Craft a Frame-and-Panel Blanket Chest Step by Step
Build an heirloom blanket chest using frame-and-panel construction. Detailed joinery, panel sizing for wood movement, and hinge installation covered.
Gordon Hale
Projects & Joinery Editor
Gordon Hale
Gordon has spent decades at the bench, from rough carpentry to fine furniture, and still learns something from every board he ruins. He writes projects the way a patient mentor would — measuring twice, explaining why, and never pretending it's easier than it is.
Articles
15 articles by Gordon
Gordon Hale
Sanding Between Coats: Getting a Glass-Smooth Surface
Smooth finishes are built between coats, not just in them. Learn grit progression, when to scuff-sand, and how to avoid burning through edges.
Gordon Hale
Clamping Strategies for Odd-Shaped Glue-Ups
Not every glue-up is a flat panel. Learn cauls, angled blocks, and band clamps for mitered frames, curves, and awkward assemblies that fight you.
Gordon Hale
Roubo-Inspired Workbench: An Advanced Build Walkthrough
Tackle a massive Roubo-style bench with a leg vise and drawbored joints. A demanding build covering timber selection, joinery, and flattening.
Gordon Hale
Pocket-Hole Joinery vs. Dowels: Which Should You Use?
Compare pocket-hole screws and dowel joints for strength, speed, and looks. A practical breakdown to help you pick the right method per project.
Gordon Hale
Master the Art of Gluing Up Panels Without Gaps
Flat, seamless panel glue-ups come down to prep and clamp pressure. Learn jointing edges, arranging boards, and controlling squeeze-out cleanly.
Gordon Hale
Designing a Modular Shop Storage Wall From Plywood
Organize your shop with a modular French-cleat storage wall. Build reconfigurable plywood holders for tools, clamps, and hardware that grow with you.
Gordon Hale
Layout Lines That Last: Marking and Measuring Accurately
Accurate work starts with precise layout. Learn to use marking gauges, knives, and squares for repeatable lines that survive to the final cut.
Gordon Hale
Turn Scrap Hardwood Into a Set of Coasters
Rescue small offcuts by making a tidy set of hardwood coasters. A quick, low-cost project to practice sanding, chamfering, and applying finish.
Gordon Hale
Cut Perfect Dovetails by Hand Without Fancy Jigs
Hand-cut dovetails are within reach with the right sawing technique. Learn marking, sawing to the line, and paring for tight, gap-free corners.
Gordon Hale
How to Make a Classic Shaker Step Stool
Make a timeless two-step Shaker stool with housed dado joints. This project teaches layout, sawing, and glue-up on a small, forgiving weekend build.
Gordon Hale
Weekend Cutting Board Project: End-Grain Made Simple
Glue up a durable end-grain cutting board from hardwood offcuts. Learn strip layout, safe planing, and a food-safe oil finish in one weekend.
Gordon Hale
Floating Nightstand Plans: A Clean Wall-Mounted Build
Mount a minimalist floating nightstand with a hidden French cleat. Downloadable dimensions, drawer details, and finishing tips for a clean modern look.
Gordon Hale
Mortise and Tenon Joints: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Learn to cut strong mortise-and-tenon joints by hand and machine. Covers layout, chopping, tenon sawing, and fitting for gap-free, lasting joints.
Gordon Hale
Build a Sturdy Workbench in a Weekend: A Beginner's Plan
Build a rock-solid workbench in two days with basic lumber and simple joinery. Full cut list, tool list, and step-by-step assembly for first-timers.
Gordon Hale