Delving into the woodworking craft can be lots of fun. Woodworking is a craft that has been around for thousands of years and enjoyed by millions of people. It’s not necessarily easy, but you can do it with the right knowledge. With a good amount of practice, you should be able to build something that you can be proud of.
Before gluing your project together, you should try dry fitting first to make sure the pieces fit together properly. Trying to move things around once the glue is on is likely to result in harm to the final project. A dry-fit will give you a good idea of what components go where.
Anytime that you begin a new project you must consider your safety first. Use the tools correctly and wear the right equipment. Don’t take the guards off the tools you have as they were put there for your protection. You don’t want to start in your workshop and end in a hospital bed.
Understand the features of different wood types prior to selecting it for a project that is to be stained. Paint grade wood is generally of lower quality and stain grade has better grain patterns. Also know that veneer and particle board are really quite different. Veneer tends to absorb too little stain, while particle board too much. The proper wood helps your project come out the way that you hoped.
Keeping a small ruler with you in a pocket is a great idea, however it may fall out easily because of its length. Get a metal ruler instead, as well as a small telescoping magnet for picking up loose screws. Keep them both in the same exact pocket. The magnet will keep the ruler in place.
Golf Tee
Anytime that you are planning to stain wood, you should be sure to use a high-quality wood conditioner beforehand. The benefit of using a conditioner is that it will help the stain to go on evenly, ensuring the best results possible. Also, it will create a smooth texture upon completion.
If the hinges to your interior door are loose, use a golf tee to fix the problem. Take the door and its hinges off of the frame, then, tapping gently, place golf tees into the screw holes. Cut the excess, then put the door back on. The golf tee gives the screw something to bite into.
Add spring to the grip. There may be times that your project requires a spring clamp when you only have one hand available to open it. It can be difficult to open one with just one hand. You can make this easier. Prior to doing a glue-up, put your clamps on scrap wood with both hands. This will help you to maximize your efficiency while cutting.
Is there a screw that needs tightening, but it is located in an unreachable spot? Your toolbox has the answer. Grab your 12-point socket and a long-handled screwdriver. Place the socket on the screwdriver, and then attach it onto your best ratchet.
Use stair gauges for crosscut guides. Make sure that they are clamped next to the carpenter’s square when you cut. From there, make note of the notches. If you do it properly, you will have an excellent crosscut guide.
If you’re a new woodworker, you should read all your plans before staring a project. Be sure you know what they say and that you really have an understanding of them so you know if they’re missing anything. If something is confusing you or you aren’t sure if it needs to be corrected, head to a local hardware store for additional help.
Your work area must be well lit. Woodworking is a hobby that requires great accuracy when measuring. Also, sharp tools are used to do the wood cutting. To do so safely, you need to see what you are doing well. A well lighted wood shop is a happy wood shop.
Stay in contact with others. Your shop is a place where you work alone. You may find yourself confused or at a loss on a given project. Use other woodworkers as a support team to help answer your questions or even to help generate ideas. Someone will have dealt with your issue before and will have an answer for you.
Try dry fitting wood before you glue it. You can cause damage if you move things around after gluing them together. Dry fitting will help you see which pieces go in which spots.
Use your woodworking talents to create a great yard area. You can make projects like an attractive doghouse or bird feeder. The resulting birds can reduce insects, giving you the peace you need to create more projects. If you’re a professional woodworker, meet your clients on your new deck so they can observe your work.
Look for furniture on the side of the road. Often, you can find pieces of wood furniture that are free of charge or very cheap. Do not dismiss an item just because it looks to be on its last legs. If you look at a dresser and think that it is good for nothing, you may be able to transform it into a bookshelf.
You never know when something will go flying around and land in your eyes. You should always wear your safety glasses while working. Make no exceptions and then you’ll always be protected. If they do not fit that well or give clear eyesight, get a pair that do.
Make sure to purchase and wear proper ear protection. Machinery for woodworking is very loud. Extended exposure to such noise can cause hearing loss. Use headphones or ear plugs you can throw away. Whichever you use, make sure to use them religiously.
Don’t push too hard when you sand. Sanding while using pressure will make a surface less even because you’ll be gouging the surface. If you use sand paper of the correct grit, you should not need to apply a lot of force. Light sanding in circular motions should be all that is needed.
Wet any surface you plan on sanding. Making the surface wet raises up the grain. This, in turn, lets you eliminate very fine scratches. Wetting the wood results in a finer piece, that looks professional and attractive. It, quite possibly, could save you work in the long run, too.
Drafting squares are ideal for making accurate, small cuts. If you must make a cut in the 2-3 foot range, measuring accurately can be tricky. Carpenter squares need to be fastened to one edge, and drywall squares are often inaccurate. Instead you should go to an art store for your drafting square. They are usually extremely accurate and are definitely a lot easier to manage.
Knocking a few beers back during down time can be a lot of fun. However, saws and beer together is never a combination that shows good results. Never drink alcohol while working on a project. This is also the same for prescription drugs.
Now that you have read through a few tips, you can try your luck on your own. Make sure you stay receptive to continuing learning more about woodworking, since there’s always more knowledge and ideas out there. Do not be discouraged; it will take some time to hone your skills.