Top 34+ Clever Handy Hints for Your Woodworking Projects

Super-Strong Sandpaper

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

"I do a lot of finish-sanding freehand, without a sandpaper block, so I can smooth edges and get into nooks and crannies. But the finer grits are usually bonded to thinner paper and, at least for me, the paper is too thin and ends up tearing long before the grit wears out. So I apply duct tape to the back of the sandpaper. The sandpaper is still flexible enough to sand a tight radius and it's far more durable. You can use this super-strong sandpaper like a shoeshine rag." — Chuck Merchant

The Brown Paper Bag Trick

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

You can always make a finish smooth by rubbing with fine sandpaper and rubbing compounds, but that is a lot of work. And there’s almost always a little dust that settles onto the last coat of finish before it dries, even when you spray fast-drying lacquer. And with slow-drying varnish, there’s always dust stuck to the finish.

Unless you're aiming for the ultimate in smoothness, rubbing the surface with a folded brown paper bag is usually sufficient. A brown paper bag is abrasive enough to flatten the dust nibs but not so abrasive that it scratches the finish—as long as the finish is fully dry. As long as the dust isn’t excessive and as long as the particles aren’t large, you can make the surface feel smooth with this paper bag trick. You’ll be amazed at how well it works.

Quick Miter Fix

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Cutting a miter joint that closes up perfectly and maintains a 90 degree angle is really satisfying. Unfortunately, it doesn't always happen. Here's a quick fix for a slightly open miter joint; rub the shank of a screwdriver along the miter at a steep angle, from both sides of the joint. Chances are, you'll be the only one that knows it wasn't perfect to begin with!

Caulk Gun Clamp

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer
Did you know that you can use a caulk gun as a clamp? It’s perfect for gluing up small projects such as a cutting board. Just place a couple of pieces of scrap wood or cardboard at the ends of the caulk gun and then squeeze the trigger to apply pressure.

DIY Flexible Sanding Block

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Sanding curves is tricky. Sometimes you need a sanding pad that's both firm and flexible. A small notepad works great. Just wrap sandpaper around the pad and bend the pad to whatever arc you need. Slip the one end of the sandpaper between the pages to help hold it in place on the pad. Give this a try the next time you're working on a project that has curves and tough to reach spots.

We asked our favorite woodworkers to share some of their favorite shop tips. Check out these 10 great woodworking advice to help you work faster and smarter in your own shop.

Sanding Even Surfaces

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

With an orbital sander and good sandpaper you can smooth wood evenly and easily with first-class results. When flush-sanding solid edge-banding, draw a squiggly line across the joint before sanding. The edge-banding will be slightly proud of the plywood veneer, so the pencil marks provide a visual aid to make sure that you're sanding flat, and that you don't sand through the plywood's veneer. As you go, you can also test for a smooth, level transition by gently scraping your fingernails against the transition. If it’s smooth, your fingers will not catch on the seam between the two pieces

Chap Stick for the Toolbox

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer
If you enjoy working with hardwoods, you know how important it is to lubricate screws. It’ll make driving the fasteners easier and reduces the amount of heat produced. But what if you don’t have a bar of soap or a pile of beeswax nearby? Reach for your tube of Chap Stick!

More Planing, Less Exercise

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer
Planing boards with a portable planer can provide you with a lot of exercise. But rather than running from the infeed side to the outfeed side before the board flips your portable planer, try this instead: Attach your portable planer to a board; then fasten the board to a miter saw stand. Then planing boards won’t wear you out so quickly!

A Temporary Mixing Surface

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Instead of using a container to mix a small amount of epoxy, just make a mixing surface on your workbench using painters tape. Simply lay down strips, overlapping the edges so the epoxy doesn't get on your bench. When you're done, peel off the tape and throw it away. This mixing surface will work for more than just epoxy, you can use it for wood glue or any other material you need easy access to while working on a project.

How to Fix a Square

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer
Before tossing your off-kilter square and spending money on a new one, try fixing it with this simple process. Use a center punch, a hammer and an anvil. If the sides of the square are too close together, punch the inner corner. If the sides are too far apart, punch the outer corner. Check your progress, and repeat as needed until the square is square.

Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

When glue squeezes out on an inside corner like in a drawer or the inside any woodworking project, using a chisel has the potential to cause more harm than good. This is because the sharp blade can easily mark-up and scratch the adjacent surface. The solution is a simple drinking straw. We used paper straws because they can be recycled unlike plastic ones. The straw will conform to the shape of the corner and the excess glue will be collected inside the straw so it can’t get re-deposited anywhere else.

Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Iron-on edge-banding is a quick way to cover up an edge on plywood. Trimming the excess, however, is tricky. I've tried edge-banding trimmers, but I find the results are unpredictable. With the trimmers I've tried, it wasn't easy to change the direction of the cut to suit the grain direction of the edge-banding. If you're cutting against the grain, you're likely to tear out a chunk of your new edge-banding. Instead, I use a wide, sharp chisel. This way, I can read the grain direction and trim accordingly. Angle the chisel slightly and go slow, raising the back corner of the chisel just enough so that it doesn't dig into the plywood veneer. Smooth the corner with a sanding block after trimming. – Austin Tyler

Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Before face-joining a board, mark it up with a pencil. However, don't just draw a squiggle down the board, use a pencil to draw straight horizontal lines from edge to edge all the way down the board. By doing so, you will ensure that the edges of the board are square as well. Each time you plane the board in the joiner you will be able to see how flat it is based on how many pencil markings are left. Continuing face joining until all of the markings are gone to make flat boards.

Splinter Extraction

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Have you ever struggled trying to get a splinter out of a finger or toe? It can be a challenge, not to mention a pain. Spread a small amount of wood glue over the affected area and let dry completely. When you pull off the dried glue (gently and in the opposite direction of the splinter) it pulls out the splinter. By pulling the wood glue off in the opposite direction, the glue has a chance to pull the splinter out the way it went in. This tip is easy and most importantly pain-free!

C-Clamp Paint Can Handle

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

When I needed to touch up a paint job that required very little paint, it didn’t make sense to decant some paint from the quart-size can into a different container just for the sake of having a convenient handle. So I improvised. Instead of dirtying a new paint container, I created a handle for the can using a C-clamp. Yes, it may get some paint on the clamp, but does that matter? Not to me! — Mike Watt

durable sandpaper duct tape

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Chopsticks make excellent stirrers for pint- and quart-size cans of varnish, shellac, stain, paint, etc. They're long enough to reach the bottom of the containers and wide enough to properly mix liquids (especially if you keep the two sticks attached, as they come in the paper sleeve). Best of all, they're smooth and dust-free. You can just save unused chopsticks when you have takeout, or you can also purchase disposable chopsticks. I buy them in packs of 100 pairs for about $3.50 at the local international market. — Bruce McGarvey

Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Sometimes I want to use my mechanic’s vise for woodworking projects, but the metal jaws can leave marks on delicate wood pieces. So I made custom pads for my mechanic’s vise using blocks of wood. Here’s how to do it: Mark the size of the vise shaft on the wood blocks, and measure the size of the notch you need to cut so that the blocks will saddle the vise shaft. Mark the area to cut out on the blocks, and use a jigsaw to cut along the marks. If cut properly, the blocks will rest on the vise shaft and you won’t have to hold them in place or purchase covers that will fit on the jaws of your vise. — Rich Knight

Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Super-Strong Sandpaper, The Brown Paper Bag Trick, Quick Miter Fix, Caulk Gun Clamp, DIY Flexible Sanding Block, Sanding Even Surfaces, Chap Stick for the Toolbox, More Planing, Less Exercise, A Temporary Mixing Surface, How to Fix a Square, Use a Straw to Scoop Up Glue Squeeze-Out, Chisel Veneer Trimming Handy Hint, Pencil Hack for Perfectly Flat Boards, Splinter Extraction, C-Clamp Paint Can Handle, durable sandpaper duct tape, Use Takeout Chopsticks to Stir Finishes, Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise, Ad-Hoc Micrometer

Measuring diameters can be difficult. Sure, it works OK to just measure the end, but if you need accuracy, here's my method. Take apart one of your combination squares and slide the head to another square so that the straight edges are facing each other. Set one of the square heads at an even measurement and then slide the other head until both are touching the part you're measuring. Read the measurement right off the ruler!

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