If you have hesitated to try working with wood because it seems hard, you need to think again. Anyone can build wooden masterpieces if they are armed with the right information. Curiosity and persistence will prevail. The following article will give you some of the information you’re going to need to begin working with wood today.
If you plan on staining your project, try using pre-stain conditioner on your wooden surfaces. Using this conditioner will reduce the amount of blotching or unevenness on your finished project. Also, it will create a smooth texture upon completion.
Before you commit stain to wood, it is usually a good idea to test out the stain in an unseen area of the wood first. This will prevent you from getting an unwanted stain color on your final product. Wood may not react as you thought, so avoid mistakes and possible disappointment by performing this simple test.
Reusable sanding blocks made by yourself will save money. Start by cutting a few blocks from a scrap piece of plywood for all the sandpaper grits you need to use. They need to be 2.5″ X4.75″. Spray adhesive on the wood and a piece of cork. Use a utility knife to cut the cork flush after sticking a block to the cork. Spray the back of a sheet of sandpaper with adhesive and adhere the cork side of the block to it. Lastly, put the sandpaper flush to the cork, labeling all blocks.
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 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.
Dry fit your project together before beginning to glue. You can cause damage if you move things around after gluing them together. A dry-fit will give you a good idea of what components go where.
Stir your paint and stain, don’t shake it! You need to do this to remix whatever may have separated. Shaking can cause bubbles and lead to uneven mixing. Stir completely, allowing all settlement to blend evenly and smoothly.
Many people have a small ruler on them when working in the shop. Sometimes it will fall out of your pocket when you move around. Purchase one that is made of metal and place it inside the same pocket where you keep your telescoping magnet. The magnet keep both items tight in your pocket.
Now you’ve learned a ton in regards to working with wood! Use the knowledge from this article to complete wonderful projects and hone your skills. Continue learning and become a master craftsman. Use this advice and get started working with wood. Now get going and have some fun!