This article is for you if you want to get into the wonderful world of woodworking. It includes many tips to help you get started. Read on and learn lots more about this subject.

No woodworking shop should be without a stair gauge. They are typically used for laying out stair jacks, but can also prove useful for clamping a carpenters square. You can then use the square as a handy guide for your circular saw. When you use this square, you’ll cut perfectly straight every time.

TIP! As with anything involving power tools, safety is the number one concern in woodworking. Use the tools correctly and wear the right equipment.

Even though it is smart to carry a small ruler, sometimes it might fall out when you are working. Try switching to a metal ruler, keeping it in a pocket with your telescoping magnet, the kind used to reach and pick up screws or nails. The magnet will keep the ruler safely in your pocket.

Increase the strength of your grip. Sometimes you need to utilize a clamp and you only have one hand available. It can be tough to open such clamps with a single hand. Thankfully, there is a tip which can help. Prior to beginning a glue-up, put all necessary clamps on a scrap of wood. This makes opening them with one hand unnecessary.

Do you need to tighten a screw, but can’t reach it? Look to your toolbox. Get your longest handle screwdriver, as well as a 12-point socket. Fit the socket to your screwdriver; then, attach it to a ratchet.

TIP! Use a pre-stain wood conditioner before applying a stain. This will reduce any blotches in the piece that you create.

Seek out wood that has been recycled. There are many places that work with wood that often discard scraps which can be useful. Flooring and construction companies toss old wood. Look around and get pieces you may need. This also saves quite a bit of money.

Take a look at estate sales and also yard sales to find inexpensive woodworking tools. It is possible to find terrific deals on high-end tools that are being sold used. This is helpful when you are starting out or want to replace something.

Several hand tools should be a part of your arsenal. Invest in a quality hammer to get the job done. A claw hammer is one of the best that you can get. Get one that feels good when you hold it. It should not be excessively heavy.

TIP! You can make reusable sanding blocks. Use your scrap pieces of 3/4″ plywood and cut as many blocks as you need for the sandpaper grits you use the most.

Test your chosen wood stain in an inconspicuous area. It helps you prevent any problems in case you don’t apply the stain well, or it doesn’t look the way you wanted it to. That’s why it’s a good idea to test the stain in a spot that is not in clear visibility. This allows the project to run smoothly.

Always check your measurements a couple of times. You might want to check them three times just to ensure that you aren’t wasting money on expensive items. More people make costly mistakes when measuring. Do not cut too short, as this can ruin the integrity of your project.

Power Sander

TIP! You can make your crosscut guides using stair gauges. Make sure that they are clamped next to the carpenter’s square when you cut.

Some power tools are essential to have prior to starting any woodworking project. Table, circular and jigsaws, as well as a drill and power sander are all must haves. An orbital sander is ideal, but any power sander is better than none.

Watch woodworking shows that air on television. They can teach you useful information and give you project ideas. Browse through your local listings to find this type of programming.

There is so much to know when it comes to working with wood. Fortunately, the tips you have learned here can help you with that. Now, you can get started in the craft and explore potential projects.