Woodworking is an exciting hobby. It makes no difference what you try to accomplish, whatever it is woodworking is a craft that is high in demand. It does take some learning however, but the more you know, the more enjoyable woodworking becomes. With plenty of practice, you can make something to be proud of.
Try using a stair gauge as a crosscut guide. Attach them to a carpenter’s square, and use them to ensure that they match the rise and run of your stair jack. Be sure to mark the location of the notches. Putting them both on the carpenter’s square’s tongue will make an excellent guide for your circular saw.
Choose the correct wood for your project. Some woods are fragile and will break upon exertion. Take the time to learn about different types of wood and the qualities each of them has.
Gel Stains
Gel stains make staining furniture items easier. Gels stains seem to hold onto the lumber better where liquid stains have the tendency to run when applied. Gel stains are also thicker, which means they have more consistent pigment throughout the stain. This gives a more even appearance to the finished product.
Use tin snips to cut laminate that you are using for your projects. These can cut the laminate that you use to the appropriate size. Using tin snips only to cut laminate will ensure they stay sharp.
Dry fit your wood before using glue. Adjusting your wood after applying glue can cause damage to your project. Dry fitting the pieces together gives you an idea of what pieces go where.
Add a stair gauge to the shop that you create. They are typically used for laying out stair jacks, but can also prove useful for clamping a carpenters square. This can make your carpenter’s square into a guide for your circular saw. Using the square can help you get straight cuts each time.
You should have a small ruler on you. Make it a metal ruler and store it alongside your telescoping magnet. This will hold the two together, making them bulking enough to stay put.
Choose correctly-sized nails. Using a nail that has too big of a diameter could split your wood and it won’t hold properly. However, very small nails don’t penetrate the wood enough, also causing it not to hold well. The right size nails are crucial for having a successful project.
Remember to protect your ears. Machines can be noisy and damage your hearing. Continued exposure to the noise can cause some hearing loss. You can either purchase a high quality set of headphones or use disposable ear plugs. Whatever you choose, make sure to use them when operating machines.
Do you need to tighten a screw, but can’t reach it? Look in your toolbox. Use your 12 point socket with your long handle screwdriver. Get the socket fitted to your screwdriver and then attach that to the ratchet you like to use the most.
Try to find wood that has been recycled. Many places work with wood and throw away scraps. Home improvement stores, flooring contractors and other places often have scrap wood. Use this to your advantage and try to find the pieces you need to work on your project. You will save money doing this too.
When you are just starting out, get woodworking kits. The wood is already cut for you. When you are trying to grasp the fundamentals of woodworking, this is a fantastic way for you to get started. It can save you time and money as you learn the basics techniques.
Your eyes are a target for wayward bits of wood. Protect your eyes by wearing goggles. If the goggles fit poorly or obstruct your view, find a pair that fit better.
You shouldn’t be applying too much pressure when sanding. Using pressure while sanding can make the surface uneven. If the sandpaper that you are using is the right grit, force will not be needed. Just lightly sand, and keep it in a circular pattern.
Stay away from having too many extension cords when woodworking, and only use one. Take your time and unplug the tool you’re not working with and then use the cord with the tool you’re about to use. This safety tip will keep you from tripping over tangled cords and reduce the risk of electrocution.
Plan everything on paper first. Sometimes when you put things on paper and think of your budget before starting, you can keep your project from spinning out of control. Understanding what you need to complete the project helps everything run more smoothly as you complete it. To keep projects from getting out of control, plan ahead.
When working on a big project, keep in mind that there might be changes in the future. If you are building a backyard woodshed, for instance, keep in mind you may want to add electricity later. If that’s the case, make sure you have room for switches and wires to be installed, along with space for light on the ceiling.
You should always inspect your lumber for screws, nails or metal. Although this may seem silly when you are using new lumber, it can help save you from an accident. Sometimes, wood is joined with stapled bands and can stay in the wood, which could cause injury.
A fly cutter is a dangerous piece of equipment, so be careful. If you want to make the arm and bit easier to view so you are able to avoid them, try painting tips with some fluorescent paint. With them being easier to see, you can avoid them and make it safer to use.
Now apply these tips to your woodworking. You can always be learning more about this craft. Never get down on yourself, as the art of woodworking requires lots of patience.
