Delving into the woodworking craft can be lots of fun. This is a very rewarding hobby that can help you express yourself. It’s rarely an easy feat, but there are good number of techniques and tricks you can apply along the way. With a bit of practice, your end products may just amaze you.
You can make reusable sanding blocks. For each sandpaper grit that you usually use, cut six blocks from a scrap of three-quarter inch plywood. You want them to measure about two and half inches by four and a half. Spray adhesive on your blocks and also the cork square tile. Use a utility knife to cut the cork flush after sticking a block to the cork. Put adhesive on the sandpaper sheet and then apply it to the cork blocks face down. You can make smaller blocks if you wish as well. These can be used for smaller pieces demanding finer sanding.
As with anything involving power tools, safety is the number one concern in woodworking. Always purchase the necessary safety equipment to avoid injury. Do not alter your tools by removing the safety features. They are in place for a reason. The last thing you want is to injure yourself severely while woodworking.
Try using a stair gauge as a crosscut guide. All you need to do is affix them to a square and then affirm that it is set as you would like the angles to be. Then put a mark on the notches. Putting them on the carpenter’s square tongue makes for a great guide for a circular saw.
Gel Stains
Gel stains are the new big thing for staining furniture and other wood projects that need staining. Gel stains work better on the wood because they don’t run like the liquid stains do. Gel stains are also thicker, which means they have more consistent pigment throughout the stain. This gives a more even appearance to the finished product.
Are you aware that the workbench height is key to success of crafting a good piece of work? To find the best height, measure the distance from the floor to your waistline. This will help you create a workbench that is the perfect height.
Always do a dry fit prior to gluing two pieces of wood together. If you don’t and then try to do adjustments, chances are you’ll create damage to your project. A dry-fit will give you a good idea of what components go where.
Before purchasing or using any type of wood, you should know all about it. Wood that is paint grade is not high quality. On the other hand, wood that is stain grade will stain better. Along the same lines, veneer is very different from particleboard because the former will not necessarily absorb stain properly; however, the latter typically absorbs too much stain. Buying the right wood will help make sure your project is a success.
A small metal ruler is handy to carry around in your pocket for quick measuring. It has a tendency to fall out of your pockets, though. 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.
Figure out your budget for your project. Often times your ideas are bigger than your wallet with woodworking projects. It can be disappointing to find out that the money isn’t there after you have already completed half of the project. Before taking anything on, know what you’re getting into.
Do you have a hard to reach screw that needs tightened, but there isn’t room for your hand and the screwdriver? Have a look in your toolbox. Grab your 12-point socket and a long-handled screwdriver. Fit the socket onto your screwdriver and attach it to your favorite ratchet.
You may be tempted to sink a couple of beers while working on your project. However, if you’re drinking and doing woodworking with tools it can be a terrible idea. Never mix alcohol and this craft. This also applies for illegal or prescription drugs.
You don’t know when something will fly toward your eyes. So always protect your eyes by wearing goggles, or you may inadvertently end up turning a real blind eye to your project. Find a pair of goggles that fit well and you can see clearly through.
Get proper size nails for your jobs. A large diameter nail can split the wood and ruin your project. A small nail, however, won’t be able to join the wood together. You need to know how to choose just the right size to suit the project.
Stair Gauge
A stair gauge can also be used to guide a circular saw. Normally a woodworker uses a stair gauge to ensure each stair has an identical rise. But, if you use the carpenter square tongue, a circular saw guide is created.
Drafting squares are ideal for making accurate, small cuts. Accuracy can be a problem when you are working with pieces under two or three feet. Using drywall squares is inaccurate and carpenter squares need to be fastened to edges that make them cumbersome. Get a drafting square from the art supply store. They’re accurate and easy to use.
Get your grip ready for use in advance. There may be times that you only have one hand and need a spring clamp. They are not designed to be opened with one hand. There is a way to make it easier. Before you start gluing anything, take the time to clamp a separate wood piece so that the clamps are already open. This will have them easy to reach and ready to go so you can use them with one hand.
Use only one extension cord when working with wood to avoid an octopus of extension cords. Unplug whatever tool you aren’t using, and plug in one that you will be using. By following this tip, you can prevent accidentally tripping and possibly being electrocuted.
Take your time and watch some woodworking shows that come on television. These shows offer you tips and tricks along with visual how-tos. If you are not sure of how to find these shows, look through your TV guide.
You can create your own sanding blocks. Cut a piece of wood to the shape and size you need for your project. Use a spray adhesive to attach your sandpaper to your block of wood. This will give you an optimal sized sanding block.
Ear protection is important if you wish to delve into woodworking. The machines used in woodworking create lots of noise. Extended exposure to such noise can cause hearing loss. Get a pair of inexpensive ear plugs, or buy a great pair of noise canceling headphones. Make sure you wear them when working with woodworking tools.
Plan your woodworking projects with a budget in mind. You will want to determine the cost of the wood, tools and stains or paints that you may want to use. Know what you will need and the cost. In this way, you will not be left with a half finished folly that you cannot afford to complete.
If you are tackling a large, complicated project, check to see how other people approached similar jobs. Although you might not follow the plans you find, they can give you some great ideas for your own plans. If they spark an idea in you or help you with calculations, it is a good place to start.
Use these tips to make your woodworking skills better. There is always something new to learn, so remain open to learning more. And don’t become discouraged! Woodworking is a skill that takes dedication and a lot of patience.
Are you having trouble reaching that out of the way and highly obscured screw? Look no further than your toolbox. Grab a long handle screwdriver and a 12 point socket. Attach the socket first to your screwdriver and then to the appropriate ratchet.