Woodworking is a skill that has been valued since the beginning of time. Many woodworkers enjoy it from an artistic point of view while others enjoy creating larger, more functional items. But whatever it is that you enjoy about woodworking, here are some tips to help you enjoy it even more.
Make your own reusable sanding blocks. Make a list of each sandpaper grit that you typically use, and then cut a full six blocks for each from scrap plywood, 3/4″ thick. Be certain they are approximately 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. Use some spray adhesive on your blocks and the cork tile. Cut the sandpaper with a utility knife to better fit your block. Use spray glue on sandpaper and stick it to the block. At the end, trim the sandpaper and label each block.
Try using duct tape to create a level spot. If you’ve used your table saw on a base that’s mobile, you should be able to easily pull it in and out. To really finish it up, find a level spot on your floor. This also helps you saw boards without obstruction. Mark your wheel positions using duct tape that is brightly colored, and then roll the saw to that same flat spot each time you need to saw.
When sanding a piece of lumber, a lot of sawdust and debris is produced. To help remove those bits of dust and debris from your project vacuum the area. Then, remove the remaining debris using a tack cloth. Wipe both sides of the lumber to remove all traces of debris for best results.
Never skip sanding when it is necessary or think that staining hides imperfections in the wood. Wood with scratches, dents and nicks absorbs much more finish or stain than wood that is smooth. When you skip sanding or do not do a thorough job of it, the imperfections stand out even more because of the increased absorption.
Test the color of a stain before doing the complete stain on more visible areas. Wood is never predictable, so a stain may not look the way you expect or need it to when applied to the wood you are using. When you test the stain in a spot that’s not easily visible, you prevent having a project turn out badly.
If your door hinges are loose, you can use a golf tee to fix them. Remove hinges and door from door frame and lightly tap one golf tee inside each of the screw holes. If there is excess golf tee, cut it off before reinstalling the hinges and door. The screw has something to bite on with the golf tee.
Do you lose drill press key chucks often? A good way to keep them within reach is to drill a hole somewhere on the drill press they fit. On top of the press is a good place, where you can see it. Drill a small hole the exact same size of the chuck’s crossbar and it will fit in perfectly.
When you find a nice level spot on your workshop floor for your table saw, it can be difficult finding the same spot after you put your saw away. When you do find a level spot, use duct tape on the floor so you know where to position your table saw next time you need it.
Carefully going over your plan is crucial with woodworking. Understand everything in full to see if anything is left out. If you do not understand them or they are incomplete, go to your local home improvement store and see if someone can help you figure them out.
Make use one of the beveled inner part of a pencil sharpener. If you mount it on a small shaft, you can use it in a drill. It a good tool for shaping smaller pieces. When it gets dull, just sharpen it on an emery cloth by running the drill on a slow speed.
Look to video to learn different woodworking techniques. Seeing woodworking in action is a really powerful way to learn. It is, after all, a very hands on skill you’re picking up. Look to YouTube as a start. There are many videos there going over top skills related to woodworking.
Give yourself ample time for a woodworking project. A project may look simple on paper, but in reality it can be multiple hours or even multiple days. Plan ahead to make sure that you are set in terms of the necessary time. If a project stretches on for weeks because of poor planning, it may end up never getting done.
Take the time to read all instructions before beginning any woodworking project. Doing this will help ensure that you understand all the steps involved and have all the necessary tools and supplies needed to complete the project. Gather the necessary materials and tools before beginning. Then, measure and cut each piece of lumber.
If you plan to make indentations which aren’t deep, consider using a raised-letter bit. Straight bits will rip up the grain of the wood when trying to create a circular cavity, plus it leads to lots of sanding when you’re done. The raised-letter bit is intended for this type of work, leaving a clean surface once done.
If you don’t have a shop to do your woodworking in, then clear out an outdoor space to work in and make sure your family and children know that it is off limits to them. This will help keep your tools all in one place and to keep them from being taken off by other family members.
Do not overload one outlet with a lot of power tools. If you do that, you may trigger a short circuit. Try to spread out where you plug in your tools. After you are done with a certain power tool, put it away if you no longer need to use it.
As you already know, woodworking can be a very useful and creative hobby. There is a lot of creativity and enjoyment that goes into creating items of wood. Hopefully the tips from above will enhance your woodworking efforts and inspire you to make even more works of art to enjoy.