Getting involved with woodworking as a means of artistic expression is a wonderful thing. It is quite fun and rewarding, but maybe you need some tips to set you on the right path to better projects. Reading more about this niche will help you enjoy a future in craftsmanship that others will admire.

Safety is the most important aspect of a project. Wear safety equipment and always use tools the correct way. Never take the guards off the power tools that you use. The guards are there to keep you safe. You could get hurt if you do this.

TIP! Use pre-stain conditioner if you plan on staining your project. These conditioners will make the finished project look better.

When using stains or finishes, be sure to stir them, rather than shake them. Stains often have ingredients that settle to the bottom. Shaking can cause bubbles that hinder the mixing. Make sure you stir properly, until everything is even and smooth.

When thinking about your project’s budget, remember to include the cost of any new tools you will need to purchase or rent. This is simple to overlook when creating that budget, but one that is necessary. If you don’t have a tool, you must keep this in mind.

Try dry fitting wood before you glue it. You don’t want any surprises when you do actually have to apply the glue. You’ll be prepared. With a dry-fitting, you will have a better idea where each component should go.

TIP! Try making sanding blocks that are reusable on your own. You will need three-quarter-inch plywood cut into six blocks.

Add a stair gauge to the shop that you create. They are most often used to layout stair jacks, but you can use them to clamp your carpenter’s square. This will transform your carpenter’s square from a straight-line tool, into a straight guide for your saw. Every cut you make will be straight when you use the square to guide you.

Your results don’t always need to be perfect. Small mistakes actually make an item carved from wood more interesting. The more you work with wood, the better you will become at it. Following these tips will help you perfect your craft.