Obsessed Woodworking

Good morning. In today's newsletter, I'm including a guide to building a durable dead blow mallet, five essential plywood jigs, a compact bread slicing guide, and a stunning waterfall-edge desk. Plus, you'll find step-by-step instructions for a robust outdoor table, a modern shoe rack, and workshop drawers from a single plywood sheet. Additionally, expert tips cover fixing a cloudy polyurethane finish, attaching table legs, and maintaining cast iron tools.

As always, please respond with any feedback.

Woodworking Projects

Some are harder than others, but you can build all of them!

=> Durable Dead Blow Mallet: Learn how to build a dead blow mallet designed to deliver powerful strikes with minimal rebound, essential for various woodworking tasks. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, including materials needed to help you create an efficient and durable mallet for your workshop.

=> 5 Woodworking Jigs You Can Make from Plywood: Discover five essential jigs made from plywood to enhance your woodworking precision. From 90-degree clamping aids to shooting boards, these jigs are straightforward to build and invaluable for various projects.

=> Compact Bread Slicing: Learn how to build a compact bread slicing guide. This straightforward build utilizes basic materials and tools, making it accessible for various skill levels. The guide is versatile, suitable for slicing bread, bagels, and rolls, enhancing your kitchen experience.

=> Building a Stunning Desk with a Waterfall Edge: Explore the process of constructing a desk featuring a waterfall edge and ample storage. This guide covers materials like solid white oak and plywood, and tools including a table saw, router, and pocket hole jig. It provides instructions, from building the cabinet box to applying the finish, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the project.

=> Durable Outdoor Table: Explore a comprehensive guide to building a robust outdoor table designed to endure various weather conditions. This project utilizes sapele wood, a tropical African hardwood, and employs straightforward joinery techniques with pocket screws and wood glue. The step-by-step instructions cover milling the wood, assembling the frame, and finishing the table with mineral oil to enhance its longevity and appearance.

=> How to Build a Simple Modern Shoe Rack: Discover a straightforward guide to constructing a sleek shoe rack, perfect for organizing your footwear in closets or entryways. This project involves basic woodworking techniques, including cutting, assembling, and finishing, making it suitable for various skill levels. The minimalist design not only provides functionality but also adds a modern touch to your space.

=> Workshop Drawers from One Sheet of Plywood: Learn how to build a set of functional drawers using only a single sheet of plywood. This project guides you through cutting, assembling, and finishing steps to create efficient storage solutions for your workshop. It's an accessible project suitable for various skill levels.

*If you are looking for a specific project, reply, and I will see what I can find.

Woodworking Tools, Tips & Tricks

I promise you will learn something!

=> Build an In-Feed System Instead of Buying a Track Saw: Explore a DIY alternative to expensive track saws by constructing an in-feed system for handling large sheet materials. This guide demonstrates building a user-friendly setup that enhances control and efficiency in your woodworking projects.

=> How to Fix a Cloudy Polyurethane Finish: Learn effective methods to restore clarity to a cloudy polyurethane finish. This guide discusses common causes such as moisture entrapment and offers solutions like using mineral spirits, light sanding with 220-grit sandpaper, and proper reapplication techniques.

=> How to Remove Dust from Wood After Sanding: Achieving a smooth finish requires thorough dust removal post-sanding. This guide outlines four effective methods: wiping with mineral spirits, using a slightly damp microfiber cloth, applying denatured alcohol, and utilizing tack cloths. Each technique ensures the wood surface is clean and ready for staining or painting, accommodating various preferences and materials.

=> 5 Methods to Attach Table Legs: Explore various techniques to securely connect table legs to aprons, including mortise and tenon joints, dowel joints, pocket hole joints, corner blocks, and mounting blocks. This guide provides a comparison of each method's ease of use, durability, cost, and aesthetics, helping you choose the best approach for your project.

Woodworking Videos

Learn a new skill or technique from other woodworkers and creators.

=> 3 Easy Ways To Maintain Cast Iron Tools: Discover practical methods to keep your cast iron tools in top condition. This guide covers surface cleaning, effective rust removal techniques, and applying protective paste wax to prevent future corrosion.

=> Best Budget Table Saw Hiding in Plain Sight: Explore an in-depth review of the Cobalt 10-Inch Compact Table Saw, priced under $300. This guide highlights its 15-amp motor, rack and pinion fence system, and over 32 inches of rip capacity. Ideal for various woodworking tasks, with suggestions for enhancing accuracy and performance.

=> How to Make Killer Shop Storage Without Pegboard: Discover efficient alternatives to traditional pegboard for organizing your workshop. This guide explores using plywood to create custom tool holders tailored to your specific needs, enhancing accessibility and workspace efficiency.

=> How the Internet Misleads You About Sanding: The video emphasizes the importance of finishing with hand sanding along the grain to blend scratches, the role of wood's natural characteristics, and the benefits of using cork sanding blocks for a smoother finish. These insights aim to enhance your sanding techniques and overall woodworking craftsmanship.