THE

CRAFTYCATSMAN

Creative Projects for Every Skill Level and Budget

Explore Projects →Featured: Secret Speakeasy Arcade Bar →

Welcome to The Crafty Catsman

This website is for makers, tinkerers, and DIYers who love bringing ideas to life—whether with wood, technology, or a bit of both. From hidden bookcase doors and floating shelves to smart home upgrades and outdoor transformations, I explore hands-on projects that blend craftsmanship with modern tools. Laser engraving, CNC carving, home automation, and creative garden builds all have a place here, alongside classic woodworking and renovation projects.

Whether you are setting up a cozy home office, designing custom furniture, or experimenting with new tech, you will find inspiration and practical guidance to help you build something truly unique.

In fact, that's why I (Crafty) typically say "we"—my daughter, cat, or both tend to be right by my side helping along. Whether you're building a secret door or creating custom furniture, there's a project here for you.

FEATURED PROJECT

Our showcase project combining the best of woodworking, design, and creativity

FEATURED PROJECT

Secret Speakeasy Arcade Bar

Create your own hidden basement speakeasy with a bookcase secret door

Difficulty:Intermediate

Timeline:Multi-weekend Project

Category:featured

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DIY PROJECTS

From secret doors to custom furniture - woodworking and home improvement projects for all skill levels

Woodworking Projects

Furniture, shelves, and wood decor projects

Home Improvement

Transform rooms and living spaces

Beginner-Friendly

Simple projects perfect for new DIYers

All Projects

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Virtual Pinball Machine Guide

Build your own arcade cabinet with digital tables

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Hidden Bookcase Door

Create a secret entrance with this stylish bookcase door

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5 Tips for Secret Bookcase Doors

Build vs. Buy Guide: Is DIY right for your project?

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DIY Floating Shelves

Easy version - simple floating shelves for any room

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Hand-Hewn Barn Beam Mantel

Install a rustic reclaimed wood mantel for your fireplace

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Picture Frame Molding

Add elegant wall details with DIY molding

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Giant Wooden Christmas Tree

Outdoor wooden Christmas tree from scrap wood

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Spring Cleaning Garage Edition

10 steps to declutter and organize your garage

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Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar

Complete DIY transformation with hidden entrance

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Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Transform joists into rustic industrial style

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Paint a Concrete Basement Floor

The lazy (but effective) way to transform your concrete floor

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Spalted Maple Bar

Custom home bar with live edge wood

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Rustic Wall & Door Back

A $20 Facebook Marketplace find that transformed the arcade

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Backyard Transformation

DIY projects to makeover your small backyard

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TECHNOLOGY

Reviews and comparisons of laser cutters, CNC machines, and maker technology

Laser Cutters

Compare top laser engravers

xTool Comparisons

xTool P2, P2S, F1 models compared

Glowforge Comparisons

Glowforge Pro, Plus, Basic reviews

CNC & Hybrid

CNC routers and multi-function tools

All Technology

View all technology reviews

Laser Cutters Comparison

xTool vs Omtech vs Glowforge vs Gweike (2025)

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xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro

Which CO2 laser cutter reigns supreme in 2025

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xTool P2S vs Omtech Polar

2025 best CO2 laser cutter showdown

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Omtech Polar vs Glowforge Pro

2025 laser cutter comparison guide

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xTool P2 vs P2S

Which model is right for your projects?

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xTool P2S vs F1

Which laser engraver fits your needs?

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xTool P2 vs Glowforge vs Gweike

Comparing top laser cutters for DIY enthusiasts

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XCarve vs xTool P2

Laser engraver vs CNC router comparison

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xTool Apparel Printer Review

DTF comparison, features and FAQs

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Carvera Air Review

Compact CNC & laser machine for makers

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HOME & GARDEN

Transform your outdoor spaces and home interiors

Garden Projects

Outdoor and garden improvements

Explore below

Decorating Ideas

Home decor and styling tips

Explore below

GUIDES

Learn techniques, explore materials, and discover tools for your DIY journey

Techniques

Master essential woodworking skills

Material Guides

Working with different woods

Tools & Equipment

Tool guides, history, and advice

All Guides

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Sawhorse Guide 2023

Top 5 sawhorses for every woodworking project

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Top Orbital Sanders

The best 3 orbital sanders for wood surfaces

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Workshop Tour

Find out what's in TheCraftyCatsman's workshop and why

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The Timeless Chisel

A fundamental tool for woodworking through history

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The Screwdriver

The history of a toolbox staple

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The Pencil

An unsung hero in the woodworker's toolbox

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Circular Saw

Powering the woodworking revolution

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Plum Bob Guide

The history and uses of this essential tool

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DIY CALCULATORS

Handy tools to help plan and execute your DIY projects

Woodworking Calculators

Tools for furniture projects

Home Improvement

Calculators for renovation

Cost Estimators

Tools to estimate project costs

All Calculators

View all available tools

Board Foot Calculator

Calculate lumber volume and cost

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Laser Cutting Cost Calculator

Estimate project expenses for laser cutting

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Cut List Calculator

Optimize material usage for woodworking

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Bookcase Door Calculator

Design your hidden door

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SPECIALTY TOPICS

Unique content for specific interests and seasonal themes

Virtual Pinball Machine

Build a high-end virtual pinball machine on a budget

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All Things Whiskey

Guides for whiskey enthusiasts

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Winter Wonderland Decor

DIY winter decoration projects

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Ray-Ban Meta Review

Smart glasses for hands-free photos & videos

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Flaviar's Advent Calendar

The 2023 whiskey advent calendar reviewed

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Woodworking Resources

Helpful guides for woodworkers of all skill levels

Woodworking Basics

Tool Resources

Terminology

Specialty Projects

Ready to start your own woodworking adventure?

Explore our most popular project - the hidden bookcase door

Start Building Your Secret Door→

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