Don’t be afraid of woodworking because it seems hard to you. As with any craft, a beginner has to start somewhere. Just take the time to do your research and you should find great success. This article has all that you need in order to get started.

It is always a good idea to have a pre-stain conditioner for the wood you’re planning to stain. This will reduce the risk of irregularities and blotches in the final product. The conditioner will let the stain apply evenly and smooth out the wood.

TIP! Try using stair gauges for your crosscut guides. Clamp them to your carpenter’s square, and make sure they match your stair jack’s rise and run.

If you are going to be staining your project, test on a scrap of wood or an inconspicuous area. By doing this, you can prevent unwanted surprises in the event that the stain color turns out differently than you expected. Wood tends to be unpredictable, so avoid disappointment and mistakes by doing a simple test.

When using stains or finishes, be sure to stir them, rather than shake them. There are ingredients in these types of products that can settle over a period of time. Shaking can cause bubbling and prevent it from mixing well. Stir it well and you shouldn’t have an issue.

Gel Stains

TIP! Know your budget so you know what you can make. Many people are surprised at how much it costs to make some woodworking projects.

Gel stains are great for furniture. Liquid tends to run after it’s put on, whereas a gel stain sticks to the wood much better. Additionally, because gel stains are thicker the pigment remains consistent throughout the application allowing for more even staining on horizontal and vertical pieces.

When cutting a narrow wooden piece, do not use fingers like guides! Using a piece of wood as a guide is much safer. That way, you will keep your fingers safe and intact.

Dry fittings prior to glue application are always a good idea. If you’re trying to fix things up after you have glue on your piece, there is a chance that you’re going to damage the project. Doing a dry-fit gives you a chance to see how everything will go together when you apply glue.

Golf Tee

You can use a golf tee to help tighten up the hinges of an interior door. Remove hinges and door from door frame and lightly tap one golf tee inside each of the screw holes. Get rid of the excess part of the tee by cutting it and put the door back up. This will give the screw the support that it needs.

Now you ought to have a far greater understanding of woodworking. Use what you’ve learned here to increase your skills so you can create great projects. With a lot of practice, you’ll master this craft. Just apply all you’ve learned here today for success. So get out there and enjoy some woodworking.