Woodworking has long been a hobby enjoyed by people around the world. Some people actually earn a good living from woodworking as their career. If you would like to feel the enjoyment of creating something from wood, the tips below can help you.

Anytime that you begin a new project you must consider your safety first. Always start a job with the proper safety gear and follow instructions for using the tools properly. Do not remove any safety guards from tools because they are there for your protection. Hospitalization is not the goal of woodworking.

TIP! Make your own reusable sanding blocks. First cut 6 blocks from scrap plywood, one for each grit of sandpaper you like to use.

Do you know how to find the best height for your workbench? Your work bench’s perfect height can be found by measuring how far it is between the floor and your waist’s midline. This distance will provide you with the best height for your workbench.

Gel Stains

Gel stains are great for furniture. Liquid stains have a tendency to run but gel stains will stay in place better, without running. Not only that, but gel stains tend to be thicker than liquid, so that the pigment is consistent, which makes for a more even stain on vertical and horizontal pieces.

TIP! Use stair gauges to guide your crosscuts. Clamp them on the carpenter’s square.

Before gluing your project together, you should try dry fitting first to make sure the pieces fit together properly. If you’re trying to fix things up after you have glue on your piece, there is a chance that you’re going to damage the project. Using dry-fit will show you where to put the pieces should go.

You can simply fix some hinges with a golf tee if you are working on an interior door. Take the door and its hinges off of the frame, then, tapping gently, place golf tees into the screw holes. Cut the excess, then put the door back on. The screw can then “bite” into the golf tee.

Have some more spring when you’re working with your grip. There are some times when you have to try using a spring clamp, but you may just be only able to use a single hand. This isn’t a simple task! There is a way to make it easier. Before you apply the glue, open the clamps you need and place them on scrap wood using both hands. This makes opening them with one hand unnecessary.

TIP! Gel stains are fantastic when you stain furniture. Gel stains can stick to lumber well, while liquid ones can run.

Be sure you have the right kind of ear protection. Machinery causes a lot of noise, which can damage your ears. You can lose your hearing if you aren’t careful. You can buy disposable plugs for your ears, or get a good pair of headphones. Regardless of your personal choice of ear protection, make certain you always use them when woodworking.

Wear safe footwear when you are in the shop working on projects. There will be nails, pieces of wood and tools around. You need to be safe when working in your shop. Protecting your feet is important and will keep you from getting injured. Use strong shoes intended for the workplace to protect your feet.

Avoid being a perfectionist with tape measures. Story sticks are useful, and you can always gradually work your way up to a cut. Cut on scrap wood initially; this allows you to try out a fitting. It’s best to go into your project well-prepared.

TIP! You should do a dry fitting before you apply glue and try to piece woodworking pieces together. This will give you the ability to make the necessary adjustments if need be.

No matter if you are a newcomer or a seasoned craftsman, the advice above can make woodworking go smoother. As you go over and utilize what you’ve learned here, you’ll be more likely to create a masterpiece. The research you have done here can really help boost your skills.