The Crafty Catsman Logo
The Crafty Catsman
DIY Breakfast Bar - Woodworking Project
THE

CRAFTYCATSMAN

Projects for Every Skill Level and Budget

The Crafty Catsman Logo
The Crafty Catsman Logo

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.

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

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5 Tips for Secret Bookcase Doors

5 Tips for Secret Bookcase Doors

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

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DIY Floating Shelves

DIY Floating Shelves

Easy version - simple floating shelves for any room

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Hand-Hewn Barn Beam Mantel

Hand-Hewn Barn Beam Mantel

Install a rustic reclaimed wood mantel for your fireplace

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Picture Frame Molding

Picture Frame Molding

Add elegant wall details with DIY molding

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Giant Wooden Christmas Tree

Giant Wooden Christmas Tree

Outdoor wooden Christmas tree from scrap wood

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Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar

Basement Speakeasy Arcade Bar

Complete DIY transformation with hidden entrance

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Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Corrugated Metal Ceiling

Transform joists into rustic industrial style

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Paint a Concrete Basement Floor

Paint a Concrete Basement Floor

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

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Spalted Maple Bar

Spalted Maple Bar

Custom home bar with live edge wood

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Rustic Wall & Door Back

Rustic Wall & Door Back

A $20 Facebook Marketplace find that transformed the arcade

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Backyard Transformation

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 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)

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xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro

xTool P2S vs Glowforge Pro

Which CO2 laser cutter reigns supreme in 2025

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xTool P2S vs Omtech Polar

xTool P2S vs Omtech Polar

2025 best CO2 laser cutter showdown

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Omtech Polar vs Glowforge Pro

Omtech Polar vs Glowforge Pro

2025 laser cutter comparison guide

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xTool P2 vs P2S

xTool P2 vs P2S

Which model is right for your projects?

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xTool P2S vs F1

xTool P2S vs F1

Which laser engraver fits your needs?

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xTool P2 vs Glowforge vs Gweike

xTool P2 vs Glowforge vs Gweike

Comparing top laser cutters for DIY enthusiasts

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XCarve vs xTool P2

XCarve vs xTool P2

Laser engraver vs CNC router comparison

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xTool Apparel Printer Review

xTool Apparel Printer Review

DTF comparison, features and FAQs

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Carvera Air Review

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

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

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Backyard Transformation

Small Backyard Transformation

DIY projects to makeover your small backyard

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DIY Outdoor Wooden Christmas Tree made from scrap wood

Winter Wonderland Decor

DIY winter decoration projects

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DIY Picture Frame Molding

DIY Picture Frame Molding

Add elegant wall details with DIY molding

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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

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Polyurethane 101

Polyurethane 101

Complete guide to applying polyurethane properly

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Hardwood & Softwood Guide

Hardwood & Softwood Guide

Wood species, uses, regions, and properties

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Top Orbital Sanders

Top Orbital Sanders

Best 3 orbital sanders for wood surfaces

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The Screwdriver

The Screwdriver

The history of a toolbox staple

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The Pencil

The Pencil

An unsung hero in the woodworker's toolbox

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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

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Laser Cutting Cost Calculator

Estimate project expenses for laser cutting operations

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Cut List Calculator

Optimize material usage for your woodworking projects

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Bookcase Door Calculator

Design your hidden door with our specialized calculator

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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

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All Things Whiskey

All Things Whiskey

Guides for whiskey enthusiasts

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Winter Wonderland Decor

Winter Wonderland Decor

DIY winter decoration projects

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Ray-Ban Meta Review

Ray-Ban Meta Review

Smart glasses for hands-free photos & videos

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Flaviar's Advent Calendar

Flaviar's Advent Calendar

The 2023 whiskey advent calendar reviewed

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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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