It’s a lot of fun to start working with wood. It makes no difference what you try to accomplish, whatever it is woodworking is a craft that is high in demand. It does take some learning however, but the more you know, the more enjoyable woodworking becomes. With enough practice, you’ll be building spectacular pieces that you’re proud of.
Understand that safety should be your top concern with woodworking. Proper tool use and safety equipment are important when you are woodworking. Never remove any guards off of your power tools that are there to protect you. Ending up in the emergency room is not a good way to end a woodworking project.
If you will be using stain, always do a test on an inconspicuous area, or scrap of wood. By doing this, you can prevent unwanted surprises in the event that the stain color turns out differently than you expected. Wood can be unpredictable, so you can avoid mistakes and disappointment by doing this simple test.
Your workbench height is important. It should hit at your midline. This will give you the optimum height for a perfect workbench.
You should stir stains and finishes before using them. They should never be shaken. Certain ingredients in such items tend to settle with time. Shaking can lead to bubbling, though, which causes its own set of problems. Make sure you stir properly, until everything is even and smooth.
Select the appropriate kind of wood for your projects. Some woods are not as strong as others. If you don’t know what the wood will do when you’re trying to work with it, then you should learn more about it before getting started.
When thinking about your project’s budget, remember to include the cost of any new tools you will need to purchase or rent. It’s easy to just overlook things because you’re thinking of the cost of lumber and that’s all. Some of the necessary items may be very costly, so plan your budget carefully.
Understand the features of different wood types prior to selecting it for a project that is to be stained. Wood that is paint grade is not high quality. On the other hand, wood that is stain grade will stain better. Veener and particleboard are different too; particleboard may absorb too much stain, and veener may not absorb enough. Choosing the right wood turns your project into a success.
Golf Tee
If the hinges on your interior doors are loose, you can use a golf tee to fix them. Take the door off and remove the hinges, then lightly tap the golf tee into the screw holes. Get rid of the excess part of the tee by cutting it and put the door back up. A golf gee thus provides the screw with something it can grab.
Make sure to use the right nails. A nail that is too large in diameter will often split the wood, causing it not to hold properly. However, very small nails don’t penetrate the wood enough, also causing it not to hold well. You should know what size you need to get the job done.
Always keep your eyes open for furniture that someone is getting rid of. You may be able to get wood furniture cheap or even free. Always review your options before deciding. A dresser that seems too short may be great for conversion into a bookshelf.
You never know when something you don’t want in your eyes will go straight in their direction. Forgetfulness when it comes to wearing safety goggles could lead to a permanent loss of sight. Make sure that your goggles fit properly.
Prior to sanding, wet down the surface you’re going to work on. A wet surface has a raised grain. This will allow you to eliminate fine scratches. Which in turn will cause it to have a more professional appeal to it. It could also make you sure you’re not doing extra work later.
Drafting Square
For more accurate smaller cuts, get a drafting square. Sometimes getting an accurate measuring can be hard. Using drywall squares is inaccurate and carpenter squares need to be fastened to edges that make them cumbersome. The best tool to use, however, is a drafting square, which you can find at an art store. They are easier to work with and more accurate.
Measure twice and cut once is an old adage that should be followed. Measure three times if your materials are costly! Mistakes are frequently made at measuring time. Measuring will help you avoid cutting your lumber incorrectly.
When planning a big project, check out similar plans online. You don’t have to duplicate what they did, but you can get a pretty good jumping off point. Whether the plans give you new ideas or calculations you didn’t previously consider, you’ll benefit.
Now that you have read through the above suggestions, put them to use to help you improve your woodworking skills. You will still have much to learn to home your craft, but you should be open to more information. Don’t let mistakes stop you from learning. Mistakes are natural. Good luck!