The Spetz Blog
Build it right, the first time.
Skills, tools, materials and the stories behind real builds from Spetz creators.
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How to Build a Plywood Garage Cabinet with a Circular Saw
A simple 3/4" plywood garage cabinet built with a circular saw and brad nailer. Covers plywood choice, cost, assembly, and tips for beginners.
Skills & techniques
See all (3)The hand skills behind a clean build: measuring, cutting, joining, fixing mistakes.
How to Drill Straight Holes Without a Drill Press
Three proven methods for drilling perpendicular holes by hand: a shop-made guide block, the square-and-mirror trick, and portable drill guide attachments.
How to Support Plywood for Solo Cutting Without a Table Saw
Three setups for cutting a full 4x8 plywood sheet alone: foam board on the ground, 2x4 rails on sawhorses, and a cutting grid with dimensions and costs.
How to Square a Frame or Cabinet When Clamping
Three reliable methods to check and fix squareness during glue-up: diagonal measurements, corner clamping jigs, and the 3-4-5 triangle for larger builds.
Tools
See all (3)What a tool is for, which one to pick, and how to use it safely.
Orbital Sander vs Hand Sanding: When to Use Which
A scenario-by-scenario look at when to use an orbital sander and when hand sanding works better, covering flat surfaces, curves, edges, and more.
Do You Really Need a Table Saw? What You Can Build Without One
A practical guide mapping common DIY projects to the tools that can substitute for a table saw, so you know when to invest and when to work around it.
How to Choose a Circular Saw Blade for Plywood, Framing, and Trim
Tooth count, kerf, and hook angle explained for the three cuts DIYers make most. Plus why your new blade might be cutting worse than the old one.
Materials
See all (3)Wood, sheet goods, fasteners, adhesives and finishes, and how to choose them.
Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Pine vs Redwood for Outdoor Projects
Comparing cedar, pressure-treated pine, and redwood for fences, planters, and raised beds. Covers cost, durability, workability, and looks.
3/4-Inch Plywood for Cabinets and Shelves: Which Grade to Buy
Pine, birch, maple, or MDF core? Compare 3/4-inch plywood types by price, durability, and finish quality to pick the right sheet for your project.
When to Use Wood Glue Even If the Plans Don't Say To
Many DIY plans skip the glue step entirely. Here's how to decide which joints need wood glue, which ones shouldn't get it, and what type to use.
Build stories
See all (3)How real projects from Spetz creators came together, step by step.
How to Build a DIY Track Saw Jig from One Sheet of Plywood
With one sheet of plywood, some glue, and a few screws, your circular saw can cut as straight as a track saw. Here is how to build the jig.
Faux Wood Grain Finish on Kitchen Cabinets with Paint and Glaze
How Black Sheep House gave dated kitchen cabinets a Pottery Barn-style faux wood finish using bonding primer, paint, and glaze with no sanding.
Finishing & paint
See all (3)Sanding, staining, painting and sealing so the work lasts.
How Long to Let Paint Dry Between Coats (and Cure Times)
Dry to the touch doesn't mean done. Learn recoat times for latex, chalk paint, and polyurethane, plus why a full 21 to 30 day cure prevents chips and marks.
Clear Wood Finishes That Won't Yellow or Darken Your Wood
Water-based poly, hardwax oil, and paste wax compared for keeping wood looking raw and natural. Which one protects without changing the color.
Sanding for Distressing vs Sanding to Smooth Furniture
Distressing and smoothing use sandpaper in opposite ways. Here's how grit choice, pressure, direction, and where you sand differ for each technique.
Outdoor & garden
See all (3)Decks, beds, planters, sheds and projects that live outside.
How to Keep Fence Pickets Level on Uneven Ground
A string line, the right layout method, and a plan for your slope are all it takes. Here's how to get a straight fence top on ground that isn't.
Best Wood for Raised Garden Beds: Cedar, Redwood, PT, and Pine
Cedar, redwood, pressure-treated pine, and untreated pine compared for longevity, food safety, and cost. Clear recommendations by budget and climate.
How Deep Should Fence Post Holes Be? Depth and Concrete Guide
Learn how deep to dig fence post holes, how wide to make them for 4x4 and 6x6 posts, and how many bags of concrete you need. Covers frost lines by region.
Planning & budgeting
See all (2)Scoping a project, estimating cost and time, and buying the right amount.
How to Estimate DIY Project Time and Save Your Weekend
Most beginners underestimate DIY project time by half. Learn to break projects into phases and set realistic hours, including drying time nobody plans for.
How to Estimate the Real Cost of a DIY Project
A step-by-step framework for listing materials, calculating board feet and coverage, adding waste, and checking current prices so your budget actually holds.