The Difference: sapwood and heartwood
Sapwood and hardwood are two distinct types of wood found within a tree, and understanding the difference between them is important for selecting, working with and finishing wood.
Carl Duguay
Carl is a furniture maker based in Victoria, BC and the senior editor at Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement Magazine.
Articles by Carl Duguay
Kreg 20V Ionic Drive Barrel Grip Jigsaw
For hobbyists and DIYers who already rely on Kreg’s cordless platform, this jigsaw is a logical and capable addition — for anyone else it's a well-thought-out cordless jigsaw that’s worth a closer look.
FAMAG professional router bit set
If finish quality, minimal vibration, accurate cuts and long bit life matter, FAMAG router bits are a solid choice.
Kreg 20V Ionic Drive Trim Router
Lightweight, precise and thoughtfully engineered, with enough power to handle real-world woodworking tasks without feeling like a compromise compared to a corded model.
ALLPOWERS R1500 portable power station home backup
A high-capacity portable power station that offers robust performance and versatility
Festool mobile drilling attachment
If your workflow emphasizes clean, repeatable, edge-referenced drilling and you already use Festool equipment, the MB 40-Set is a strong, time-saving choice.
Kreg 20V Ionic Drive 5″ Random Orbit Sander
A great option for anyone who wants cordless convenience without sacrificing control or surface quality — from seasoned woodworkers to weekend DIYers looking to step up their sanding game.
Harley Griffen – video profile
Ottawa, Ontario furniture maker Harley Griffin on solid wood, failing and building with LEGO.
Kreg 20V Ionic Drive 1/2″ Compact Drill
Compact, powerful, and well-built — a dependable cordless drill for woodworkers and serious DIYers.
Earlex 5700
A solid choice for woodworking enthusiasts looking for a reliable and user-friendly HVLP spray system.
FAMAG brad point bits
For frequent use or demanding work, FAMAG bits offer better edge retention and superior drilling precision.
ZenSharp sharpening system
The ZenSharp system is a solid, budget-friendly sharpening system for anyone who wants to get a sharp edge quickly and consistently, with minimal mess or skill.
Can I glue solid wood to a T&G underlay?
The short answer is yes. If your T&G underlay is plywood or a high-quality structural panel (like OSB), it can work well as a substrate for glue-down installation.
TrigJig AF6 MKII angle finder
Woodworkers, finish carpenters and tradespeople who value a durable, battery-free tool for rapid angle transfer and repeatable layout should love the AF6.
Portable precision: the Festool ETSC 2 sander in the shop
The ETSC 2 sander brings Festool-level precision and control into a cordless, one-handed form — ideal for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Bosch 18V Professional impact driver kit
Packed with practical features that make it an excellent choice for avid DIYers, home renovators, on-the-go service technicians, and trades professionals alike.
What adhesive to use for engineered flooring over an under-floor heating system?
To install engineered wood flooring over radiant heat I suggest you use a premium quality, urethane-based adhesive.
Any options for a mobile bandsaw?
There are some very small bandsaws on the market that might work for you – the Ryobi BS904G and King Canada KC-902C come to mind.
The Difference: rasps, files and rifflers
Rasps, files and rifflers are essential hand tools for shaping and smoothing wood, each with unique construction and uses.
The Difference: pores and grain
Wood pores and wood grain are two distinct characteristics of wood that define its structure, texture and appearance.
The Difference: voltage, amp-hour and watt-hour
All battery packs are made up of individual cells, each with a voltage (V), often called “nominal voltage”, of 3.6V.
Spray finishing in a small shop? You bet!
If you’re at the point where finishing your projects with a brush is beginning to take too much shop time, then you really should think about spray finishing.
Power washer
A pressure washer (PW) pumps water at high pressure through a hose and nozzle to clean various hard surfaces.
