John English

Perhaps the most obvious aspect of the workshop environment is lighting.

Panel saws let a shop break down full sheets of material into manageable pieces such as door and case panels and other flat parts such as shelves.

Tooling suppliers are introducing new bits, blades, knives and cutters on a regular basis

Picking a surface material can make a break a project, so it’s important to consider the pros and cons amongst the myriad of choices

A survey of the latest CAD programs shows an array of features and functions

Portable power tool innovation continues with better batteries, brushless motors and improved ergonomics

Taking the leap into CNC machining can be a bit unnerving because, unlike other shop machines, digital fabrication requires an entirely new skill set.

Increased CNC automation is one way through the hiring crunch, but it can also cut costs over time, ramp up production (sometimes dramatically), increase throughput speed, save floor space, improve accuracy, and open new design options.

Traditional assembly still makes sense for small shops that neither build a lot of boxes nor own a CNC.

The biggest environmental challenges to a woodshop are fine dust, spray booth exhaust, and chemical emissions from adhesives, but addressing them will almost always improve profitability.

Getting a handle on what’s hot with pulls, knobs, hinges, drawer slides, lighting, and more

New equipment for applying and drying, moving parts around the shop, and automating the process

Laser templating tools save time, increase accuracy and improve quality

A CNC router can be a big investment, so one of the prime concerns for buyers must be to avoid premature obsolescence.

There are new and innovative products ranging from panel materials to connectors, drawers, slides, doors, drawer fronts and more that can be used to take  cabinetry to the next level

Vacuum pressing is a scalable skill that can help a shop offer flat, curved, and decorative options.

The secret to increasing sales and production while lowering costs

An explanation of how compressed air systems operate and what works best for a particular application

Assembly tools and equipment that deliver speed, efficiency and precision

Today's Table saw trends changing

Selecting Software: A look at the features and benefits of CAD/CAM programs for CNC machining

Specialty Sanders: A look at niche options for adding that finishing touch

Considerations include tooth count, gullet size, hook angle and more

A primer on the types of adhesives and materials used

A roundup of the latest panel, engineered wood, countertop, lighting products and more

Organic greens and sages are the color trends for 2022; manufacturers focusing on UV-cured, powder coat and waterborne finishes

Finding and ordering CNC tooling is easy, but knowing what to order can be a bit trickier

They can perform repetitive tasks and solve labor issues, but not all are created equal

Sourcing those hard-to-find specialty hinges and drawer slides

Investing in a 5-axis machine is a quantum leap for most woodshops, but the rewards include faster production, cleaner parts, more accuracy, and the ability to innovate

Joinery options for woodshops often come down to a choice between convenience and aesthetics

Combination machines are space savers, but they can also handle the demands of a professional shop

A working spindle is essential for a CNC shop, while an aggregate head is an enticing option

Make the moving experience safer and more efficient with these material handling solutions

Pneumatic tools are a great addition to woodshops, especially for creative clamping solutions

A shop’s environmental standing can help the bottom line, and there are a number of ways to improve and promote the process

An explanation of the abrasives used in today’s sandpaper, plus a few tips for best results

Outsourcing can help a shop continue to grow and serve its customer base, even in these challenging times.

CNC tooling gets dressed up with abrasives, protective coatings and more.

Whether it’s the shape, pad, speed, power source or pattern, there’s a lot to keep up with when it comes to hand-held sanding options.

New nail, brad and staple guns have features we’ve come to rely on

Choices are no longer limited to desktop models, but that’s a good place to start

Color is as important as style in today’s market

Now, there’s a leading question. One could be facetious and say something glib like ‘dishes’, but the truth is that for many woodshops this can be a complexing issue.

A woodworker’s guide to cuts, adhesives, substrates and more