automating the process can prove to be more cost effective – not only in time savings, but in the consistency the machines provide, from part to part. Here's a look at three sanding approaches: calibration, brush and orbital.

Cabinets

Top 10 kitchen cabinetry & design trends

At KBIS, some of the nation's top kitchen and bath designers shared their insight on the latest color and style trends, as revealed in the 2016 Design Trends Survey by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Based on survey results of more than 450 designers, here are the Top 10 kitchen and cabinet style trends to watch for in 2016.

Cutting & Grinding (Cutting Tools & Grinders)

How to pick the right cutting tool for the job: Shop Smarts Challenge

How do you decide when to use diamond, carbide-tipped or insert tooling for the machining operation?  A number of woodworkers responded to the query posted on WoodworkingNetwork.com, and gave their input on December's Shop Smarts challenge.  In a randomly selected drawing, the detailed answer provided by Pat Mullery at Creative Concepts of Orlando, was chosen to be the most helpful.

Components, Hardware & Assembly

Solving Cabinet Dowel Hole Location Problems: Shop Smart Challenge

What’s the best method for getting dowel hole locations on the cabinet fronts to line up with the end panels? Woodworking experts put their know-how to the test, providing solutions to October's Shop Smart challenge, presented by Woodworking Network. In a randomly selected drawing, the detailed answer provided by Larry Lee, owner of Pearl River Cabinet Co. in Carriere, MS, proved to be a winner.

Panel Processing

Panel processing in the 21st century

Panel processing and the integration of machines and technology were discussed in a recent webcast. Broadcast recently, “Panel Processing in the 21st Century,” addresses a number of developments including panel sizing, edgebanding, material handling systems and software.

AWFS Plastics Program

5 Steps to Rout a Clear Edge on Acrylic

I’m often asked for suggestions on how to get a clear routed edge finish when routing an acrylic workpiece. This is usually an application for displays, awards, and advertising specialties where the edge of the product is exposed. Here's how to do it.

Cutting & Grinding (Cutting Tools & Grinders)

CNC router tooling: 5 considerations

The heart of a CNC router is the tooling - where technology gets down to the business of cutting wood. Best practices for tool mounting and machining were covered in the recent webcast “How to Improve CNC Router Tooling Performance.” Available on-demand at WoodworkingNetwork.com/webcasts, the webcast features industry experts Mike Serwa, vice president of Vortex Tool, Mark Alster, regional sales manager of Leitz Tooling, and Scott Burton, tech sales manager of Royce//Ayr as they discuss the top considerations.

Panel Processing

5 Tips for purchasing that first CNC router

Here's the first no-brainer: before investing in a CNC router, or any woodworking machinery, for that matter: visit an existing user and get a firsthand account of the machine from someone who has actually lived through using it. Try to visit on your own, without a salesman around. You'll hear pretty quickly how effective it has been for them, and get good insight into four more tips for first time CNC buyers.