Want to take your woodworking from “pretty good” to “wow”? Here are 5 quick wins I’ve learned from recent projects that’ll instantly level up your builds, without fancy tools or advanced joinery.
1. Hide Your Screws with Dowels
Pocket holes are fine, but dowels? Chef’s kiss. They hide screws beautifully and even add a nice contrasting look when you use walnut or oak.
2. Try Tapered Legs
Tapered legs make any table or desk look more refined. Bonus points if you use dowel joinery—it’s strong, simple, and totally hidden.
3. Drill Guide > Drill Press?
No drill press? No problem. This inexpensive Milescraft drill guide helps you drill perfectly straight holes for a fraction of the cost.
4. Edge Band That Plywood
Exposed plywood edges? Meh. A quick strip of hardwood edge-banding glued on and trimmed flush makes a huge difference.
5. French Cleats = Easy + Strong
Mounting cabinets with French cleats is super simple, rock solid, and makes hanging stuff on the wall way easier.
Oh—and one last bonus tip I wish I had done sooner: grain match your drawer fronts. It’s a tiny detail that makes a huge visual impact.
Until next time,
- Thomas Gojkovich
Thomas Custom Woodworks
P.S. Got a jobsite table saw? My Mobile Table Saw Cart Plans are a game changer. You'll get better mobility, a larger work surface for handling large sheets of plywood, and way better dust collection by enclosing the saw. CLICK HERE for detailed step-by-step plans.
