If you like hands-on projects, you must try woodworking. Centuries of woodworkers have honed the craft. Everyone loves a beautiful piece of woodwork, so use the tips below to better your craft.

Opt for gel stains when staining furniture. Gel stains work better on the wood because they don’t run like the liquid stains do. Gel stains will create a more consistent finish on pieces, as well.

TIP! Safety is important when working with wood. Always use your tools properly while wearing adequate safety equipment.

It’s crucial that you never try to use fingers or hands as a guide when cutting wood. Use a piece of thin wood instead to help push along the piece. This will help ensure you keep all of your fingers, making woodworking much easier.

Each shop needs a stair gauge. These are usually used for laying out stair jacks; however, you can also use it to clamp down your carpenter’s square. You can then use your square as a guide for a circular saw. This square will make sure your cuts are straight each time.

Understand a woods characteristics before you use stain on it. For example, a wood that has a stain grade is good for staining. A wood that has a paint grade is lower quality. Similarly, veneer and particle board are quite different; the former does not absorb stain well while the latter absorbs too much. Getting the correct kind of wood will help you be sure that you can expect good results.

TIP! Use a pre-stain wood conditioner before staining the wood. By using these products, you are likely to avoid blotching or imperfections in the final product.

Do you currently have a screw that needs some tightening but is not easy to reach? Your toolbox has the answer. Use a screwdriver with a long handle and 12 points. Fit the socket onto your screwdriver and attach it to your favorite ratchet.

If you love to create with your hands, have you considered creating with wood? Now that you know more about woodworking, you’re ready to make your own pieces out of wood. Use them to make your end result amazing.