Woodworking is an exciting skill. People have been making things out of wood for years. It’s not necessarily easy, but you can do it with the right knowledge. A bit of practice will make your skills better.
If you plan on staining your project, try using pre-stain conditioner on your wooden surfaces. If you use pre-stain conditioners on your project, you’re going to be not as likely to have irregularities on the project when you’re done. The conditioner will let the stain apply evenly and smooth out the wood.
Create your own sanding blocks. First cut 6 blocks from scrap plywood, one for each grit of sandpaper you like to use. They should be able two and a half inches by four and three-quarters inches. Spray some adhesive on your blocks and on the cork tile. Trim the cork so that it is flush around the edges of the block. Spray adhesive on the back of your sandpaper sheets and attach to the cork blocks. Finally, trim the sandpaper and label each block.
Be certain you know what your budget is able to handle. Many people are surprised at how much it costs to make some woodworking projects. You start your project with great enthusiasm, but you run out of money half way through. Do the homework before you begin, so you can avoid any surprises.
Become more accurate by using a drafting square. If you need an accurate square that’s about 2″ to 3″, you have limited options. Drywall squares tend to be very inaccurate. With carpenter squares, you have to hook them onto your work piece’s edge. A drafting square can be easily used if you happen to have one lying around. If you don’t, they are pretty cheap to find at art stores. They are incredibly accurate and as useful as a tape measure.
Always put your safety first when it comes to using tools, stains and paints. The more variety you use, the more specifics there are about applications, tool use, times for drying, and more. Put your safety first by reading the instructions, wearing any necessary protective gear, and working in areas with good ventilation whenever using oil-based products or anything that produces air pollutants.
Always wear safety glasses when you are doing anything that involves woodworking. If you do not take the time to put the glasses on you are taking a huge risk that is not sensible. Just think, if you lose your eye sight you will not be able to do woodworking every again.
Before you start any woodworking project, get all of the tools you will need for the project ready. Always remember to bring a calculator and tape measure with you when you go to purchase your wood. Make sure you have any specialty tools you will need for your project available as well.
Make sure your workbench is the proper height. It really can make a big difference. It needs to fit you and how you work. Usually if you are around 5’6″ to 5’9″ you probably need one that is between 33″ and 36″ high. If you are 5’10” or taller, you may need one that is between 35″ and 37″ high. Use your bench at its current height to determine if you need to change it to work better for you.
Beer is enjoyable on a hot weekend. However, if you’re drinking and doing woodworking with tools it can be a terrible idea. Never mix alcohol and this craft. The same goes with using prescription or illegal drugs.
Keep your woodworking tools well sharpened. Dull tools produce messy work and can be hard to use. Not only that, but it can injure you if you have to use excessive force to cut. A sharp tool gives you a cleaner and more efficient cut. You can really notice the difference.
Make woodworking a family affair. Your kids can really have a great time with woodworking too. In fact it can be an amazing family bonding experience. Plus, you’re giving them skills that they can use for decades to come for their own home improvement. It’s not just the boys. Your little girls, too, can have a great time with it.
When you are applying a finish to your completed project, make sure you work in a dust free environment. It is important to sand the wood of your project before applying varnish or paint, and sand it between coats with fine sandpaper. Use extremely fine steel wool before applying the final coat of finish.
Of the surface of the wood in your project has been dinged or dented by accident, you need to remove the blemish before you finish it. If the fibers of the wood are only crushed, not torn, you can use steam to fix the problem. Fill the depression with a drop or two of water and use a hot iron over a damp cloth to level the dent.
Get a tool actuated shop vac to do double duty in your woodworking shop. This handy innovation can help you keep your woodworking area clean and tidy as you work. With your sander or saw connected to you tool actuated shop vac, you will have continuous cleanup of dust and shavings as you work. This makes woodworking safer and more pleasant and cleanup quicker and easier.
When sanding, don’t apply too much pressure. If you sand with pressure, you can wind up with an uneven surface from gauging. If you use the right kind of sandpaper with the right grit, then force won’t need to be applied a lot. Lightly sand with a circular motion and you’ll be fine.
Wet the wood you plan to sand. Water raises the grain on the surface of the wood. Therefore, this will get rid of any scratches that may be on the surface. Wetting the wood results in a finer piece, that looks professional and attractive. This will also help you have less work in the future.
Having read these ideas about woodworking, it’s up to you to try them out. There is much to learn about this exciting hobby. Most importantly, don’t ever let yourself get disheartened because woodworking is worth all your patience and dedication.