Systematic Diagnosis & Decision Framework
Master the proven troubleshooting methodology: identify symptoms clearly, list plausible causes, execute targeted fixes, and verify solutions. Learn to avoid fixing symptoms while ignoring root causes.
Problem-Solving Solutions
From symptoms to solutions
Tear-Out: Prevention & Repair Techniques
Eliminate tear-out with sharp tools, proper angles, and fiber support. Learn plane configurations for difficult grain, router strategies, and zero clearance techniques with step-by-step repair protocols.
Glue-Up Failures: Causes & Recovery
Prevent and recover from glue failures with proper surface prep, clamping techniques, and sequencing. Learn to reopen PVA joints with alcohol and troubleshoot environmental factors affecting cure.
Wood Warping & Movement Management
Understand wood's hygroscopic behavior and design accordingly. Learn movement allowances, acclimation strategies, and how to build with seasonal change in mind to prevent cracking and binding.
Finish Defects: Diagnosis & Correction
Solve common finish problems: blotching, orange peel, runs, blushing, cratering, and adhesion failures. Learn system compatibility, proper staging, and environmental factors affecting curing.
Measurement Errors & Layout Precision
Master accuracy vs. precision concepts and direct measurement techniques. Learn to minimize cumulative errors, use story sticks effectively, and apply contact measurement principles for perfect fits.
Joint Fitting: Mortise & Tenon, Dovetails
Solve joint fitting problems with diagnostic techniques for square issues, tenon fit adjustments, and dovetail alignment. Learn "remove only what's in the way" principles for precise fitting.
Tool Performance Issues & Diagnosis
Diagnose and fix tool problems: jointer snipe, bandsaw drift, table saw burn marks, and router tear-out. Learn symptom-to-cause-to-action diagnostic matrices and setup corrections.
Workshop Environmental Problems
Control humidity and temperature to prevent rust, swelling, finish curing issues, and dimensional instability. Learn dehumidifier selection, EMC principles, and RH target ranges for Canadian workshops.
Quick Reference: Diagnostic Tables & Charts
Shop-ready reference tables for immediate problem identification: glue-up problems, finish defects, tool symptoms, movement allowances, and environmental impact charts for rapid diagnosis.
Integrated Prevention Checklists
Comprehensive prevention strategies for pre-build, pre-glue-up, pre-finish, and pre-machining phases. Follow these integrated checklists to eliminate problems before they occur.
Emergency Repair Protocols
Immediate response techniques for urgent problems: CA glue for tear-out, alcohol for PVA separation, emergency clamping strategies, and temporary fixes to keep projects moving forward.
Advanced Diagnostics & Root Cause Analysis
Advanced troubleshooting techniques for complex, multi-variable problems. Learn to trace cascading failures, identify systemic issues, and implement lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes.
Project Recovery & Salvage Techniques
Salvage strategies for severely damaged or failed projects. Learn to evaluate when to repair vs. rebuild, creative solutions for material recovery, and psychological strategies for project recovery.