The Wood Whisperer Guild

Kreg recently announced the new Kreg Edge Loose Tenon Joiner, and I had a chance to spend some hands-on time with it at Woodcraft’s vendor sales conference. While this isn’t a full review, my first impression is that Kreg has created a compelling alternative for woodworkers who want fast, loose tenon joinery without the premium price tag of a Festool Domino. The Edge uses the same general approach, creating mortises for loose tenons, and will be available as a cordless tool with 5mm, 6mm,...

Happy Friday! We've got a fun video for you today, addressing that age-old question about what finish (if any) to use on your workbench. A workbench is a tool. It’s going to get scratched, dented, stained, glued, and abused. But if you spent weeks building a beautiful bench, it makes sense to give the finish at least a little thought before you start throwing chemicals at it. In this video, I compare some of the most common workbench finish options: No finish Drying oils, like tung oil,...

A brand new Ask TWW episode just dropped, and we’re covering a nice mix of shop fundamentals and “why didn’t I think of that?” kind of topics. In this one, I tackle your questions about: Dry lubricants for woodworking tools (and why I keep a can handy) My go-to marking tools for rough, medium, and fine work Exterior finishes in hot, humid climates, and what you’re really signing up for Square vs. round dog holes, the pros, the cons, and what actually matters in the shop If you’ve ever...

Hey folks, I think a lot of woodworkers get stuck asking the wrong questions. For instance, many will ask “What should I build next?” But maybe the better question is, “What do I want to learn next?” If your next project stays completely in your safe zone, it's a lot less likely you'll actually progress in a meaningful way. And hey, sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered. I don't always want a challenge every single time I walk into the shop. But when it comes time to delve deeper into...

Hey folks, There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a built-in that’s barely hanging on and replacing it with something that actually looks like real furniture. That was the mission for this project. Nicole’s old desk had seen better days. On the surface, it looked like a functional built-in, but once I started digging in, it became clear that it was more of a façade than a properly built piece. So the plan was simple: remove the old setup, rethink the space, and build a...

Hey folks, A new Tools Unleashed just dropped, and this one’s a fun mix. In today’s video, I’m taking a look at four very different tools, the Incline Blade Square, Smart Casters from Bennington Manufacturing, the Preppin’ Weapon, and the Jem box joint jig. Some are clever, some are super practical, and at least one has already earned a permanent spot in my workflow. If you like honest tool reviews without the fluff, this one’s for you. Read more about each tool here. Big thanks to Woodcraft...

Hey folks, Today’s new video is a little different, and I think you’re really going to enjoy it. A friend of ours, book conservator Noah Smutz, found a vintage book press at auction, built in 1905 by Hickok Manufacturing, and it should have been the perfect addition to his shop. This thing was made for serious work, preserving rare books, Bibles, and manuscripts. Unfortunately, shipping had other plans. Helpful Links from the Video Hybrid Woodworking Book Carbon Method Carbon Coat Kit Bench...