Despite where you live, you can find various wooden products. Woodworking is about taking small pieces of wood and creating useful and beautiful products. If you really want to make things with wood, make sure you use the tips here to assist you in being a success.

Safety always comes first. Always wear safety equipment and use tools the proper way. Don’t take guards off the power tools. The last thing you want to do is end up at the emergency room because of an accident.

TIP! Before using any stains or finishes on your wood, make sure you stir them and not shake them. There are ingredients in these types of products that can settle over a period of time.

Use pre-stain conditioners if you’re going to stain the wood. You will get less irregularities or blotches if you apply a quality pre-stain product. They smooth the wood, allowing the stain to set correctly.

If you rent a tool, ask for a tutorial on how to use the tool. Quite often, they’ve got specialists available that can help you get comfortable with the tool faster than if you learned it on your own. Also, ask about handouts or instruction sheets for your tool.

Before doing any saw work, make sure the blades of the saw are good and sharp. Dull blades can make simple sawing nearly impossible. It can also cause errors that will cost you a ton, depending on the wood type you use.

TIP! Try dry fitting wood before you glue it. Attempting to fix a problem after you’ve applied glue is a recipe for damage and disaster.

Don’t always rely on your tape measures. Story sticks are good to use, and you can slowly work up to your cut. There’s always time to practice a cut on scrap first. Having more than one way to approach a cut keeps things fresh and interesting, avoiding boredom and accidents from mental lapses.

Try to find recycled wood you can use. A lot of places that use or work with wood often throw out pieces that you can use. Oftentimes, flooring and home improvement stores will discard wood scraps and unused wood. This is where you should jump at the chance to get some extra wood for your own projects. You will find in time that you are saving a good deal of money on each project.

Ensure that your workshop is properly lit. Accurate measurements are essential in woodworking. Also, the tools you will use are sharp. Working with wood requires good lighting so you do the job right and stay safe.

Consider shopping at garage sales for woodworking equipment. You can find some high-quality used stuff. You can then apply those savings to other things you may need.

Having a couple of beers while you get things done might seem like a great way to spend a weekend. But you should never do that while practicing woodworking. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while working with tools. This rule applies to any drug that may affect your ability to think clearly, whether legal or not.

Always remember to stay in contact with people. Most woodworking shops do not have access to the Internet. There will be times when a project flummoxes you. You can talk to others for help and advice. You most likely won’t come across an issue that someone before you hasn’t encountered before.

TIP! Understand the properties of the wood you’re using. Each type of wood has different traits.

Your eyes are a target for wayward bits of wood. Forgetfulness when it comes to wearing safety goggles could lead to a permanent loss of sight. Choose a pair which fit snugly and allows you to see clearly.

Drafting squares can help you be more accurate when you’re making cuts that are small. It is sometimes tough to get accurate measurements when attempting to cut in the range between two and three feet. Squares can be hard to use, whether carpenter or dry wall. Instead you should go to an art store for your drafting square. They’re accurate and simple to use.

Use only one extension cord when woodworking. Correct use means unplugging a tool when you finished with it and plugging in the next one you will be using. This simple woodworking safety tip will save you from tripping hazards and reduce your risk of electrocution.

TIP! You want to be sure that you have the right size nails for your project. A nail that is too large in diameter will often split the wood, causing it not to hold properly.

If you plan a large project, consider at least researching other people’s plans online. You do not have to follow these plans precisely but they can give you some good ideas. They may give you a great idea, or they may simply provide you with some good calculations to use. Regardless, these plans can help you succeed in yours.

Woodworking is not necessarily easy. You have to have knowledge, be dedicated, and be creative to work with wood. By researching sufficiently, it is possible to become even more creative when using wood. Remember the information here to improve your skills, and continue to educate yourself about the craft. The information shared here will help to ensure your ideas and projects are successful.