It can be super fun getting into the art of woodworking. You may wonder where to start. Don’t worry about this and just gradually take your time. This piece is intended to assist you.
When using stains or finishes, be sure to stir them, rather than shake them. You need to do this to remix whatever may have separated. But, shaking may cause unwanted bubbling, and keep the product from mixing well. Stir thoroughly until it is smooth and even.
Select the appropriate kind of wood for your projects. Some pieces require a durable hardwood, while others can be done with a softer type of wood. If you don’t know how each wood type reacts to what you’re trying to do, spend a bit of time learning about it.
Gel Stains
If you plan to stain furniture, look in to gel stains. Gel stains attach to wood better, as liquid stains run. Gel stains also allow for consistent color on pieces since it is thicker.
When you are cutting narrow pieces of wood, never use your fingers to guide them. Instead, a long and thin piece of scrap wood should be used to push your piece through your saw. This will prevent you from loosing a finger or two, which would make working with wood very difficult.
Dry fittings prior to glue application are always a good idea. This will give you the ability to make the necessary adjustments if need be. A dry-fit helps you figure out where to put things.
Add some extra spring to your grip. Do you need to apply a spring clamp with a single hand? Opening these with only one hand can be difficult. You can make it easier on yourself. Before you begin a glue-up, place all the clamps that you need on a random scrap of wood using both free hands. This will have them easy to reach and ready to go so you can use them with one hand.
Lighting is important within your work space. You need to be able to accurately measure, which requires great visibility. Also, you’re going to be using tools that are sharp and are used to get your wood cut properly. That means you need to see what you are doing clearly to avoid mistakes and injuries.
Always remember to stay in contact with people. Most woodworking shops do not have access to the Internet. You may find yourself confused or at a loss on a given project. Reach out to other woodworkers for both support as well as answers and ideas. No woodworking problem will ever present itself to you that someone else hasn’t battled before.
Always be careful with a table saw. Use a clamped block to set your crosscut’s length. This is a great tactic to help prevent the board from jumping back at you. Using this clamping method still leaves the end of the board free to be cut.
Sanding Block
Make your own reusable sanding block. A sanding block is useful for using sandpaper, as it gives you greater control while being less stressful on your hands, however it is not necessary to purchase an expensive holder. Simply use scrap plywood to make your own. Cut a piece of wood and apply sandpaper using a spray adhesive.
You are preparing to turn yourself into a master woodworker. Continue to learn more about it so you can bask in the excitement you get from creating wood art pieces. Wait and see how much you can create.
