Woodworking is a skill used by man for thousands of years. It is a lot of fun and a few tips can get you going in the right direction. Keep reading to learn more about this hobby, and to enjoy many more hours of it in the future.
Tain Conditioner
Always apply a pre-stain conditioner to the wood you want to stain. This will reduce any blotches in the piece that you create. Conditioners can smooth the uneven grain of your wood and cause the stain to penetrate the wood more evenly.
Use pre-stain conditioner if you plan on staining your project. If you use a pre-stain conditioner, you will be less likely to notice any blotches or irregularities in your finished project. Conditioners can smooth the uneven grain of your wood and cause the stain to penetrate the wood more evenly.
Create sanding blocks you can reuse. Use your scrap pieces of 3/4″ plywood and cut as many blocks as you need for the sandpaper grits you use the most. Each block should be about 2 inches by 4 inches. Spray some adhesive on your blocks and on the cork tile. Apply the wood to the cork and trim the cork with a utility knife. Get a sandpaper sheet, spray it with adhesive, and then apply it to each of your cork blocks; they need to be face down. At the end, trim the sandpaper and label each block.
A stair gauge is an essential item in every wood shop. They are generally used for laying out stair jacks, but they can be used to clamp carpenter’s squares. This will make the carpenter square into a circular saw guide. Also, it will improve the quality of each cut.
If you’re using stain, test it first on a scrap of wood. This can help you avoid surprises in case your stain color is different after you’ve applied it. Wood is unpredictable so you’ll want to test it first.
You likely already know that you want to have a ruler on hands at all times, but it can be hard to keep it from falling out of your pocket. Get a metal one and keep it in the pocket that has the little telescoping magnet for picking up loose screws. This magnet helps you keep the objects together and in your pocket.
Make certain to have the right nails for your specific project. If you use a nail too big for the task, it may split the wood, ruining the piece. If the nail is too small, it cannot provide enough strength to keep the wood together. The right size is a must.
Make sure that you have the proper ear protection. Machinery for woodworking is very loud. Extended exposure to such noise can cause hearing loss. Good headphones or even disposable ear plugs are good ideas. Make certain that you use some form of protection when operating machinery.
Always stir your stains instead of shaking. 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. Be sure you stir it up until your mix is dispersed correctly and in a smooth manner.
Wear sturdy footwear anytime you are working with wood. Where you’re working there will be tools, nails, and wood pieces everywhere. You want to make sure your feet are protected in case you kick something or step on any nails. If you prefer shoes, try wearing shoes with steel toes in them. They are safer than regular work shoes.
Ensure that your workshop is properly lit. Accurate measurements are essential in woodworking. Remember that woodworking tools are extremely sharp. You also have to see well too or else you could get injured or make other mistakes.
Your woodworking area should be well-lit. Each time you stain, paint, or sand, you will need plenty of bright light. That ensures you see any problems which crop up. Extra lighting helps you make sure you apply the stain evenly.
Gel stains are great for staining furniture. Liquid stains tend to run when they are applied, while gel stains stick to the lumber better. In addition, the thicker consistency of gel stains have more consistent pigments and allow for a more even coat of stain on vertical and horizontal pieces.
Don’t use too many extension cords. Take time to unplug tools not in use, and plug in your tools you plan to use. A good woodworking tip such as this one can prevent problems with tripping and lessen any chance of getting electrocuted.
Create a plan on paper of where you want your wood to go. It’s easier to plan for the costs and avoid getting too much or too little. Figuring out how many pieces of wood that are needed, for example, is what you can do to be sure you’re being efficient. To keep projects from getting out of control, plan ahead.
Have a budget set aside for your woodworking. Once you get a project picked out, remember to figure out what it’s going to cost you. Make a list of exactly what is needed and how much it will cost. You don’t want to have to bow out of a project down the line because it is too expensive to continue.
Do not use your fingers to guide a narrow strip of wood into the saw. Use a thin and long strip of wood instead. This will assure you keep your fingers.
Realize that you don’t have to create a perfect piece every time. They have character, and they are your personal creations. You’ll continue to improve; these tips will help you along the way.