Woodworking is extremely exciting. No matter what you’re trying to build or create, making things from wood is a very revered craft. It’s rarely an easy feat, but there are good number of techniques and tricks you can apply along the way. With practice, you can develop the skill necessary to make a masterpiece.
As with anything involving power tools, safety is the number one concern in woodworking. Be certain you always have the right safety equipment, and use your tools properly. Do not alter your tools by removing the safety features. They are in place for a reason. Avoid doing a project and having to go to the hospital.
Create sanding blocks you can reuse. Cut six blocks from some plywood that you have laying around for every piece of sandpaper that you use. They should be able two and a half inches by four and three-quarters inches. Put spray adhesive on the blocks and the tile square. Apply the cork to the block and use a utility knife to cut the cork flush with the block. Put adhesive on the sandpaper sheet and then apply it to the cork blocks face down. You can make smaller blocks if you wish as well. These can be used for smaller pieces demanding finer sanding.
Gel Stains
Try out some gel stain next time you are staining furniture items. Gel stains work better on lumber because the liquid kind usually run. 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.
You need a good stair gauge in your shop. They are generally used for laying out stair jacks, but they can be used to clamp carpenter’s squares. This will make them into guides for a circular saw. Also, it will improve the quality of each cut.
Be certain you use the right nail size for any project. A large diameter nail can split the wood and ruin your project. Nails that are too small won’t hold the pieces together. You need to know how to choose just the right size to suit the project.
Try finding recycled wood. There are several places that use wood and discard scraps that can be useful. Oftentimes, flooring and home improvement stores will discard wood scraps and unused wood. Use this to your advantage when looking for wood for projects. This way, you can work with wood and save some money in the process.
For a beginner, one of the habits to develop is to read plans well before you start on a project. You should fully understand everything that you will need to do. If you have incomplete plans, ask at a local hardware store for advice.
There are some essential hand tools that you should get before beginning your initial woodworking project. A hammer should be your first tool. A claw hammer is one of the best that you can get. Pick a hammer that fits best in your hand. A tool that is very heavy won’t work well for your purposes.
With these tips at hand, now’s the time to take action. There is more to learn, so keep seeking out more information. Do not be discouraged; it will take some time to hone your skills.
