If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard a hundred times: “Finishing is my least favorite part of woodworking.” It’s probably because it’s so hard to figure out the difference between BLO and Danish oil and Teak oil, and all the other brands of varnishes and oils available. But it doesn’t have to be such a mystery.

Doug Hicks has a clear and concise way of explaining it all during this weeks woodworking seminar. Instead of “…apply two coats and let dry,” his directions for finishing with varnishes and oils will make everything cyrstal clear.

Soon after I got married, I decided I needed some tools to use around my home. The first true “hand tool” I purchased was a hand saw. I needed to crosscut some 2x4s to build shelves. Unfortunately, it was a rip saw! You can’t believe the frustration I had trying to use it. Now that I know the difference, I’m more likely to pick up a hand tool for small jobs, or when I just don’t feel like making a lot of noise and sawdust.

During my Woodsmith Woodworking Seminar “10 Essential Hand Tools for Your Shop,” I’ll explain what tools I use the most often and why.

At one time, Ted Raife made his living as a professional woodworker and cabinetmaker, so when he’s in his shop he knows how to get the most out of every, single one of his tools. The table saw is no exception. During this seminar podcast, Ted shows us five simple techniques that can be done on the table saw. You can find the podcast at WoodworkingOnline.com. 

Or you can also subscribe to the Woodsmith Woodworking Seminar Podcasts using iTunes.

Once again, Brian Simmons, assistant manager of the Woodsmith Store, proves that he is the local expert on all-things turning here in the Des Moines area. Brian’s level of expertise is amazing and he has a lot of wonderful knowledge to share about turning pens specifically, and about turning in general during this week’s Woodsmith Woodworking Seminar. This will be a great one.

As the Spring 2007 seminars wind down, we’re getting into some slightly more focused (and really interesting) topics than we normally tackle. This week, Dennis Perkins, assistant editor for Woodsmith and ShopNotes, is going to give us some pointers on using hand planes and scrapers for a smooth finish. He’ll also spend some time showing us how he likes to sharpen his scrapers during this week’s Woodsmith Woodworking Seminar.

Doug Hicks, Executive Editor; Woodsmith, ShopNotes, & Workbench Magazines

Joel Hess, Associate Editor; Woodsmith, ShopNotes, & Workbench Magazines

Brian Simmons, Expert Turner & Assistant Manager; The Woodsmith Store

Randy Maxey, Assistant Editor; Woodsmith & ShopNotes Magazines