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Woodworking/Questions Answered by Expert Stuart Mawle
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Chair-table height ratio | 1/28/2012 |
| Q: I built a workbench in my garage - 38" high. I'm shopping around for an adjustable rolling stool ... A: It's a difficult question to answer as I never use a stool when working at bench, always on my feet. ... | |
| Noise between floors | 12/18/2011 |
| Q: I have a house which was built in 2003 and which I bought in 2007. Upon moving inwe found that ther ... A: I have never done this but I did cover sound insulation on a course many years ago and it depends on ... | |
| Noise between floors | 12/15/2011 |
| Q: I have a house which was built in 2003 and which I bought in 2007. Upon moving inwe found that ther ... A: What has happen is that the timber joists were too damp so as the house dries out over time... ... | |
| Thickness planer | 12/6/2011 |
| Q: I am a 13 year old woodworker and I have 700 board feet of rough cut lumber to plane and my cheap ... A: It's a hard decision when buying second hand kit. I have brought new and second hand mostly through ... | |
| norm/regulation to wood finish | 11/20/2011 |
| Q: 1)what are norm about wood finish 2)codes about wood finishes 3)what jobs are there in wood finishes ... A: I can only speak for what happens in the UK and not for your country. 1: Most companies will use ... | |
| Finished furniture | 11/1/2011 |
| Q: I went to stain an old piece of furniture, however thought of stain as paint- put on a coat and left ... A: Sounds like you may have had a water based product and mineral spirits is not compatible so that is ... | |
| Removing rust from woodworking tools | 10/23/2011 |
| Q: I had my grandfathers old woodworking tools stored in the garage in a wood tool box, unknown to me ... A: You can't elimate tools going rusty. I am presuming that you have dealt with the rust, if you have ... | |
| Wood baseboard covers | 10/15/2011 |
| Q: I would like to build wood baseboard covers for my hyrdronic heating. I found an image of a cover ... A: Traditionally, everything would be mortice and tenon joints. You can still do this but it would be a ... | |
| woodborer treatment | 8/12/2011 |
| Q: I have 3 of 20mm x 40mm lengths of pine, each about 5 meters in length which forms part of a ... A: Firstly linseed has no value in stopping woodworm... You really need a proper timber preservative ... | |
| Lane blond vaneer cedar chest. | 7/28/2011 |
| Q: I just inherited my mothers lane cedar chest with a blond color veneer. The top has been damaged by ... A: Normally, if you were dealing with a solid piece of furniture then I would be able to tell you ... | |
| Trouble with Palm Sander | 7/21/2011 |
| Q: I am having trouble getting sheets of sand paper to stay on my square palm sander without them ... A: I have had this problem so annoying, happens with any rectangular orbital sanders. Usually it ... | |
| Woodworking machinery Auctions/ Second hand machines | 7/16/2011 |
| Q: Please could you advise me on any auctions for woodworking machinery that you know. I am looking for ... A: I would start off by saying that first you need to have a budget and know what the maximum ... | |
| Change bed frame from 4'6" to 5'. | 4/21/2011 |
| Q: I have an existing oak framed bed that takes a standard 4'6" mattress and would like to increase the ... A: To be honest I wouldnt recommend doing anything to the bed itself as you would ruin it. My ... | |
| Refinishing damaged banister | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: I have a LOT of work to do in my home, due to an "out-of-control" teenage boy who has broken quite a ... A: I have a Makita palm sander model no BO4555 which I find is a good tool so I would recommend that. ... | |
| mitre saw blades | 3/18/2011 |
| Q: I need to do some fine cutting, but the only blades for fine cutting of wood come in 260 x 30 or 250 ... A: I would go with the 250x30 as it better to go with the smaller blade. Please do make sure the saw ... | |
| Refinishing damaged banister | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a LOT of work to do in my home, due to an "out-of-control" teenage boy who has broken quite a ... A: ...although i have only just recieved it as it got delayed in cyber space. I have not every used ... | |
| filling loose joints | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: My mortice and tenon joints are a bit loose - they're in oak - and seem to find it difficult to get ... A: I would not use gripfill to glue mortice and tenon joints. It just too thick and you could end up ... | |
| refinishing ice box | 2/17/2011 |
| Q: I'm beginning a project to refinish an old ice box. the interior is thick porcelean which adds ... A: It depends on what you want long term. If you plan to keep it for life then it doesn't matter but if ... | |
| refinish and insulate the wood floor | 1/30/2011 |
| Q: Howdy from Arkansas USA...we have tounge and groove, original red oak floors here we would like to ... A: I would recommend Liberon floor oil; ... | |
| Removing a gel stain finish | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: I want to remove a Minwax Gel Stain/Finish (Windsor Oak) and Replace it with a Dark Mahogany stain. ... A: I have not used this product itself. I do not like to use chemicals to remove a finish and have ... | |
| Forstner Bits | 9/6/2009 |
| Q: I have a set of bits made by Carb-Tech purchased from the old Woodworkers Warehouse. The set # is ... A: I tried to find out carb-tech and old woodworkers warehouse and didnt get much joy. It is hard for ... | |
| Antique half moon table top | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: The small table top is very warped, How do I repair this? A: The first thing I must state that if it is an antique, and it is worth money then you need to get ... | |
| Miter and bevel angles together | 8/21/2009 |
| Q: I am making a pagoda bird house. Each level is a trapezoid. The directions say "Mark a 55 degree ... A: When you talking of mitres and bevels you really trying to do a compound cut. All saws cant from a ... | |
| countertops | 8/19/2009 |
| Q: i am joining 2 counter tops at aprox 15 degree angle.What is the trick to make them meet in the ... A: I would first create a templates...usually I would use 4 or 6mm mdf/hardboard for this. Cut strips ... | |
| Craftsman table saw 113. model | 8/11/2009 |
| Q: I'm a shipwright and just got an older 113.XXXXXXX model craftsman table saw. It has the cast iron ... A: I like to help out where I can...glad that you were able to solve the problem yourself. I have ... | |
| Craftsman table saw 113. model | 8/2/2009 |
| Q: I'm a shipwright and just got an older 113.XXXXXXX model craftsman table saw. It has the cast iron ... A: To be honest, it hard to understand what going on from a far, however the type of blade, type of ... | |
| DIY table top | 7/12/2009 |
| Q: I saiw these tables online and absolutely loved it. Love the tables, not the sky high price. ... A: It depend upon the design...if you want to make the one in the photo then you are going to need some ... | |
| Joining Furniture Tops | 6/9/2009 |
| Q: How do you attached a table / bench / desk top, or other furniture tops, to the sides or support ... A: The traditional method is turn buttons..a small piece of wood with a 'tongue' on push into a groove ... | |
| taking apart a banister to refinish | 6/3/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1912 Craftsman home. The banister needs to be stripped of paint. I would like to take out ... A: I wouldnt take the banister part because it could be damage and for another reason as well. I think ... | |
| cutting mitres | 5/24/2009 |
| Q: First, I'm a total (and female o.a.p.) newcomer to woodworking!! I want to put beading(wooden) ... A: Sorry not answer before...away from home. The first thing you need to do is have plenty of beading. ... | |
| painting a wooden door | 5/17/2009 |
| Q: I have wooden doors, that I would like to paint white, what steps would I take. In regards to the ... A: The first step is to choose the paint/manufacture and to read what information it states about a ... | |
| Wood saw | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: I used a 1 3/4" wood saw to cut a hole. Now, how do I get the piece of wood out? It is caught ... A: You should find little window/slots on the side wall of the cutter, enough to get a screwdriver in ... | |
| stuck screw | 5/10/2009 |
| Q: I did a test drilling of a #10x3 decking screw into a tree stump, no problem. I predrilled holes in ... A: The squeal is a sign of friction/tightness....To start with check the hole size...for a pilot hole ... | |
| Machinery for Making Grooves in Wood | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: Stuart. What type of 'benchtop' machinery is require for making grooves in pieces of wood. For ... A: There are two options for making grooves...You could use a router, inverted in a table...this would ... | |
| filling hairline cracks | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm making a project...its made out of white oak with walnut trim...Say 3/4 " walnut strip glued to ... A: Filling hair line cracks isn't the easiest of things to do. Most of the time I will work some pva ... | |
| wood floor | 3/12/2009 |
| Q: Hi I put to much wood stain on my floor it has been 3 days and it is stil not dry it was minwax oil ... A: What you really need to do is read the manufacturer's information on the tin. There should be a ... | |
| metal raw plugs in a stud wall | 3/11/2009 |
| Q: we are mounting our TV onto a stud wall we are using metal raw plugs and they should open up inside ... A: If you could tell me the actual make or type then I could say exactly what to do. I do prefer ... | |
| Cedar Hardwood Floors | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: for we have alot of it on our land and thought instead of paying for hardwood floors we could use ... A: Cedar is actually a softwood than hardwood. You could use cedar for flooring but I would recommend a ... | |
| QUESTION ON WOOD STAINING | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I am currently replacing the front hall door of our house.The door will be unfinished mahogney.The ... A: This types of questions are never easy to answer, why because trying to tone one wood to a another ... | |
| Pine tree supports | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: We just purchased a new house and have pines all around. I will be cutting down about 50 this ... A: Pine isn't a durable wood so if you take the bark off then it will need some kind of protection once ... | |
| Finishing new mahogany stairs and handrail | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: almost a year has past since a contractor installed mahogany risers and treads in my stairwell. The ... A: I don't know what sort of stains they are so it is hard for me to give the best advice. I would ... | |
| Pine tree supports | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: We just purchased a new house and have pines all around. I will be cutting down about 50 this ... A: I cant see a reason why not to use but it does depend upon diameter of tree trunk and how much ... | |
| table saw and rip fence | 3/2/2009 |
| Q: When ripping a board, should the part I'm keeping be against the fence, or should the part I'm ... A: For the most part, and it is good practice to have the workpiece running against the fence and waste ... | |
| chestnut | 2/26/2009 |
| Q: I was given some reclaimed rough cut planks that I was told were american chestnut, that looked ... A: Wood finish will change over time, develops it own character. I like oiling then waxing. I put a ... | |
| Getting into Carpentry. | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I'm 27 and am considering a career change, i am looking to train in Carpentry and am looking for ... A: I would recommend that you concentrate on getting your self on carpentry & Joinery diploma 1 ... | |
| storm proof sash | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: im making some storm proof sash's out of oak, and wasn't to sure what thickness the sash's had to be ... A: You need to make a full sectional drawing, when you see it on paper it gives you idea to what ... | |
| woodworking machines | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: l am looking for some old woodworking machines (spindle moulder, thickness planer, table saw, and ... A: Well, Ebay is an online auction...not sure which one best for you, put ebay in google ... | |
| Radial Arm Saw | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: Where can I get instructions/plans on how to built a worktop for an older radial arm saw? Thanks A: It wouldn't be hard to do as you need to design the top to suit your radial saw. It a question of ... | |
| Carbide Saw Blades | 1/20/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me what is the proper blade (how many teeth) to rip 4/4 maple with A: In general terms a rip saw blade should have a positive rake, around 20degrees, with deep gullets ... | |
| Changing color from Mahogany to Walnut | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: I am looking to change colors of my bed frame from Mahognay to Walnut. I recently bough some ... A: Mahogany can be a red brownish colour where as walnut is more of dark brown with black graining so ... | |
| clean antiqu furniture | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: history says they were made in late 1800's. i believe the buffet is probably dark walnut and the ... A: Be very careful of what you do...in fact do nothing other than some beeswax polish as you could ... | |
| Wood flooring | 1/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a 30x14 enclosed 3 season room. Because it is a three seasons room the R-factor is about 1 ... A: Yes it possible to lay a floating floor. What you need to do is research what products are ... | |
| Disassembling armoire | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: I purchase a beautiful wood armoire and there has a molding that is not allowing me to bring it ... A: Don't take any mouldings off by yourself off as you will probably ruin your armoire and devalue your ... | |
| bowed table insert | 12/22/2008 |
| Q: I laid my table insert against a wall, and over time it bowed. How can I get it to flatten out? A: Timber constantly moves, shrinking and expanding depending upon humidity (moisture) levels. This ... | |
| antique floor boards | 12/17/2008 |
| Q: we have beautiful 200 year old oak floor boards in our bedroom. They are a very dark dark brown ... A: Matching and blending colours is not an easy task to do. It depends upon what sort of finished you ... | |
| Drying a pine tree trunk | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: We purchased a live 20 ft pine tree, removed branches and bark. It will be used as the center pole ... A: To start with this pine pole is unlikely to dry out like normal board/lumber. The initial problem is ... | |
| trim angles | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I'm putting decorative trim down the wall of my staircase case and am haveing trouble finding the ... A: No not really, you could work it out geometrically (drawing it out) but it takes time using that way ... | |
| trim angles | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I'm putting decorative trim down the wall of my staircase case and am haveing trouble finding the ... A: No, there not a formula for this, in fact the problem lies that you are doing a raking (sloping) ... | |
| wiping seal | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: I have built a set of oak patio doors and have purchased axminsters aquamac 21 weather seal and ... A: What happens with the Aquamac 21 is most joinery firms will run a 3mm groove into the corner of the ... | |
| Pine logs | 11/2/2008 |
| Q: We live in an extremly dry climate. High desert in Colorado. A ponderosa pine on our property died ... A: It depends on how you are going to use it. You only have to dry out the timber if you are were ... | |
| Jet Bandsaw parts | 10/28/2008 |
| Q: JSLWhere can I find parts for a Jet JSL 12BS saw I need the lower ball bearing and the shaft and ... A: It depends where you are in the world...if you are in the UK then make contact with ... | |
| platform bed on sloping surface | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible/practical to build a simple platform bed to correct for sloping floors in a room. ... A: Yes, you could do that. I think if it was me I would be incline to alter an existing bed by raising ... | |
| costs | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: how much does it cost to make two benches and a table? these will go with the garden that we are ... A: To be honest you would probably be shocked at the price to have two benches and table hand made. For ... | |
| hardwood flooring | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: we are going to install tongue and groove hickory flooring on top of 3/4" osb, that is installed on ... A: You don't have to nail it but if you did it would be wise to use a galvanized (steel coated with ... | |
| nailing/screwing subflooring | 10/1/2008 |
| Q: What size/type/length/spacing nails or screws are used to fasten OSB T&G subflooring to joists? A: I always use Spax or a similar screw where they are self drilling and self countersinking. The rough ... | |
| loftbed | 9/28/2008 |
| Q: The dimensions are 71in. high. 113in. long, and 84in. wide. It has to be free standing, able to hold ... A: What you need to do is plan, design or adapt a current woodworking plan. The first thing is to base ... | |
| size of allowable tv with regard to width of opening and depth of cabinet | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: I want to buy a tv cabinet which is wider inside than the width of the opening door (for instance an ... A: I am afraid its not that straight forward. Your thought of matching door size to TV size is quite a ... | |
| Sealing a wooden bucket | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: Stuart. I read your response to a question about a wooden bucket. My problem is, I purchased a ... A: Paraffin wax wouldn't cause you harm but it not a good thing to have floating around. You got to ... | |
| purchase | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: I'm looking to purchase Delts wood working band saw spare pats and drill press etc Can you help me ... A: To be honest most of my suppliers I use don't stock Delta equipment anymore. You could try D and M ... | |
| purchase | 9/15/2008 |
| Q: I'm looking to purchase Delts wood working band saw spare pats and drill press etc Can you help me ... A: I am assuming you are after 'Delta' Manufacturer; My advice is to give you the Delta website, ... | |
| Staircase | 9/11/2008 |
| Q: I would like to have my builder stain our staircase a different color than the hardwood floors. The ... A: I think I understand where you are coming from, personally I wouldn't stain the oak stairs, ... | |
| 69 Degree Cut | 9/9/2008 |
| Q: I am building a deck and have boards with a 21 degree angle to cut. Between my miter saw and table ... A: I had a look at your picture; You got an acute angle which you are not going to be able to makes ... | |
| antique baluster and rail | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: I am redoing a old staircase stripping the old paint of them and putting them back to natural wood. ... A: If it is an old, traditional job then you should find that it is being clamp together with a ... | |
| maple staining | 9/3/2008 |
| Q: does wormy maple take stain very well? A: Wormy maple should take stain ok. The worm holes will allow more stain into the wood. It depends ... | |
| Cutting dowel to size | 8/22/2008 |
| Q: Stuart - I've got some dowel (25mm tasmanian oak) that I'm hoping to use for a project at home, and ... A: Wood, being natural material will tend to splinter or break out when sawing especially at the end of ... | |
| Warped Laminate | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: when we purchased our home it had 2 inch carpet. When we pulled up the carpet, the padding ... A: You have to discover what is the cause of the damp, unfortunately I cant say, it some thing that ... | |
| router install | 8/9/2008 |
| Q: Can I install a plunge router on a router table. The router diameter is correct for the opening . A: Yes you can, in fact this is one of the best accessories you can use with a router. There are many ... | |
| Restaining a deck | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: We stained our deck a redwood color which I now do not care for. It is also wearing off in the ... A: You should really do a small test area to give an indication of the colouring. In the majority of ... | |
| woodstaining | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: I stained my new mahogany garage door without sanding them, and the result is uneven and ... A: Sanding is about surface preparation, obliviously if the door wasn't sanded to and surface prepared ... | |
| noggins re repairing creaky floorboards | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: What are SUPPORTING NOGGINS? A new Central heating system required a few chip boards to be removed ... A: It hard to give advice when you cant see the problem yourself and interpreting information in ... | |
| Vintage Woodworking Tools | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: I just stumbled upon this site and am hoping that you can help answer some questions regarding some ... A: Looks can be deceiving so the only way you can be certain is have the tools electrically tested. You ... | |
| Oak floor plank rotting | 7/28/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Mawle, My wife moved the bed in our guest room a few months ago to find about 2 feet of rot in 1 ... A: Yes and it can effect large areas, often when you see evidence of an attack, like a rotten board ... | |
| teak table | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: we have a teak solid table,we have water marks on it with a few light scratches .What is the best ... A: I would try Rustin's finish reviver and see if that works. If it doesn't then you will need to have ... | |
| treating oak furniture | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a dark oak dining room suite bought in the 70's. It is very scratched, but worst of all has ... A: To start with you need to check whether it is solid timber or veneer table. If it is veneered then ... | |
| Mortic lock on ledge and brace door | 7/22/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible to install a mortice dead lock on a ledge and brace door, or should I get a Frame, ... A: It all depends on your door thickness. Most ledge and brace doors are 22mm - 26mm verticle boarding ... | |
| Hand routing and Finishing a custom table | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: I am a beginner but have been practicing my routing on spare wood lately. That being said, let me ... A: This is an advance project trying to use a router to inlet design/lettering then infilling them ... | |
| Calculate angles for bird house project | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to cut angles for a birdhouse project. I have put a link to a picture of the angle I ... A: (revise due to problem with link with photo) It doesn't say in your question exactly what size ... | |
| Mahogany | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: I hope you are able to help me, I have phoned companies and searched to web without any luck. I need ... A: You cant really improve a grade as it is a quality indication to wood industry of a particular ... | |
| mouldings | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: I'm laying new trim/moldings along the floor, I have a spot where the carpet ends and tile begins. I ... A: There is no magic fix for this other than cutting 1/2" off the skirting board to reduce it's width ... | |
| air gun "nails" | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: I'm ready to buy a new air gun nailer. I've notice that most "angled" magazine nailers use a 15 ... A: I have been using nailers for sometime. I have got a 16gauge nailer and 21gauge nailer which I use ... | |
| deck | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: We are building a deck on the back of our house and want to know how deep we should put the 4x4 ... A: It's not quite as easy as quoting a figure because you have to take into account height of the post ... | |
| cutting crown molding flat | 6/4/2008 |
| Q: I have a 10" compound Delta miter saw and have misplaced the instruction manual. How do I set up the ... A: I am not sure quite what your meaning when you saying cutting a crown mould flat nor familiar with ... | |
| cutting edge grain butcher block | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: I am joining two 1.5"X25"X8' edge grain butcher block counter tops for an island and need to shorten ... A: You need a decent circular saw fitted if possible fine saw blade for cutting the ends. It is ... | |
| cutting edge grain butcher block | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: I am joining two 1.5"X25"X8' edge grain butcher block counter tops for an island and need to shorten ... A: Basically, I would join the two blocks together first using biscuit jointing method. Glue it up with ... | |
| staining over a different color of stain | 5/23/2008 |
| Q: Stuart: I have a deck that is stained the charcoal gray/black and I want to stain it a different ... A: It really depends on the products use but what you need to do is try on a small patch, preferably in ... | |
| wood strength | 5/9/2008 |
| Q: Building a computer desk. The desk top is glued-up 2x4's. The span for the knee hole is 42in long x ... A: It depends on your overall design but you should be ok providing you have a minimum finish thickness ... | |
| Plywood subfloor | 5/8/2008 |
| Q: I am redoing my kitchen and the problem I have is that half of my kitchen is on a slab.Can I just ... A: I can only base my answer on information provided, without personally seeing the job could lead me ... | |
| Cutting base boards | 5/1/2008 |
| Q: How do you and what do you use to cut baseboards to ensure they match the angle, especially on the ... A: Baseboard? Do you mean skirting boards. These are moulded board which run along bottom of walls. If ... | |
| mitre saws | 4/13/2008 |
| Q: how can I set up my mitresaw (its a macallister from B&Q) as it doesnt cut at 90 degrees but at ... A: I don't know that particular make and model. I always use a small 100mm engineer's square to check ... | |
| Tips on Cutting Miter Cuts | 4/12/2008 |
| Q: Doing crown molding with bull nose corners. Where on the internet can I see how to cut them? What ... A: I, personally don't know of any videos and the only thing I can suggest is Youtube as it surprise ... | |
| Butcher Block | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: I recently sanded down my butcher block island (alot of work) and applied mineral oil with some ... A: The trouble is butcher blocks do require on-going maintenance. I would be very careful to what ... | |
| Bevel cutting with a table saw | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: Mawle, I feel the most idiot person when cutting bevels with my table saw. When I have to cut a ... A: You not stupid.....it can be a real fiddle to set up sometimes, especially compound cuts. I am lucky ... | |
| carvings bought in jamaica are splitting | 3/30/2008 |
| Q: we live in Canada and just came back from Jamaica. We purchased some wood carvings, and now they are ... A: To be honest it sounds like the carvings where made out of 'green' wood. This means it contains alot ... | |
| biscuit joiner depth | 3/25/2008 |
| Q: I am very excited about my new Dewalt biscuit joiner. I just made my first cuts with it. I set the ... A: There may be nothing in what you are doing wrong.....it could be a defective tool. The ones that I ... | |
| drill bits | 3/21/2008 |
| Q: Over the years I have had good drill bits and poor ones. There are plenty of different kinds out ... A: I know exactly what you mean when drilling into metal, luckly for me I dont have to do much of it. I ... | |
| trimming an archway | 3/18/2008 |
| Q: I purchased a specialty made arch for my archway. I am having trouble cutting the exact angle for ... A: I cant see what you are trying to do so it is hard be 100 percent certain base on the information ... | |
| WARPED PANELING IN HOME | 3/16/2008 |
| Q: I AM CONSIDERING BUYING A HOME IN THE AREA. THE PROBLEM IS THAT ONE OF THE INTERIOR WALLS, WHICH IS ... A: MMM...if you had an inspection on your house then they would have found high moisture content then ... | |
| refinishing wooden banisters | 3/9/2008 |
| Q: been reading through your advice on refinishing some soft-wood banisters. The way I understand it ... A: To start with you need to choose what finish products you are going to use and every thing else ... | |
| drill angles | 2/29/2008 |
| Q: Stuart, I'm making a toy helicopter. I'm going to use dowls for the struts between the body of the ... A: It should be possible, especially if your table tilts....in your question there no indication to how ... | |
| marking out a complex shape on teak faced ply. | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: What is the best way of marking out a complex shape onto a square piece of ply to make a panel to ... A: My thoughts on this would be to make a template, something like hardboard as it cheap but without ... | |
| Jet Woodworking Bandsaw parts | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: I have an older 20" Jet bandsaw. Model #WBS-20-1, S/N 850098. I need new tires. The wheels are ... A: Axminster Power tools company import jet machines so it may be worth contacting them to see if you ... | |
| Power tool question | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: I have a question on a power tool I am considering buying. I have been looking at drill presses. ... A: Drilling holes with a drill press is alot easier and more accurate than a hand drill. I prefer floor ... | |
| gluing hardwood panels | 2/6/2008 |
| Q: what is the best way to glue-up hardwood (oak; sapele)panels. can i use biscuits? how does gorilla ... A: I have use all sorts of different glues and to be quite honest they all work as good as one another ... | |
| Mahogany varnish | 2/5/2008 |
| Q: I have a cabinet made out of mahogany built for me overseas.The wood is raw. How should I varnish it ... A: I would seal it with somelike Liberon Finishing oil then wax it with a paste wax like Liberon Bison ... | |
| Planing Timber | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: I am not sure what to adgust to get rid of the problem. I would prefer a slightly concave edge if ... A: To start with you need to check that you planer is correctly setup....the top of cutter knives ... | |
| stain won't dry | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: I stripped a piece using the Citrus gel product and cleaned with mineral spirits. I poured a thick ... A: I have never used these products....my first advice is check and re-read all the manufacturer's ... | |
| restain? | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: I was given a cedar "hope" chest by my grandmother when I was a teenager. Now I am married and want ... A: My question to you would be is the chest an antique....You are probably not going to sell it but ... | |
| Finishing a home bar | 1/19/2008 |
| Q: I'm building a home bar. I'm trying to finish the bar top with oak. I was thinking of using a 2x10 ... A: Yes glue between the boards and joints....I would recommend a good pva type glue, clamp it for hour ... | |
| Finishing a home bar | 1/18/2008 |
| Q: I'm building a home bar. I'm trying to finish the bar top with oak. I was thinking of using a 2x10 ... A: The wider the board the more prone it is to warp at some point, look at end grain as it will give an ... | |
| How Smooth is Smooth Enough? | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I am a stone-cold amateur at this -- and am sanding plywood for the very first time (making a simple ... A: Yes you will make wood smooth by sanding but becareful as it plywood there is only a thin veneer and ... | |
| preventing damage | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: Is there any way to prepare a wooden table to prevent it marking with liquids or heat? We sanded a ... A: I like a wax finish....don't like varnish but with a table its going to be hard to protect. There ... | |
| saw dust | 12/29/2007 |
| Q: I don't want to throw my saw dust out in the garbage. Do you know of any uses for saw dust? A: I am afraid not many uses....years ago it was used to soak up oil spills but it not recommended for ... | |
| table saw adjustment | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: I purchased a used 3 horsepower craftman table saw some time ago. No owners manuel came with it. ... A: I would keep an eye on ebay as machinery manuals to come up in the woodworking sections. Contact ... | |
| routers | 12/7/2007 |
| Q: what are four operations performed with the router by carpenters and by cabinet makers A: Am I being ask an exam type question......to be honest router can be a hand tool or a power ... | |
| door linings | 12/5/2007 |
| Q: I am a young chippy and i have been asked to re hang a door, the hanging of the door isn't a problem ... A: It depends on how bad it is....it just involves chiseling out bad sections and inserting new piece ... | |
| butcher block table rescue | 12/2/2007 |
| Q: found at road side heavy, well made butcher block table. cracked base replaced. now there is a deep ... A: I cant say if there an easier repair without seeing it for my self but generally when you got a ... | |
| Green Wood | 11/28/2007 |
| Q: I was recently given a piece of wood to make into a mantle shelf for my brick fireplace. The piece ... A: To be honest if you put it in your house it could take up to the next three years to season/dry and ... | |
| Green Wood | 11/28/2007 |
| Q: I was recently given a piece of wood to make into a mantle shelf for my brick fireplace. The piece ... A: Green Oak or any timber term 'green' means that it isn't seasoned or to be more better way of saying ... | |
| bending teak | 11/26/2007 |
| Q: I have a compound bend on a piece of teak to fit the stern of a boat. One curve is cut in but the ... A: It is hard to visualize what your trying to do as my woodwork on boats is zero. In my work there are ... | |
| Wood varnish | 11/23/2007 |
| Q: My question is about wood varnish. I heard that after varnishing wood, lets say wooden Floors, you ... A: You don't have to varnish.....there are plenty of products that are better than varnish. What's been ... | |
| molding - wood floors | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: I installed a floating laminate floor. According to the directions, I left a 1/4-1/2 gap (sometimes ... A: There are different types/shapes of mouldings so if you went to your local diy store there should be ... | |
| picnic table, oil vs water based varnish | 11/8/2007 |
| Q: I have a 40+ year old picnic table I'm pretty sure is redwood. The varnish on it had been peeling ... A: To start with varnish is more design for interior use....its probably why you have been experience ... | |
| Routers and Tables | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: My Fixed router I had on a router table, burned up. My wife bought me a 1 3/4 horse Black and Decker ... A: It shouldn't be a problem. First step is to look how your old router was attached, most of the ones ... | |
| best material to use, please? | 10/28/2007 |
| Q: I hope this question is worthy of your talents and experience! I have to build a tortoise table for ... A: I would suggest plywood grade wbp, idealy it should be 18mm, think 12mm may be flexing although 18mm ... | |
| joinery for Miniatures | 10/20/2007 |
| Q: I am looking for a tool to join doll house furniture for 1/6" scale (playscale). So far the only ... A: I am not a model maker so this is outside of my expertise but I don't know of any tool/kit which ... | |
| Finish Sanding | 10/19/2007 |
| Q: I have just completed assembly of a mission type sofa table, built of maple. I sanded all boards ... A: Not an easy question to answer because I would of wanted to see it myself before giving an ... | |
| figuring angles | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: my sister asked me to help her put up chair-rail in her dining room. She has odd angles. Both ... A: Sorry about that...got off on a tangent, the easiest way is to go and buy a something that will ... | |
| figuring angles | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: my sister asked me to help her put up chair-rail in her dining room. She has odd angles. Both ... A: Well, it depends what you mean by odd angles, most internal angles should be a scribe joint, the ... | |
| Tool Chest | 10/7/2007 |
| Q: I have drawn out (square!) plans for a tool chest I hope to build. I have tried numerous times to ... A: It isn't easy when you not use to doing it......what you need to do is write your self a list ... | |
| Hidden Hinges | 10/2/2007 |
| Q: I am a rank amateur, building fitted wardrobes. Have had a surprisingly good result making the ... A: Tips and advice...hardest is to decide how far into the door from the edge....you can get a template ... | |
| what's it called | 10/2/2007 |
| Q: What is the knife that is used to carve small 3-D figures called. I'm looking fir one and can't find ... A: I don't know alot about carving....it not my field of expertise. One of the suppliers that I use has ... | |
| window sill wood repair | 10/1/2007 |
| Q: I have a rotted 10 in. section (approx.) of exterior sill that is badly rotted and a vertical piece ... A: The thumb of rule is to go remove the rotten timber plus a metre (3feet)of sound good wood. You ... | |
| table extension | 9/27/2007 |
| Q: I have got a 7 foot long table by 23" wide and i want to add an oak extension to make it 7 or 8 ... A: It hard to give the best advice when you cant see the whole problem for yourself and being honest ... | |
| GLASS SHELVING | 9/22/2007 |
| Q: I am presently involved in building two lighted display cabinets. The purpose is to contain my ... A: It is a hard call to make because the biggest factor is the collective weight of your bottles per ... | |
| Plywood Sanding | 9/21/2007 |
| Q: What is the best equipment to use, & procedure for sanding a finished edge of plywood??? Thank You. ... A: Equipment wise if I got a lot to do then in this case it would be orbital sander otherwise just ... | |
| cherry wood table top | 9/20/2007 |
| Q: I bought a coffee table in cherry wood from amish furniture makers. I can not determine if the ... A: Sometimes it takes very good eyesight if the mark in the timber could be a crack...try a magnifying ... | |
| What should I do | 9/18/2007 |
| Q: I am currently taking a class in school on construction, and we are allowed to build what ever we ... A: It hard for me to suggest when I don't know what you capable of. My best advice is to visit ... | |
| maple counter top | 9/14/2007 |
| Q: I have a maple counter top that I would like to protect. The wood is old and was reclaimed from a ... A: There is a product call Chestnut Food safe oil but that would be use on chopping boards ... | |
| gorrilla glue | 9/12/2007 |
| Q: How do I get gorrilla glue off my hands? A: Thats a polyurethane type adhesive....with great difficulty as white spirit, cellulose thinners, ... | |
| joinery plastering brickwork | 9/12/2007 |
| Q: i need to no for collage what hand tools i would need for all these things joinery plastering ... A: Well for joinery...handtool wise there is alot you need, here just a few; Tenon saw, hardpoint ... | |
| joinery | 9/9/2007 |
| Q: I have been trying to book match both mahogany and spruce for guitar tops and backs using a jet 6" ... A: I do know whats happening....to start with a jointer is design for flatting and straightening timber ... | |
| stain for a red seal cedar chest | 9/2/2007 |
| Q: i have my mothers old read seal cedar chest and i have redone the top of it i strip the top now i ... A: From my experience it going to be noticeable that you only done part of it. I would recommend you ... | |
| Gumwood Banister Uncovered | 9/1/2007 |
| Q: we bought a 1919-1925 craftsman home that has gumwood banisters which recently had the paint ... A: Different approaches is a result of experience mixed with the range of products to finish wood. The ... | |
| milling slot with circular saw | 8/28/2007 |
| Q: I'm a third year architecture student planning to build a self-designed bookcase. I'm planning to ... A: I wouldn't want to use Festool TS55 to make the housing joints in a bookcase because a router in ... | |
| how to attach legs to a coffee table | 8/27/2007 |
| Q: I'm making a natural coffee table out of a 3 in thick horizontal cut of a tree trunk, up to 5 ft ... A: Well, the only thing I could think of is to use a mortice in the table and tenon type joint on the ... | |
| mahagony staircase | 8/26/2007 |
| Q: I am refinishing a 160 year old mahogany staircase. Any suggestions on how to prepare the wood prior ... A: Stains, which you are referring to are oil-based and really use on exterior wood-work such as ... | |
| Sanding Sealer | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: I'm adding a sunroom that has windows with mahogany interior and a lot of douglas fir on two walls. ... A: Sanding sealer is product primary aim to seal the wood prior to using polish finishes so less polish ... | |
| shalaque | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: why is it not necessary to sand between applying coats of shalaque? my thought/instinct is because ... A: I haven't use shalaque as a finish but your conclusion is logical. Sanding between coat is ... | |
| Installing hardwood floor over cedar | 8/20/2007 |
| Q: I have a question about a project I would like to work on. It is basically enclosing a raised ... A: Paint would act as a sealer but it wont prevent rot forming. Rot develops in wood with high moisture ... | |
| gluing shelves on bookcase | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: I am converting an old bookcase to a free-standing storage unit. I have turned it on its side and ... A: Yes you can, if fact a good pva will do the job as well. You may need to nail with panel pins the ... | |
| Installing hardwood floor over cedar | 8/19/2007 |
| Q: I have a question about a project I would like to work on. It is basically enclosing a raised ... A: My advice if you want to leave the cedar floor in place then the first thing to realize is wood is a ... | |
| Crack in Oak Table Top | 8/18/2007 |
| Q: We bought a new hand made Oak Table and one of the sections had a crack in the top of the table. The ... A: It depends, sometimes it wont change but it could open up. Can be specific because wood is a ... | |
| Crack in Oak Table Top | 8/17/2007 |
| Q: We bought a new hand made Oak Table and one of the sections had a crack in the top of the table. The ... A: In an ideal world, no you shouldn't expect a crack in the top of the table. It hard to determine ... | |
| refinishing redwood burl table top | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: I have sanded the redwood burl down to remove the old cracking etc finish. The oil base stain I used ... A: I have to say I not a fan of polyurethane varnish but what I have done is to apply a wax polish on ... | |
| Over Oiling Oak | 8/7/2007 |
| Q: We have put too much oil on our oak table, allowing it to pool and thinking it would soak in. ... A: I would start again to be honest, just sand back to bare wood. What sort of oil did you use, I would ... | |
| radial arm saw work table | 8/5/2007 |
| Q: I just acquired a 1969 9" craftsman radial arm saw and it came without the work table. The manual ... A: Radial arm saws, often new ones dont come with a table its up to the indivdual to sort it out. I ... | |
| Cecil Workbench | 7/31/2007 |
| Q: I have an old wood workbench that has a brass tag in front that reads Cecil Joseph Horne Co. ... A: No, I am afraid that I don't know anything about the company. It could of been made in-house and tag ... | |
| raising table leg | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: I can not comfortably sit at my dining room table due to the low apron. I can not cross legs, move ... A: It hard to give answers to a problem when you cant see it for yourself. It could be possible to ... | |
| Sealing cherry wood | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: A local store had cherry dining tables on sale after others had cracked from dryness. We plan to ... A: No and I wouldn't air dry either as timber will always gain or lose moisture depending upon it's ... | |
| Wood | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: What are common uses of plywood, chipboard and edge laminated softwood board? Cheers ANSWER: Edge ... A: Timber has many qualities such that it lightweight, strong material with insulating properties and ... | |
| Wood | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: What are common uses of plywood, chipboard and edge laminated softwood board? Cheers A: Edge laminated softwood board? Expect it would mean something else to me like blockboard or a veneer ... | |
| Joining | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: Please help me. I need to join complicated wooden parts and need to thin my new rubber-based golden ... A: You feel disappointed in my answer and you think I lack knowledge in regards to adhesives. I do ... | |
| Joining | 7/18/2007 |
| Q: Please help me. I need to join complicated wooden parts and need to thin my new rubber-based golden ... A: I am not sure what you are doing but if you just doing wood to wood, you would be better off with a ... | |
| making a coffee table from a large birch tree trunk | 7/14/2007 |
| Q: Is it necessary to seal the wood to make a table, and how should I proceed to keep the natural look ... A: The problem you got it make sure the timber is seasoned which means the timber must have a moisture ... | |
| Technical Language | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: I sincerely hope you can help me.....I bought a kitchen from a very known company here in ... A: You don't get technical, just explain what has happen and take pictures to. If you want to add a ... | |
| sill repair | 7/4/2007 |
| Q: the outside wall on my garage has some wood rot on several studs and the stud that runs along the ... A: It will be easy to replace the studs, just measure 500mm from the last rot point and cut the timber ... | |
| How to fashion a very deep drawer | 7/1/2007 |
| Q: I used to do some work on small projects, nightstands, chests, things like that. I'm trying to start ... A: I cant see a reason why you cant have a draw that size. You cant have one solid piece for that ... | |
| tree trunk carving | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: We, this is a Girl Scout project, are working on a carving with an artist that has previously carved ... A: I am not expert enough to define whether sawdust contaminated with antifreeze will be more harmful ... | |
| Tree trunk | 6/27/2007 |
| Q: I have a Hardwood tree trunk that I would like to use as a base for a circular dining table with a ... A: Stains just colour wood so I don't take that approach to my work, I like to use wood in a natural ... | |
| oak table | 6/23/2007 |
| Q: I am stripping down my large oak dining table. The legs and under bars have stripped well but the ... A: I just had a thought, did you realize their is an oak which has a redness about it, called American ... | |
| extending the size of a dining table | 6/23/2007 |
| Q: we have a solid pine round table 123mm diameter x 4mm thick [tripod base] and we wish to extend it ... A: It could be possible to make up a top out of sheet material such as MDF. I would recommend plywood ... | |
| carving | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: Do you perhaps know what type of wood is ideal for carvings? Or even statues of wood? would ... A: My knowledge of carving is limited, holly, apple, oak, pear, American ash, balsa, European walnut, ... | |
| staining over stained wood | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: My son was going to touch up stained cabinets with the same color stain but decided to restain all ... A: After 24hours it should have dried by now, all I can add is to read what information is put on the ... | |
| staining over stained wood | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: My son was going to touch up stained cabinets with the same color stain but decided to restain all ... A: It sounds odd, probably what was put on the cabinets isn't compatible with the existing finish. All ... | |
| sticky table | 6/12/2007 |
| Q: My dining room table is oak and its so sticky. no matter what i clean it i cant get this grimey ... A: Rustin's Surface Cleaner may help remove this stuff off, then it may be worth giving the table a wax ... | |
| stripping oak table | 6/5/2007 |
| Q: I have an old pedestal oak table. the finish is awful. I was told never strip it. I really do not ... A: It depends upon what you want to do, and what has been done previous to it. I am not there looking ... | |
| cutting board woods | 6/2/2007 |
| Q: Is rosewood a safe wood to use in a mixed woods cutting board? the other woods are maple, black ... A: Wood varies to what you should use it for. Beech is a good wood for chopping boards and food items. ... | |
| Worktop | 5/31/2007 |
| Q: I am about to get an unfinished beech worktop, made from locally grown, sawn and kiln dried beech ... A: Well all finishes work in the similar way to enhance and protect wood. I use to do a Danish oil wax ... | |
| refinishing | 5/30/2007 |
| Q: I have received an old butcher block footed cutting board from my great grandmother. I would like ... A: You can not use just any finish on a chopping board. You can put a good quality vegetable on but ... | |
| bas-relief staining | 5/22/2007 |
| Q: My dad is an artist, but 82 now and not at the top of his game. We urged him to complete an ... A: If it isn't the right color of stain then you are only left with one course of action, which is to ... | |
| Refinishing oak table top | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: We sanded out oak table top down to the bare wood then stained with Minwax stain. After drying for ... A: I have never used these products so I not sure of the ins and outs of it. I am presuming that you ... | |
| Finishing Bolivian Rosewood | 5/20/2007 |
| Q: Bolivian rosewood. The finish I've applied is Daly's profin which is a polyurithane; I did try it ... A: I have never use this manufacturer's product so I don't have the experience to tell you if it ok or ... | |
| tiger wood staining | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: I have an out door deck that we installed, had tiger wood put down. I need to stain/seal it with ... A: Sounds like the deck has become bleached or oxidized. The first job is to use a powerwasher with ... | |
| A Sealant | 5/15/2007 |
| Q: I wish to Build a Corner unit out of M.D.F. I would like to know the Trade name of a sealant which I ... A: Well, there are two ways of tackling this. First, dilute some of your varnish product by adding ... | |
| Built in Dining Bench | 5/11/2007 |
| Q: I am not sure what depth to make it. I have pretty much settled on a height of 18.5 (which should ... A: Ergonomics is never easy thing to decide on as we are all individuals having different needs. The ... | |
| Armoire Leg Crack | 5/10/2007 |
| Q: Please Help!! When I moved, the movers cracked the leg of a piece of furniture. I love this piece. ... A: What you need to do is to glue it with Veritas Chair doc glue see this ... | |
| Wooden dowel | 5/8/2007 |
| Q: We use 30mm wooden dowel to join rails with gables. How long it should stick out the rail or how ... A: Dowel joints aren't the best joint for joining. In your question, I wasn't sure if the 30mm refer to ... | |
| What would and what kind of finish? | 5/6/2007 |
| Q: I'm making a switchback for an out building at a farm so that the wind doesn't blow directly into ... A: A woodfinish is design to protect wood to a degree against weathering but its important to remember ... | |
| twisted lumber | 5/4/2007 |
| Q: Why does lumber ( 2x4 2x6 4x4 any lumber) when it has a twist in it always twist to the left? A: Its to do with the fact that timber trunk are roundish in shape, and because timber is a hydroscopic ... | |
| jet band saw | 5/2/2007 |
| Q: my dad just gave me his old jet 14in wood & metal bandsaw model #JBS-14MW the tilt lever assembly is ... A: You may not be able to weld it but have you considered other options as they are some really good ... | |
| Removing wood plugs from furniture | 5/1/2007 |
| Q: Is there a way to remove wood plugs from furniture? I have a storage bench that was assembled ... A: To be honest, you cant get wooden plugs out whole if they are flush fitted. What I do is use a small ... | |
| nail guns | 5/1/2007 |
| Q: Does the paslode IM250 straight nailer 2nd fix gun use the same nails as the Dewalt DC616 cordless ... A: I don't know, you would have to check what gauge the nails are, so if both nailers use 16gauge nails ... | |
| clear coat too heavy | 4/28/2007 |
| Q: i recently restored my sks rifle stock and it looks great however, i was a little generous with the ... A: It is easy thing to do be bit generous when finish, its happen to me especially when I am using a ... | |
| stain overlaps | 4/19/2007 |
| Q: I'm staining a large new cherry table top and have overlap marks. What do I do to remedy this ... A: I imagine you been using a water-base stain product which is the likely cause of this effect. You ... | |
| Wood stain mistake | 4/14/2007 |
| Q: I just stained a new hardwood floor & everything came out great except for a couple of stray drops ... A: You have not told me what products you are using on the wood but in my experience you need a minimum ... | |
| Wood stain mistake | 4/14/2007 |
| Q: I just stained a new hardwood floor & everything came out great except for a couple of stray drops ... A: It a hard choice really because it's already dried. You could first try using thinners with a cloth ... | |
| Melted finish | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: I have a cherry desk, and I placed a vinyl mat on it to try to protect it from scratching. After a ... A: To be honest, I doubt there is a quick fix solution, you could try a tradesman who specializes in ... | |
| Table saw for about $500 | 4/7/2007 |
| Q: The number of choices for a table saw in the $500 Range is bewildering, can recommend a specific ... A: At $500 most will be of a similar quality. I would favor Dewalt, or Jet makes at your price range ... | |
| Roll top Desks | 3/28/2007 |
| Q: We have been given a roll top desk and we can not get the roll top to come down. My husband seems to ... A: It is very hard to determine what could be the matter without physically seeing the furniture. I ... | |
| How to Hang a Heavy Wooden Screen | 3/21/2007 |
| Q: I have a fairly heavy wooden screen which is in 4 sections held together by hinges. What is the ... A: It is possible to do it providing that the wire is thick enough to support the frames and the ... | |
| polyuethane | 2/27/2007 |
| Q: have recently completed a project and applied stain. I then applied an initial coat of water ... A: I have applied water-base products and spirit base products in a similar situation and I have not ... | |
| painting "fake" wood paneling | 2/3/2007 |
| Q: Does it make sense (cost effective) to try and paint over 'fake' wood paneling. If so, what steps ... A: I would be incline to remove the paneling rather than paint it over, then dryline it, if necessary ... | |
| wood | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: how long will i have to sita piece of wood in a liquad to make it change how it looked before. Iam ... A: I don't really understand what it is that you are trying to do. If your placing a dry piece of wood ... | |
| Old Butcher Block refurb - need help! | 1/11/2007 |
| Q: I have recently inherited my Grandfathers Butcher Block (he was a farmer) and had great sentimental ... A: I afraid in my experience the only way to remove a stain like yours is to resand the surface of the ... | |
| Final coat of polyeurathane | 1/10/2007 |
| Q: I am refinishing an oak coffee table. The table has been tinted to match an end table. I used ... A: I tend to use easy methods to finish off my work as I find finishing bit tedious. In the past when I ... | |
| TGI Joist Machinery. | 1/8/2007 |
| Q: I would like to ask you if you know anyone who makes machinety for producing TGI. A: I don't have in depth knowledge of TGI joist product. I doubt there is a specific machine for ... | |
| molding and casing | 12/31/2006 |
| Q: do the window and door casing need to match with the crown molding that is going to be installed? A: I cant really answer you question with a yes or no because there are situations where the mouldings ... | |
| table saw | 12/29/2006 |
| Q: Unfortunately, the problem does occur when I cut freshly jointed lumber, and on sheet good like ... A: I never trust an edge whether it plywood, timber or other sheet material if I not machine it myself. ... | |
| machinery for producing TGI floor joist. | 12/29/2006 |
| Q: Hope you will be able to suggest a line of machinery for producing TGI floor joist.Unfortunately my ... A: I am not sure what you are meaning by a TGI floor joist. Usually a floor joist is just a solid piece ... | |
| pilot holes | 12/24/2006 |
| Q: What size hole should I predrill inot end grain and cross grain 2 by 4 to hold 5/8 inch diameter 1 ... A: Now that I understand what it was that you were asking me then I can now answer the question ... | |
| pilot holes | 12/24/2006 |
| Q: What size hole should I predrill inot end grain and cross grain 2 by 4 to hold 5/8 inch diameter 1 ... A: You should drill the hole at least the same size of the lag bolt. To be on the safe side then drill ... | |
| dead Sequoia tree | 12/16/2006 |
| Q: A friend of mine in California has access to a giant sequoia tree that fell down about 4 years ago. ... A: Well you have to get someone with a mobile sawmill to come and 'slab saw' the trunk into boards. I ... | |
| Routing a thin board | 12/14/2006 |
| Q: I am building a baby crib with wooden slats, 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. The plans say "use a ... A: I think, without looking at your setup that the wood may be too thin to work with the cutter so you ... | |
| venier drawer bottom | 12/11/2006 |
| Q: is there a way to straighten a warped drawer bottom it is in an antique dresser so i would like to ... A: No, I am afraid you cant and I would be careful as if it is antique you could devalue it by trying ... | |
| warped veneer | 12/4/2006 |
| Q: I have an old radio (about 60 years old) that I bought and whose wood was fine. No seperation, etc. ... A: My best advice is leave it alone but keep it in an environment where the humidity is less than 12%. ... | |
| information | 11/28/2006 |
| Q: Stuart, I just purchased a cedar chest and it says it is made by Stewart Safe Seal Cedar chest in ... A: It wont damage the wood on a cellular level but you could damage the finish and perhaps stain the ... | |
| butcherblock surface | 11/14/2006 |
| Q: I have a 3x5 butchblock surface area in my kitchen. We use it for food prep and I have sanded it ... A: Don't put polyurethane or just any other finish either as they will not be suitable. There is a ... | |
| chopping block | 11/6/2006 |
| Q: Iam i the process of building a large chopping block.I would like to know what kind of glue to use ... A: I would question the use of Oak for a chopping board as Oak contains tannic acid which may ... | |
| Twisted lumber | 11/4/2006 |
| Q: I have some reclaimed lumber I would like to make into a dining table. The planks are approximately ... A: Well, in general terms ripping them to 6" would mean less twist to plane out. The rule of thumb for ... | |
| Open tread stairway in hardwood | 10/31/2006 |
| Q: Stuart Thanks for offering your service. I am about to go back to my house in Thailand where i need ... A: You don't need alot of equipment when making stairs as it down to expertise and knowledge. I don't ... | |
| making a window | 10/31/2006 |
| Q: I have some nice plate glass and would like to know how best (or easiest) to give it a wooden border ... A: I suppose the easier method would to make a frame up out of 75mm by 50mm (3 by 2") par timber. The ... | |
| Dull a finish | 10/30/2006 |
| Q: We bought a piece of furniture that was stained with a high gloss. Now is there any way I can dull ... A: Stains are not glossy in themselves so you really need to find out what type of finish the furniture ... | |
| cutting hexagons | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: how can i cut a 1 piece hexagon out of plywood with all sides equal ( 6 1/2 inches ) A: The hardest part will be measuring and marking out the hexagon on to the plywood. I would have mark ... | |
| exterior grade plywood | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: I built a lighthouse out of exterior grade plywood. The horizontal surfaces are a circle and the ... A: I accidently click on the mouse when it was on the wrong option. Sorry about that. To be honest you ... | |
| staining veneered oak | 10/13/2006 |
| Q: I stained some oak veneered plywood and got stripped results. The veneer is done in abour 5 inch ... A: There could be problems with the wood and/or with the stain it self. Using a spirit-based stain ... | |
| triangular built in drawers | 10/2/2006 |
| Q: I a trying to build a set of drawers that would be built into a corner of my hall between two doors. ... A: What I do is use a make a jig up for the angles that I cant do on a normal mitre saw setting. I work ... | |
| Centering a flatscreen above the fireplace? | 9/27/2006 |
| Q: I installed a cantilever mount for a 32 inch flat screen above the fireplace in our townhome. It is ... A: I have been in this situation loads of time especially when I had to fix a giant projector screen in ... | |
| Deck Repair | 9/14/2006 |
| Q: My house is about three years old. There is a medium size deck with many stairs. The previous ... A: Effectively using hot air or a flame burner is the best way to remove paint. Using a chemical paint ... | |
| Band saw | 9/11/2006 |
| Q: Just acquires an older Craftsman bandsaw, table model, 10 inch size. I was told the blade kept ... A: I was taught that the tension should be similar to that belts which on the longest run should be ... | |
| extending fireplace mantel | 9/7/2006 |
| Q: we purchased a 40" LCD flat screen tv and would like to set it on the fireplace mantel, instead of ... A: It would be hard for me to say what would be the best way to do it with out seeing the job for ... | |
| roll top desk | 8/2/2006 |
| Q: I am not building a roll top desk, but have just been given an old one with a stubborn roll top. It ... A: The only suggestion I got is to try and spray wax polish in to ends as a lubricate and inbetween ... | |
| Beginner Machinery | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: I am excited about starting woodworking as a new hobby, but am having difficulty deciding on what ... A: Well, alot depends upon what budget you got. Your machinery choices depends what woodwork you want ... | |
| Restoring my mums table for my enjoyment in the years to come, | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: i have an old small hall table that has belonged to my 81 yr old motherfor years. Now she has given ... A: It is too late to have had warn you but next time I would have got the table valued prior to working ... | |
| I can't find any flexible wood filler | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: I red your answer to one of the readers regarding a wood filler for his deck cracks. I was very ... A: I cant recall what I exactly said in that answer. I dont know what products are available in the ... | |
| laburnam wood | 7/24/2006 |
| Q: can you please tell me if the above wood is toxic for woodturing. I have a large log and would like ... A: Yes, this wood is toxic so you will have to wear suitable dust mask, and protect eyes and skin. I ... | |
| creaking chipboard floor | 7/18/2006 |
| Q: have had a chipboard floor layed on a first floor extension, the builder laid it over joist straps ... A: What the builder should of done was to let the straps in to the joist before laying the chipboard ... | |
| Laburnam Wood | 7/16/2006 |
| Q: I have a Laburnham tree trunk, about 3 ft long, 1 ft diameter and 4 years matured. Is there any ... A: It would be more suitable to a wood turner but I doubt they will want to pay much for it. Some ... | |
| Installing glass in cabnet doors | 7/11/2006 |
| Q: I just built a curio cabinet and used a 3/8" rabbet bit for the 1/8" glass to set in. I was going ... A: I would of design cabinet to secure the glass in with a timber glazing bead. However, you may not ... | |
| octagonal table joinery | 7/6/2006 |
| Q: I forget to ask about applying clamping pressure. With an octagonal shape, is there any way besides ... A: I would use endless ratchet straps clamp for jobs like yours. You may need to put thick cardboard on ... | |
| octagonal table joinery | 7/5/2006 |
| Q: I have cut eight legs for a morroccan table that are 5.75" wide with a 22.5% angle cut to form the ... A: I cant see a problem with just using a good glue such as Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue to glue the ... | |
| Crown moulding on dormer | 6/29/2006 |
| Q: I have a bedroom in which I want to add crown moulding. The room in 18 x 16, and one wall has a ... A: There is a solution to your problem but it requires understanding of an advance carpenry and joinery ... | |
| why is the wood cracking? | 6/9/2006 |
| Q: My contracter is putting up an extension of my roof for shade. However upon doing this I noticed ... A: Its hard to give exact accurate answer with out seeing the poles. Nailing only tends to cause splits ... | |
| Staining Oak Veener Plywood | 6/9/2006 |
| Q: I built a bar out of oak veener Plywood and used minwax sanding sealer accidently before applying my ... A: If I was in your position I would find a left over piece of plywood, put the same coat of sanding ... | |
| Ornamental Pear Tree Crafts | 6/4/2006 |
| Q: One last thing---seal prior to drying? Thanks for your help!Stuart, I read 3 woodworking books ... A: You do have to seal the ends/end grain but it is temporary so I wouldnt aply it to the bark. The ... | |
| Table saw problem | 6/4/2006 |
| Q: When I run material through my table saw it leaves 45 Deg lines on the material after it passes the ... A: I remember using a site saw where it had a new blade but it was a poor quality one causing problems ... | |
| Ornamental Pear Tree Crafts | 6/4/2006 |
| Q: Stuart, I read 3 woodworking books yesterday, and I didn't find the answer to this: I just want to ... A: There was a book entitled 'Working Green Wood with Polyethylene Glycol' by Patrick Spielman. It was ... | |
| Dust collector motor speed control | 5/30/2006 |
| Q: Stuart, I'm glad you are available for questions. I have purchased a dust collector with a 1 ... A: I wouldnt adjust the extactor flow rate by slowing down the motor on the dust extractor. I would set ... | |
| My Sears radial arm saw | 5/24/2006 |
| Q: I hope you have Sears products in the UK. Mine is a well-built radial arm saw probably 40 years old. ... A: I really sorry that I have not had anything to do with Sears radial saws. I couldnt advise on how to ... | |
| locate drill holes on circumference of cylinder | 5/7/2006 |
| Q: It's very generous of you to offer your expertise like this - I really appreciate it. Here's myI'm ... A: I had to think how I would do this so I hope the following will help you but it may not without ... | |
| refinishing a deck | 5/2/2006 |
| Q: I would like some advice on my front deck. I cant afford to build a new deck for my front yard but ... A: All finishing require redoing between 3 and 5 years and it is quite obvious with a paint finish. You ... | |
| refinishing a deck | 5/2/2006 |
| Q: I would like some advice on my front deck. I cant afford to build a new deck for my front yard but ... A: All finishing require redoing between 3 and 5 years and it is quite obvious with a paint finish. You ... | |
| mortise and tennon | 4/29/2006 |
| Q: It is easy to make a mortise slot with a rounter but you end up with a 180 degree arc at the ends of ... A: I have consider your question and I have to be honest in saying that a router isnt my choice for ... | |
| Craftsman table saw angle adjustment | 4/23/2006 |
| Q: Craftsman table saw model # 113.12172 I use to use this saw with my dad since I was kid, and know ... A: I really sorry that I can not help you as I am unfamilar with this make and model. That black handle ... | |
| joist sizes | 4/17/2006 |
| Q: i am about to start replacing all the ceiling joists in the upstairs of my property, in the future i ... A: It would be easy for me from my experience to just quote you a size as I am as a carpenter and ... | |
| tool sharpening & grinding angles | 4/16/2006 |
| Q: Could you please tell me what the correct grinding and sharpening angles are for chisels and ... A: It depends upon type of wood but for a general purpose rule of thumb is for the grinding angle to be ... | |
| Making an all wood workbench | 4/11/2006 |
| Q: Greetings Sir, I am interested in trying my hand at traditional woodworking, but first I need a ... A: I dont know of any exact plans for wood benches but would recommend you borrow 'The Workbench book' ... | |
| What am I doing wrong | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: Mawle I need some quidance on cutting biscuits. After cutting the buscits in the edges of hardwood ... A: I have done over the years alot of biscuit jointing and I use to experience the same problem every ... | |
| Woodworking machinery | 4/5/2006 |
| Q: We have several types of used woodworking machinery, i.e. antique lathe, scrolling machines, table ... A: There is a company that I know of which deals in new and second hand ... | |
| making something for a theater production | 3/30/2006 |
| Q: THis may sound kind of weird. But I need to make something out of wood that is like a diving ... A: This is usual and I am not sure if I can help you much with this problem. The only thing that comes ... | |
| wood lathe mandrels | 3/30/2006 |
| Q: I recently purchased a midi lathe and want to turn pens. I understand that I'll need a pen mandrel ... A: I am not an expert on turning or producing pens, as I understand it there are different mandrels to ... | |
| Jet 14" Bandsaw | 3/28/2006 |
| Q: Greetings Mr. Mawie, Thank you for your time and effort. I purchased a Jet 14" Bandaw ... A: The trouble with bandsaws is that you have to set them up correctly. You need to have the right type ... | |
| Wood floors | 3/10/2006 |
| Q: I am hoping you can help. We put down prefinished wood floors down. We had a concrete slab and put ... A: I have read your question and with out seeing it in person I cant be hundred percent certain. Timber ... | |
| machine maintenence | 2/17/2006 |
| Q: I recently started a woodworking course. Unfortunately, the shop is in pitiful condition. Many of ... A: It depends on how bad they are, if it just a question of surface rust then I would use a paffin ... | |
| Painting MDF Plywood | 2/14/2006 |
| Q: I have made a kids playtable out of MDF plywood. I was wondering what would be the best paint to ... A: You can buy paint that are suitable for children from most DIY stores or use waterbase products with ... | |
| Suitable Fixings For Solid Oak Skirtings etc. | 1/19/2006 |
| Q: Having previously made the mistake of rubbing down my oak staircase with steel wool which in turn ... A: Yes, you have to use brass or galvanised fixings when working with Oak. I would be using a 15gauge ... | |
| doors hanging | 1/7/2006 |
| Q: i am putting in 6 pannel oak doors they are much heavier than my old doors the house is a little ... A: What you need to do is chack your door linings/frames with a 1800mm (6ft) level for plumb. If the ... | |
| hardwood flooring | 1/6/2006 |
| Q: Mawle. This is more of a consumer than woodworking question, and I will understand if you feel it is ... A: What I going to say in the following is my opinion without seeing the end results but I would ... | |
| Hello. I'm not sure if... | 12/23/2005 |
| Q: I'm not sure if you can answer this but . . . I want to install some 1/2" baseboard. I saw a ... A: To start with its recommended that you have a working pressure range of 60psi to 100psi with a ... | |
| fillers | 12/8/2005 |
| Q: I have an old cracked deck that I have to decide whether to fill the crack (many but mostly thin ... A: I would use an exterior polyfiller on the cracks if you plan to paint the woodwork as you can get ... | |
| joinery | 12/8/2005 |
| Q: what is the result of contact with iron fixings and fittings on some selected timbers? A: It depends on what you mean by selected timbers. Iron or steel fixings and fittings will ... | |
| Replacing wall studs. | 12/6/2005 |
| Q: I am trying to build a bookcase between two studs. At the same time replace one of the studs that ... A: Stud partitions in general are not load bearing and the stud uprights spacing can vary between 400mm ... | |
| FLB doors | 11/28/2005 |
| Q: What is the method of construction for frame ledge and brace doors? A: Motice and tenon joints are used in this type of door. The top rail is the same width and thickness ... | |
| Table saw blade problem | 11/23/2005 |
| Q: ------------------------- Stuart - Thanks. This one is clockwise for tightening, counterclockwise ... A: Well I am suprize to hear that but you can still use the method that I said but just the other way ... | |
| Table saw blade problem | 11/22/2005 |
| Q: Stuart- I bought a used 10" Craftsman table saw, belt driven, (Mod. 113.12172, if that helps at ... A: Really old table saws are like this and if theres just a nut (no way to lock the blade) then its ... | |
| saw blade radius | 11/12/2005 |
| Q: I have a 10" table saw with a standard 5/8" shaft. I also have a very good blade with a 3/4" ... A: You could use this blade if you could get a reducer bush (3/4 to 5/8)made up. To be honest, you are ... | |
| window frame repair | 11/9/2005 |
| Q: i wonder if you can help me. i'd like to repair the window frames in my house cause they are ... A: The use of decorator chaulk/filler is the worst thing I have heard as its for mainly used in ... | |
| science: the affect of paint on the strength of wood | 11/7/2005 |
| Q: what types paints are there and how long would it take for the paint to dry A: Paint can be either oil based or water based products. It depends on the manufacturer system but for ... | |
| deck filler | 11/7/2005 |
| Q: I have an outside deck here in hot and cold Arizona, that has a lot of cracks. What would be the ... A: You have not said how big and deep the cracks are. I would use a two pack exterior wood filler on ... | |
| table saw blade alignment | 11/5/2005 |
| Q: I bought a used 10" Craftsman tabler saw, belt driven motor. A found that the blade sits 1/4 in. ... A: Tom MacGregor sent me some information which may help you, I have owned two and worked on 4-5 Sears ... | |
| THOSE DARN GLASS CABINET DOORS | 10/29/2005 |
| Q: Here's the PROBLEM: I had a contractor build an inwall desk and two display cabinets on both sides ... A: You can do alot of joints with the router but you have to have some experience to do them. I believe ... | |
| Cabnet doors | 10/23/2005 |
| Q: I have kitchen cabinets with 110deg blum style hinges. Unfortunately we can't get into the ... A: Its a hard call for me to make with out the hinges to hand to determine any difference. I did try my ... | |
| oak floor | 9/9/2005 |
| Q: I recently laid a pre finished toungue and grooved oak floor I was short of galvanised lost heads ... A: I had wish you had asked me whether it was ok to use steel because I could of saved you alot of ... | |
| Table saw rusting | 9/3/2005 |
| Q: The cast top on my table saw has developed some rust spots. What can I use to remove the rust? Once ... A: I would use something like a fine grade of wire wool(0000 grade)or Hemmes webrax handpad (I have use ... | |
| mounting flat screen t.v | 8/2/2005 |
| Q: Hi stuart?My question is i'm mounting a flat screen tv to my fire place mantel wall(above my fire ... A: You have got to determine what kind of wall that it is as if it is a proper fireplace underneath ... | |
| Cutting steel | 7/30/2005 |
| Q: i'm looking to buy an Ikea steel loft bed, link ... A: Yes, I cant recommend you to tackle this yourself as it wont be easy task to do especially if you ... | |
| question about wood refinishing | 7/7/2005 |
| Q: I have a question about wood refinishing. I have been looking for a dining table with a glass top ... A: You didnt say what sort of colouring is your kitchen timber work, but in principle, it is possible ... | |
| getting into the business | 7/1/2005 |
| Q: lately I have had a desire to pursue a career in that field. I have very little experience and have ... A: I would contact my local college to see what course are being offered. Dont be afraid to discuss ... | |
| Jointing | 6/20/2005 |
| Q: I have been trying to figure out how to join several pieces of wood to build a table. I have hand ... A: Firstly, it could be the way in which you are trying to plane the timber and secondly the longer the ... | |
| deck building | 6/14/2005 |
| Q: I am building an unattached deck 20' X10' I have a 20' 4x8 that I want up against the house to bolt ... A: Its hard to give definet answer to some questions as I need to see the job for myself and ... | |
| header and joists | 6/13/2005 |
| Q: My son in law is putting a fish tank into an outside wall. He is cutting four studs that are 16 or ... A: Unfortunetly, I am unable to help with this enquiry as it is the field of a Structural Engineer to ... | |
| building | 6/12/2005 |
| Q: --------------thanks, I understand what you mean. My measurement is- 15' from center of ridge to ... A: Let me start afresh, when roofs are pitch in degrees it usual always refer to the angle of the ... | |
| Dowel Jig | 6/11/2005 |
| Q: I'm building a railing prototype using dowels. What is the best way to build a jig for the styles ... A: Its hard for me to give you answer with out seeing for myself what you are trying to do with the ... | |
| building | 6/11/2005 |
| Q: I am building a 30x40 shed. Using 9 telephone poles cut off. 6- 3x10x20 beams 60- 2x4 x16'ceiling ... A: I just realise that I should explain the measurement 17.05ft rafter length as this measurement is a ... | |
| basement studs | 6/1/2005 |
| Q: Should basement walls be nailed very tight against the floor joists? I've seen Holmes on Homes nail ... A: In general, when putting a stud wall up, the top (head)plate butts to the underneath of the ... | |
| cutting boards | 5/28/2005 |
| Q: I just bought a wooden picture which I would like to make into a cutting board. I guess I am needing ... A: What you will have to be careful about is what this wooden product made of. It may be MDF or made up ... | |
| framing | 5/23/2005 |
| Q: If building a valley or hip roof, can you measure out a certain distance that will equate to 16in on ... A: Well, you can do it but its awkward. A better method commonly used out on sites is to measure from ... | |
| Douglas Fir | 5/6/2005 |
| Q: I have an unusual question. I live in West Orange, NJ and have a huge Douglas Fir in my backyard ... A: I think that been sent this question by mistake. Yes,a desirable wood as I use Douglas fir in 90% of ... | |
| Altering a wooden hutch | 5/1/2005 |
| Q: I am a complete novice when it comes to anything to do with woodworking, using tools to do ... A: To be honest with you, it's a nice piece of furniture that if not worth much now would become worth ... | |
| Biscuit Joining | 3/20/2005 |
| Q: I am trying to determine the best way to attach slats between two parallel pieces of wood. Could ... A: I am afraid you cant do biscuit jointing as the minimum width of timber for the smallest biscuit ... | |
| garden sheds | 3/20/2005 |
| Q: I have a basic knowledge of woodworking (lap fencing laminate flooring skirting boards) I want to ... A: The only tip that I can offer you is to go your local DIY places and look at the sheds they have on ... | |
| queen-size loft | 3/19/2005 |
| Q: I have some woodworking and design experience. I am on a college budget and my next project is a ... A: It is always best to use square post 'shaped' timber for legs and supports. Your idea of using ... | |
| queen-size loft | 3/18/2005 |
| Q: I have some woodworking and design experience. I am on a college budget and my next project is a ... A: I can see no reason why you cant build a bed like a deck. However, I am unsure about what your ... | |
| Cyclone Dust Control | 3/1/2005 |
| Q: My dad is a very talented woodworker and welder. He just built a shop and is wanting to build his ... A: Have you heard of the Dyson hoover, well that was based on a cyclone dust control unit. Its use ... | |
| Carpentry | 2/24/2005 |
| Q: I recently sent a question for which I did not send enough information. To restate: The Problem: ... A: It sounds complex job and your right it will be heavy but I would be securing it to the wall with ... | |
| Hanging a projection screen | 2/24/2005 |
| Q: Problem: An 11'6"x8'6" plywood screen for projection must be cantilevered out 2' from a wall by a ... A: I have sent you this answer but just in case; It sounds complex job and your right it will be heavy ... | |
| Moving to the tropics | 2/22/2005 |
| Q: My husband and I are Canadians planning to retire to Costa Rica later this year. We are at the ... A: It the changes in humidity thats going to cause problems whatever the furniture because wood is ... | |
| Wooden Bucket plans | 2/18/2005 |
| Q: Noticed , for sale , at a craft show , a very atractive wooden bucket[ +/- 1" high ] . If I were to ... A: You didnt say whether the bucket is straight sided or had sloping sides so I have given you a ... | |
| a filler (rosin) similar to amber | 2/15/2005 |
| Q: what i am looking for is a wood filler that is noy opaque, but is much like a clear yellow amber. I ... A: It hard to say whether it degrades the intergrity of the wood by filling it as I see it more of a ... | |
| undoing a wood screw | 2/11/2005 |
| Q: I HAVE TO REMOVE TWO VERY OLD SCREWS FROM AN ANTIQUE CHAIR TO REPAIR A LEG.HOW DO I UNDO THE STUCK ... A: There isnt any easy soloution with a problem like this, and I have been in this situation a few ... | |
| building a desk | 1/24/2005 |
| Q: i want to build a desk using a piece of MDF board (8' x 4") that fits across the width of a room ... A: It is quite hard to do, even when you do cut it, it wont be perfect because the walls may not be ... | |
| Hidden door and hinges | 1/19/2005 |
| Q: I want to hang all of my interior doors (down a hallway and opening in) to be full ceiling height of ... A: It is possible to do want you want but with out seeing the hall way and surounding for myself then ... | |
| Butcher Block Oil | 1/1/2005 |
| Q: Stuart, I have a kitchen island that I am staining, on the top of this island is a carving board I ... A: You should not stain or apply just any finish to any wood product that comes into contact with food ... | |
| Cleaning tools used for green oak | 12/31/2004 |
| Q: Morning Stuart, I'm doing some work with green and new (french) oak and some of my tools are being ... A: Prevention is the key to a cure, however I clean my tools mainly from resin using fine grade 00 ... | |
| joinery tools | 11/30/2004 |
| Q: Can you tell me please what an irwin twist bit is?Also what s sizing board and mitre block is?Thank ... A: A twist bit is type of drill bit for drilling holes in metal, for further information visit the ... | |
| Coffee Table Top | 11/3/2004 |
| Q: I hope you can give me some ideas on this. I'm in the process of building a simple coffee table ... A: To be honest, I wouldnt use the 1/4" veneered MDF. I would start of with a piece of 3/4" minimum ... | |
| Machines | 10/20/2004 |
| Q: Two questions...... Iam looking to buy a Delta 735 planer(3 blade)any ideas on better ... A: I did try to find the Delta planer model you are planing to buy but I cant find it, even try the ... | |
| router | 10/18/2004 |
| Q: pleasant good day. I would like to know what are the diffrence between the plunge and fixed base ... A: Basically, a plunge router motor move up and down which useful when plunge cutting a moulding or ... | |
| warped board | 10/12/2004 |
| Q: I am building a hope chest for my wife but the lid, not attached yet, has warped. The board is pine ... A: Unfortunetly, there isnt an easy way to unwarped wood. Ideally you should use steaming method. I am ... | |
| Workshed storage for drill bit | 9/24/2004 |
| Q: I need somewhere to put my drill bits in order on my workbench. Please reply soon Simon A: I have a block of wood, 'a drill stand' that approximately 12inches long by 4inches wide by 2inches ... | |
| fitted kitchen units | 9/22/2004 |
| Q: i have just fitted a new kitchen but have a little problem i have a 600mm open corner wall unit and ... A: Basically, you have to half the total angle, for example most corners are approximately 90 degrees ... | |
| Oiled Teakwood versus lacquered elmwood | 9/21/2004 |
| Q: Im not sure if you can answer this question but I thought I might ask since you have a weath of ... A: Well, when you say teak has an oiled finish is really down to the the fact that teak has a natural ... | |
| Warped bar | 9/13/2004 |
| Q: This last winter-spring I built an 8 foot bar in my basement. The last three months the bar has been ... A: I am sorry to be the one to tell you this that having a dehumidifier on all of the time is probably ... | |
| molding installation | 8/30/2004 |
| Q: I want to install large crown molding around an open ended beam. The molding is about 5 inches wide ... A: It has been a number of years since I use a radial arm saw as I prefer a big mitre saw for doing my ... | |
| I just recently purchased... | 8/20/2004 |
| Q: I just recently purchased an old Craftsman Style home and am trying to figure out what to do with ... A: It is hard to be certain with out examining the doors whether they can be joined together or not for ... | |
| Planing & Edge Joining | 8/16/2004 |
| Q: Mr. Mawle, I am building a dining table for a friend out of red oak lumber. The lumber is 6 to 8 ... A: I would recommend ripping the timber first before planing because when you cut a board into two or ... | |
| wood panels | 8/14/2004 |
| Q: Stuart, So the studs are up and I am waiting for my finishing nailer to arrive. A question on ... A: The finisher nailer's heads a quite small so they wont notice quite like an ordinary lost head. I ... | |
| section of dead tree (post) | 8/12/2004 |
| Q: I have 2 cats and was lucky enough to see a dead tree being cut up and asked/received a section of ... A: I would only seal the ends with a varnish which needs to be done before bringing it into house ... | |
| ceder | 7/30/2004 |
| Q: I don't know if you will be able to help me or not. But, here it goes. I bought a water sealer ... A: You are probably right that the can wasnt mixed up well enough. However, I would check with the ... | |
| wood panels | 7/26/2004 |
| Q: Stuart, I realise I am stretching the friendship but would really appreciate it if you answer a few ... A: 1) Guns...sounds like the finsihing nailer may be able to do the job of the framing nailer but not ... | |
| Compound Angle | 7/14/2004 |
| Q: I have to build a 2" x 6" stair railing. It takes a 45 degree turn around a corner and a 22.5 ... A: A compound angle seems more complicated, but it isnt. If I finding something like this being ... | |
| removing wood varnish | 7/13/2004 |
| Q: we currently have a mahogany coloured panelling in the hallway. The previous owners have probably ... A: You need to determine what wood and finish you have as in your question doesnt clearly state whether ... | |
| staircase handrail | 6/23/2004 |
| Q: i wish to renew the handrails on my staircase but keep the existing newels ,which are plain square. ... A: You should find that your existing handrail should be tenoned into the newels already and secured ... | |
| Restoring an old cedar chest | 6/17/2004 |
| Q: Stuart, for you fast reply. Since this cedar chest is a family piece, from the 1940's, with many ... A: I know where you are coming from, but it is surprizing how many people want it distress when I make ... | |
| Restoring an old cedar chest | 6/17/2004 |
| Q: Stuart, I have acquired an old cedar chest. I plan on sanding the outside dark wood, and restaining ... A: You will have to sand the inside of the chest too to just remove a thin layer of surface back to ... | |
| Installing Windows Casings/Trim | 6/1/2004 |
| Q: I moved into a newly constructed home about 6 months ago and opted out of window casings because I ... A: It always hard to give the best advice without seeing the job in hand but in my experience I wouldnt ... | |
| Making a cabinet door | 5/4/2004 |
| Q: I have a cattycorner cabinet in a half bath of my home that I made. I would like to know what ... A: Cattycorner cabinet in a half bath? I not sure what you mean by this other than you got a corner ... | |
| black spots on hardwood | 5/3/2004 |
| Q: I have an unfinished oak floor throughout my house. I removed the carpet that the last people had ... A: Black spots, well the only two thing that come to mind is either a mould fungus or staining as ... | |
| Laburnum Wood | 4/27/2004 |
| Q: I have some logs of Laburnum and I would like to turn these on my lathe. I know that the leaves and ... A: Well, I would take it as that if parts of a tree is poisonous then the wood will be the same in my ... | |
| Laburnum Wood | 4/27/2004 |
| Q: I have some logs of Laburnum and I would like to turn these on my lathe. I know that the leaves and ... A: You have to becareful with all timber because they can cause you asthma. In your case I would treat ... | |
| making a trough | 4/6/2004 |
| Q: I HOPE THIS DOESN'T INSULT YOU. I AM BUILDING A TROUGH FOR MY TWO LAMBS AND I AM HAVING TROUBLE ... A: If you want to make a trough from wood then I suggest you make it out of plywood. It will have to be ... | |
| Machinery | 3/29/2004 |
| Q: I am soon to be taking on a renovation project in Mallorca for myself and partner to live in . I ... A: I dont have an all combination machine but two machines, planer/thicknesser and saw/spindle. I think ... | |
| laying hardwood flooring | 3/29/2004 |
| Q: Hope you can help! Live in Scotland and have bought reclaimed teak flooring - I reckon about 1" ... A: Well, laying a timber floor isnt hard to do especially if you got some DIY skills. You dont often ... | |
| tools | 3/2/2004 |
| Q: I am looking at buying a tatry 14" radial saw for about $800 aus in good condition. But i can't find ... A: Sorry but I never come across that manufacturer so I cant give you any advice other than go and see ... | |
| Jointer work on a table saw | 2/16/2004 |
| Q: Have you ever made or know of plans for a "ripping sled" for a table saw to enable you to make ... A: No, sorry havnt got any plans for a ripping sled. The method I used is to get a straight regular ... | |
| wood work | 2/13/2004 |
| Q: can you tell me how I can join two 2x4's ends together and them have enough strenth to work as a ... A: Yes, a lapped joint also called a halfing joint would be suitable. Basically, you mark the 4" down ... | |
| tools | 2/8/2004 |
| Q: I am undertaking a self build project and am working out my tool budjet could you plese list a full ... A: To make plugs you need a plug cutter in a pillar drill and I use 1/2" size cutter. The three ... | |
| Remove stair railing | 2/2/2004 |
| Q: I just moved into an older house which has a narrow stairway to the second floor. However, the queen ... A: I agree that taking your box spring would be a nightmare but taking the stairs railing apart wont be ... | |
| Polyrethane on glass | 1/23/2004 |
| Q: How can I remove Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane from glass window panes? Have tried paint thinner ... A: It's going to be harder because the polyurethane chemically strenghtens after 24 hours. The only ... | |
| pine paneling | 1/21/2004 |
| Q: Stuart, We have a 14 x 20 ft bedroom that has solid 3/4 inch tongue and groove pine paneling on the ... A: I think you may find someone to buy it but the hard part is removing it as if not careful you will ... | |
| dust collection | 12/16/2003 |
| Q: I recently bought a 4" dust collector. My table saw is designed for it, but all my other tools ... A: It quite easy to connect different machines to your 4" dust collector. I recommend you visit ... | |
| warped table | 12/8/2003 |
| Q: I've never tried this Q&A service, but I could sure use some advice. My father gave me a simple ... A: It is hard to determine the best advice to give when I cant inspect the table and the problems ... | |
| Mounting onto Lathe & Plaster Walls | 11/12/2003 |
| Q: I would like to mount a TV bracket onto a lathe & plaster wall. I had intended to use the spring ... A: It depend upon where you want to put it but I would always try to fix in a timber stud, not always ... | |
| Stair railing | 8/12/2003 |
| Q: Im a builder/remodeler w/ 15 yrs experience. Im called upon to install a turned hardwood railing. Im ... A: I am use to doing stairs in a certain way, depending upon whether it is a stairs with the treads ... | |
| Treatment | 8/1/2003 |
| Q: Is there a product out there that I can buy, where if I applied to a wooden foundation and lay it ... A: There are products that can be brought but unfortunetly they offer limited protection as with any ... | |
| drilling | 7/18/2003 |
| Q: I have a strange problem. I had drilled ~ 90 .2" holes (to ~1") into hardwood. I'd used high quality ... A: All hardwoods have a blunting effect on tools, some more so than others. It is recommend to always ... | |
Stuart Mawle
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Now been a carpenter & joiner for the past twenty years in the UK. I can give avice / help on carpentry & joinery, health & safety, woodworking machinery, power tools and suppliers.
Experience
I have served an indentured carpentry apprenticeship with a medium sized building contractor doing a wide range of domestic and commercial work. This has included office buildings, barn conversions, building extensions and renovations. During my career, I spent over three years as a wood trades technician at a college. My job involved joinery work, wood maching and helping CITB carpentry & joinery students` pratical projects. Spent three years as a accredited NVQ assessor covering site carpentry and bench joinery. Now I teach my skills to others.
Organizations
Institute of carpenters
Education/Credentials
I have city and guild qualifications in site carpentry and purpose made joinery.
An indentured apprenticeship
Hold the equivalent of a master craftsman status.
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