This is the article for you if you are interested in expanding your woodworking knowledge. It is chock full of great suggestions for entry-level woodworkers and even those with more advanced skills. Read on to reach your full potential.

Select the proper wood for any project you do. Different types of wood can handle different levels of stresses. Some are stronger than others. If you are unaware of whether a particular type of wood is suited to the project you want to build, invest some time researching it first.

TIP! If you will be using stain, always do a test on an inconspicuous area, or scrap of wood. This ensures that the stain will look as you expect it to once done.

Gel stains make staining furniture items easier. Stains that are liquid will run when you apply them, but gels tend to stick to lumber. In addition, the thicker consistency of gel stains have more consistent pigments and allow for a more even coat of stain on vertical and horizontal pieces.

Never use your hand to guide wood through a cut! Instead, a long and thin piece of scrap wood should be used to push your piece through your saw. This will ensure safety while you perform dangerous tasks.

A stair gauge is a great tool to keep in your shop. They are used most often for laying out stair jacks, but they can also be used to clamp carpenter squares. This adds a very practical element to your project that can save time and money. Every cut will be straight from now on.

TIP! Do you realize that your workbench height is key to the success of your projects? In order to get the right height, measure from your floor to your waist. Your bench will be at the perfect height at this measurement.

It is a good idea to keep a small ruler in your pocket, but you may find it falls out when you bend over because of the length. A great way to remedy this problem is to purchase a metal ruler, keep this in your pocket with a telescoping magnet that is used to gather up any loose screws. The magnet will keep the ruler in place.

Know the different characteristics of the woods that you’re using in your projects Each type is different. Different types of wood will stain differently. The grain patterns of different woods mean pieces splinter differently. Different grains will be found on each. All these factors will be taken into account when working on your project.

Before you begin any sawing assure the blade is in working condition. Dull blades make work harder, plus they are a safety hazard, especially on power saws. A dull blade will also cause you to make mistakes and harm the wood that you’re working with.

TIP! When staining furniture, turn to gel products. Liquid stains have a tendency to run but gel stains will stay in place better, without running.

Get proper size nails for your jobs. A large nail can split wood, leaving it loose. However, too small of a nail will not penetrate deep enough to keep the wood held together. So, it is important to determine the correct size nail for the job.

Make sure that you have the proper ear protection. Working with wood can be very noisy. If you ignore this and don’t use protection, you can easily find yourself with some hearing loss before you know it. You can wear headphones or you can invest in some disposable ear plugs. Make certain that you use some form of protection when operating machinery.

You should have good lighting in your work area. You have to be accurate in measuring when you work with wood. Many of the necessary tools required to make beautiful pieces are very sharp. Proper lighting is a must for all these things so that there are no injuries or major mistakes.

TIP! Tin snips can help you better trim laminate when doing your wood projects. These let you cut laminate into a size you can use.

As mentioned, the information here is wonderful for all woodworkers at any level. There’s definitely something from above that’ll help you with your next big project. Now the key is to get started on that next project!