Garage Workbench Build, Plywood Edge Banding, Must-Have Tools


Obsessed Woodworking


Good morning. In today's newsletter, I'm including a variety of woodworking projects, from a DIY pallet wood planter box to a white oak dining table. You'll also find a modern mailbox build, a garage workbench with built-in storage, and tips on upgrading cabinets with cane webbing. Additionally, you'll find expert advice on tool selection, plywood edge banding, and mastering the rabbet joint.

As always, please respond with any feedback.

Woodworking Projects

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

=> DIY Pallet Wood Planter Box: Reclaimed pallet wood makes for a rustic yet functional planter box. This project covers safely disassembling pallets, selecting the best boards, and constructing a durable frame. A weather-resistant finish ensures longevity, making this an eco-friendly way to enhance your outdoor space.

=> Modern Outdoor Lounge Chair: Build a sleek, low-profile lounge chair with a solid cedar frame and half-lap joinery for extra strength. This guide walks you through cutting precise angles, securing the frame with pocket hole screws, and applying an outdoor finish for durability. A great addition to any patio or backyard.

=> Floating Desk with Concealed Storage: A minimalist floating desk with a hidden storage compartment keeps your workspace clutter-free. This build involves laminating 1x4 panels, constructing a sturdy frame from 2x6 supports, and installing a flip-down front panel with overlay hinges. The result? A sleek, functional desk with built-in organization.

=> Modern Mailbox Build: Upgrade your curb appeal with a custom-built modern mailbox. This project walks you through pouring a concrete base with rebar reinforcement, securing galvanized post anchors, and assembling a cedar-slatted exterior over a pressure-treated frame. Finished with exterior varnish, this design is both stylish and built to last.

=> Outdoor Bench from 2x6 Lumber: A simple yet sturdy outdoor bench made from just four pressure-treated 2x6 boards. This guide covers precise angle cuts for the legs, assembling strong support pieces, and securing everything with weather-resistant screws. A quick build that delivers both function and style.

=> White Oak Dining Table Project: Build a durable, heirloom-quality dining table with solid white oak. This project details mortise and tenon joinery for strength, a seamless tabletop glue-up, and professional finishing techniques. The end result is a classic, high-end piece that can last for generations.

=> Modern Rustic Nightstand with Drawer: This nightstand blends clean modern lines with rustic charm. Built using 2x2 lumber for a strong frame, side panels joined with pocket screws, and a smooth-gliding drawer made from 1x4s with a plywood base, this project provides ample storage with a stylish two-tone stain finish.

=> Garage Workbench with Built-in Storage: A functional workbench with storage cabinets and built-in lighting. This guide covers assembling drawer units from ¾-inch Baltic birch, installing smooth-glide slides, and incorporating a pegboard hutch for tool organization. A durable polyurethane finish protects the surface, making it perfect for heavy use.

=> Cane Webbing Cabinet Door Makeover: Refresh outdated cabinets by replacing panels with woven cane webbing. This step-by-step guide includes soaking and securing the webbing for a tight fit, trimming for clean edges, and applying a finish that highlights the natural texture. A great way to modernize your space with minimal effort.

*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!

=> Are Expensive Tools Worth It for Beginners?: High-end tools offer precision and durability, but are they necessary when starting out? This guide breaks down essential tools like combination squares, chisels, and drills while comparing budget-friendly brands like DeWalt and Makita with premium options. Tips on finding deals and proper maintenance help maximize your investment.

=> DIY Multi-Function Woodworking Machine: Inspired by Izzy Swan’s innovative designs, this project walks you through building a custom multi-function workstation using scrap plywood, a budget router, and simple hardware. Designed to handle mortising, doweling, and more, this setup replaces expensive equipment with a cost-effective, shop-made solution.

=> Perfecting Plywood Edge Banding: A clean edge makes all the difference when working with plywood. This guide details selecting the right banding, prepping surfaces, and applying heat for a seamless bond. Learn how to use trimming tools for crisp, professional-looking edges that last.

Woodworking Videos

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

=> 5 Woodworking Tips Every Woodworker Should Know: From steaming out dents in wood to stabilizing a palm router with a custom base, these five tricks will improve your workflow. Other highlights include the $100 bill trick for smoothing finishes and using a bump stop for precise, repeatable crosscuts.

=> Mastering the Rabbet Joint: The rabbet joint is one of the most useful yet underappreciated joinery techniques. This video covers how to make clean, precise cuts and offers tips on reinforcing the joint for added strength. A great technique for building boxes, cabinets, and more. ​

Thanks for reading,

Matt
-Obsessed Woodworking

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Obsessed Woodworking

Join thousands of woodworkers. Tuesday Tips and News Fridays brings a blend of practical tips, project guides, and tool reviews tailored for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers. Dive into a community passionate about transforming wood into wonders.

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