Do you enjoy working with wood? Have you given it a shot before, or are you currently a seasoned pro? This article provides some valuable information for the craft of woodworking, whatever type you are involved in. Keep reading so that you can learn more about this wonderful art.
Test your stains on scraps of wood or inconspicuous areas of the piece you’re using. This can help you avoid surprises in case your stain color is different after you’ve applied it. Wood is not always predictable, so you can stay away from disappointment and mistakes with this easy test.
Your workbench’s height is important in woodworking. Starting from your waist midline, measure the distance down to the floor; this is your ideal workbench height. This is the best height for a workbench.
Stir stains and finishes instead of shaking them to mix. These can settle can must be stirred. Shaking can cause bubbling and prevent it from mixing well. Stir as best as you can to prevent this from happening.
Gel Stains
Gel stains are something that you can get a lot of use out of when you’re staining items that are going to be used for furniture. Gel stains will adhere much better to your wood. 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.
If you need to rent a tool for woodworking, lease one from a tool company and ask them how to use it. Many times, they have specialist that can give you some great instruction. Also inquire if they have any literature that includes tips on how to use the tool.
Understand the features of different wood types prior to selecting it for a project that is to be stained. Lower quality wood will be called paint grade. Stain grade will be of higher quality and have a nicer finish. Similarly, particleboard and veneer are very different; veneer does not always absorb enough stain, while particleboard absorbs too much. Choosing the correct piece of wood helps turn the project you work into something special.
Keep a ruler inside your pocket, and make sure it stays put. To solve this problem, purchase a metal ruler and keep it next to a small telescoping magnet in your pocket. Keep the ruler and the magnet in the same pocket. The ruler will stay in place.
Dull Blades
Always check blade conditions before you saw. Dull blades make work harder, plus they are a safety hazard, especially on power saws. Dull blades can also create expensive mistakes.
Add spring to the grip. Trying to make use of a spring clamp when you only have one free hand is not always easy. It can very hard to open these up just using one hand. There are ways to make this easier. Before gluing anything, first put clamps on scraps of wood. This allows you to use one hand because it will put them close to their maximum capacity.
Avoid becoming too perfect with only using tape measures. Story sticks can be useful and you can work in small increments up to your cut you want to make. Making your cuts first on scrap wood will help you try out a fitting before you move to that final cut. Having more than one way to approach a cut keeps things fresh and interesting, avoiding boredom and accidents from mental lapses.
You can make your own custom sized sanding block. This makes it easy for you to control the sanding and also isn’t as hard on your hands. Scrap plywood can be used to create your own. Use spray glue and apply the sandpaper.
Just one extension cord is always safer that a tangle of cords linked together. When not using a tool, unplug it. Then, plug in the tool you are going to use. This easy tip for woodworking will avoid tripping hazards, and diminish your electrocution risks.
Plan out a woodworking budget. Figure out what the materials are going to cost you. Know the precise amount that you will need to spend on the necessary items. Nothing is worse than having to give up on a project due to a lack of funds.
If you’re trying to get a large project underway, think about researching it online first. You don’t have to copy the plans, but they can give you an idea of what to do. You might find a calculation you hadn’t thought of, or a new idea for materials.
Be aware of every step you’ll need to make prior to starting your project. You don’t want to glance at the instructions once then realize later that you’ve made an error. It is not too much to read the directions three or four times.
It is time for you to pick up your hammer and chisel and start working with wood. Let intimidation fall by the wayside and tackle your dreams. It will take you some dedication and time if you’d like to do more with woodworking, but you probably have those things already. Your personal practices, habits and inspiration determine the rest.