Woodsmith Shop - Episode Guide

Many woodworking projects include frames and panels.  In this episode you'll learn about the different kinds of frames and panels and how to build them on the table saw and router table.

The router is generally considered one of the most versatile tools in a woodworking shop.  Discover what to look for in buying a router and bits, and some tips on how to use a handheld router for clean, accurate cuts.

When crosscutting on the table saw, sometimes you have to break the rules.  Find out why sometimes it pays to measure once and cut twice!  Also learn how to make an auxiliary fence and a sled and adjust your saw for clean, square cuts.

There's a certain satisfaction in taking your lumber from a rough state to a completed project.  In this episode you'll learn about buying lumber, how to square it up, and glue it into panels.

If you know how to tune it up and use it, the band saw is one of the most versatile and creative machines you can have in a woodshop.  Follow along as you'll find the logical steps in tuning up and using a band saw for techniques such as cutting curves and circles, as well as resawing.

Whether it's for a picture frame or a furniture project, a basic miter can be one of the trickiest joints to make accurately.  In this episode, you'll learn a step-by-step approach to setting up the table saw for cutting perfect miter joints as well as some special store-bought and shop-built accessories for mitering.

Once you have a table saw in your shop, adding accessories will make your work more accurate — and safer.  Eavesdrop in as four of the Woodsmith magazine editors get together around the bench to pick (and demonstrate!) their top five (plus a few more) table saw accessories.

Woodworkers love to check out the drawers in a piece of furniture — how they're made, how they're mounted, and if they fit accurately in the openings.  Learn the correct joints to use when designing and building drawers and some shop tips for working with drawer guides, slides, and hardware.

For some woodworking tasks, hand tools are better than machine tools.  In this episode you'll meet a remarkable craftsman who uses nothing but hand tools and then learn some tips and techniques from the Woodsmith magazine editors on sharpening and using hand planes, scrapers, and chisels.

One of the classic woodworking joints is the mortise and tenon.  It's a joint that's very strong, but usually hidden inside the wood.  Learn how to cut a mortise and tenon with a drill press and a table saw, what to look for in buying a mortiser, and how to fix a joint that's too loose.

Discover what the Woodsmith magazine editors think is important to consider when buying or building a router table.  Then pick up some tips for using a router table safely, building some accessories for a router table, and making your own moldings.

Whether you have a big space or just a corner of the basement or garage, setting up a woodworking shop can be a rewarding experience.  Listen in as the Woodsmith magazine editors pick their favorite stationary power tools for a shop.  Then learn about an interactive program that will help you lay out the tools in your shop.  There will also be a discussion of mobile bases and dust collection strategies.

Choosing the correct joint to strengthen a project is usually critical.  But it doesn't have to be difficult.  In this episode, you'll learn about three quick and easy joints and the advantages of each.

This clever project boosts the sound coming from your smartphone. And all it takes is a little creative work at the band saw.

Store and display your favorite treasures in a cabinet that breaks the mold of traditional storage.

This simple storage shelf is great for a workshop, a garage, or any other place where you want to keep things close by - yet out of the way. This wall-mounted station will ensure that all your cordless drills are fully charged and ready to go at a moment's notice.

Functionality and beauty combine in this classic piece of American fine furniture. Best of all, it's every bit as practical as it is attractive.

Surprising things come in small packages. These frames are the perfect example of a nice woodworking exercise and gift ideas rolled into one.

With simple plywood construction and a wide range of storage options, this cart holds a lot of supplies and lets you roll them right to the job at hand.

This versatile table is a great addition to any space, casual or formal. As well as the faithful companion to your sofa, it can serve many ways.

With multiple design options, this cutting board has universal appeal. You can choose from one of our four designs or create your own.

This stylish bookcase consists of a large center case flanked by two smaller cases. You can build all three or just the main case.

Save money and solve unique clamping challenges by building your own clamps.

Sit in comfort at your workbench on this adjustable-height stool. Curved legs and metal footrests add good looks and stability.

Storage is the order of the day with this hall bench. But the detail that will most likely catch your eye is the reclaimed barn boards that are used for the back and door panel.

Join the cast as they share workshop mishaps, botched details, and more. Then they walk you through the steps to make things right.

On this episode of the Woodsmith Shop, the cast introduces the new shop space and gets started on making a mobile workcenter for the miter saw . It folds up for compact storage and features built-in dust control and an easy-to-build construction process.

Say goodbye to plain box-like bookcases.  This unique project offers an open design, an appealing look, and puts a new angle on storing your books.  The cast explores essential woodworking joinery, working with solid wood parts, and customizing projects to suit your needs.

A candle or two transforms any room into a cozy environment.  On this episode, the cast builds three candle-based projects.  Each one focuses on a different tool, set of skills, and material choices.  There's sure to be at least one of these projects that you'll want to build.

In order for you to have fun in your workshop, your tools need to be working their best.  Well-tuned machines and sharp tools are safer, too.  Chris, Logan, and Phil look at three different tools to consider what it takes to keep them in top shape.

One project offers a comfortable place to sit, the other gives you a leg up.  On this episode, the Woodsmith Shop team build two different stool projects.  There are plenty of opportunities to give these projects your own look and both can be made in a weekend.

A woodworker standing at a workbench is a classic image of the craft.  This episode of the Woodsmith Shop walks through the process of building an English style workbench.  There's a lot to like about this bench, from its sturdy construction to its unique wood screw vise.

Even with digital distractions all around us, classic board and card games have never been more popular.  Even better if you can build them yourself.  These ideal gift projects include checkers, cribbage, and mancala.  It's time to start building.

Building a bed is much easier than you think.  There aren't many parts and you get a chance to work on some important woodworking skills.  In this episode, the Woodsmith Shop crew makes a platform bed with a paneled headboard.  Eye-catching material and stain give it a great look.

Take your tools wherever you need them with this classically inspired toolbox.  Learn the skills to make box joints on the table saw.  Add distinctive molding profiles and fit out the inside to hold your essential tools.  It adds up to a practical, good-looking organizer.

The three storage chests the Woodsmith Shop cast make on this episode all have great appeal.  But underneath the beauty, is a surprisingly simple construction process.  And it's perfect for adding your own touch. Learn how to make one yourself.

Here's a great way to enjoy nature while enjoying your woodworking hobby.  This episode shows you how to make a clever round birdhouse and a shingled bird feeder.  Besides being simple and fun to make, these projects teach essential woodworking skills you can use on other projects.

It's time to put a new spin on your tools.  With a lathe and a few small pieces of wood, you can create custom tool handles for your workshop and even some great kitchen accessories, too.  Learn the easy-to-master skills for these fun projects.

There's a lot to like this in handy cabinet: it has plenty of storage and organization options, it rolls wherever you need it, and it looks great.  You might just end up using it in the house for storing pantry or craft supplies.  Find out just how easy it is to make on this episode.

On this episode of the Woodsmith Shop, the cast builds a pair of work from home essentials: a desk and wall shelf combo.  They're designed to fit just about anywhere. Simple, robust joinery means you can build them in a short time and they'll last for years.

A bookcase offers versatile storage to store and display more than just books.  Chris, Logan, and Phil create a unique design that rests on a stand for a lighter look.  Learn about solid wood joinery and the tools and techniques for rugged results.

Rip and crosscut — that's what most people use the table saw for.  However, with these two add-ons, you can also make sturdy drawers and cut amazing dovetails.  Learn the essentials to build each jig, then find out how to make them work their best.

Take your band saw skills to the next level with these fun and quick box projects.  Chris starts with a leaf-inspired box.  Phil adds another skill in making a hinged lid.  And Logan steps it up with a box that includes a pair of drawers — all without leaving the band saw.

Let's take it outside.  The crew makes an eye-catching cedar planter that's sure to become a focal point in your yard.  It features a built-in trellis with a custom copper insert. Learn what it takes to build long-lasting outdoor projects with basic tools. 

Join Phil, Chris, and Logan as they make a couple of upgrades for the workshop.  Up first is a Cleanup Center that corrals the supplies that keep your shop tidy.  Then they build a go-anywhere clamp cart.  Clever holders let you customize the cart to the clamps you have.

This vintage-inspired box offers a lot of storage features to keep your craft tools and supplies within easy reach.  You'll learn how to make durable finger joints.  Then find out how to make the tackle-box style trays.  You may just end up making more than one.

Join the team to build a pair of projects to upgrade your entry: a coat rack and a bench.  These solid wood projects can be built in a weekend and enjoyed for a lifetime.  The coat rack has Arts & Crafts appeal and the bench features a woven seat.

Skip the sheet metal tool carts you find in the store and make a better one yourself.  The design allows you to customize the drawers and trays inside to suit your needs.  Building this cart introduces you to woodworking skills you'll use time after time.

Fire up the grill and enjoy a meal outdoors with this strong and sturdy picnic table.  This design combines the looks of a country-style dining table with the rugged construction you need outdoors.  Learn about the materials and finish to keep the table looking its best.

The cast of the Woodsmith Shop is joined by turner Jimmy Clewes.  He'll demonstrate his technique for creating his signature platters.  He also dives into the tools and essential techniques that can help you get started on your bowl and platter turning adventures.

For Logan Wittmer, woodworking starts right at the tree.  On this episode, he shares about his portable sawmill, cutting trees into boards and getting them ready for a project.  Along the way, you'll discover how to work with a sawyer and save money while finding wood you can't buy anywhere else.

A CNC router in your shop opens up a lot of woodworking possibilities.  You can build one yourself or buy one.  Chris Fitch, our resident CNC expert explores what you need to get started.  Then learn about a project or two that you can make right away.

Follow along with this classic design. Built with solid, mortise and tenon construction, distinctive Craftsman details, and in a perfect size for your home.

Dovetailed drawers, a solid wood top, and a rich finish round out the work on completing this heirloom treasure for your home.

Each cast member constructs a hand tool that not only works hard, but also teaches some valuable woodworking lessons along the way.

It's your move with this fun gameboard. Stow the pieces with some built-in storage. Then learn how to make a set of distinctive pieces to play with.

This chair takes its design cues from Welsh country chairs. The cast shows the steps and the hand tools to make one for yourself. The design lets you customize the look to your style.

Built-in projects add value and style to your home. Learn about design details that help you get the look right. Then learn simple ideas for getting the best result.

These two projects help you unlock the capabilities of your router. Tackle essential joinery details. Also, use your router to create crisp, accurate miters.

A bookcase can be so much more than storage. This bookcase goes to the next level with Greene & Greene details. This episode focuses on building the case.

In the second of this two-part series, the team dives into the glass-paned doors and drawers that featured exposed joinery. The result is a storage piece with style.

Originally designed as a tool cabinet, you're sure to find a home for this handsome cabinet. The project helps you master essential woodworking skills you can apply to other furniture.

Upgrade your deck or patio with this great-looking table. Find out how to build a project that stands up to the elements. Then fire up the grill and get the party started.

Building a clock offers great lessons for learning woodworking on a small scale. The team creates three designs so you're sure to find one you like.

Shop secrets, tips, hacks ... whatever you call them. The cast shares the clever lessons that can help you use your tools more effectively, build projects more with more confidence, and organize your workshop better. Find out how to improve your skills on this episode.

Designed to evoke the travel trunks used on long ocean voyages, this classic works just as well as a storage piece in your home. Logan, Chris, and Phil use locally harvested oak to teach you how to create a trunk with a curved lid.

Using your woodworking skills to make your own tools helps you get the gear you need and save money at the same time. Phil, Logan, and Chris build a brass hammer, a large layout square, and a panel gauge.

Just like every workshop needs a workbench, every garden needs a potting bench. The Woodsmith crew teams up with Garden Gate magazine to build and outfit a potting bench that keeps your gardening gear organized.

A narrow belt sander is a multipurpose tool that's ideal for woodworking tasks as well as metalwork. Learn how this clever design uses simple construction to build a tool that works great and won't cost a lot of money to build.

This tall case clock offers you the chance to go all out. Inside this heirloom-quality case, you'll find a mechanical movement and a custom face. The design draws on the Prairie school of design exemplified by Frank Lloyd Wright.

An often-overlooked aspect of a great shop is dust control. On this episode, the Woodsmith team builds a roll-around air cleaner. With an adjustable fan and a large filter, this project is designed to clear the air in your shop.

Combine some unique hardware with fun finishing options to make a bench like no other. The Woodsmith Shop crew walks you through the process to build a bench that can stand up to anything and look great at the same time.

Gather around this table for a game night to remember. This card table has all the features you need: felt playing surface, chip trays, cup holders, and custom molding. You'll even learn how to make the feet and turn the large pedestal base.

Customizing your shop is one of the best ways to enjoy woodworking. The Woodsmith team shows off two shop-made accessories that can make your shop more enjoyable and save some money, too. Build an extra-large clamp or a benchtop workbench.

Build along with the Woodsmith team to make a country-style coffee table. Designed for a relaxed, comfortable appearance, this project has durable joinery and a handy storage drawer to go with its stylish good looks.

Create three kitchen projects for yourself or as a special gift. Learn how to make a pizza peel, turn a rolling pin, and design a cutting board. All three of these pieces are made from a small amount of material and offer plenty of woodworking lessons.

The Woodsmith crew builds a two-part workshop organizer. The plywood design features customized storage solutions that you can mix and match to suit your tools and needs. Simple joinery means this project can be built in a weekend.

The Woodsmith Shop welcomes woodworker Char Miller-King to build a bookcase along with some help. Char's passion is to teach woodworking, especially to kids. While the cast builds a stacking bookcase, you'll learn about teaching the next generation as well.