Finding you have a knack for woodworking to be an art form is a wonderful revelation. It can be great fun, and this article can point you in the proper direction. Continue reading to learn about this great pastime, and get ready to enjoy many hours of fun along the way.

Understand that safety should be your top concern with woodworking. Use the right safety gear and operate tools according to their manual. Do not alter your tools by removing the safety features. They are in place for a reason. You could get hurt if you do this.

Golf Tee

A golf tee can fix loose door hinges. Take the door and hinges off the frame, and lightly hit a golf tee down into every screw hole. Cut the excess, then put the door back on. The screw will be able to bite into the golf tee.

Is there a screw that needs tightening, but it is located in an unreachable spot? The answer is in your toolbox. Simply grab your screwdriver along with your 12 point socket. Place the socket on the screwdriver and place it atop a ratchet.

TIP! Make sure you choose the right wood for each project that you work on. Not all woods are equal.

Wear sturdy footwear whenever you are working on your wood projects. Your work environment will be full of nails, wood pieces and various types of tools. You want to make sure your feet are protected in case you kick something or step on any nails. Your shoes should be sturdy enough to withstand your walking around the work environment.

Avoid becoming obsessed with tape measures. Use story sticks and slowly move to cuts. Practicing on scraps first is a great way to try various fittings. Having more than one way to approach a cut keeps things fresh and interesting, avoiding boredom and accidents from mental lapses.

Look for recycled wood. Many places work with wood and throw away scraps. Oftentimes, flooring and home improvement stores will discard wood scraps and unused wood. Use this to your advantage and try to find the pieces you need to work on your project. This can help you save a great deal of money.

TIP! Understand the features of different wood types prior to selecting it for a project that is to be stained. Paint grade wood is considered a lower quality wood, if you buy stain grade it means that the grain of the wood will be more attractive when stained.

When you first start out in woodworking, a good tip is to go over the plans before you begin. Knowing what you are doing beforehand will save you time, money and trouble later on. If you find the plans hard to understand, ask someone with more experience. If they are professional plans, ask the place that sold them to you.

Your eyes are too important to take a chance with. So always protect your eyes by wearing goggles, or you may inadvertently end up turning a real blind eye to your project. Choose a pair which fit snugly and allows you to see clearly.

There are a few essential hand tools you should purchase before starting your first woodworking project. The first tool you get is going to be a hammer. A claw hammer is the best for woodworking. Go see a few in the store and select something that feels good when you are holding it. Make sure you don’t get one too heavy or too light.

TIP! Add a bit of extra spring in your grip. Sometimes you might need a spring clamp, however you only have one hand available to use.

Do not put too much pressure on yourself by expecting all your creations to be flawless. Small mistakes actually make an item carved from wood more interesting. You’ll start to do better with time, and the things you’ve read here should help you out along the way.