The skill of woodworking is one that appeals to many. Many, however, do not know how to get started with this hobby. Today is the day to learn. All the information you could want on this subject is in this article. Keep reading and learn more about this fascinating subject.

Always apply a pre-stain conditioner to the wood you want to stain. The benefit of using a conditioner is that it will help the stain to go on evenly, ensuring the best results possible. They will smooth out uneven texture and let the stains penetrate the wood evenly.

TIP! Try making reusable sanding blocks by yourself. For each sandpaper grit that you usually use, cut six blocks from a scrap of three-quarter inch plywood.

Before staining your project, test the stain in a hard to see area, or, better yet, on a piece of scrap wood of the same type. This can help you avoid surprises in case your stain color is different after you’ve applied it. Wood tends to be unpredictable, so avoid disappointment and mistakes by doing a simple test.

Gel Stains

One of the more recent developments in stains are gel stains. Traditional liquid stains have a tendency to run. Gel stains grab on to the wood better. Also, gels are thicker so they will remain consistent during the entire application process.

TIP! Ask the rental company for a speedy tutorial when renting a tool you aren’t completely familiar with. Sometimes you can even be taught how to use the tool properly which is usually faster and better than if you taught yourself.

Never guide wood through a table saw with your fingers. Use a strip of wood instead to maximize safety. This will help ensure you keep all of your fingers, making woodworking much easier.

Each shop needs a stair gauge. They are used most often for laying out stair jacks, but they can also be used to clamp carpenter squares. This will make the carpenter square into a circular saw guide. Also, it will improve the quality of each cut.

You should check the condition of your blade before you start sawing. A dull blade makes good cutting impossible. It can also cause errors that will cost you a ton, depending on the wood type you use.

TIP! When cutting a narrow wooden piece, do not use fingers like guides! It is a better idea to use a long, narrow piece of wood as a tool to guide it through the blade. That keeps your fingers intact.

Put extra spring in your grip. Trying to make use of a spring clamp when you only have one free hand is not always easy. It can very hard to open these up just using one hand. There is of course, one way to make that simpler. Make sure that all of your clamps are in the proper location before starting. They will be handy to grab with one hand as you need them.

Make sure to purchase and wear proper ear protection. The machinery used can get very loud. Continued exposure to the noise can cause some hearing loss. Use a pair of high quality headphones or disposable earplugs. Whichever you use, make sure to use them religiously.

As you see, you can become skilled at woodworking. Fabricating something from beginning to end is a terrific feeling. Regardless of which project you decide on, you can now feel confident in your skills. Get out those tools and make the wood creation you’ve always wanted. Even if it’s a silly one to begin with!