The Best of Fine Woodworking Basic Skills & Techniques 2005

Every woodworker needs a solid foundation of skills and techniques. And whether you're just starting out or moderately experienced, Fine Woodworking's Basic Skills & Techniques can help take you to the next level.

Clear, easy-to-follow instructions and photographs guide you through essential tasks that are part of common woodworking projects. You'll use your time in the shop more efficiently knowing how to:

• use your tablesaw, jointer, planer, and router properly
• select the right kind of joinery
• mill wood flat, square, and smooth
• cut mortises, tenons, dovetails, and miters
• apply finish like a pro

Editor's Letter

Questions & Answers

A Closer Look

Fundamentals

TOOLS

Routers
Because a router bit does most of its cutting on its edge, feed direction is important
by Gary Rogowski

Chisels
Used correctly, a basic set of chisels covers all of your chopping and paring needs
by Garrett Hack

Block Planes
Five common tasks for the handiest plane in the shop
by Chris Gochnour

JOINERY

Mortises
With a little more than a drill bit and chisel, this time-tested technique gets you a mortise in minutes
by Tom Begnal

Tenons
Finding your way to a well-fitting joint
by Gary Rogowski

Dovetails
A step-by-step to laying out and cutting dovetails
by Christian Becksvoort

Miters
How to cut, trim, glue up, and reinforce this multipurpose joint
by Gary Rogowski

TECHNIQUES

Milling Lumber
A successful woodworking project begins with stock prepared at the jointer, planer and tablesaw
by Tom Begnal

Gluing
Lots of tape, lots of cauls, and lots of clamps make glue-ups easy
by Lon Schleining

Repair
How to fix dings, cracks, splits, and more without starting over
by Jeff Miller

Sanding
Combine power- and hand-sanding for good results with no wasted time
by David Sorg

Finishing
All you need is spar varnish sandpaper, and lots of clean rags
by Lon Schleining

Design
Proven methods for dealing with expansion and contraction
by Christian Becksvoort

Frame-&-Panel
A table saw and a few clamps are about all you need to build this classic cabinet door
by Matthew Teague

PROJECTS

Organizer
Practice cutting dadoes and rabbets while building a handy organizer
by Mario Rodgiguez

Saw Stand
Support your portable tablesaw with this shop-built movable stand-
by Matthew Teague

Methods of Work

Finish Line

Glossary