Want to know the hardness rating of a particular softwood? You've come to the right place. We created an easy-to-reference chart that lists the Janka hardness ratings for different North American softwoods. From Douglas fir & redwood to different varieties...
Metric to SAE Conversions for Hex Keys Chart Metric Hex Key SAE Hex Size 2 mm 3/32 2.5 mm 7/64 3 mm 1/8 3.5 mm 9/64 4 mm 5/32 5.5 mm 7/32 6 mm 1/4 7 mm 9/32 8 mm...
Want the perfect table to go with your Adirondack chairs? Look no further. Hand Tool Essentials offers free plans for you to build your very own DIY Adirondack table. Not only is this the perfect outdoor woodworking project, but your...
So what is an Allen wrench you may ask? Alright, we'll finally tell you. It's the L-shaped tool that takes the form of a hexagonal key. Allen wrenches are used to fasten hex screws into wood, metal, and even plastic....
Torx to Allen Key Conversions We actually don't recommend using your torx wrenches in place of a hex key or Allen wrench. However, rogue DIYers seem to think that it's a good idea and insist on knowing the conversions. So...
Drilling Countersink Holes for Wood Screws If you want the head of each screw to sit flush with the surface of your wood, it's time to start drilling countersink holes. Not only does this practice add to the overall appearance,...
Breaking Down Each Sandpaper Grit Starting with the wrong sandpaper grit can add hours to your woodworking project. A grit that is too coarse may remove more material than desired and ruin the wood. And using a sanding grade that...
Drill Bit Sizes for Wood Screw Pilot Holes Unless you enjoy multiple trips to the hardware store, a pilot hole is essential for all wood screws. Not only do pilot holes prevent the wood from splitting, but they also reduce...
When it comes to cats, they expect nothing short of perfection. And their living quarters are no exception. The goal in making this custom cat house was to give our five cats at the shop something they'd actually use. To...
Comparing Random Orbit Sanders Looking to add a random orbit sander to your tool box? We can help! Continue reading as we navigate through two of the most popular random orbit sanders on the market. Whether you're a beginner or...
The Ultimate Guide to Allen Wrench Conversions Sometimes—you just have to improvise when you're on the job. So we decided to make that a little bit easier for you. If you ever need to lookup an Allen wrench conversion, keep...
How to Use a Biscuit Joiner | A Complete Tutorial with Tips & Recommendations As intimidating as a biscuit joiner may seem, it's one of the best options for getting a seamless joint. In particular, they are the preferred tool...