A half-century ago, carpeting became the predominant flooring style for homes. While carpeting has existed much longer than that, it was reserved for the wealthy. Lowering costs and higher wages led to an increasing number of middle-class Americans installing carpeting in their homes. Many times, they covered up beautiful hardwood floors with it. For the … Read more
Anyone who has ever had to cut plywood for a projectĀ has encountered the big problem of working with it: It chips and splinters along the cutĀ edge, especially when cutting across the faceĀ grainĀ of the sheet. This damage is commonly grouped together under the name ātear out,ā although woodworkers use other terms to describe it as well. … Read more
The idea of making aircraft out of plywood may seem strange to us today, but back in World War II, when there was a shortage of enough aluminum to make the massive fleet of aircraft needed for the war, plywood became one of the alternatives used by aircraft designers. The British De Havilland Mosquito bomber … Read more
Wood serving trays have been in use for thousands of years, ever since mankind started serving food on wood. While the style and material of those trays have changed considerably, modern wood trays still maintain the same sort of functionality as they did in ancient times, even though the shape may have changed. Modern trays … Read more
As the use of electrical appliances has increased in the kitchen, it has changed the kitchen itself. No longer do most people cook over fire, with electric ranges largely having replaced gas ones. Tedious tasks which used to be done by hand are now accomplished through the use of small appliances. More and more cooking … Read more