Woodworking is so much fun! Yet, there is so much to learn about it, you may be confused when you are starting out. Taking baby steps to get started will take away your worries. Follow the advice presented here to begin.
Anytime that you begin a new project you must consider your safety first. Proper tool use and safety equipment are important when you are woodworking. Do not alter your tools by removing the safety features. They are in place for a reason. These simple things can help protect you from accidents.
Spray Adhesive
Make your own reusable sanding blocks. You will need three-quarter-inch plywood cut into six blocks. Be sure to create a block for each of the sandpaper grits you typically use. Cut them to 2.5″ by 4.75″. Use spray adhesive on both the cork tile square and your blocks. Start by sticking a block to the cork before cutting the cork with a utility knife. You can then spray adhesive on some sandpaper and place it on the corks. Lastly, put the sandpaper flush to the cork, labeling all blocks.
Test an area or scrap wood before using a stain. This will give you an idea of what it will look like on the finished project. This will go a long way in preventing disappointment.
Always stir your stains and finishes instead of shaking them. Some ingredients they contain will settle at the bottom of the can, which can effect the outcome of your project. Shaking can cause bubbles which can negatively impact your results. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
When you are making a budget for woodworking, consider the tools. It is easy to forget about tools when you are thinking of how much wood you require. But, if new tools or materials will be required, your budget may be exceeded quickly.
When using stains, a great product choice is gel. Stains that are liquid will run when you apply them, but gels tend to stick to lumber. Furthermore, since a gel stain is thicker it tends to remain constant through the application process, which lets it be more even on the furniture.
Never use your fingers when guiding the cut of a slim piece of wood. Instead, a long and thin piece of scrap wood should be used to push your piece through your saw. This technique helps protect your fingers from injury.
Golf Tee
If your interior door’s hinges have wiggled loose, a simple fix is possible with nothing more than a golf tee. Remove the door and hinges from the frame and tap the golf tee into the hole. Trim the golf tee to fit the hole, then put back the door. This gives the screw a more solid base to grip into.
Before you begin any sawing assure the blade is in working condition. A blade that has become dull can make it almost impossible to saw as you need to. On a non-power saw, a dull blade can make exact cuts hard to pull off. This can cost money if the piece is cut too short.
Protect your feet by wearing sturdy footwear while woodworking. Your work environment will be full of nails, wood pieces and various types of tools. A good quality boot will keep your feet safe from stepping on nails or dropping a heavy piece on your foot. Shoes must be sturdy in order to withstand walking around your shop.
Use this advice to become the skilled woodworker you hope to be. Keep learning so that you’ll really see the potential and possibilites that woodworking offers. Discover everything you are able to create.