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Metal Drawer Box Systems from Grass America

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Driven by consumers, the kitchen cabinet industry has undergone a fundamental change from the standard wooden drawer box to the clean, modern, and minimal aesthetic of the metal drawer box.

Metal drawer boxes can also be installed quickly and easily increasing efficiency for both consumer and cabinetmaker.

Woodworker Express carries the top manufacturers of metal drawer box systems but, let’s talk about Grass America.

Grass America offers four, yes four, different metal drawer box systems. Let’s look deeper at the features and benefits of each system:

  • Nova Pro Scala
  • Vionara
  • Zargan
  • ZBox

Grass Nova Pro Scala Metal Drawer Box System

Grass Nova Pro Scala Metal Drawer Box System

With Nova Pro Scala, an integrated drawer concept was developed as a design and functional solution to meet a wide range of requirements for various markets. Thanks to its modular versatility, Nova Pro Scala can satisfy varied consumer requests. Whether contemporary or classical, Nova Pro Scala offers each customer a functional, added value product which turns the act of opening and closing drawers into an artistic experience.

It is available in a wide range of options in colors, heights, and lengths able to satisfy the most discerning of cabinet manufacturers. Three stunning colors in the popular shades of Silver, Stone, and Ice are elegant and represent the modern design of cabinetry. The drawer side heights are offered in 63mm and 90mm as well as deep drawers with heights of 186mm and 250mm. These deep drawers add an element of variety when working with the system. Other options for a deep drawer are the rectangular railings that have long been a classic solution for adding height to a drawer.

A rectangular railing system has been developed that optimizes all components of the system and has been restyled to create a harmonized look. From the front bracket to the back-panel connector, everything is aligned, snug, and coordinates to provide an elegant impression

For interior organization, Nova Pro Scala offers the Tavinea Optima system. The Tavinea Optima system is simple with two frame elements and one divider rail to create the organization you need.

View Grass Nova Pro Scala Metal Drawer Box System…

Grass Vionara Metal Drawer Box System

Grass Vionara Metal Drawer Box System

Vionaro, the new generation of double-wall drawers, combines with Dynapro drawer slides for a system so advanced, yet stylish.

Design, attention to detail, precise movement, and quality – virtually no other drawer system achieves such a perfect form. When you open the innovative Vionaro drawer, you find a slimline designer inspired drawer. Sides of just 13mm (1/2″) made from materials of the highest quality offer a drawer with the ultimate in storage space design.

The Vionaro drawer sides rest on top of the proven Dynapro concealed drawer slide system turning Dynapro into a multi-functional system. This combination results in a complete drawer system that meets the highest design aspirations. Vionaro has everything that Dynapro has: a full extension concealed drawer slide with outstanding running performance, a high load carrying capacity and a low pull-out force.

It is the complete drawer system for modern cabinetry. Vionaro features a strong connection to the drawer front offering height, tilt, and side adjustment on the drawer sides and depth adjustment from the drawer slide. The soft-close action brings the Vionaro drawer to a gentle quiet close.

View Grass Vionara Metal Drawer Box System…

Grass Zargen Metal Drawer Box System

Zargen delivers superior performance with tried-and-tested technology.

Grass Zargen Metal Drawer Box System

For years, the Zargen metal drawer system has provided cabinet makers the quality, functionality, and versatility expected of Grass hardware. From residential and office furniture to commercial and institutional settings, the Zargen System consistently delivers superior performance. Offering five side heights and flexible railing systems, the Zargen drawer provides endless possibilities for the well-organized storage system.

Features and Benefits

  • Integrated drawer slide and drawer side
  • White epoxy finish
  • 100 lb load capacity
  • For 5/8″ material
  • Quick assembly with integrated front fixing brackets
  • Built in drawer front bumpers
  • Side and height adjustment
  • Made in the U.S.A.

View Grass Zargen Metal Drawer Box System …

Grass ZBox Metal Drawer Box System

Grass America ZBox Metal Drawer Box System

The Grass ZBox offers all the same features of the Zargen system but with one new twist – the Zargen drawer side is mounted to a Grass ball bearing drawer slide to create a new full extension metal drawer. The combined strength of the ball bearing drawer slides with the Zargen’s steel construction offers a drawer solution that saves time and money with its quick drawer box construction and simple installation. The ZBox offers standard drawer and deep drawer heights, railing system, and Pendaflex filing systems to provide a wide range of possibilities for your cabinet construction.

Features and Benefits

  • Integrated side mount ball bearing drawer slide and metal drawer side
  • Ball bearing telescopic full extension
  • Hold-in detent ensures drawers stay closed
  • Easy lever disconnect for removal of drawer box from cabinet member
  • Drawer side – white epoxy finish; Drawer slide – zinc coated steel
  • Load capacity: 100 lb dynamic, 100 lb static
  • Adjustments: Cam Height ±2mm, Side ±1.5mm
  • Zargen is made in the USA, ZBox is assembled in the USA

View Grass ZBox Metal Drawer Box System …

Whichever metal drawer box system you choose, Grass America is there to support you with a quality offering of four different systems giving you choices of styling and design to satisfy any need.

How to Select the Right Broom for Your Needs

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When selecting the right broom for your shop or home use, it’s important to understand what applications you plan use it for and then select the right broom for the job based on those requirements.

It’s good to know upfront that all brooms are not created equal.

Different broom heads and hand held sweeper broom
Brooms from Fine to Course bristles….broom heads and hand sweepers

There are several factors that go into selecting the right broom:

  • Bristle stiffness
  • Flagged vs Unflagged
  • Type of bristles


Bristle Stiffness

Bristle stiffness is one of the main attributes of a broom you need to understand to select the right broom for your needs.

  • Fine or soft bristles tend to be longer and thinner which make them good for sweeping small, fine particles such as flour or dust.
  • Medium bristles – Used for sweeping larger particles such as wood shavings. Used in wet and dry applications.
  • Coarse or stiff bristles are short and thicker which gives them more strength for sweeping away large particles or for scrubbing. Use them wet with a cleaning agent to scrub the most difficult dirt away.

Flagged Bristles vs. Unflagged

  • Flagged bristles – frayed at the ends which help the bristles collect small particles more easily.
  • Unflagged bristles – straight and stiff which help with collecting larger particles and debris and also for your scrubbing applications.

Types of Bristles

There are many different types of bristles available but we’ll be focusing this article on just three:

  • Tampico – Made from the stem of the Mexican agave plant and have a medium texture and are ideal for dry sweeping on semi-smooth surfaces. They are also resistant to heat, alkali, and acids.
  • Horsehair – As the name implies, these bristles come from the manes and tails of horses. They are softer and more gentle on floors yet durable for long-lasting use. The material used in most Fine bristle brooms is Horsehair but Horsehair is also combined with other types of bristle material to make combination bristles for other applications.
  • Synthetic – Very durable man-made bristles that are highly resistant to acids and oils. These bristles are flexible and won’t scratch floor surfaces and are used in wet or dry applications.

With a good understanding of how you will be using a broom combined with the the knowledge of what are the different types of broom materials, bristle types, and whether you need flagged or unflagged, you can select the right broom for your needs.

See the selection of brooms available at WoodworkerExpress.com in our Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies section.

Top Tips for Remodeling Your Kitchen

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White cabinets kitchen

No other room in a home sees activity the way a kitchen does. It’s where we gather with friends and family. Kids sit on counters and share their stories while we cook dinner and friends may sip wine at the breakfast bar when they come to visit. The kitchen is a place for socializing, cooking, and eating. Follow these tips for remodeling your kitchen and make your kitchen the place everyone wants to be.

Make a Plan

Every great design begins with a plan. Grab a notebook and pen and jot down some ideas for the remodel and how they might be accomplished. Here are some questions to get you started:

  • Who will do the work?
  • What’s the timeline?
  • What do you love about your current kitchen?
  • What needs changing?

After asking those questions, decide how to make the changes happen.

Define a Budget

In a perfect world, there would be no budget and we’d all change our kitchens in whatever way we choose and as often as we like.  But, if you are like me, you must set a budget for a kitchen remodel and try to stick to it.

It’s so easy to go over-budget a little here and a little there, thinking you’ll make up the difference somewhere else.

Unfortunately, construction surprises may come along during a remodeling project that have to be taken care of, which makes the chance of correcting the difference more difficult.

Have an understanding up front of what everything will cost, know what you can afford, and set your budget for the project. If something needs to be cut out, you may be able to add it back in later down the road.

Where to Save Money

A kitchen remodel doesn’t mean everything must be brand new. The best way to save money on your remodeling project is to keep as much of what you already have but reuse or repurpose it in the new design.

Cabinets

Cabinets are often the first thing people think of during a kitchen remodel. They’re impossible to hide, used daily, and vital to an efficient kitchen. They are also one of the most expensive items to replace in a kitchen. Here’s the good news—you don’t have to replace them completely. Try these ideas instead:

  • Paint your current cabinets rather than replacing them. You can save thousands of dollars.
  • Tear down one area of cabinets and replace them with open shelving for a new look. Simple shelves and brackets from your favorite online or home improvement stores make this easy.
  • Reface cabinets with laminates on drawer fronts, cabinet boxes, and doors for a whole new look.
  • Adding or replacing decorative hardware can dramatically change the look of your kitchen.

Don’t Move Plumbing

Don’t try to rearrange anything in your kitchen that involves plumbing, if at all possible. (Some examples are a sink or refrigerator with water dispenser or ice maker.) Moving plumbing around is messy, time consuming, and expensive.

Keep the Layout

If your desire is to create a new kitchen while not spending too much money, don’t change the kitchen layout too much.

Changing a layout is when costs begin to add up. Just like plumbing, keep counters and cabinets in the same configuration and make changes in different ways. Your remodel will be quicker, less messy, and less expensive.

Do the Work Yourself

In some areas of a remodel, hiring a professional is unavoidable. Whatever you can do yourself will help you save a lot of money.

Painting or installing hardware are tasks you can learn about online or in books and do on your own. Other aspects of the remodel, such as anything to do with electricity, will require a licensed electrician if it’s not your area of expertise.

Where to Invest

Sure, you were hoping this article was all about how to save money. It’s definitely high on the priority list, but some areas of your remodel are worth a little extra investment.

As you save on the projects you can do yourself or areas that won’t need to be changed, use the extra money to purchase kitchen items that will stand out, work more efficiently, and really pull your remodel together. Here are some ideas:

  • Invest in strong, high-quality countertops that will stand the test of time. Beautiful granite or quartz counters can become the center of attention in the kitchen.
  • Make sure all appliances match and look up to date. Staying within the same brand helps to ensure colors and shades coordinate perfectly.
  • Modernizing light fixtures instantly brightens a kitchen and gives a new feel. Search for unique fixtures that stand out.
  • Today, there are a wide variety of kitchen sinks in different shapes, sizes, and materials to choose from. Sinks take a beating so, consider a new sink a worthwhile investment. Spend on a beautiful but durable one.
  • The same goes for your faucet. A stunning faucet can be so eye-catching.
  • Don’t overlook improving storage. Invest in organizer pull-outs and other storage elements you didn’t have before.
  • If you’ve never had a backsplash or yours is outdated, then investing in one is a great idea. The backsplash brings the design together and sets the tone of the kitchen.

Know Your Style

This can be a tough one if you’ve never really considered what your style is. Search through magazines and websites online and get a feel for what you love in a kitchen. As you get ideas, remember you can alter them to suit your own needs and budget.

Choose a style for the kitchen and stick with it for your design..

Think Outside the Box

Give yourself time to plan your kitchen remodel. This is a big investment and should be planned appropriately.. Give yourself enough time to explore different options… adding or subtracting until you design your perfect space.

Get creative with color palettes for walls and cabinets. It’s your kitchen so design it accordingly. Trends are a great springboard for ideas but, in the end, you create your kitchen to be whatever you want it to be.

Storage is another area where creativity can flow. Maybe add open shelves holding staple pantry items, such as flour and sugar. You could also have baskets to hold measuring cups, spoons, or other kitchen tools.

Thinking outside the box is a great way to add uniqueness when remodeling your kitchen.

In conclusion, a kitchen remodel doesn’t have to be overwhelming and expensive. Take your time, plan well, and enjoy the process of watching your kitchen go from everyday to extraordinary. Woodworker Express is your trusted source for kitchen remodeling needs such as storage solutions, hardware, and more. We offer woodworking tools and supplies along with an impressive inventory for many home remodeling projects. Contact us or visit us online to see how we can help you with all of your remodeling needs.

Infographic with Top Tips for remodeling your kitchen

How To Install Open Bathroom Shelves

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Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, but they always have one thing in common—there is never enough storage space. Learning how to install open bathroom shelves is a quick and easy way to squeeze extra storage on the walls of the bathroom. Plus, when chosen correctly, open shelves bring a little charm into an otherwise dull room of the house.

Determine Size and Spacing

Step into your bathroom and choose a wall where you will hang the shelves. Then, measure for width and height and how much space you’ll want in between each shelf. Next, determine how much shelving you will need based on your available space and needs.

A helpful hint is to find the tallest items you want to store to make sure the shelves are distanced apart enough to provide room for them.

Decide What Kind of Shelves to Install

There are multiple options when choosing open shelves: make them; buy them unfinished and stain or paint them yourself; or buy them pre-cut and prefinished. Whichever direction you choose, a visit to your favorite online shop or a trip to the local home improvement store is in order to choose your materials.

Floating Shelf with dishes and glassware
36″ Alder Floating Shelf System from Omega National (SKU # 11315387)

For simple open shelves, all you’ll need are boards to use for shelves and brackets for hanging along with the necessary tools, anchors, and screws. Or, purchase shelving kits such as floating shelves which contain the shelves and your hardware for hanging. Another option is standards and brackets for shelving.

Measure the space in your bathroom where the shelves will go to determine what size shelves you need to purchase or create.

Measure and Mark the Location

After measuring your space and choosing shelves and brackets, it’s time to drill some holes.

To hang your shelves properly and make sure they are stable and safe, you should anchor the shelves to a wall stud. Wall studs are boards within your walls that provide structure within your home, supporting the walls. Studs are spaced 16” or 24” apart within your walls and drywall is mounted to the boards.

Because studs are wood or metal and provide strong support for the walls in your home, they are ideal to provide additional support for your shelves.

Use an electronic stud finder device to determine where the studs are in the wall and mark the location.

Position the brackets on the wall where you are hanging the shelves. If you can position the bracket to mount into the stud, that would be ideal. Mark the spot using a pencil. Measure the distance between the holes on your brackets and transfer the measurements to the wall.

If you are unable to mount your shelves into wall studs, you can use a drywall anchor instead. Drywall anchors provide some support when mounting into drywall directly.

Drill your holes and/or insert your wall anchors and mount your brackets to the wall with screws or fasteners provided with your shelves. Check to make sure everything is level and make adjustments if necessary.

Attach the Shelves to the Brackets

Now that you have marked the wall and mounted the brackets, it’s time to set the shelves in place. Position your shelves and check to be sure everything is still level.

For added stability, screw the shelves directly into the brackets, which usually come with predrilled holes for that purpose.

Use Your New Shelves

Now that you’ve learned how to install open bathroom shelves, enjoy them by adding some items for storage and even a little decoration too. Placing baskets on open shelves creates an attractive look allowing you to still hide items from sight.

Woodworker Express offers bathroom storage solutions and many other bathroom necessities, including bathroom hardware for sale to help you continue improving your bathroom.

Awesome Ways To Add Pull-Out Storage

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Image of cabinet with multi-color bottom mount trash and recycling pull-out
Rev-A-Shelf Triple 25 Quart Bottom Mount Recycling Center (SKU #11229909)

Poor design or a lack of storage leads to cabinets and drawers shoved full of unorganized items, and that makes cooking in the kitchen less than desirable. Let’s discuss some awesome ways to add pull-out storage to what already exists so you can start making your kitchen work for you.

Trash and Recycling

There simply is no way to make trash and recycling look attractive, but pull-out storage can help hide it. Trash pull-outs are mounted one of four ways: mounted to the bottom of a cabinet and slide out when needed, top mounted with slides and drop-in waste bins, rotating lazy susan style mounts for corner cabinets, and door mounts that pivot out when a cabinet door is opened. They can be purchased with one, two, or even three properly fitting waste cans with one for kitchen waste and the others for dividing your recyclables.

Pots and Pans

Let’s face it—no one is sure how to handle the storage dilemma of pots and pans. They are big, bulky, and come in too many odd shapes. There are several answers to this problem?

Pull-out baskets designed specifically for things like pots, pans, and all those mix-and-match plastic containers. Yes, you can even get those under control. The great thing about pull-out baskets is that they are often preassembled, making them easy to install.

Base Cabinet Cookware organizer pull-outs are the Cadillac of organizers. Mount the organizers in the bottom of a cabinet and slide everything out all at once. These organizers include wire dividers to keep all of your pots and pans separated.

And, new to the market are top-mount slider pot and pan organizers. A customizable hook rack system is mounted to the inside top of your cabinets. Hang your pots and pans on the hooks and slide them all out on the track when you need them.

You could have your pots and pans organized by dinner time tonight.

Under the Sink

This has to be the scariest cabinet in every home. With pipes from the drain, garbage disposals, and a few unidentified objects we dare not touch, storage is limited to a few odds and ends.

For added storage in this area, try door-mounted storage for items such as cutting boards, or opt for pull-out caddies that are designed with a low frame to avoid the snakes of piping and tubes under the sink.

Keep the items you use frequently in these caddies, such as dish soap, sponges, and cleaning supplies. This way, you can easily pull out the caddy whenever you need them.

Hide Appliances

Additional counter space is a close runner-up after the desire for more storage. You can give yourself that extra space using an appliance lift. A heavy duty appliance lift pulls up and out of a cabinet, holding a small appliance such as a mixer, then smoothly lowers and goes back into the cabinet when its job is done.

Now, you can impress your family with homemade baked goods and enjoy an uncluttered counter at the same time.

Wine

Pots, pans, and the like are important in the kitchen, but are they as important as wine? Probably not. Wall hanging wine racks take up wall space, and countertop racks use precious working space. Enter the pull-out wine storage rack.

These fabulous racks attach inside a cabinet and multiple shelf racks for wine. Each one moves in and out individually, allowing easy access to your favorite reds, whites, and rosés. An added benefit is the wine is now stored in a dark place, which ideal to keep your precious wine inventory out of the light, possibly making pull-out wine racks one of the most awesome ways to add pull-out storage.

Woodworker Express offers kitchen base cabinet pull-outs and many other cabinet and kitchen storage improvement options. Let us know what your storage concerns are, and we will help you find the best solution.

How to Know if You Should Repair or Replace Kitchen Cabinets

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Image of man measuring height of cabinets in kitchen.

Kitchen cabinets are quite an investment and can often be repaired rather than replaced. Quality, age, and style help determine which path to take.

When updating a kitchen or just trying to make it function better, improving things without over-spending can be tough. Cabinets, which include all cabinet bases, doors, drawers, and hardware, play a major role in kitchen design and function. It’s helpful to take inventory of factors such as quality, cost, and style, as these elements play an important role in deciding if you should repair or replace kitchen cabinets.

Quality Matters

The main thing to consider is the quality of the cabinetry. Is it worth saving?

If the cabinets are solid hardwood and have stood the test of time, refinishing and fixing them up might be worth the work and cost savings. If you are going to put in the time for repairs but will have to repeat the repairs regularly because of poor quality, replacing may be a better option.

Damaged Drawers, Cabinet Bases, and Doors

Even a well-maintained and high-quality set of kitchen cabinets can see its fair share of damage through the years. Too many deep scratches on doors, drawers with faces that are falling off, or cabinet bases with corners nearly gone from years of wood chipping away are sometimes beyond repair.

On the other hand, with the right skills, some repairs can go a long way. Maybe that crooked drawer just needs a new undermount slide, or perhaps you could make the scratched drawer look like new with some wood filler, sanding, and fresh paint.

When deciding if you should repair or replace kitchen cabinets, check every area to see if the damage is extensive enough to warrant replacing rather than repairing.

The Layout Isn’t Working

Repairs can’t do much for the kitchen if you don’t like the layout of the cabinets. In this case, a complete remodel may need to take place rather than fixing up what you currently have.

Style

Style is another tough factor to consider but, sometimes, it’s possible to repair and upgrade an outdated style rather than replace it entirely. If you have old metal cabinets and want to swap them with wood then, by all means, replace the cabinets. However, if the style issue is simply the color of your cabinets, it will be far less expensive to paint the cabinets than replace them.

Decide what your style is, and go from there. Get creative, and you may see ways you can incorporate your new style into your old cabinets.

Hardware

The easiest thing to replace on kitchen cabinets and drawers is the hardware. There is no need to replace cabinets if the hardware is the only issue. You can easily install new drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, and even undermount drawer glides, replacing old, worn-out ones. Even if the old hardware is in great shape, you can replace it with a more updated look. Woodworker Express has everything you need for kitchen cabinet and drawer repairs, along with many other options for improving the style, storage, and function of your kitchen

Everything You Need To Get Started With Woodworking

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Woodworker measuring and marking his project
Measure twice and cut only once

Sometimes getting started is the hardest part when we decide on a new hobby or possibly even a business. Woodworking can be relaxing, and the end results of the creativity and hard work are worth the effort. Let’s discuss everything you need to get started with woodworking.

What Will You Create?

When choosing how to begin woodworking, the first step is having a rough idea of what you will be creating.

This may change with time as you progress and expand, but having a pretty good idea of how large your projects is necessary in deciding on the space and tools you need.

Small accessories, toys, and utensils projects don’t take up much space or require a large saw. However, a dresser or table will.

Create a Space

Hobbies that actually get done are the ones with a designated space for doing so.

Check out your garage and basement for any nook you can find to setup shop. An outdoor shed might also work.  

Keep in mind, woodworking creates a lot of dust. It isn’t a hobby you can just quickly work on at the kitchen table (unless you enjoy a dusty dinner). Decide on a space that can handle the mess you are about to make.

Work Surfaces

The next step after finding the perfect space is to create areas where wood can be placed while it is being worked with.

A couple of sawhorses with a sheet of plywood on top will usually do the trick.

A workbench is a must for small projects and intricate detailing. The workbench is a permanent fixture you will find yourself using over and over for more than just woodworking.

Keep tools handy near the work bench and hung on pegboard or placed on shelves above it, for quick and easy fixes. 

Saws

Woodworking is not going to happen without a variety of saws to cut the wood. They are quite an investment, but you build your collection over time. Here are five great saws to have in your woodworking toolbox.

Hand Saw

A classic staple for every woodworker, the hand saw will forever be needed. The Hand saw, as its name suggests is a manual tool.

Hand saws take on a few different forms, and each one is designed for quick cuts when there is no need to turn on a power tool.

  • Ripping handsaw — cuts lengthwise with the grain
  • Crosscut handsaw — cuts across the grain
  • Combination handsaws — cuts both with and across the grain
  • Backsaw — rectangular blades for miter cuts
  • Keyhole handsaw — for interior holes
  • Dovetail — for dovetail joint work

Jigsaw

Also recommended for beginners, the jigsaw is a hand-held power tool that can make intricate and curved cuts for beautiful detailing on your wood project.

The jigsaw uses a reciprocating blade to cut irregular curves. A reciprocating blade moves up and down. The jig saw is weak in that the lower end of the blade is unsupported. The user guides the saw to cut but has to be careful not to force the direction of the blade too much.

Circular Saw

The handheld circular saw is a power tool that uses different blades which can be interchanged for different types of cuts. Each blade has different teeth for the type of cuts you are making. It is extremely handy for quick, large cuts.

  • Ripping blade — for cutting lengthwise
  • Crosscut blade — cut across the grain (width)
  • Combination blade — ripping and cutting (both with and against the grain)

Table Saw

As a beginning woodworker, a good larger powered saw to invest in is a table saw. It works similarly to the circular saw, but from a different angle.

Rather than the saw coming down on the wood, the blade from the table saw comes up from the table and the wood is placed on top of it. This eliminates a lot of work and makes long precision cuts a bit easier.

Table saws offer different types of blades for different cuts.

They also can be portable or permanent.

  • Benchtop table saw — Noisiest of all the benchtop table saws, but lightweight, compact and portable.
  • Cabinet table saw — Heavy and made to stay put, they can handle every project. These make a stately centerpiece to your woodworking shop.

Band Saw

A band saw is a power tool, perfect for intricate, curvy woodworking cuts. It consists of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels to cut material.

Unlike the jigsaw where you guide the saw to cut the wood, a band saw stands stationary and a wood piece is guided against the cutting blade to make the cuts.

They come in a few sizes and make a great addition when it is time to get detailed beyond using a jigsaw.

Sanding

Filing, sanding, and planes all fall under the same category: to smooth or shape the wood for woodworking projects. There are a few different options for each.

Filing

Files are hand tools used for smoothing and are made of metal, giving them a longer life than sandpaper.

Once dull, they don’t sharpen well, so it is best to replace them.

Sanding

Handheld electric sanders are a time saver and a hand saver. A lot of sanding makes a hand sore.

They come in different sizes and power and can alternate between different grades of sandpaper.

Sanding sponges and sandpaper are necessary to have on hand for quick, small projects or intricate details.

Planes

Planes don’t just smooth the wood, but they actually remove some of the wood by scraping pieces off. It is more of a shaving process than a smoothing one as the blade on the plane shaves thin slices off the surface of the wood.

There are several different types of planes.

  • Jack plane — removes a lot of wood at once
  • Block — for intricate, small spaces
  • Rabbet — for right angle grooves
  • Scraper — finely scrapes for smooth finishes
  • Spokeshaves — designed for curves

Measuring Tools

Please don’t “wing it” with woodworking. Taking the time to measure properly from the beginning saves you time from having to fix mistakes later.

There are four measuring tools to keep handy while woodworking. These include:

  • Retractable steel tape measure — handy in every way with the stiffness of steel and a hook on the end for easy measuring
  • Yard stick — great for straight edge measuring and line drawing with a pencil
  • Flexible reel tape — a must when a bendable measure for corners and curves is needed
  • Folding measure — highly accurate and stiff like a yard stick, these fold into multiple sections for easy storage

Hammer and Mallet

A basic hammer has a double-duty steel head with one end basically designed for hammering in nails and the other for pulling them out. A hammer should be a standard tool in everyone’s home, not only woodworkers.

A mallet is different than a hammer, although they are both used for striking. Rather than a steel head, the head is rubber, leather, or wood. The head is sometimes detachable to accommodate multiple sizes.

A mallet is used when a hard strike is needed but damage needs to be prevented. That is why they are made with a softer material head. The shock to the wood is softer than a steel head hammer.

Power Drill

A power drill will become your right-hand man in woodworking, for drilling quick holes and driving screws.

This is a general idea of everything you need to get started with woodworking. Build your collection slowly and enjoy creating heirlooms you can be proud of.

Woodworker Express offers woodworking tools for sale to provide you with everything you need to get your woodworking shop up and running.

Infographic of Everything you need to get started with woodworking

What Causes Cabinet Door Hinges To Bind

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It is frustrating to have a cabinet door that does not close smoothly or hang properly. Understanding why hinges bind is the first step in repairing them.

We have all experienced the cabinet door in our home that will not shut properly or constantly springs back open. In most cases, a hinge has become bound and is causing the problem. Understanding what causes door hinges to bind makes it easier to figure out the issue and get it fixed.

What Is a Bound Hinge?

The phrase “bound hinge” simply means the door is being difficult in the way it is not easy to close or it springs back open. There are a few reasons why the hinge might be bound.

Screws Are Askew

It is possible that when the hinges were attached, the head of the screws were too big. If this is the case, they will not lay flush and therefore cause binding and create a door that is difficult to close or easily bounces back open.

The solution here is an easy one — simply replace the screws with a smaller head screw for a flush finish.

Hinges Are Not Placed Correctly

When hinges are not placed correctly in the first place, binding is bound to happen and lead to doors that don’t operate smoothly.

The flaps of a hinge should be flush with the surface of the wood. Sometimes the recesses where the hinges are placed have been cut in too deeply. This results in a lack of flushness between the hinge and the surface of the door or doorframe.

Replace Hardware

As hinge repairs are made, be sure you are working with hinges that are worth reinstalling. They are often damaged and bent out of shape after a cabinet door has not been functioning properly. At that point, it is better to purchase new cabinet hinges for sale to give the door a fresh start.

Avoiding what causes door hinges to bind in the first place is your best bet for a smooth operating door. Thankfully, if it does happen, the repairs are simple.

The Different Types of Drawer Slides

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Image of drawer slide being installed

Sometimes a drawer slide just needs to be replaced—but other times an entire kitchen has been redone, and it is then time to decide how you want the drawers in the kitchen to open and close. There is actually more to a drawer than just pulling and pushing to make it work. The different types of drawer slides each make a difference in how the drawer closes and even in its appearance.

The Purpose of a Drawer Slide

A drawer slide quite simply allows the drawer to open and close. The slides are mounted to the drawer and cabinet, giving the drawer a track to move on.

To See or Not To See

Slides come in different colors such as silver, white, black, brown or beige, and you can choose a slide according to whether or not you mind if it is visible.

When choosing between the different types of drawer slides, it may not seem like a big deal, but some people prefer to not see the slide when the drawer is opened. This way, the color isn’t very important as you can’t see it, and you can achieve a clean look.

Two Types of Drawer Slides

We will break down these two categories some more, but the two options for making drawer slides actually slide are ball-bearing and roller drawer slides.

Ball-bearing slides are made with strength in mind, offering the ability to hold a heavier drawer and are also more expensive than roller drawer slides.

Ball-Bearing Slides

As mentioned, a slide designed with ball-bearings is fit for your tougher drawer jobs. Think of a deep and wide drawer that is able to hold all of your pots and pans. A ball-bearing slide will be the stronger option to keep that drawer moving smoothly.

Since bearings are lubricated, these drawer slides are an excellent choice for the smoothest of slides.

Bottom or Undermount Slides

Just as they sound, these slides attach to the bottom of the drawer. This is a nice option if you prefer slides that are not visible when the drawer opens. They also work well with weight in the drawer because they nicely support the bottom.

They can cost a little more because they are very specific. The drawer box must match the specifications of the bottom mount exactly, or the drawer will not slide properly. Therefore, the bottom or undermount drawer slide is a great option when it comes to custom-built drawers.

Side Mount Drawer Slides

These slides come in pairs and are attached to both the cabinet frame and the drawer along their sides. They do not support the bottom of the drawer very well, so they may not be the best choice for the drawer that holds your cast iron skillet collection; however, they do a good job when sliding your basic drawer.

Center Mount Drawer Slides

Center mount drawer slides feature an individual track rather than a pair of tracks, mounted down the center of the drawer and also attached to the cabinet. Like the undermount slides, these create a clean looking drawer as they are not visible.

Soft-Close Drawer Slides

Soft-close drawer slides have become very popular in recent years. Homeowners enjoy them because there is no more accidental slamming of drawers in the kitchen and no pinched fingers. We know you’d never slam a drawer on purpose, but sometimes it just happens.

Basically, when you push the drawer to close it, the soft-close function immediately grabs hold and causes the drawer to take its time. This is a really nice feature if you seek a little more quiet time in your life.

Self-Closing Drawer Slides

Self-closing slides take the soft-close a step further. With just the slightest tap, the drawer will automatically close ever so gently. This adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen.

Touch-Release Drawer Slides

A current trend in modern kitchens is very sleek cabinets, often with the drawer facing flush with the cabinet base and no handles to pull them open. At first glance, one might think the homeowner didn’t think the design through very well.

However, it’s actually a really cool and clean look if you enjoy smooth lines and a minimalistic style. Without handles, the touch-release drawer slides allow you to just tap the drawer while it is closed, and it will then slowly and smoothly open to greet you.

Detent and Locking Drawer Slides

These slides offer a great option for drawers or pull-outs that need to not close too easily. For example, maybe a toaster that is hidden away but needs to stay put rather than moving once it is pulled and in use. The detent and locking system works to hold a drawer open or closed and requires a bit more of a push or pull to move.

Full Extension Drawer Slide

A full extension drawer slide allows the drawer to open completely. Although it may seem that all drawers open completely, without the full extension they do not fully extend.

That means if the kitchen tool you need to use is all the way at the back of the very large silverware drawer, you should be able to get to it.

Installing Drawer Slides

Drawer slides are not difficult to install, and if you are installing one for the purpose of just replacing an old one that is no longer working, you can probably do it yourself with a tape measure and a drill. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you are installing all new cabinets and drawers, it is best to leave it to the professionals to avoid a nasty headache. Slides have to be level, measured correctly, and installed just right to get the smooth slide you are hoping for.

Keep Your Slides Clean

It isn’t at the top of most homeowner’s minds to clean the drawer slides. However, in a place like the kitchen, grease and grime can build up anywhere and everywhere.

Add drawer slide cleaning to the spring-cleaning list and your slides will serve you longer. Simply pull out the drawers and clean slides with some soapy water, dry, and push closed.

A benefit of undermount slides is they catch less dust and grease thanks to being under the drawers rather than on the sides.

Woodworker Express offers many options in drawer slides and we are here for all of your building and remodeling needs.

Infographic - The Different Types of Drawer slides

How To Choose Handrail Brackets

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Decorative handrail brackets

When building or remodeling, staircases are functionally important, and they also add some style to a home. Knowing how to choose handrail brackets helps in creating a staircase that is visually stunning and functioning at its best on a daily basis.

What Are Handrail Brackets?

Handrail brackets are used to attach the staircase railing to a wall. They offer support for the thousands of times the railing is grabbed when going up and down the stairs.

Choosing the proper style and fit for your home’s staircase is important. You don’t want to make a mistake, install the wrong ones, and then waste time removing them later.

How Many Brackets Will You Need?

The length of the staircase and its railing determines how many handrail brackets you need for proper handrail support.

After placing one at the bottom of the railing and one at the top, the brackets must be placed in a stud on the wall for proper support of the railing and the person using it. They must be four feet apart or less.

When installed properly at the right distance, the brackets provide safety for stair users by keeping the railing secure.

Measuring the length of the railing is the first step when determining how to choose handrail brackets and the number of brackets you need. Don’t attempt to save time and money by using less than what’s recommended.

What Style To Choose

Handrail brackets come in many styles. Choose the type that match your staircase and railing.

Brackets don’t stand out, but they are visible. Choose the look you want—whether modern or traditional—then choose the best quality and number needed.

Woodworker Express offers many choices in furniture hardware supplies, including handrail brackets. Contact us and together we’ll figure out which brackets best suit your needs.