The Development and Application of a DIY Wood Finish

The Development and Application of a DIY Wood Finish Wood finish is an essential aspect of woodworking, providing protection and enhancing the natural beauty of the wood. There are many commercially available finishes available for different applications – polyurethane, spar urethane, lacquers, varnishes, shellac, oils, hardwax, etc. Generally with commercial finishes, I have found as […]

The Welcome Entryway Bench

The Welcome Entryway Bench Finding the perfect balance between modern aesthetics and traditional charm can be a rewarding challenge. I embarked on a journey to create a piece that seamlessly blends the sleek lines of modern design with the timeless allure of vintage décor. The result? The Welcome Entryway Bench – a marriage of styles […]

Log to Lumber: Part 1

Log + Draw Knife

Log to Lumber: Part 1 Since starting my woodworking hobby and journey, I have come to appreciate the differences and variability in the wood itself. This has led to multiple hours spent watching milling videos and while I do not have the space for a full mill set-up, the idea of milling a small log […]

Convert SketchUp To SVG for CNC or Laser

MidRiverWoodworks SKP to SVG

Convert SketchUp Model To SVG Format for CNC or Laser One major frustration that I have found when designing a 3D model is trying to obtain a SVG file of that model for CNC or laser use. This walkthrough will show you how to go from Sketchup to SVG completely free! Most available modeling software […]

3D Printed Drawer Divider Supports – Free Giveaway

3D Printed Drawer Divider Guides The Problem: In my previous workbench, I used 1/4 inch plywood as drawer dividers. This worked well but the major issue I encountered was how to install the dividers. I did not want to make multiple dado slots in all of my drawers as this (1) only allows for grid […]

Easy Do It Yourself (DIY) Drill Organizer

Midriver Woodworks - Do It Yourself (DIY) Drill Organizer

Easy Do It Yourself (DIY) Drill Organizer Every woodworker has followed plans at some point – but the problem with plans, especially those for shop furniture, is that everyone’s needs are not always one size fits all. Between different tool brands and battery systems, different tools owned, and different workflow needs, workshop furniture is very […]

Elegant White Oak Floating Night Stands

Midriver Woodworks Floating Nightstands

Elegant White Oak Floating Night Stands In November 2021, we completed a woodworking project that culminated in the creation of our White Oak Floating Night Stands, a piece that combines the beauty of white oak with a contemporary design. This piece remains one of the favorite pieces that we have made! Follow along for the […]

Preparing for Craft Fair – Tips and Tricks

MidRiver Woodworks provides a comprehensive guide for preparing and running a successful craft fair booth, emphasizing the need for effective planning, presentation, and customer interaction. Key tips include appropriate booth placement and layout, quality of craftsmanship, diverse product range, fair pricing, strategic branding, storytelling and demonstrations, acceptance of various payment methods, tax compliance, and effective inventory and presentation management. Finally, they advise constant interaction with customers, potential follow-ups, and a mindset focused on sharing the craft, not just on selling products.

Introduction to Woodshop Safety

This content emphasizes the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in ensuring safety while working in a woodshop. PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, dust masks/respirators, closed-toed shoes, and gloves, are critical to protect users from the various hazards associated with woodworking. The quality of work and well-being of the woodworker are significantly improved by the correct use of these protective measures.

A Center-Punch: The Unsung Hero of the Woodshop

MidRiver Woodworks Center Punch

The center punch is a valuable yet underappreciated tool in woodworking. It offers enhanced precision by marking spots for drilling, inserting screws, or chiseling, preventing slippage, increasing safety and ensuring consistent and repeatable markings. Additionally, it’s versatile enough to be used with various materials beyond wood. To optimize its use, invest in a quality center punch, use the correct technique, and practice regularly.