What's Your Woodworking Advice?

John Biermacher
by John Biermacher
The Hometalk Team requested tips from experienced woodworkers. I am a member of the Southwest Michigan Woodworkers Guild, whose membership includes beginners to very experienced woodworkers. Two tips come immediately to mind that I want to share--

1) Make a guide for your circular saw. It is essentially two pieces of scrap plywood fastened together that provided a straight cutting guide for your circular saw that makes the alignment very easy and provides a surface that prevents tearing/scuffing of the board you are cutting. If you search YOUTUBE for "circular saw guide", you will find several videos. If questions remain, feel free to ask.

2) Buy a plug cutter. A plug cutter ( when used in a drill or drill press) will cut a circular plug to hide a recessed screw head. 3/8th inch diameter is a typical size. The "plug" is like a dowel except the grain is the same orientation of the hole you are filling. Therefore it can be sanded/chiseled to be exactly flush with the surface of the wood the screw is in. You can make the plug: from the same wood and it can be almost imperceivable; or from a contrasting wood and it adds a decorative element. If you search YOUTUBE for "plug cutter", you will find several videos. If questions remain, feel free to ask.

What are your best woodworking tips for beginners?

Thank you!
  3 answers
  • Cori Widen Cori Widen on Feb 21, 2017

    Thank you for sharing, John! You're the best! How's the piano coming along?

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 22, 2017

    This is so helpful, thank you thank you!

  • John Biermacher John Biermacher on Feb 22, 2017

    Hillela and Cori,


    Thanks for your support. The piano bookcase is coming along well, but delayed because of: procrastination with the decoupage; longer drying times due to low temps in the shop; and enhancements suggested by my wife. Looking forward to sharing as soon as it is done.


    • Cori Widen Cori Widen on Feb 22, 2017

      I love that you and your wife are a team :) We'll be looking for the finished product!!