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This table will become the focal point of any patio or deck. Its round top and sturdy base are the perfect combination of grace and strength. And with our step-by-step instructions, its construction won't throw you any curves.
Designed to complement the table, these benches have their own challenge -- working with odd angles. But don't worry. There are lots of tips and simple jigs to make building them straightforward.
Here are our favorite shop-tested solutions for making mortise and tenon joints -- plus a few shortcuts that will let you cut them faster, easier, and a little more accurately.
An upcut spiral end mill bit is specifically designed to cut mortises. (It's actually a router bit, but can be used in a drill press that's set at its highest speed.)
Unlike Forstner bits, a spiral end mill bit pulls chips out of the mortise, which eliminates heat buildup and clogging. But the longer cutting edge (and the higher speeds) also makes for a cleaner cut, so the sides of the mortise end up smooth.
Spiral end mill bits are readily available at local woodworking stores or through the mail-order sources listed below.
There's nothing tricky about this small side table, but there's more here than first meets the eye. With a handle opening on each end, the top conveniently lifts of the base to become a serving tray.
Want to maximize every inch of your shop or garage? Here's a unique, low-profile system that is easy to rearrange (or add on to later). And you can have it built in almost no time.
Here's a quick look at two popular outdoor finishes: exterior polyurethanes and penetrating oils. Learn how to decide which finish is right for your next outdoor project.
