There have been many great accomplishments throughout the long history of woodworking. We’ve been able to build homes, furnishings and even boats which allow us to explore the world. Woodworking is rewarding but you must also know what you’re doing. Keep reading to find out more about woodworking so you can more easily work with wood.

Before you apply a stain, test it on an area that is hidden or a piece of wood scrap. Testing first will give you an idea of how the stain will look on a real piece. You’ll get no unwelcome surprises later. It is important to avoid mistakes to save time and money.

If you plan on staining your project, try using pre-stain conditioner on your wooden surfaces. By using these products, you are likely to avoid blotching or imperfections in the final product. They will smooth out uneven texture and let the stains penetrate the wood evenly.

TIP! Use a pre-stain wood conditioner before staining the wood. This will reduce the risk of irregularities and blotches in the final product.

Every woodworking shop should have a stair gauge in it. Typically, they are used for the layout of stair jacks, but they can also be used to clamp down the carpenter’s square. You can then use the square as a handy guide for your circular saw. Also, it will improve the quality of each cut.

Be certain you use the right nail size for any project. Too large of a nail can split your wood, resulting in it not holding properly. However, very small nails do not penetrate well; therefore, they won’t hold the wood. You need to identify the proper size for your project.

Do you currently have a screw that needs some tightening but is not easy to reach? This is where your toolbox comes in handy. Grab a 12-point socket and your long-handle screwdriver. Place the socket on the screwdriver, and then attach it onto your best ratchet.

Make your own sanding blocks. Cut 6 blocks from scrap wood in the size of the sandpaper you use. They need to be 2.5″ X4.75″. Use spray adhesive on both the cork tile square and your blocks. Stick a single block onto the cork and make sure you’re cutting the cork in a flush way using your utility knife. Apply a bit of adhesive to a sheet of sandpaper and place it onto the cork blocks facing down. Cut the sandpaper flush and label each block.

TIP! Consider making your own sanding blocks that are reusable. Cut six 3/4″ pieces of plywood for each sandpaper grit.

Wear strong, closed-toe footwear when you are doing woodworking. When you are working with wood there are all sorts of hazardous objects that can land on the floor. You want to make sure you’re preventing your feet from injury. You need to have shoes that are study enough to protect you when working in your woodworking shop.

Keep your eyes peeled for furniture others are putting in the trash. You may be able to find wooden furniture items for free or at a very low cost. Think about the possibilities rather than dismissing things. A dresser may be broken but the drawers might be able to be reused.

Several hand tools should be a part of your arsenal. A hammer is a good first tool. A great hammer that you should use with woodworking will be a claw hammer. Choose one that feels right in your hand. Don’t choose a heavy hammer.

Know how much you can spend in order to create a project. Many people are surprised at how much it costs to make some woodworking projects. Do not get excited about a project before making sure you have enough money to get everything you need. This is why you should do some homework before starting to avoid surprises in the future.

TIP! What kind of budget do you have available? A lot of the times your eyes will be larger than your wallet when thinking of a woodworking project. You might just run the risk of having the enthusiasm for a project, but not enough money once you’re halfway done.

Test your chosen wood stain in an inconspicuous area. The stain could appear different than you intended, or you might have issues applying it that you didn’t intend. By trying the stain out somewhere where it won’t be noticeable, you can make sure it’s what you want. This will reduce your work down the line.

Did you know that you can actually create your own sanding blocks and custom-size them too? Start by cutting the wood in the shape and size that you would like. Stick the sandpaper onto the wood block with adhesive and allow for drying time. Then you’ll have a sanding block that you can use for this job that’s the perfect size.

When you are working around power woodworking equipment, never wear clothes that fit too loosely. Many accidents have been caused by loose fitting clothes. In order to help keep yourself protected, a fitted shirt can be worn, tucking it into your pants. You should also wear steel toed boots. This will protect your feet when carrying larger pieces.

Inquire about tutorials on tools that you are renting. Oftentimes, they have someone available to train you with the tool. Also ask for a pamphlet if they have one.

TIP! When renting tools that you are unfamiliar with, speak with the company about getting a lesson on how to use it. Many times, they have specialist that can give you some great instruction.

From the standpoint of a customer, fine woodworking is often overlooked and taken for granted. Many people see that chair and imagine themselves sitting in it. A woodworker sees a chair in a slab of wood. Learning information like you have seen in this article is what will set you apart as a woodworker and help you be successful.