Woodworking is an interesting hobby. It doesn’t matter what you’re creating; you can’t help but get pumped. It is not always easy, and there are so many things to learn along the way. You can make something to be enjoyed for years.
When you are cutting narrow pieces of wood, never use your fingers to guide them. Rather, make use of a longer, thinner piece of wood that can push it along the saw’s surface. That keeps your fingers intact.
You need a good stair gauge in your shop. These can help secure your carpenter’s square. That makes the carpenter square a guide for the circular saw. Every cut will be straight from now on.
A golf tee is a wonderful fix for wiggling hinges. Take the door off its hinges, then remove the hinges themselves, then tap the tee into the screw hole. Trim the excess wood and put the door back into place. The screw will be able to bite into the golf tee.
Make sure that you have the proper ear protection. Machinery for woodworking is very loud. Exposing your ears to these things for a long time can cause hearing loss. Use headphones or ear plugs you can throw away. Use them anytime you are using the machinery.
Wear strong, closed-toe footwear when you are doing woodworking. There are a lot of wood chips and nails that you will need to navigate through. This will shield your feet from nails, heavy objects and miscellaneous debris. Your footwear should make it safe for you to walk around.
Use more than just tape measures. You can use story sticks and work up to cut. Cut on scrap wood initially; this allows you to try out a fitting. Planning your cuts in different ways helps you avoid getting bored.
When you least expect it, something may go flying into your eyes. So always wear your safety goggles to prevent eye damage. If they do not fit that well or give clear eyesight, get a pair that do.
Several hand tools should be a part of your arsenal. A hammer ought to be the first tool. A claw hammer is the best for woodworking. Pick a hammer that fits best in your hand. Avoid picking out a hammer that feels too heavy.
Make a sanding block that is reusable. Sanding blocks allow you to sand with more control and less effort; however, this does not mean you should purchase expensive sandpaper holders. Just use plywood scraps to construct one for yourself. Cut the wood into the right size and apply sandpaper with spray adhesive.
Try out your proposed wood stain on a spot that will not show on the finished piece. The stain may not look as you expect, or you may have problems applying the stain that you didn’t foresee. Testing it will allow you to change things. This means you’ll have to do less work later on.
Drafting Square
Use a drafting square to complete your projects. If you need to cut wood accurately at the 2 to 3 foot range, it can be difficult to measure accurately. Some people try to use drywall or carpenter squares for this, but both can prove to be inaccurate or difficult to manage. Pick up a drafting square at an art store instead. They are simple in use, and they can mean a lot to your accuracy.
Before cutting any wood, write down your plans for the cuts. If you start out with a budget and blueprint for the entire project, this helps to keep you in check as you’re working on it. Knowing the quantity of wood you need can make the whole process work more efficiently. Proper planning will keep the project going smoothly.
Create your own sanding blocks for your project. Cut your wood to the shape and size that you need. Affix the sandpaper with adhesive and let the block dry. Then you will have a proper sized sanding block for your job.
Do not throw out your wood scraps as they can be useful later. It could be useful because you don’t know what could happen later on in your project when you’ll need extra wood to help you out. Tiny wood pieces can also assist you in practicing cuts when you have a new tool.
Practice before beginning a project that uses a new technique or tool. You could, for instance, work on some scrap wood until you become comfortable with the technique or the tool. If you aren’t getting success with it, then take out a different piece and keep repeating until you get better at it.
Now that you have read through the above suggestions, put them to use to help you improve your woodworking skills. There is always something new to learn in this art, so make sure you keep up on all the newest information. Don’t let mistakes stop you from learning. Mistakes are natural. Good luck!