If you’ve ever seen a beautiful chair or a carved statue, you may wonder if you have the chops for woodworking. There isn’t a lot of information about it, so that’s why this information is here. Use these tips to start you on your journey.
Understand that safety should be your top concern with woodworking. Be certain you always have the right safety equipment, and use your tools properly. Always keep the tool guards on, since they are there to keep you safe. Avoid doing a project and having to go to the hospital.
Use pre-stain conditioners if you’re going to stain the wood. This will help you to get an even finish when you stain. These conditioners help the stain penetrate evenly and keep the wood smooth.
Always stir your stains instead of shaking. Stains often have ingredients that settle to the bottom. Shaking the product is likely to lead to a frothy mix that still isn’t properly mixed. Be sure to stir thoroughly, until all settlement is dispersed evenly and smoothly.
Use the right-sized nail for the project. A large diameter nail can split the wood and ruin your project. However, too small of a nail will not penetrate deep enough to keep the wood held together. Therefore, it is vital that you find the appropiate size nail for your project.
Ear protection is important. Machinery can be very loud. Exposure over time can mean you lose some of your hearing. You can get disposable ear plugs or invest in a high quality pair of headphones. Use them anytime you are using the machinery.
Is there a screw that is in a difficult to reach area? Do not look past your toolbox for the answer. Get out your 12 point socket and a screwdriver. Put the socket on your screwdriver and then attach your favorite ratchet.
Wear the right shoes while working on wood. There will be nails, pieces of wood and tools around. You always want to protect yourself from stepping on a nail, or some other item that can cause harm in the work environment. Your shoes should be sturdy enough to withstand your walking around the work environment.
You should work in a well lit area. Woodworking is something that requires you to know how to measure accurately. Additionally, sharp tools are frequently used to cut wood. These things require that your space be adequately lit for safety.
You should make sure you use the right species of wood for the project you are working on. A soft wood like pine should never be used as a top for a table because it can easily get scratched. Also different varieties will lead to different colors.
Be on the lookout for discarded furniture. You can always find great furniture that costs nothing. Don’t dismiss any piece outright. If an old dresser has outlived its usefulness, the wood itself has not. Use the drawers to fashion an artistic bookcase.
Now that you’ve studied some, you know a thing or two about woodworking. If you practice daily, you’ll find your skills improve. Use the tips here for help.