Power Tool Techniques

Your power tools are among the most useful resources in your shop. And knowing how to put them to better use can improve the quality of everything you build.

Fine Woodworking's new Power Tool Techniques starts you off with the basics, like ripping and crosscutting on your tablesaw, and takes you through advanced techniques like router-cut joinery.

You'll also learn to:

get more from your tools

make time saving jigs

use a router table efficiently

mill rough lumber

make frame-and-panel doors

build better with biscuits

operate tools safely

and more

Inside you'll find these tools:

tablesaws

bandsaws

benchtop planers

jointers

routers

biscuit joiners

cordless drills

Contributors

Departments

Editor's Letter
Safety: Think safety first
Basic Skills: Seven tips for handheld drilling; Seven tips for routing
Questions & Answers
Commentary: My five essential power tools
Clean Cuts: Improve your tablesaw techniques
Quick Tips

Features

Router Joinery
Simple jig works with a plunge router to make quick, strong mortise-and-tenon joints
By Lon Schleining

Get the Most from Your Router Table
Special jigs to hold the work yield cleaner cuts with increased safety
by Pat Warner

Traditional Joinery With Power Tools
Five steps to building a frame-and-panel door
By Lonnie Bird

A Tablesaw Primer: Ripping and Crosscutting
The proper techniques help ensure accurate and safe cuts
by Kelly Mehler

Cutting it Close on the Tablesaw
When cutting small workpieces, you don't have to sacrifice safety for accuracy
by Steve Latta

Cove Molding Cut on the Tablesaw
Safe, accurate methods to make your own molding
by Stuart Sabol

Tablesaw Crosscut Jigs
Shopmade sleds yield speed, accuracy, and safety
by Steve Latta

Make Doors With a Tablesaw and Router Table
Three types of doors fulfill most cabinet needs
by Steve Latta

Bandsaw Bracket Feet
A basic jig helps give your furniture a sophisticated look
by Randall O'Donnell

The Jointer and Planer Are a Team
Armed with both, you can flatten boards to any thickness
by Gary Rogowski

Use the Bandsaw, Jointer, and Planer to Mill Rough Lumber
Employ your power tools in the right order to get square, stable stock
by Gary Rogowski

Cutting Large Pieces with a Circular Saw
With a folding table and dedicated guides, this tool cuts large panels cleanly and easily
by Gary Williams

Get More from Your Drill Press
Increase the versatility of this basic machine using low-cost, shopmade jigs
By Gary Rogowski

Biscuit Basics
This versatile and speedy system handles all the joints in plywood casework
by Tony O'Malley