Getting involved with woodworking as a means of artistic expression is a wonderful thing. It’s a lot of fun for people that enjoy it, and you can find tips to assist you here. Keep reading if you’d like to learn more about this type of craft, and you’ll be able to have a lot of fun with it.
Make your own reusable sanding blocks. Use your scrap pieces of 3/4″ plywood and cut as many blocks as you need for the sandpaper grits you use the most. You want them to measure about two and half inches by four and a half. Spray your adhesive on the cork tile and the block of wood. Stick a single block onto the cork and make sure you’re cutting the cork in a flush way using your utility knife. Spray adhesive on a piece of sandpaper and stick that to both cork blocks face down. Lastly, put the sandpaper flush to the cork, labeling all blocks.
Know how much you can spend in order to create a project. You don’t want to start on a project and then realize you don’t have the money to finish. You’re excited to make an item, only to find half way through that the money just isn’t there to complete it the way you want. Avoid surprises by doing your homework before beginning.
Know wood characteristics before buying or using it in your projects that need staining. Paint grade means the wood is of lower quality, for example, while stain grade means it has a better grain pattern for staining. Also realize that veneer and particleboard are different. Particleboard will absorb too much stain, veneer might not absorb enough. Getting the right wood helps ensure your project turns out the way you expect.
Put extra spring in your grip. There may be times that your project requires a spring clamp when you only have one hand available to open it. Opening these with only one hand can be difficult. There is an easier way. Before starting to glue a large project, arrange all the clamps you will be using onto some scrap wood while both of your hands are free. This will get them in a position where you can use them with only one hand while gluing.
Solid footwear is also advisable when you are woodworking. When you are working with wood there are all sorts of hazardous objects that can land on the floor. Your feet deserve protection from the inevitable stepping on a nail as well as you accidentally kicking or dropping something heavy. The shoes must be tough enough to endure your work environment.
You shouldn’t be a perfectionist with tape measures. Story sticks can be helpful, and you are always able to cut later. You can practice your cuts on scrap wood to perfect your technique. Planning out a variety of cuts for your project will help prevent mental boredom.
Ensure that your workshop is properly lit. This will helps you make accurate measurements. Light is also a safety issue since you’ll be working with sharp tools. If you do not have the proper lighting in your workspace, then you risk making mistakes or getting inured.
Do not forget to stay connected to others. Your shop is a place where you work alone. You may get stuck on one project. Reach out to other woodworkers for both support as well as answers and ideas. Someone else likely had a similar problem in the past.
Certain hand tools are a must for the shop. The first item should be a high-quality hammer. A claw hammer is the best option for woodworking projects. Try out a few and pick the one that you’re most comfortable with. A tool that is very heavy won’t work well for your purposes.
Test all wood stains on areas that are unlikely to be noticed. The stain might not be the color that you thought it would be or it may not go on as well as you hoped. Testing it out in an area that will not be seen can help you know if you need to change it. That allows you to get the job done right.
Drafting Square
A drafting square helps when making small cuts. Accuracy can be a problem when you are working with pieces under two or three feet. Some people try to use drywall or carpenter squares for this, but both can prove to be inaccurate or difficult to manage. Pick up a drafting square at an art store instead. Not only are they a cinch to use, they are known for being incredibly accurate.
You have to know that you don’t need to make perfect pieces when you’re woodworking. Each creation is unique and has personality. You’ll continue to improve; these tips will help you along the way.