Are you in to woodworking? Is it something you have attempted before? Perhaps you already use wood to create beautiful pieces? Whatever kind of woodworking you’re into, the following article is a great guide. Read on to learn more about the art of woodworking.
Understand that safety should be your top concern with woodworking. Make sure that you always use tools properly and wear the proper safety equipment. Don’t take the guards off the tools you have as they were put there for your protection. Ending up in the emergency room is not a good way to end a woodworking project.
Stir finishes or stains before using them. There are ingredients in these types of products that can settle over a period of time. Shaking can cause bubbles and lead to uneven mixing. Stir until everything is dispersed smoothly and evenly.
Tin snips are a great way to trim laminate that you use in woodworking. These let you cut laminate into a size you can use. Buying tin snaps is a ideal when cutting laminate and it also keeps it sharp.
Always check blade conditions before you saw. Dull blades make work harder, plus they are a safety hazard, especially on power saws. It can also cause you to make errors in your cutting.
You want to keep your ears protected when woodworking. The machinery used for woodworking can be very noisy. Exposure over time can mean you lose some of your hearing. Disposable earplugs are available, or you can invest in a pair of high quality headphones. Regardless of your personal choice of ear protection, make certain you always use them when woodworking.
When you work with wood, wear the right shoes or boots. There could be nails on the floor, pieces of wood and other debris that could hurt you. Your feet deserve protection from the inevitable stepping on a nail as well as you accidentally kicking or dropping something heavy. Use strong shoes intended for the workplace to protect your feet.
Check out Craigslist and estate sales to find great supplies. By buying used, you can save yourself a lot of money. If you are just getting started or replacing older parts, this can save you tons of money.
Drinking beer and woodworking may sound like a lot of fun. However, working with a saw and drinking is a terrible combination. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while working with tools. Common sense also says to stay away from using any drugs, prescription or otherwise, for the same reasons.
Don’t forget to stay in touch with other people. Woodworking shops tend not to have Internet access. There will be moments when you have a tough time with a project. Ask your peers for answers to questions, ideas or support. It is very unlikely that you will end up in a situation you can’t find an answer to if you follow this rule.
Your eyes are exposed to possible danger when you are working on a project. So, never turn a mental blind eye towards wearing your goggles, or you might just wind up with a real one. If your goggles don’t fit well or provide clear eyesight, find the pair that do.
Sanding does not require a great deal of pressure. When you put pressure on your wood while sanding, you can create an uneven surface. If you are using the right grit, you do not have to be forceful. Use circular motions with light pressure to sand.
Put the right lights in your shop. Whenever you are working with wood, you need bright light. This will help you see any areas where extra sanding is necessary. In addition, extra lighting is going to help you make sure that you apply your stain evenly.
Drafting Square
For more accurate smaller cuts, get a drafting square. It isn’t easy to cut in the 2-3 foot range. Many woodworkers will eagerly vent to you how inaccurate drywall squares are, and carpenter squares aren’t easy to use, since they need fastening. Instead, stop by your local art supply store for a drafting square. Not only are they a cinch to use, they are known for being incredibly accurate.
Create a plan on paper of where you want your wood to go. Your will have greater control of your project when you take the time to figure out what you need and how much it will cost by writing it down first. The project be easier when you know exactly what wood you must have to complete your project. Plan things in advance so that they go well.
Get the wood prepared for staining. One of the best ways to do this is by applying a pre-stain wood conditioner. These conditioners are absorbed into the wood grain and make it easier for the stain to be soaked up. After you add the stain, use a rag to get rid of any excess that is on the wood.
If you’re always double checking what you’re measuring each time you’re working with your circular saw on an edge that’s straight, try writing down what the measurements are from the blade to the shoe edge right onto your shoe. This should be done for both blade sides. If it is difficult to read, you can use a blank label or piece of tape as the base for your notes.
Your shop will need to have some different saws available. For example, both a table saw and a circular saw perform different functions. To cut curved pieces you need a jigsaw. Finally, saber saws will be best at trimming in places that circular saws can’t fit into.
Woodworking is here for you, and now is a great time to begin. Implement the advice you just learned and don’t be nervous. Start out slowly and over time you will see your woodworking skills improve. You are in charge of what happens from here.