Woodworking is a hobby enjoyed by thousands of people. You may wonder where to start. Instead of wasting time worrying, take small steps. This article can help you accomplish that.

If you plan on staining your project, try using pre-stain conditioner on your wooden surfaces. A pre-stain conditioner helps keep away any irregularities or blotches in the wood. These conditioners are going to help smooth out the wood so that the stain can get into it more evenly.

TIP! Do not use fingers as guides when you cut narrow wood. Use a piece of thin wood instead to help push along the piece.

Are you aware that the workbench height is key to success of crafting a good piece of work? It should hit at your midline. A perfect height will help you be more efficient.

Use the right sized nail for a job. Using improper nails is a common mistake make by beginners. Too large of a nail can split your wood, resulting in it not holding properly. However, very small nails don’t penetrate the wood enough, also causing it not to hold well. You should always choose the right size nail for the project you are working on.

Add some extra spring to your grip. You might need to use spring clamps, but you may only have one free hand. It can be difficult to open one with just one hand. However, it can be made easier. Before you start the glue process, with your free hands place the clamps on a piece of random scrap wood. This will help you to maximize your efficiency while cutting.

TIP! Know all about the wood you are getting prior to purchasing it, especially if you plan to stain it. Paint grade indicates that the wood is not of high quality, while stain grade indicates that the wood has a grain pattern that is suitable for staining wood.

Is there a screw that needs tightening, but it is located in an unreachable spot? The answer is in your toolbox. Grab a long handle screwdriver and a 12 point socket. Put the socket onto the end of your screwdriver, then attach this to your ratchet.

Footwear is an important component of your safety equipment. There will be nails, staples, screws and more littering your floor. You want to make sure you’re preventing your feet from injury. If you are not confident that your shoes are adequate protection you should definitely invest in a better pair.

Find wood which is recycled. Scraps can be discarded which are a boon for your projects. Home improvement stores, flooring contractors and other places often have scrap wood. Take advantage of this and look for pieces that might help your project. This can help you save money.

TIP! Keeping a ruler in a pocket can be a good idea, however sometimes it can be frustrating if it falls out. To reduce this problem, you could get a metal ruler and put the ruler in the same place as where you store your magnet.

You might not be the expert woodworker just yet, but you’re on your way to becoming better at the art with the advice you’ve just read. Keep on learning how to improve your skills and creations. Explore all of your woodworking options to see what you can make!