About Balsander
Clear woodworking guidance for people who build things
Balsander is an independent woodworking and DIY publication. We plan the projects, cut the joints, and test the tools ourselves, then write it all up so you can build things you're proud of.
Why we started Balsander
Most woodworking advice falls into one of two traps. It is either intimidating — a perfectly-lit shop full of five-figure machines and no explanation of why anything works — or it is thin content padded out to sell you something. We wanted a third option: clear, honest writing for people with a modest bench, a few good tools, and a real desire to make something well.
Balsander started in 2026 as a pile of shop notes between makers who kept trading cut lists, jig ideas, and hard-won finishing tips. Those notes turned into articles, and the articles turned into this. Today we publish practical guides across four areas — projects and plans, techniques and joinery, tools and workshop, and finishing and wood — all built on the same belief: solid fundamentals and patience beat expensive gear every time.
What you can expect
Every article is written or edited by someone who has actually built the project or used the tool we describe. We favour depth over volume, we update guides when a better method comes along, and we are upfront about what we don't know. When we recommend a tool, it is because we'd put it on our own bench — not because someone paid us to.
You can read more about how we work in our editorial policy.
What we value
The principles behind every article
Built, not just described
We build the projects and put the tools through real work in a real shop. If a joint is fussy or a tool underdelivers, we say so.
Maker-first, always
Our recommendations are independent. We are never paid to praise a tool, and we keep advertising clearly separate from editorial.
Craft over shortcuts
We'd rather help you do it properly than sell you a hack. Good work takes patience and sharp tools, and we're honest about that.
Plain and honest
No jargon, no gatekeeping, and no pretending the trade-offs don't exist. We explain things the way we'd show a friend at the bench.
The team
Who writes Balsander
Gordon has spent decades at the bench, from rough carpentry to fine furniture, and still learns something from every board he ruins. He writes projects the way a patient mentor would — measuring twice, explaining why, and never pretending it's easier than it is.
Ellie builds furniture in a small garage shop and has strong, hard-won opinions about which tools earn their space. She tests gear on real projects and is refreshingly honest about when the budget option is all most people will ever need.
Beatriz is a finishing specialist who believes a great finish is where good projects are won or lost. She demystifies stains, oils and topcoats with the patience of someone who has sanded back plenty of mistakes, and always tests on offcuts first.