Few things in life are as much fun as woodworking. Woodworking allows you to show off your carpentry skills. Also, you get to make something you’ve always wanted. Woodworking is great for so many reasons. Keep reading this article to find out what you need to know about the wonderful world of woodworking.
Don’t neglect sanding your wood. Sanding may be tedious, but the quality of your workmanship will suffer if you leave the scrapes and nicks where they are. Not to mention, those scratches and nicks absorb more stain and paint, making them stand out more, and making your work look shoddy.
Organize your shop’s extension cords to keep your shop safe and tidy. You can make your own cord keeper with nothing more than a scrap piece of wood. Simply cut a piece of wood in the shape of an I and wrap each of your extension cords around the wood.
If you have been doing woodworking for some time now you may want to think about using your skills to make your own furniture. If you already have all that you need you could even do this as a service to those that are less fortunate than you. It is a great way to share your passion with others.
Ask for a how-to demonstration when you rent a new tool. A lot of the time they have specialists that will help you learn to ue the tool more easily than if you tackle it by yourself. You should also ask if there are any handouts available that will familiarize you with the tool.
Begin small with woodworking projects. It can be very exciting to get yourself ready for your first woodworking project, but don’t let your excitement overtake your smarts. Buy only what you need, no more for right now. Don’t fall for buying tools that you currently don’t need as you may find better alternatives in the future.
Keep all of your woodworking tools in a safe and dry place. You want to be sure that your tools are not in reach of children, as well as that they will be safe from moisture and other elements that can cause them to degrade at high rate. Follow this rule and your tools will last a long time.
Do you lose drill press key chucks often? A good way to keep them within reach is to drill a hole somewhere on the drill press they fit. On top of the press is a good place, where you can see it. Drill a small hole the exact same size of the chuck’s crossbar and it will fit in perfectly.
If you are going to be doing a big woodworking project on the outside of your home, check to make sure it is within the rules. Your local government may have zoning regulations or even a permit process needed for structures like garages, decks and even storage sheds. Also check with your neighborhood association if there is one.
Did you know that the teeth on a hacksaw face forward? Many people do not know this. It is the opposite of a wood saw. These saws are supposed to cut when pushed forward. Many times the blades are not labeled for correct installation. If this is the case, remember to put the teeth facing forward.
Make sure you buy the right tool for the job. When you are building a wooden deck onto your house, it would be difficult to do all the cutting with a hand saw. Instead, you should cut with a circular saw. A circular saw is electric; however, a hand saw is not.
Never cut any pieces of wood without checking for nails, screws and other metal. While donning a pair of goggles keeps your eyes protected, you are still at risk for other injuries. Inspect every piece of wood whether you are re-purposing it or using new lumber. You are better safe than sorry with this safety tip, and checking the boards only takes a few minutes of your time.
Having a couple of beers while you get things done might seem like a great way to spend a weekend. However, working with a saw and drinking is a terrible combination. Don’t work on anything if you are drinking. This rule applies to any drug that may affect your ability to think clearly, whether legal or not.
Always clean and sharpen your woodworking tools after you use them. If you do not, the materials and debris left on your tools can make this a less effective cutting tool for your next project. Keeping them cleaned will also extend the life of your tools, saving you money in the long run.
Keep a folder of anything that inspires you. If you see a staircase in a magazine or a bedframe in a catalog, clip them and keep them in a folder for future projects. That way, when you want to start a new project, you’ll have a folder chock full of great ideas.
No matter where you get your wood for your woodworking projects, be sure to look it over carefully before you begin cutting, drilling or sanding. If there are any staples, screws or nails in the wood, you could damage your woodworking equipment and injure yourself. Be sure all any wood you work with is free of all foreign matter before you begin working.
Keep your cords from tangling using inexpensive binder clips that you can pick up at your local office supply store. To use simply wrap your cords around your electrical tools and use a claw style binder clip to snugly and securely keep the cords wrapped around each powered tool.
Now that you’ve finished reading this article, you can see that woodworking is a special hobby. If you’re ready to get started, applying what you’ve just learned is your first step. Keep learning as you progress, and soon you’ll be building birdbaths with the best of them. Enjoy your new hobby!