Before your final sanding, wipe the wood with a damp cloth. This "pops" the fibers. Once dry, sand one last time with your highest grit for a glass-smooth finish.

Always measure twice, but also mark your waste side with a clear 'X' so you don't accidentally cut on the wrong side of the line. 2. Keep It Sharp A dull tool is a dangerous tool.

Never let your fingers get within 6 inches of a moving blade. If it feels sketchy, it is. 5. Finishing Flourishes

Never apply glue until you have fully assembled the project with clamps to ensure every joint closes tightly.

Use a scrap piece of MDF or plywood as a sub-fence on your miter saw to prevent "tear-out" (splintering) on the back of your boards.

If your chisel or plane iron can’t effortlessly slice through a piece of held printer paper, it’s time to hit the sharpening stones.

Five minutes of honing every hour of work saves you thirty minutes of grinding later. 3. Smart Glue-Ups The assembly phase is where things often go sideways.