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 for many tips about this relaxing pastime.

When renting tools that you are unfamiliar with, speak with the company about getting a lesson on how to use it. Oftentimes, they have someone available to train you with the tool. Also, ask if they have a pamphlet about the tool.

TIP! Be safety conscious when working with wood. Always wear safety equipment and use tools the proper way.

You need a good stair gauge in your 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 can make your carpenter’s square into a guide for your circular saw. This is a good way to cut your wood in a straight line.

Be aware of the different kinds of characteristics of the wood you are working with, before you choose it for project where staining is involved. Low quality wood is considered “paint grade” and isn’t meant to be stained. Particleboard and veneer differ from one another. Veneer doesn’t always absorb enough of the stain, and particleboard over-absorbs it. Having the right wood will help ensure that your project goes as planned.

Keeping a ruler in a pocket can be a good idea, however sometimes it can be frustrating if it falls out. Make the small ruler a metal one, and put it inside the pocket in which you have a small magnet for picking up those loose screws. The magnet keeps both objects firmly in your pocket.

TIP! Never stain an entire piece of wood without testing a little part of it first. This will allow you not to have any surprises later if the stain’s color looks different when it is applied.

You should add a bit of extra spring when you are gripping. There may be times that your project requires a spring clamp when you only have one hand available to open it. It can very hard to open these up just using one hand. There is a way to make it easier. Before you start to glue, put your clamps on some scrap wood while you have two free hands. This puts them near their maximum capacity so that you can easily use them one-handed.

Be sure to use appropriate protection for your ears. The machinery gets very noisy. Hearing loss could be a result if you are exposed to it for too long. Good headphones or even disposable ear plugs are good ideas. Make sure you wear them when working with woodworking tools.

Watch for ways to get free wood in your area. Some businesses toss out old pallets and wood scraps they do not need anymore. Search online to find ideas on how to make furniture using pallets.

TIP! When creating crosscut guides, use a stair gauge. Just clamp them on your carpenter’s square while making sure they match up.

Never stick with tape measures alone. Story sticks can be useful and you can work in small increments up to your cut you want to make. You may want to first cut on scrap wood to see how everything fits. Planning your cuts in different ways helps you avoid getting bored.

Pay attention to see if anyone you know is putting their house on the market. You may be able to increase the value of your house with your skills. You can do many things to help, such as making new bathroom cabinets or repairing the sagging front porch.

Realize that you don’t have to create a perfect piece every time. They have character, and they are your personal creations. Read these tips to become better at woodworking, and remember, practice makes perfect!