Author: David D. Hughes

I just love creating things with my hands. It's amazing how little I appreciated learning these skills when I was younger. Today, it is a source of great joy. I whittle, carve, wood burn and more!

How to prep wood for whittling

How to prepare wood for whittling Whittling wood is often a hobby that some end up turning into a profession. It will take skill and precision, and also knowledge of how to handle both the wood and tools. Whilst this may not happen overnight, you have to start somewhere and the best place is at…

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Bench Grinders for Your Workshop

In the world of workshop tools, bench grinders are vital for precision and power. These machines, often found in garages or workshops, are essential for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Bench grinders are more than just tools; they are indispensable for artisans, sculptors, and machinists. Similar to the evolution of window coverings that combine form and…

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Carving Axe: A Comprehensive Analysis

In outdoor craftsmanship, the carving axe is a supreme tool. Like smart window coverings, a high-quality carving axe can revolutionize wooden creations. It is an extension of an artisan’s creativity, a precise instrument for sculpting wood. In exploring today’s best carving axes, we uncover standout contenders with sturdy construction, ergonomic design, and finesse for novices…

Mastering Sanding Techniques Using a Drill

Sanding using a drill As a woodworking enthusiast, you know that perfection in your craft demands precision. Sanding, a cornerstone of your journey, goes beyond aesthetics. It’s the canvas where your artistry shines. Is sanding necessary for your woodworking projects? Absolutely. Sanding is your sculptor’s chisel, erasing imperfections and revealing wood’s raw beauty. It’s the…

Mastering the Art of Paint Removal: A Guide to Using Mineral Spirits

Using mineral spirits to remove paint As an experienced woodworker, you understand that preparing your surfaces is the key to a flawless finish on any project. Pain removal is often the crucial first step in your creative journey, whether restoring a piece of vintage furniture or giving a new lease of life to a tired-looking…

Danish Oil vs Mineral Oil: Unveiling the Ideal Wood Finish

Wood finishing is the process of enhancing or protecting a wood surface. Popular wood finishes include wax, shellac, drying oils, varnishes or paints. A finish not only beautifies the wood by deepening its color and highlighting its grain, but it also protects the wood by controlling the rate of moisture exchange. Choosing the right finish…

The Versatile Uses of Gum Turpentine: Unveiling its Numerous Applications

Introduction to Gum Turpentine Gum Turpentine is a rich feeding solvent from the distillation of resin from pine trees. It makes top-quality furniture polish and varnish or as a thinner for ready-made turpentine products. It also works for cleaning application tools. Gum turpentine is from the sap of pine. This yellowish fluid consists of oil…

Mastering the Art of Using Japan Drier: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Japan Drier Japan Drier is a lead-free drying agent that accelerates oil-based paint and varnish drying time. Japan Drier gives a convenient, reliable additive for materials used in the historical lacquering process called Japanning. It imitates genuine Japanese black lacquer.  The liquid speeds the drying of oil finishes such as varnish and oil…