You need Javascript enabled and a copy of the Adobe Flash Player to view this video.

The biggest thing to remember is that the solid wood panels will expand and contract across their width with changes in humidity. To prevent the frames from breaking apart when this happens, I cut the panels a bit narrower (¹⁄₈") than the opening. This gives them a little room to move.

This also means the panels can’t be glued into the grooves. Instead, they’ll need to float. But that poses a problem for keeping a consistent reveal on the panels. To overcome this problem, I held the panels in place with a centered dab of glue at the top and bottom. This will keep the panel centered while still allowing it to expand and contract. Note: The white areas in the illustration show where glue should be applied.

From the Woodsmith Shop TV Show: This simple technique keeps a wet brush ready to use for several hours.

From the Woodsmith Shop TV Show: Here are five tips for table saw accuracy and safety.

		Sources for some of the hardware and supplies mentioned in this tip. Product Bifocal Safety Glasses Free Plans Cross Cut Sled Push Block Zero Clearance Insert

The drawer joint I like to use is a tongue and dado joint, like you see in the photo above. The joint is strong, sturdy, and simple to make. The first step is to cut a dado in the drawer sides, as shown in detail ‘a’ below. Just be sure the inside edge of the dado matches the thickness of the drawer front and back.

The tongue that makes up the other half of the joint is made by cutting a rabbet at the end of the workpiece, as in detail ‘b.’ To ensure a good fit, I find it best to sneak up on the cut until the tongue slips snugly into the dado.

You need Javascript enabled and a copy of the Adobe Flash Player to view this video.

From the Woodsmith Shop TV Show: Here are tips for keeping small parts organized and handy in the shop.

From a time standpoint, they eliminate the need for drilling a separate countersink — which can speed up assembly time. But more importantly, you don’t have to worry about the countersink “blowing out” when you’re putting in screws near an edge.

And finally, trim washers can prevent “overdriving” the screw. Which can be a problem in softer materials.

From the Woodsmith Shop TV Show: How to make your miter gauge fit the slot perfectly.