If woodworking is something you have been considering, then you’ve likely put some mental time into how to begin. It is hard if you don’t know exactly what to do, but practice and creativity help a lot. There are many different areas of pursuit in woodworking, and in this article we will discuss a few of them.
Make your own reusable sanding blocks. First cut 6 blocks from scrap plywood, one for each grit of sandpaper you like to use. Cut them to 2.5″ by 4.75″. Spray some adhesive on your blocks and on the cork tile. Apply the cork to the block and use a utility knife to cut the cork flush with the block. After spraying adhesive on a sheet of sandpaper, place it on the block face of each cork. Lastly, put the sandpaper flush to the cork, labeling all blocks.
When creating crosscut guides, use a stair gauge. With a carpenter’s square these can be clamped down to match up the stair jack. Mark each notch. If you place them on the tongue you’re using for your carpenter square, that combo is a good crosscut guide for your circular saw.
Use the right wood for your project. When it comes to woodworking, some woods can not handle the stresses that other woods can. If you don’t know how different types of wood will work, spend time learning about both the wood and the project you wish to complete.
If you need to buy or rent tools, include that cost in your budget. It is easy to miss the extra expense when you are too busy thinking about the cost of the wood. Consider all expenses as a whole to see if the cost is workable with your budget.
You should have at least a working knowledge about the most common woods and their characteristics. Each type is different. The trees that these woods come from could take the stain differently. Splintering will also be different depending on the type of cuts you use. You will also encounter a lot of different grains. Take these different characteristics in mind when planning a project.
Ensure the blade is in proper condition prior to sawing. Dull blades can make simple sawing nearly impossible. It could also lead to costly errors, depending on what type of wood you are using.
Buy nails in the right size and of the right material for each job. Too large of a nail can split your wood, resulting in it not holding properly. But using a nail which is not big enough may not penetrate the wood properly and will not hold the pieces together. You must be able to determine the right size for the job.
Add some extra spring to your grip. There are some times when you have to try using a spring clamp, but you may just be only able to use a single hand. These clamps can be difficult to open without the use of both hands. However, it can be made easier. Before gluing anything, first put clamps on scraps of wood. This makes them near the maximum capacity so they’re easier to use with one hand.
If you are just starting a project, make sure to read the plans many times. Understand the plans and makes sure they aren’t missing any steps or information. If there is anything that you don’t understand, see if anyone at your local home improvement store can help you.
Beer is enjoyable on a hot weekend. However, working with a saw and drinking is a terrible combination. Never work on a project when you are drinking alcohol. Also, you never want to use illegal drugs or prescription medication when woodworking.
You don’t know when you’ll be working with wood and something will fly at your eyes. You should always wear your safety glasses while working. Make no exceptions and then you’ll always be protected. Get a different pair of goggles if you cannot see well with the pair that you have.
Woodworking is an art. Hopefully, you have learned something here that you can use in your shop. You will be ready to start dreaming up ideas to make your own furniture or even making woodworking items to start your own business with the info shared here. You won’t know what you can do until you try!