Workshops

How to Sharpen an Axe

Cutting quickly and efficiently with an axe requires a sharp edge. Learn several methods to sharpen your axe with this step-by-step guide.

Ask This Old House Studio | Workshop Wonders

A behind-the-scenes look at the Ask This Old House studio’s four trade-focused corners, each with a homey mix of tools, materials, and mementos.

Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor talking with cans of oil on a table

How to Safely Dispose of Oily Rags

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses the proper disposal techniques for oily rags to prevent spontaneous combustion.

Tom Silva and the homeowner stand in a finished garage workshop.

How to Build a Space-Saving Workshop

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva helps a hobbyist woodworker turn her small garage into an efficient workspace—with tips anyone can use.

How to Build a Work Glove Holder

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shares a viewer tip for an inexpensive solution to storing work gloves.

How to Quickly Divide Any Length in Half—Without Math

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to quickly divide any length in half—without using math.

"Kids Making It" Builds Their Own Workshop

Our friends at this North Carolina non-profit get started on a new building to expand their vocational training offerings for local kids.

Designing a Craft Room for $397

This budget redo by Rachel Beach of Craving Some Creativity uses Craigslist cabinets, recycled countertops, and a wall of DIY storage to turn a spare room into a well-organized workspace.

How to Label a Metal Toolbox with Chalkboard Paint

This DIY toolbox label project is for Father’s Day—or any other day you want to help the handy person in your life get organized.

How to Repair a Damaged Carrying Beam

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner how to repair some structural problems in his home.

How to Cut Glass

In this how-to video, learn the safe, effective techniques for cutting glass with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor

Mobile workbench with clamp rack, finished

How to Add a Clamp Rack to a Mobile Workbench

In the final part of this series, House One Editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse shows how to add a clamp rack to the Ultimate Mobile Workbench.

Mobile Workbench with Downdraft Sanding Station, finished

How to Add a Sanding Station to a Workbench

In part five of this series, House One Editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse shows how to build a downdraft sanding station for the Ultimate Mobile Workbench.

How to Add Drawers to a Mobile Workbench

In part three of the series, House One Editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse shows how to build and add drawers to the Ultimate Mobile Workbench.

How to Build a Flag Display Case

Ask This Old House carpenter, Nathan Gilbert, shows the office he renovated during the quarantine and works on the finishing touch—a display case to store the U.S. flag that was presented to him at his grandfather’s funeral.

Mobile Workbench with Dust Collection, finished

How to Add Dust Collection to a Mobile Workbench

In part four of this series, House One Editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse shows how to build a dust collector to her Ultimate Mobile Workbench.

Mobile Workbench with Tool Organizer

In part two of this mobile workbench series, House One Editor and DIY Expert Jenn Largesse shows how to add tool storage to the base.

The 5 Best Work Gloves (2021 Review)

Every homeowner needs a pair of work gloves that they can wear while using power tools or potting plants. Read our review below to learn about the five best work gloves on the market. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.

How to Install Pegboard

Tom Silva demonstrates how to hang a pegboard in a garage or workshop and organize tools with it.

All About Shipping Container Homes

Do you want to build a guest house? Or a backyard office? Maybe a whole new house? Consider an alternative space, like converting an old shipping container.

Building Breakthroughs: Portable CNC

A CNC machine is typically really big—and really expensive. Smart home tech expert Ross Trethewey introduces a new portable PC-controlled manufacturing machine that can easily travel from jobsite to workshop, providing the same level of customization and accuracy as its much larger predecessor.