If woodworking appeals to you, you need to understand the basics before you dive right in. If you don’t know what to do it can be hard, but it takes practice and creativity. Keep reading to learn more about the craft of working with wood.

Are you aware that the workbench height is key to success of crafting a good piece of work? Measure where your waist is from the floor. That tells you the best height for a good workbench.

TIP! Try creating your own reusable sanding blocks. Cut six blocks from any 3/4″ plywood you have, for each sandpaper grit you regularly use.

Gel stains are great for furniture. Traditional liquid stains have a tendency to run. Gel stains grab on to the wood better. 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.

A good method in laminating a wood project is by using tip snips to trip the laminate. Tin snips let you cut laminate into usable sections easily. Using them only for this laminate also helps keep them sharp.

No woodworking shop should be without a stair gauge. They are used most often for laying out stair jacks, but they can also be used to clamp carpenter squares. Doing so converts the carpenter’s square to a tool that can be used with a circular saw. Using the square can help you get straight cuts each time.

Grade Wood

Know your wood’s properties before you use it. Paint grade wood is lower quality while stain grade wood is of a higher quality. Differentiate between veneer and particle board as veneer tends to resist stain, while particleboard can take on too much stain. The right wood will help make sure your project comes out how you want it to.

While you might like keeping a small ruler handy in your pocket, you probably find that it falls out every time you bend over. Get a metal one and keep it in the pocket that has the little telescoping magnet for picking up loose screws. The magnet will keep the ruler in your pocket at all times.

TIP! If you’re renting a new tool, ask for a brief tutorial. Many times, they have specialists that will show you how to use the tool properly and safely.

Make sure to purchase and wear proper ear protection. Machinery causes a lot of noise, which can damage your ears. Continued exposure to the noise can cause some hearing loss. Get a pair of inexpensive ear plugs, or buy a great pair of noise canceling headphones. Regardless of your decision, make certain to always use your protection while operating machines.

Is there a screw that is in a difficult to reach area? You should look to your toolbox for assistance. You can use a 12-point socket and a long-handled screwdriver. Just put your screwdriver into the socket and use your ratchet to get the job done.

Look around your neighborhood for some free wood. Businesses who use pallets may give them to you at no charge, especially if you can collect them. Before you go tearing them down, check online for examples of recycled pallet furniture and even buildings for ideas!

TIP! Trim laminate by using tin snips. Tin snips make cutting the laminate to size easier and quicker.

Don’t lose touch with others. Woodworking shops are generally personal spaces without Internet. There will be times, though, that you need help in the middle of a project. The best thing to do is have contact information for others that enjoy woodworking and have more skills than you. It’s really hard to find a problem that no one has experienced before.

There are some important hand tools that you should buy prior to beginning your first woodworking work. Invest in a quality hammer to get the job done. A claw hammer is the best option for woodworking projects. Get one with the proper heft for your hand. Avoid purchasing a hammer that’s too heavy.

Woodworking is a very interesting type of art. This article should have given you at least a few ideas you can use for your own projects. No matter if you want to build furniture, toys or decorative items, now is the time to begin. You may be surprised at what you’ll be able to do.