Woodworking is something people all over the world love to do. Some people are even able to turn that hobby into a lucrative profession. If you would like to enjoy that creative satisfaction from woodworking, take note of the following advice.
You can make your own reusable sanding blocks. Start by cutting six blocks from scrap 3/4″ plywood for every sandpaper grit you generally use. They need to be 2.5″ X4.75″. You can secure the sandpaper better with an adhesive. Stick a block to the cork, making sure to cut the cork flush with a utility knife. After spraying adhesive on a sheet of sandpaper, place it on the block face of each cork. Finally you can cut the sandpaper so it’s flush with the cork and then you can label each block.
Use a pre-stain wood conditioner before staining the wood. Using this conditioner will reduce the amount of blotching or unevenness on your finished project. Conditioners can smooth the uneven grain of your wood and cause the stain to penetrate the wood more evenly.
When you’re using finishes or stains you should always stir them instead of shaking them. It is possible that some of the ingredients will settle as time goes on. However, if you shake it, it may create bubbles and not allow the product to mix well. Stir until everything is dispersed smoothly and evenly.
When budgeting for a project, do not forget to include the cost of any new tools you will need to acquire to finish it. It is easy to miss the extra expense when you are too busy thinking about the cost of the wood. If your project does indeed require extra tools you don’t have on hand, it can break your budget if you don’t plan for them.
Get a handle on how a wood takes to staining prior to choosing a wood for a project. Wood that is paint grade is not high quality. On the other hand, wood that is stain grade will stain better. Also realize that veneer and particleboard are different. Particleboard will absorb too much stain, veneer might not absorb enough. Choosing the right wood makes sure your project becomes all that you planned.
Never use your own fingers as guidance when cutting narrow chunks of wood. Use a thin and long strip of wood instead. This will keep you from cutting off a finger, which is what you don’t want to happen if you’re wishing to do woodworking again.
Many millions of people enjoy working with wood everyday. These tips should help you whether you are new or an old hand at woodworking. By using the tips, you will soon be making masterpieces of your own. That will show that by reading the above article and using the suggestions listed, your skills will improve by leaps and bounds.