What can you find out about woodworking? Doesn’t it merely entail cutting some wood and attaching it to other pieces? There is actually quite a bit of skill necessary to produce quality pieces. The more you find out about woodworking, the more enjoyable the craft can be for you.
Opt for gel stains when staining furniture. Liquid stains have a tendency to run but gel stains will stay in place better, without running. Also, because your gel stains are a lot thicker their pigment is going to be consistent while applying it so that the stain is more even on vertical and horizontal pieces.
Most people find that the ideal tool for cutting laminate is a good pair of tin snips. They will make it easy for you to cut quickly and easily and get the laminate to a size that is usable. Try designating a pair of snips for laminate cutting so that they stay sharp.
A stair gauge is a great tool to keep in your shop. These gauges are used to lay out stair jacks but they are also very useful if you need something to clamp a carpenter’s square. That makes the carpenter square a guide for the circular saw. Also, it will improve the quality of each cut.
Always know the specific characteristics of the wood you are working with before you begin a staining project. Paint grade wood is generally of lower quality and stain grade has better grain patterns. Along the same lines, veneer is very different from particleboard because the former will not necessarily absorb stain properly; however, the latter typically absorbs too much stain. Getting the right wood helps ensure your project turns out the way you expect.
Learn the characteristics of different kinds of wood. Every kind of wood will be different to work with. Stains can look different on various types of wood. The grain patterns of different woods mean pieces splinter differently. You will also encounter a lot of different grains. Take these different characteristics in mind when planning a project.
Be certain you use the right nail size for any project. Nails that are too wide tend to split the wood, weakening the hold. On the other hand, a nail that is too small will not penetrate and hold the wood together. You need to know how to choose just the right size to suit the project.
Do not become too much of a perfectionist with your tape measures. Story sticks can be useful and you can work in small increments up to your cut you want to make. Using scrap wood for your cuts is preferable because you can try out a fitting first. If you have a variety of cuts, you won’t get bored.
Whether you are a beginning woodworker or not, you should always read and understand your plans before staring your project. Make sure they are complete without any missing information. If you have incomplete plans, ask at a local hardware store for advice.
You should light your work area well. You need to be accurate when you measure. Not being able to see your tools when you use them can be detrimental. To do so safely, you need to see what you are doing well. A well lighted wood shop is a happy wood shop.
Now you should understand just how complex woodworking is. If this is true for you, now is the time to explore how woodworking can enhance your life. Whether it is a personal hobby or your source of income, there are no limits when you master woodworking.