If you hope to discover some new things about woodworking, then you are right where you need to be. This article is chock-full of excellent tips for people just like you. The following article can take your skills to the next level.
Always apply a pre-stain conditioner to the wood you want to stain. The conditioner will make it more difficult to notice irregularities in the wood. They will make the wood smooth and allow the stain to go on evenly.
Gel Stains
When staining furniture, turn to gel products. Traditional liquid stains have a tendency to run. Gel stains grab on to the wood better. Not only that, but gel stains tend to be thicker than liquid, so that the pigment is consistent, which makes for a more even stain on vertical and horizontal pieces.
Know about the different kinds of wood you use, and the characteristics of each. Each type of wood has different traits. Different tree species respond to staining in different ways. The grain patterns of different woods mean pieces splinter differently. You will also notice many variations in grains. All of these characteristics will become features in your project.
Make sure that you have the proper ear protection. Woodworking machinery is very noisy. Too much exposure to these loud sounds can harm your hearing over time. Good headphones or even disposable ear plugs are good ideas. Whatever your choice, make sure you are wearing the protection when you are using the machinery.
Keep safety in mind as you work with your table saw. When crosscutting, clamp a block onto the fence to properly set the length. This is preferred over just using the fence alone, because it prevents your board from springing back. If you clamp, keep the board end open so you can cut.
Use some woodworking kits when you are first starting out. These kits come with pre-cut pieces of wood that you put together to make a certain project. This makes it easy to help understand how woodworking works. This will save money too because you won’t make as many mistakes.
Watch for people getting rid of furniture. You may be able to get wood furniture cheap or even free. Also, think of ways you can use the pieces from older furniture. You may be able to salvage the drawers of an unusable dresser and re-purpose them as bookshelves.
Build your own sanding block. Sanding blocks make the task much easier, add control and save you money. Just use plywood scraps to construct one for yourself. Cut one scrap for each piece of sandpaper, spray on an adhesive, then apply the sandpaper.
Make sure you have lots of lights in your shop space. Bright light is necessary when working with wood. You’ll be able to any necessary sanding areas this way. Also, having plenty of light will ensure that any stains you are working on are applied evenly.
Plan on paper before starting a project. It is best to be organized before tackling something, and writing it all down first will keep things clear and concise. Knowing the quantity of wood you need can make the whole process work more efficiently. Advance planning makes everything go smoother.
Spend some time on watching woodworking programs on TV. You never know when you’ll learn something, and you also can get inspiration for specific projects. If you’re not sure when the programs are on, just consult your handy TV guide.
Before you stain any piece, make sure you prepare the wood so the stain goes on evenly. This can be accomplished when you apply a wood conditioner. Wood conditioners help the stain be applied evenly as it soaks into the grain of the wood. After you have applied the stain, finish it with a soft, clean cloth.
As you can see, these tips will help woodworkers of all skill levels. This article has taught you something which will help your future projects. Now, go get started!