Having a woodworking business that’s successful is not easy. Working hard and being dedicated to the craft is a must, but first you need to gain the necessary knowledge on how to run this business. Use the tips that work best for your needs. Read other tips. Keep reading to learn more.

Use pre-stain conditioners if you’re going to stain the wood. If you use pre-stain conditioners on your project, you’re going to be not as likely to have irregularities on the project when you’re done. They smooth the wood, allowing the stain to set correctly.

TIP! Use stair gauges as a crosscut guide. With a carpenter’s square these can be clamped down to match up the stair jack.

Before staining your project, test the stain in a hard to see area, or, better yet, on a piece of scrap wood of the same type. This helps you to not be shocked when you see the finished product. Wood is pretty unpredictable, so doing this small test can help you avoid any errors.

You should stir stains and finishes before using them. They should never be shaken. Ingredients may have settled onto the bottom as they sat on the shelf. Shaking can cause bubbles and lead to uneven mixing. Stir as best as you can to prevent this from happening.

Make sure you choose the right wood for each project that you work on. Some woods are not as strong as others. If you haven’t been working with wood for long, take the time to educate yourself on the wood.

TIP! When you are making a budget for woodworking, consider the tools. It’s easy to just overlook things because you’re thinking of the cost of lumber and that’s all.

A stair gauge is a great tool to keep in your shop. These gauges are used to lay out stair jacks but they are also very useful if you need something to clamp a carpenter’s square. This will turn your square in to a circular saw guide. When you use the square, every cut will be perfect.

Always be sure you’re buying the right nail in the right size for the job you’re working on. If you get something too big, the wood may break and not be very secure. Also, if you have a nail that isn’t big enough it’s nothing going to hold the wood right or penetrate it. Make sure you understand what size nail is correct.

Protect your ears. The machinery gets very noisy. Too much exposure to these loud sounds can harm your hearing over time. Get a pair of inexpensive ear plugs, or buy a great pair of noise canceling headphones. Use them anytime you are using the machinery.

TIP! Your woodworking shop needs a stair gauge. They are typically used to put down stair jacks, although they can function as a clamp for a carpenter’s square.

Do not become too much of a perfectionist with your tape measures. Use story sticks and work up to cutting. With scrap wood, you can ensure that your pieces fit together nicely. When you plan your cuts properly, you’ll do a better job.

Whether you are a beginning woodworker or not, you should always read and understand your plans before staring your project. Be sure that no instructions are missing and that you understand the procedures. If there is anything that you don’t understand, see if anyone at your local home improvement store can help you.

Drinking a few beers on the weekend seems like a good idea when you feel like building a few things. However, drinking and working with saws is a terrible idea. Don’t ever drink while working on projects. Common sense also says to stay away from using any drugs, prescription or otherwise, for the same reasons.

TIP! Be sure that your ears are properly protected. Working with wood can be very noisy.

Being the best woodworker you can be will take some time and effort on your part. You have to work at it. Becoming educated about the techniques used will benefit your woodworking practice. Use this information and the suggestions offered to implement it to your situation and become a better woodworker.