How to detect grain and work with it

How do I know the direction of wood grain?

Watch the video to see different ways to determine grain direction and how to work with the grain.

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Figure in wood explained

What is the difference between figure and grain in wood. What creates the figure that makes wood such an attractive medium? What is sapwood and heartwood? How do medullary rays form the amazing patterns in quarter sawn wood.

Watch the video where I answer these and other questions on wood figure.

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Why face side and face edges are so important in woodwork

#4 in the series: ‘Notes for the home woodworker’.

One of the most important learning points for good and great woodwork.

Establishing good face side and face edges and sound notation are vital to good work, here I explain why.

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What to look for when buying second hand woodwork planes

#3 in the series: ‘Notes for the home woodworker’.

Guide to buying a good woodwork plane on Ebay or elsewhere and avoid the turkeys.

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All about the Bailey pattern woodworking plane – taking apart and reassembly

#2 in the series ‘Notes for the home woodworker’

Understanding how a woodwork plane (my favourite hand tool) really works will help you to set your planes up correctly and use the right plane in the right way to get the best results in your home woodworking.

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Woodwork toolkit for the beginner

#1 in the series: ‘Notes for the home woodworker’.

Video describing the recommended woodwork hand tool kit for the beginner wanting to go beyond DIY.

This is the first video in my new video series ‘Notes for the home woodworker’ which is aimed at the beginner and less experienced woodworker.

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