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This article from Popular Mechanics provides instructions for building a DIY mid-century coffee table. The project is designed to be easy to build and customizable to fit different spaces. The article explains the materials and tools needed, as well as the step-by-step process for constructing the table. It also provides information about the mid-century modern design trend, including its characteristics and materials commonly used. The article concludes with options for different joinery techniques that can be used in the project. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study suggests that the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island may have independently invented their own written language, known as Rongorongo. The study found that one of the wooden objects containing Rongorongo inscriptions predates the arrival of Europeans, indicating that the language could have been created by the Rapa Nui themselves. The unique structure and function of Rongorongo also suggest that it is distinct from European languages, further supporting the theory of independent invention. However, further research is needed to examine the remaining tablets and fully understand the contributions of the Rapa Nui people. [Extracted from the article]

The author describes an experience wherein she spent the weekend visiting with cleaning specialist Heloise at her home in San Antonio, Texas. She explains cleaning advice from Heloise including how to remove coffee stains from clothing with rubbing alcohol, how to clean butcher block surfaces using baking soda, salt, and lemon, and how to eliminate mold on grout in bathrooms.

The article presents a super-simple setup for people who think they can't garden and offers suggestions for building raised garden beds and also offers step by step instructions for building a 4-by -8-foot bed. The suggestions include building beds somewhere that receives at least 5 to 6 hours of daily sunlight, using naturally rot resistant varieties of wood, such as oak, cedar, and redwood and planting fall crops in high summer.

The article offers suggestions on creating an outdoor arbor. It suggests to either build an arbor by oneself or choose a pre-made garden structure in wood, plastic and metal. It recommends to select the design scheme as per the desired function of the arbor. Arbors, when appropriately placed, give an illusion of space, even in a small area. It mentions using an arbor to serve as a transitional element between two areas such as a flower garden and a vegetable plot, and as a seating area.

The article presents questions and answers related to house architecture. One person asks about ways which can be used to attach another set of chimes to be installed in the rear hallway of a house. Another person asks about the installation of some interior wood trim in his house and the areas where the wood will come up against some very rough sandstone. Another person asks about the type of wood best suited to fill the open joints in the concrete surrounding of his home.

The article reports on cutting-edge bench grinders in a wheel-to-wheel test. Most woodworkers don't want to spend time sharpening their tools-they want to cut and fit wood. Bench grinders are freehand tools that rely on a good eye and careful touch. And while one can take some tools, like drill bits or turning tools, right from the grinding wheel to the work, it's common for grinding to be a relatively coarse, preliminary shaping procedure, followed by careful honing on a whetstone.

This article focuses on various hand tools used to shape wood. The hand plane is the one that has come to symbolize craftsmanship of the highest order. It comes in three sizes, a block plane, smooth plane and jointer plane, all based on the same shape but each with a different-size cutter iron. Users should select stock that allows them to orient the grain vertically in both the plane body and sole to provide better dimensional stability. After cutting all the cheeks, use a sharp plane or jointer to true one side of each inner body blank, then use a band saw to cut the bodies about 1/16 inches.

Building a deck is the most efficient and cost-effective way to expand the living space and create an inviting outdoor oasis. It also happens to be one of the most popular of all do-it-yourself home improvement projects. The article presents an attractive deck that will provide 400 sq. ft. of outdoor living space on two distinct areas. The deck's frame is built from pressure-treated lumber, while the deck itself is TimberTech Tongue-and-Groove Planking, an extruded material made from recycled wood and new polyethylene plastic resin. Deck construction begins with marking the post locations. Deck is finished by installing a vinyl lattice skirt.

The article presents information on shotguns. The history of the American West was written, literally, with firearms. Lesser known is the coach gun. But, in the overall scheme of things it was certainly as important as those other weapons. The term "coach gun" emerged in 1858 when Wells, Fargo & Co. began regular stagecoach service from Tipton, Missouri to California. Coach guns were compact, side-by-side double-barreled shotguns featuring barrels in the 12- to 20-in. range to allow easy handling in the cramped driver's box of the stage. Time and technology began to render the coach gun obsolete. European American Armory offers three Bounty Hunter coach gun models made by the Russian firm Baikal. The newly introduced Coach Gun Supreme model features upgraded wood, an effective recoil pad, and is fitted for interchangeable screw-in choke tubes on the 12- and 20-ga. versions.

This article focuses on an elegant picket fence that's easy to build. Of all the things one might do to dress up one's landscape, few have as much impact as adding a fence. And if it's a picket fence, one's yard suddenly takes on a charm and character that's right up there with Mom and apple pie. Set nails and prime any bare wood. After overnight drying, lightly sand the primer, fill all nail holes with glazing putty, and apply two coats of 100 percent acrylic exterior paint. When the paint is dry, fit the hardware, then remove it until the fence is installed.

Discusses various types of wood grain patterns, how to produce the most usable lumber from a log, how to dry wood, various types of manufactured wood, and particle board.

The article offers tips for prevention of brush piles that can cause wildfires and tools that should be used for the same. Topics discussed include dead branches and saplings that can be cut into pieces, wood chips that help plants retain water and suppresses weeds, and the Echo SRM-2620T that is straightshaft trimmer.

The article discusses the views from several architects on their trade secrets on houses including Michael Davis on the use of dilapidated farm structures woods, Russel Groves on using Trufig touch panel on surfaces, and using software application from Savant Systems LLC by Heather Wells. INSET: WHAT THE PROS KNOW.

The article offers information related to annual Shaker Woods Festival, an occasion where visitors can find several Christmas crafts in Columbiana, Ohio. The old-fashioned Christmas festival in the Woods which started in 1994, attracted around 30,000 visitors to northeast Ohio's lush Shaker Woods. In addition to its unique locale, the festival features 200 vendors selling handcrafted wares ranging from soap to Santa plates.

The article provides information on how to build a picnic table at home. Cedar has been used for this project, but redwood is a great choice if it's available in that area. Cypress is also weather resistant and may be a bit easier on the wallet. A 7¼ inch model will handle all the crosscuts. But if someone really want to speed things up while increasing accuracy and cut quality, use a power miterbox. A cordless version of drill machine is handy to drive the screws. Sandpaper should be used to soften sawn corners. For a crisper look, cut bevels with a sharp block plane. If someone is putting a lot of money into the wood, don't skimp with the fasteners. Stainless steel is the best for projects exposed to the weather.

Presents information on the types of woods used, style, carved details of a vintage wing chair.

The article focuses on the state of the art home furnishing. According to the author, furnitures haute quality resides in refined proportions, excellent finishes and the most elusive quality of all confidence. Deco Revival, which seeded the desire for glitz with show-stopping all-mirrored pieces, has morphed into the next phase. The reflective surfaces are still there, hut now the furnishings are configured with more restraint and probably more versatility. Fortunately, vestiges of the old world are still with us in the form of tabletops with exquisitely inlaid exotic woods and designs elaborately painted. These artful treatments have the power to transform surfaces into a feast for the eyes.

The article focuses on identification and evaluation of several antiques. Spinning wheels come in all styles and varieties and were regularly used in homes for making all clothes and linens the family needed. Most wheel axles are iron, but older wheels had wooden ones. Replacing the wheel would cost 350 dollars. Rocking side chair was made in Connecticut in the early 1800s. Thousands of these chairs were produced in factories throughout New England. The chair was originally covered with a yellow painted surface.

The article focuses on replacement of loose motor mounts in an automobile. Many older mounts relied on the rubber-to-steel bond exclusively, so when the mount failed the engine could rotate a long distance. Newer designs usually have interlocking steel fingers that limit movement even if the rubber is gone. An indication of failure on rwd vehicles, or those with fwd and a longitudinally mounted engine, is a continuous scraping noise caused by the fan contacting the bottom of its plastic shroud. On lower mounts, replacement can range from very easy to very difficult. Today, one likely will have to put the car on sturdy Jackstands or ramps, get underneath with a hydraulic bottle jack and assorted chunks of wood to take the weight off the mount, then get extremely dirty removing the bolts and old mount.

Focuses on how to choose the right kind of wood to be used for furniture making and woodworking. Factors to consider when choosing wood materials; Types; Characteristics of each wood type.

The article offers information on the process involved in construction of a wood wall and mentions adhesives that is used in back of the board.

The article offers several tips for spray painting which include putting the item to be painted on a lazy Susan, using a two-component spray paint when needing a high-gloss coating that is rust and chemical resistant, and using primers when painting wood with grainy textures.

The article offers instructions for the construction of a wooden scooter.

The article discusses how a piece of wood can be used to hold open a window using a sinking sash, by mounting the wood on the sash using a pivot screw.

The article offers information on drill bits of different shapes, including twist type used for wood, metal, and plastic, brad point type, which creates clean, accurate holes in wood, and auger type which removes wood shavings from deep bores.

The article presents a chronological account of the use of wood in furniture making and house framing over the years across the world, as well as various facts related to the wood. It states that Canada has 40 percent of the world's sustainable forests, and the Fairbanks House, erected by Puritan settlers in Dedham, Massachusetts, is believed to be the oldest wood-frame house in North America. It mentions that in 1500 B.C., Egyptians started veneering furniture with thin sheets of woods.

The article offers tips for choosing the right piece of wood and avoiding rot.

The article offers advice on buying outdoor dining sets. It discusses the advantages of buying teak, eucalyptus and cedar-made dining sets. It mentions the price range of iron furniture. Cast aluminum can look as ornate as wrought iron. Plastic sets are the most affordable and are easy to stock and store, plus they are virtually indestructible.

The article presents tips on designing and decorating a room. If you want a cozy look and feel, choose wood, plush fabrics, woven surfaces, and natural fabrics for the floors and surfaces to add texture to a room. If a streamlined look is what you are after, try lacquer, plastics, metals, and glass. The best rooms have a perfect balance of both.

Provides information on antique American tea tables. Regional characteristics of American tea tables; Types of woods used for the Queen Anne and Chippendale styles; Prices of tea tables.

The article reports on using woodscrews for various purposes. Screws were reserved for finer work, where parts might need to be disassembled, or for attaching hardware. Today, the humble screwdriver remains the tool of choice for these jobs. In the old days, the slot-head screw was the standard for fastening to wood. It's the trickiest type to install because the long-size driver or inadequate pressure on the head will cause the tip to slip out and damage the slot. One must plan for most of the thread to engage a pilot hole in the thicker piece. He must use heavier screws for greater holding power.

Presents a quiz about the link between one's personality with the five natural elements which includes wood and fire.

Presents information on mahogany trees. Characteristics of the wood of the mahogany; Description of a mahogany tree; Background of the mahogany trees along the Gulf of Honduras.

Offers instructions for building an oak drying rack for freshly grown herbs and flowers.

Offers advice on how to have a romantic, fuel-efficient and environmentally-conscious wood fire. Choosing the right wood; Seasoning the wood; Safety precautions; Reducing harmful emissions.

The article presents advice for readers on how to repair damage done to living rooms before the beginning of spring, including how to disguise scratched wood, how to repair small holes in the wall with spackling and paint, and a homemade solution for carpet stains.

The article presents question & answers related to housekeeping including how to clean wooden banisters, how to prevent shower curtain liners from billowing into a shower, and how to remove hair from clothing in the laundry. INSET: Road Trip-Ready.

The article presents tips on fixing water damage, hairspray damage and scratches on wood surfaces and furniture. The author suggests using trays or trivets on wood coffee tables to prevent water damage and residue resulting from drink glasses. In addition, scratch-cover marking pens can help fix scratches in wood.

The article offers information on the right wood used in cooking for every occasion. For the slow burn, a cooker needs oak or ash because they are hard and heavy, and will burn hot and slow. For a big blaze, a cooker needs birch or maple because the white bark ignites quickly, making the fire light easily and blaze high. For special effects, a cooker needs birch, cedar and polar because they are softer woods .

The article presents information about the black walnut, a versatile nut and tree that has been used to make dye for clothing and airplane wings. The author describes the nuts shell as difficult to open but the edible nut inside can be used to make many sour food items. The article also warns that these walnuts produce a plant poison from the roots that can effect nearby plants.

The article offers information on the proper cleaning of stains in furniture. For water stains on wood, it is recommended to rub lemon oil into the area with a soft cloth and let it sit overnight. For stubborn wooden drawer, it is recommended to remove the drawer and lightly sand the runners and rub a candle over them. For stained bottles, it is recommended to put a handful of rice inside and fill with water and shaking it vigorously.

Presents the process of making a cedar bench. Description of initial preparations for making this bench; Use of two coats of polyurethane on the wood instead of the water seal; Comment on the accuracy of the design and dimensions.

This article presents information on removing asphalt tile mastic and restoring the original floors. If the mastic was applied cold it probably can be scraped off and the floor sanded. But if it was a hot mastic type, it may have seeped so deeply into the wood that sanding will not remove it. There is an excellent manual on finishing hardwood flooring from the industry trade group the Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association. It includes information on sanding equipment and how to apply a finish.

The article reports on certain all time great recreational vehicles. Some 50 years ago before the hippies claimed it for their own, the Volkswagen bus was popular in the United States as family campers. Fully loaded, it slept six and topped out at 50 mph. By the late 70s, Winnebago had become a household name and no recreational vehicles was complete without mirrored walls or wood paneling and, of course, a CB radio. In 1913, even the gaudiest NBA team bus pales in comparison to the early recreational vehicle, built for those who "desire the acme of luxury when touring by automobile."

Presents design ideas for a bathroom. Installation of a crystal chandelier over a soaker tube; Replacement of a pedestal sink with a vanity; Use of wood and natural materials to add warmth to bathrooms; Replacement of towel racks, soap dishes and a toothbrush stand.

The article reports on the development of Veritas #4 Smooth Plane wood smoother. It costs $175 and provides ultrafine adjustments of its cut. The brass, steel and cast-iron construction gives it Roman-like durability too.

This article focuses on the book "The Lore and Science of the Woodcutter," by Dudley Cook. An ax cannot fell a tree as quickly as a chain saw, but what it lacks in speed, an ax makes up for in versatility, simplicity and even fun. But learning to use an ax properly on your own is difficult. Its author, Dudley Cook, grew up swinging an ax in rural Maine, making mistakes and learning as he went. Although Cook reminisces here and there, the book spends the bulk of its 130 pages instructing the reader on how to fell, limb and section a tree, then split firewood from logs.