Whether you are a novice woodworker or a seasoned professional, you probably understand that knowledge is the key to working with wood. Woodworking still requires an ample amount of skill as well; however, without information and learning, those skills may not do you an good. This article hopes to pass on some great suggestions to help you enjoy woodworking.
Before you get started on any woodworking project, do some research on the type of wood you will be using. Different types of wood absorb paint and stain differently, some too much, and some not enough. If you aren’t certain about what kind of wood you will need, just ask for help.
Check out your local library for books on woodworking. You will likely find books that contain tips, special skills or even step-by-step guides that can take you from start to finish on a project. A library can be wonderful source of information that people tend to forget when they are looking for knowledge, so do not let this resource slip your mind.
Learn more about different kinds of wood and their characteristics. Keep in mind that all wood has different characteristics. Staining looks different on various types of wood. Splintering varies among cuts. And, you’ll see a wide variety of grains. Each of these things should be considered before starting your next woodworking project.
When you find a nice level spot on your workshop floor for your table saw, it can be difficult finding the same spot after you put your saw away. When you do find a level spot, use duct tape on the floor so you know where to position your table saw next time you need it.
Always keep your work area clean and safe, even when you are not actually there. Leaving out pieces of lumber with nails in them or even power tools that are easily activated in your yard can be dangerous. You never know when animals or even neighborhood children might come romping through and hurt themselves.
When applying stain, work in a well-lit and well-ventilated area. When you make sure your project is under the strongest light in your work area, you more easily spot drips, runs and any spots you missed. Ventilation is also important to protect your health, and even on small projects, strong fumes can affect you by making you feel sick or giving you a headache.
When buying wood for your woodworking project, always buy long and not to the exact measurements. Some stores will sell you wood that is cut to length. Always measure long and trim down to the exact size you need in your shop. This way if you made a minor error in measurement, you will have a little bit of extra wood to cut off or utilize to make up for the difference.
Try to find wood that has been recycled. A lot of places that use or work with wood often throw out pieces that you can use. Flooring stores and home improvement shops are always tossing away unused wood. Look for wood that you can use for projects. This will also be a great way to save some money.
Safety is optimal when you are woodworking. When you crosscut, make sure the cut’s length is set with a block that’s clamped on your fence. This will prevent any movement from your board when you are cutting. And, it will keep the board free for cutting.
Wood is an expensive material to work with. It becomes really expensive when you are working on larger projects. Save some money by using cheaper and less attractive woods for areas of the project that are not on display. Save the high quality wood for the structure, tops and front of the project.
Attached a small magnet to the bottom of your hammer’s handle to hold several nails when working above your head or on a ladder. This simple technique allows you to keep your nails handy and avoid climbing up and down the ladder when you are working above your head.
Assemble your tools and make sure they work before you want to start your wood piece. There is nothing more irritating than getting ready to work and realizing that your saw is dull or that the band on your goggles is broken. Before you plan to start, make sure that you’ve remembered to buy the right supplies, and that you’ve checked all your tools.
If you don’t want glue to stain the piece of wood you’re working on, it’s a good idea to use tape first. Clamp together the two pieces you want to glue, and then put tape on the joints. Then use a sharp knife to cut the piecs apart. That way, when you glue together your wood, excess glue will get on tape and not the wood.
Many professional recommend finishing the separate pieces of the project before it is assembled. This method makes finishing much easier and if the wood shrinks a little in the future, there will be no bare wood exposed. However, it is important to keep the finish off any surfaces that will be glued.
Keep all you blades and bit sharp. This way they will be ready cut clean each time you use them. Sharp blades are also much safer to use and less likely to break when you use them. Set a schedule for regular maintenance and know how to identify a dull blade.
Watch other woodworkers for tips. You might find that, after watching someone work on wood, that they do things a little differently than you do them. In fact, noticing differences might just help you to be a more effective woodworker yourself. Make sure you get permission first, though; you don’t want them to think you are staring too much!
It is hard to imagine a world without woodworking. Those that can shape simple wood into imaginative or useful pieces are often sought after. If you hope to be successful with woodworking, or just boost your knowledge, it is hoped that this article has given you proper insight into enjoying working with wood.