High angle smoothing plane comparison
What will follow in several parts is the high angle smoothing plane investigation I have been working on for over a year.
peter arthur martin
Reviving WoodCentral: your ideas to keep our community thriving
Since 1998, WoodCentral.com has been a cornerstone of the woodworking community, bringing together craftsmen to share knowledge, projects, and camaraderie. As one of the first woodworking sites on the web, we’ve inspired countless woodworkers with our forums, articles, and resources. But today, we face a critical moment. Our community has seen declining engagement, and we … Read more
Let’s bring back the “Sightings” fun!
Hey WoodCentral folks, Remember the days when our “Sightings” feature had us grinning at photos of WoodCentral hats popping up in wild and far-off places? It was a blast seeing our community’s spirit on display across the globe! We know our membership has changed over the years, and many of us aren’t jet-setting to exotic … Read more
Ring Count
“Hi Bob, Could you possibly create a post explaining why and how tight ring counts improve lumber qualities? I know that tight ring counts are preferred, but why is it better?”
Best wood for outdoor furniture in wet climates
Building outdoor chairs for a humid, wet climate requires wood that resists moisture, rot, and insects while balancing aesthetics, workability, and maintenance. Let’s compare white oak, cypress, and eastern red cedar for your project.
Life is serious but art is fun
Introduction Bruce Mack’s “Rustic Display Case,” shared on the WoodCentral forum, is a woodworking project that encases a willow shoot from a felled tree in a wooden enclosure. Created by an 80-year-old woodworker with 30 years of experience, the project is described as his first “quirky” build and likely his last, reflecting personal and artistic … Read more
Using used motor oil as a wood preservative
Using used motor oil as a wood preservative, like for decks, has been a DIY practice for decades, often praised for its low cost and reuse of waste. However, the environmental and health implications are complex, and the practice is controversial.
Why our website runs so smoothly: a peek behind the scenes
All this tech adds up to a website that’s fast, reliable, and safe.
8th Graders Construct Builder Boards for the Women Care Shelter
Woodworking, teamwork, and community service—all in one project. by Jack McKee My first experience building for children was a small climbing dome I built for my son’s day care center. It was an easy project, so I was amazed at the reaction. The moms and children acted as if I had built the Eiffel Tower. … Read more
Streamlining content creation with WordPress at WoodCentral.com
At WoodCentral.com, we’ve taken a significant leap forward in how we manage and publish content for our woodworking community. Our site has transitioned to a WordPress multi-site installation, transforming the way we create, edit, and share woodworking articles and blogs. This upgrade brings a host of new capabilities that make publishing more efficient and engaging … Read more
Join Us
We’re passionate about connecting woodworkers to share knowledge, projects, and inspiration. While social media platforms like Reddit and Facebook Groups are popular, our forums offer a unique and superior experience for our community of woodworking enthusiasts. Here’s why WoodCentral’s forums stand out as the ideal space for you to discuss, learn, and grow as a … Read more
The Legacy of Badger Pond: a pioneering woodworking forum
In the late 1990s, as the internet began transforming how people connected, Badger Pond emerged as a trailblazing hub for woodworking enthusiasts. Founded by Wayne Miller, it was among the earliest interactive woodworking forums on the World Wide Web, creating a vibrant space for craftsmen to share techniques, showcase projects, and debate the merits of … Read more