Don’t be afraid of woodworking because it seems hard to you. Knowledge is the key to building beautiful woodworking projects. All that is necessary is the willingness and urge to learn. In this article we will discuss some basic principles of woodworking.

Know how much you can spend in order to create a project. It is easy to miscalculate costs when it comes to woodworking projects. You begin a project only to realize that you are starting to run out of money. Crunch the numbers before you start, so that you avoid unwanted shocks.

TIP! Safety is important when working with wood. Always use your tools in the way they were intended to be used and wear safety equipment at all times.

Gel stains make staining furniture items easier. Liquid stains tend to run when they are applied, while gel stains stick to the lumber better. Furthermore, since a gel stain is thicker it tends to remain constant through the application process, which lets it be more even on the furniture.

Prior to applying glue, attempt a dry fitting. If you try adjusting things post-gluing, there’s a big chance that you’ll damage something. With a dry-fitting, you will have a better idea where each component should go.

Ear protection is important if you wish to delve into woodworking. Working with wood can be very noisy. Too much exposure to these loud sounds can harm your hearing over time. Use headphones or ear plugs you can throw away. Regardless of your decision, make certain to always use your protection while operating machines.

TIP! Use stair gauges to guide your crosscuts. Fix them onto the carpenter’s square, taking care to note that they are a good fit for the stair jack.

Is there a loose screw which you just can’t get at? You should look to your toolbox for assistance. Get yourself a long screwdriver along with a 12-point socket. Place the socket on your screwdriver, then attach this to a ratchet.

Look for free wood sources. A lot of businesses don’t need to use their pallets anymore, and might let you take them if you’ve got a means to do so. Look online and you can find a million uses for old wooden pallets. Some people make furniture out of them. Be thrifty.

When you plan to do your woodworking project, make sure to choose the wood that is appropriate for the item. Do not use a soft wood such as pine for a table top because it will scratch easily. Keep in mind that various wood types have a range of colors when finished.

TIP! Gel stains are the new big thing for staining furniture and other wood projects that need staining. Gel stains work better on lumber because the liquid kind usually run.

Make your own reusable sanding block. Although sanding blocks provide you with more control and are easier to handle, you shouldn’t purchase expensive sandpaper holders. You can use a chunk of scrap wood instead. Cut wood scraps for every grit level of sandpaper, add some spray adhesive and attach the sandpaper.

Make sure your wood shop has enough lighting. Obviously, lighting is necessary so that you can see what you are doing. That ensures you see any problems which crop up. Having enough light will also ensure you see the stain well.

Prior to sanding, wet down the surface you’re going to work on. This will help to raise the grain of wood. Therefore, this will get rid of any scratches that may be on the surface. It also gives your finished product a sleek look. Wetting the wood before sanding is a time tested way to get the best results.

TIP! A stair gauge is an essential item in every wood shop. Commonly used to scribe stair jacks, it can also be used to attach to your carpenter’s square.

You now have a lot more information about woodworking. Apply this knowledge to get better and create great projects. When you continue to read articles like these, your knowledge will continue to grow. Just apply all you’ve learned here today for success. Now go out and create something great!