Woodworking has long been a hobby enjoyed by people around the world. Some people actually earn a good living from woodworking as their career. If you want experience the joy of woodworking, use the information in the article to get the best results.

You can make reusable sanding blocks. Use your scrap pieces of 3/4″ plywood and cut as many blocks as you need for the sandpaper grits you use the most. They should be about 4.75″ x 2.5″. Apply spray adhesive to both the blocks and the cork tiles. Apply the wood to the cork and trim the cork with a utility knife. Get a sandpaper sheet, spray it with adhesive, and then apply it to each of your cork blocks; they need to be face down. Lastly, put the sandpaper flush to the cork, labeling all blocks.

TIP! When you are working with wood, safety must be the number one priority. Be certain you always have the right safety equipment, and use your tools properly.

Select the correct wood to complete your project properly. Different types of wood handle stress in differing degrees. Always research the type of wood you want to work with before you get started on your new project.

When you are budgeting for new projects, don’t forget to set aside money for any tools you need. This is simple to overlook when creating that budget, but one that is necessary. If you need these tools and don’t have them, they can make you go over your budget.

When staining furniture, turn to gel products. Gels stains seem to hold onto the lumber better where liquid stains have the tendency to run when applied. Additionally, because gel stains are thicker the pigment remains consistent throughout the application allowing for more even staining on horizontal and vertical pieces.

TIP! Use pre-stain conditioner if you plan on staining your project. A good pre-stain condition helps to even out any imperfections in your project that a stain can accentuate.

You need a stair gauge inside your workshop. This is used for laying out stair jacks and can also be used to clamp a carpenter’s square. It can transform your square into a circular saw guide. This will help you with making straight cuts each and every time.

Golf Tee

A golf tee provides a quick and easy fix for loose interior door hinges. Take the door off its hinges, then remove the hinges themselves, then tap the tee into the screw hole. Cut off the length of golf tee that protrudes from the hole, then you put your door back up. The screw will be able to bite into the golf tee.

TIP! Did you know that the height of your workbench is vital to the quality of work you produce? To figure out how high your workbench should be, you should measure how far your waist is in comparison to the floor. This will give you the optimum height for a perfect workbench.

Choose the correct nails when starting a project. If the nail is too large, you could end up with split wood. Nails that are too small may not hold wood together. The right size is a must.

Be sure to use appropriate protection for your ears. The machinery used for woodworking can be very noisy. Extended exposure to such noise can cause hearing loss. You can get headphones or use ear plugs that are disposable. Whatever you go with, be sure you’re wearing them when using the loud machinery.

Is there a loose screw which you just can’t get at? Look in your toolbox. Grab a screwdriver with a long handle and a 12-point socket. Fit the socket onto your screwdriver and attach it to your favorite ratchet.

TIP! Rulers don’t like to stay in pockets, but you need them to be handy! Get a metal ruler instead, as well as a small telescoping magnet for picking up loose screws. Keep them both in the same exact pocket.

Create a sanding block out of materials laying around your shop. Although sanding blocks provide you with more control while sanding, this doesn’t mean you should spend a lot on sandpaper holders. Make it yourself with scrap plywood. Cut a scrap of wood for each grit of sandpaper, spray with adhesive and apply your sandpaper.

Know that you have enough lighting in your woodworking shop. When you are working with wood, staining it and sanding, you need plenty of light. This will help you see any areas where extra sanding is necessary. Extra lighting helps you make sure you apply the stain evenly.

To do an even better sanding job on wood, make sure the surface is slightly wet. That forces the grain to rise. This, in turn, lets you eliminate very fine scratches. Which in turn will cause it to have a more professional appeal to it. It may also save work for you down the road.

TIP! Choose the right size of nail for your project. Very large nails can cause wood to split, which will prevent it from holding well.

It is important to fine tune and improve your woodworking skills. By using the tips, you will soon be making masterpieces of your own. Thus, the time you spend today will pay great dividends.