Fine Woodworking Magazine

Expert advice on woodworking and furniture making, with thousands of how-to videos, step-by-step articles, project plans, photo galleries, tool reviews, blogs, and more

on the web • free extras at FineWoodworking.com/TG2024

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

GOOD TOOLS MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER

quick tips

On the Horizon • A selection of some of the best new tools on the market.

Setting up your tablesaw

New to market • Each year, the experts at Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, and Fine Gardening test dozens of new products and tools. Here is a rundown of some of the power tools we reviewed last year.

12-in. Sliding Compound Miter Saws • The best deliver big capacity in a small footprint

Compact Cordless Routers • All have great power, but balance and bit visibility make a winning tool

Today’s Track Saws • Corded and cordless models for all users and budgets

New to market • Each year, the experts at Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, and Fine Gardening test dozens of new products and tools. Here is a rundown of some of the machines we reviewed last year.

Cordless Table Saws • Portability and onboard power make them appealing, but utility and real-world performance vary by brand

Benchtop Planers • Get smooth surfaces on the toughest woods

Wall-Mounted Dust Collectors • These space-saving units have the power to get the job done

New to market • Each year, the experts at Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, and Fine Gardening test dozens of new products and tools. Here is a rundown of some of the hand tools we reviewed last year.

Must-Have Concrete Tools • A longtime builder’s labor-saving tools mean better concrete, too

PERFECT METHODS OF PLACEMENT • Concrete is heavy. A standard 10-cu.-yd. truckload weighs 40,000 lb. and is enough for 750 sq. ft. of 4-in.-thick slab, accounting for spillage and assorted variances. You’ll want to move as little concrete by hand as possible while also moving fast. Concrete begins setting up the instant the first water is added, and ready-mix companies only give limited time to unload the truck once on-site.

FINISHING BRINGS IT HOME • Finishing is when the magic happens and where concrete skills really shine. It’s also the most nerve-wracking time because the window when concrete is workable shrinks rapidly. Concrete finishing is done in a specific sequence, and each of these tools is appropriate only at certain times during the process. Using them incorrectly can affect the finish and durability of a slab.

Hand-Tool Buyer’s Guide • Fine Woodworking tool tests reveal the essential kit

New to market • Each year, the experts at Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, and Fine Gardening test dozens of new products and tools. Here is a rundown of some of the gardening tools we reviewed last year.

Garden Tools That Are Easier to Use • What to look for when replacing timeworn tools

New to market • Each year, the experts at Fine Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, and Fine Gardening test dozens of new products and tools. Here is a rundown of some of the accessories we reviewed last year.

Essential Clamps for Woodworking • The gear you need to tackle any glue-up in the shop

Anchor Your Work to the Wall • Choosing the right fasteners for drywall, plaster, and masonry

Drawer Slides • The best slides offer smooth action and easy installation