The Crafty Catsman

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CRAFTYCATSMAN

Projects for Every Skill Level and Budget

Explore Projects →Featured: Secret Speakeasy →

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

Secret Speakeasy Arcade Bar

Create your own hidden basement speakeasy with a bookcase secret door, custom bar, and vintage arcade games

Difficulty:Intermediate

Timeline:Multi-weekend Project

Category:Complete Room Renovation

Related Speakeasy Components

Hidden Bookcase Door

Hidden Bookcase Door

Create a secret entrance with this stylish bookcase door

Barn Beam Light Fixture

Barn Beam Light Fixture

Turn reclaimed wood into stunning overhead lighting

Spalted Maple Bar

Spalted Maple Bar

Build a beautiful custom home bar with live edge wood

Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Transform ceiling joists into industrial rustic style

Virtual Pinball Machine

Virtual Pinball Machine

Build a high-end virtual pinball machine on a budget

Painted Concrete Basement Floor

Paint a Concrete Basement Floor

The lazy (but effective) way to transform your floor

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 for your home

Home Improvement

Transform rooms and living spaces with DIY renovations

Beginner-Friendly

Simple projects perfect for new DIYers and woodworkers

All Projects

View the complete collection of DIY projects

Hidden Bookcase Door

Hidden Bookcase Door

Create a secret entrance with this stylish bookcase door

View Project→

5 Tips for Secret Bookcase Doors

5 Tips for Secret Bookcase Doors

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

View Project→

DIY Floating Shelves

DIY Floating Shelves

Easy version - simple floating shelves for any room

View Project→

Hand-Hewn Barn Beam Mantel

Hand-Hewn Barn Beam Mantel

Install a rustic reclaimed wood mantel for your fireplace

View Project→

Picture Frame Molding

Picture Frame Molding

Add elegant wall details with DIY molding

View Project→

Giant Wooden Christmas Tree

Giant Wooden Christmas Tree

Outdoor wooden Christmas tree from scrap wood

View Project→

Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar

Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar

Complete DIY transformation with hidden entrance

View Project→

Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Transform joists into rustic industrial style

View Project→

Paint a Concrete Basement Floor

Paint a Concrete Basement Floor

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

View Project→

Spalted Maple Bar

Spalted Maple Bar

Custom home bar with live edge wood

View Project→

Rustic Wall & Door Back

Rustic Wall & Door Back

A $20 Facebook Marketplace find that transformed the arcade

View Project→

Backyard Transformation

Backyard Transformation

DIY projects to makeover your small backyard

View Project→

TECHNOLOGY

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

Laser Cutters

Compare top laser engravers and CO2 machines

xTool Comparisons

xTool P2, P2S, F1 and more models compared

Glowforge Comparisons

Glowforge Pro, Plus, and Basic reviews

CNC & Hybrid Machines

CNC routers and multi-function tools

All Technology

View all technology reviews and comparisons

Laser Cutters Comparison

Laser Cutters Comparison

xTool vs Omtech vs Glowforge vs Gweike (2025)

xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro

xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro

Which CO2 laser cutter reigns supreme in 2025

xTool P2S vs Omtech Polar

xTool P2S vs Omtech Polar

2025 best CO2 laser cutter showdown

Omtech Polar vs Glowforge Pro

Omtech Polar vs Glowforge Pro

2025 laser cutter comparison guide

xTool P2 vs P2S

xTool P2 vs P2S

Which model is right for your projects?

xTool P2S vs F1

xTool P2S vs F1

Which laser engraver fits your needs?

xTool P2 vs Glowforge vs Gweike

xTool P2 vs Glowforge vs Gweike

Comparing top laser cutters for DIY enthusiasts

XCarve vs xTool P2

XCarve vs xTool P2

Laser engraver vs CNC router comparison

xTool Apparel Printer Review

xTool Apparel Printer Review

DTF comparison, features and FAQs

Carvera Air Review

Carvera Air Review

Compact CNC & laser machine for makers

HOME & GARDEN

Transform your outdoor spaces and home interiors

Garden Projects

Outdoor and garden improvements

View Garden Projects

Decorating Ideas

Home decor and styling tips

View Decorating Ideas

Garden Closet Makeover

Budget Closet Makeover for Gardeners

$100 DIY closet transformation for garden supplies

View Project→

Backyard Transformation

Small Backyard Transformation

DIY projects to makeover your small backyard

View Project→

DIY Outdoor Wooden Christmas Tree made from scrap wood

Winter Wonderland Decor

DIY winter decoration projects

View Projects→

DIY Picture Frame Molding

DIY Picture Frame Molding

Add elegant wall details with DIY molding

View Project→

GUIDES

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

Techniques

Master essential woodworking skills and methods

Material Guides

Working with different woods and materials

Tools & Equipment

Tool guides, history, and selection advice

All Guides

View the complete collection of guides

Sanding 101

Sanding 101

Sanding basics for perfect wood finishing

Polyurethane 101

Polyurethane 101

Complete guide to applying polyurethane properly

Hardwood & Softwood Guide

Hardwood & Softwood Guide

Wood species, uses, regions, and properties

Top Orbital Sanders

Top Orbital Sanders

Best 3 orbital sanders for wood surfaces

The Screwdriver

The Screwdriver

The history of a toolbox staple

The Pencil

The Pencil

An unsung hero in the woodworker's toolbox

DIY CALCULATORS

Handy tools to help plan and execute your DIY projects

Woodworking Calculators

Tools for furniture and woodworking projects

Home Improvement

Calculators for renovation and home projects

Cost Estimators

Tools to estimate project costs and materials

All Calculators

View all available calculators and tools

Board Foot Calculator

Calculate lumber volume and cost for your woodworking projects

Laser Cutting Cost Calculator

Estimate project expenses for laser cutting operations

Cut List Calculator

Optimize material usage for your woodworking projects

Bookcase Door Calculator

Design your hidden door with our specialized calculator

SPECIALTY TOPICS

Unique content for specific interests and seasonal themes

Virtual Pinball Machine

Virtual Pinball Machine

Build a high-end virtual pinball machine on a budget

View Content→

All Things Whiskey

All Things Whiskey

Guides for whiskey enthusiasts

View Content→

Winter Wonderland Decor

Winter Wonderland Decor

DIY winter decoration projects

View Content→

Ray-Ban Meta Review

Ray-Ban Meta Review

Smart glasses for hands-free photos & videos

View Content→

Flaviar's Advent Calendar

Flaviar's Advent Calendar

The 2023 whiskey advent calendar reviewed

View Content→

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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