Power tools laid out on a workbench

Master Carpentry, One Project at a Time

Expert guides, step-by-step projects, and honest tool reviews.
Everything you need for better woodworking and carpentry.

Carpentry Guides

Clear, no-nonsense guides that explain how tools work, common misconceptions, and how to care for them, so you can plan projects with confidence.

Cordless Drill Buying Guide: How To Pick The Right Drill For Your Projects
Cordless Drill Buying Guide: How To Pick The Right Drill For Your Projects
Learn how to choose the right cordless drill for DIY projects, renovations, and jobsite work so you do not waste money on the wrong tool.
HowToCarpentry Team4 min read
How Orbital Sanders Work And Why OPM Really Matters
How Orbital Sanders Work And Why OPM Really Matters
Understand what is actually happening under the pad of an orbital sander, what OPM means, and how speed, orbit size, and pad control the finish you get on real projects.
HowToCarpentry Team6 min read
What Is An Impact Driver And How Is It Different From A Drill?
What Is An Impact Driver And How Is It Different From A Drill?
Learn what an impact driver actually does, how it differs from a drill, and when you should reach for each tool on a real project.
HowToCarpentry Team5 min read

DIY Projects

Step-by-step builds, clever fixes, and real-world shop projects you can actually finish.

How to Spread Wood Glue with a Dollar Store Spatula (Easy Glue Hack)
DIY Projects
DIY Project
How to Spread Wood Glue with a Dollar Store Spatula (Easy Glue Hack)
Tired of messy glue brushes? Grab a cheap flexible spatula from the dollar store and turn it into the perfect glue spreader. Smooth coverage, easy cleanup, and only a buck.
Gus Schultz4 min read
How to Clean Up Wood Glue with a Straw (Simple Shop Hack)
DIY Projects
DIY Project
How to Clean Up Wood Glue with a Straw (Simple Shop Hack)
Glue squeeze-out got you stressed? Try this easy trick using a soda straw to scoop up wet glue — no mess, no grain stains, and way faster than scraping or wiping.
Gus Schultz4 min read
How To Sand Hard To Reach Holes With A Drill And Wooden Dowel
DIY Projects
Intermediate
How To Sand Hard To Reach Holes With A Drill And Wooden Dowel
A simple sanding trick using a wooden dowel, glue, and a strip of sandpaper turns your regular drill into a hole-sanding tool for peg boards, shelves, and other projects with lots of small holes.
Gus Schultz5 min read

Explore Tool Brands

Learn about the major power tool brands, their strengths, best products, and buying tips.

Featured Tool Comparisons

Head-to-head comparisons of the most popular tools, with detailed specs and expert analysis.

makita
skil
Makita LS1219L vs SKIL MS6305-00: Sliding Miter Saw Comparison for DIYers and Pros
makita
stihl
Makita XCU14Z vs Stihl GTA 26: Mini Pruning Saws That Make Yard Work Fun

Recent Reviews

Hands-on tool reviews you can trust, without the boring bits. Find the best choice for you.

Makita XPS01Z Review: The Track Saw That Made My Woodshop Feel Pro Overnight
Saws
4.9
Makita XPS01Z Review: The Track Saw That Made My Woodshop Feel Pro Overnight
After months of daily use, Gus Schultz shares why the Makita XPS01Z track saw became his favorite tool in the shop. From cutting wedding décor props to plywood panels, this cordless plunge saw delivers accuracy and freedom that no table saw ever could.
Gus Schultz8 min read
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953 Review: 4th Gen Impact Driver Power
Impact Drivers
4.9
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953 Review: 4th Gen Impact Driver Power
The Milwaukee 2953 delivers outstanding speed, power, and control in a compact body—cementing its place as one of the best impact drivers available today.
Stephen Barnay6 min read
DeWalt DCF860 Review: High-Torque Powerhouse with Pro-Level Performance
Impact Drivers
4.7
DeWalt DCF860 Review: High-Torque Powerhouse with Pro-Level Performance
DeWalt’s DCF860 brings a massive torque jump, faster speeds, smarter lighting, and pro-grade control—making it a top contender among high-performance impact drivers.
Stephen Barnay5 min read
Makita LS1219L Review From Someone Who Actually Uses It
Miter Saws
4.7
Makita LS1219L Review From Someone Who Actually Uses It
The Makita LS1219L delivers buttery-smooth cuts, a compact rail system, and professional accuracy. A top-tier 12" sliding miter saw for serious builders.
Zachary Green7 min read
Bosch GDR18V-215 Review: Smart Features, Solid Performance, and Great Value
Impact Drivers
4.5
Bosch GDR18V-215 Review: Smart Features, Solid Performance, and Great Value
The Bosch GDR18V-215 pairs 1,900 in-lbs of torque, smart auto modes, and tri-LED lighting in a lightweight, affordable 18V brushless package — great value for pros and serious DIYers.
Stephen Barnay4 min read
Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbital Sander Review: Smooth Finish, Strong Value
Sanders
4.6
Bosch ROS20VSC Random Orbital Sander Review: Smooth Finish, Strong Value
Bosch’s ROS20VSC proves why their orbital sanders are so popular — balanced ergonomics, great dust control, and reliable sanding power for under $80.
Zachary Green7 min read