Woodworking is truly an art. People have been making things out of wood for years. It’s not a simple skill, but it is rewarding. With a bit of practice, you can make just about anything that is pride-worthy.

Stair gauges are a crucial part of any woodworking shop. They are typically used for laying out stair jacks, but they can also be used as a clamp for a carpenter’s square. This adds a very practical element to your project that can save time and money. If you use the square as a guide, your cuts will be straight every time.

TIP! As with anything involving power tools, safety is the number one concern in woodworking. Be sure that you use the tools as they’re supposed to be used while you’re wearing safety equipment.

It’s important to know the wood’s characteristics before you start working with it. Some woods are only paint grade, while stain grade woods are much better for staining. Veneer and particleboard are different too. Veneer doesn’t absorb stain and particleboard absorbs more. Getting the right wood helps ensure your project turns out the way you expect.

A golf tee can fix loose door hinges. Take the door from the frame than then tap in the tee into the screw holes. Cut the excess, then put the door back on. This technique fills in the missing wood and helps hold the screw tight.

Make sure that your blade is in good condition before you begin sawing. Dull blades make sawing nearly impossible. It can also create errors with the wood that can be quite costly.

TIP! If you plan on staining your project, try using pre-stain conditioner on your wooden surfaces. The benefit of using a conditioner is that it will help the stain to go on evenly, ensuring the best results possible.

Don’t be a perfectionist when using tape measures. Story sticks are good to use, and you can slowly work up to your cut. Cutting a scrap piece of wood is a great idea, allowing you to try out your fitting. Planning out a variety of cuts for your project will help prevent mental boredom.

When you are doing woodworking projects, it is important for you to choose the best wood for the job. Don’t use pine for things like table tops because it scratches easily. Wood will turn into different colors upon finishing.

Always pay attention to safety when using a table saw. When executing a crosscut, set the length for the cut by clamping a wooden block to the fence. This will prevent any movement from your board when you are cutting. The clamping method leaves the end of the board free for cutting.

TIP! Before using any stains or finishes on your wood, make sure you stir them and not shake them. Ingredients may have settled onto the bottom as they sat on the shelf.

Use these tips to make your woodworking skills better. You can always be learning more about this craft. Don’t let mistakes stop you from learning. Mistakes are natural. Good luck!