Everyone will need at least some woodworking ability at some point. Even if you don’t work as a full time artist or in the field of construction, the day may come you want to build yourself a deck, or do crafts with your kids. If you want to learn more about this wonderful field, check out the suggestions below.
Before you apply a stain, test it on an area that is hidden or a piece of wood scrap. If you test the stain color first, you will not have any unpleasant surprises. Different woods can affect stains differently. Sometimes wildly different. Testing first is the best way to know what something will look like.
Safety is of utmost concern when you are doing any time of woodworking project. Always start a job with the proper safety gear and follow instructions for using the tools properly. Always keep safety guards in place on power tools. You do not want to start a woodworking project and end up in the hospital.
Gel stains are great for staining furniture pieces. Stains that are liquid will run when you apply them and the gel stains are going to stick to your wood better. Gel stains also allow for consistent color on pieces since it is thicker.
Dry fittings prior to glue application are always a good idea. If you make adjustments after you have glued the pieces, you might damage something. Using dry-fit will show you where to put the pieces should go.
Even though it is smart to carry a small ruler, sometimes it might fall out when you are working. Make it a metal ruler and store it alongside your telescoping magnet. The magnet will ensure the ruler stays in your pocket.
Have a good grasp of your budget before you start on any project. Many times you might think on a grand scale, but in reality you don’t have the money to complete the project. You get excited, only to have your money run out part way through. Avoid surprises by doing your homework before beginning.
Size Nail
Always make sure you purchase the appropriate size nail for the job. Very large nails can cause the wood to split, which will prevent it from holding well. If the nail is too small, it cannot provide enough strength to keep the wood together. You should always choose the right size nail for the project you are working on.
Watch for ways to get free wood in your area. Some businesses may have wood that they don’t want anymore and they’d be willing to just give it to you. Search online to find ideas on how to make furniture using pallets.
Select the proper wood for any project you do. Different woods have different properties. Some woods are much stronger than others. If you are unsure of how each type of wood will react to what you are trying to accomplish, you should spend some time learning about them first.
Look for recycled wood. Many woodworking places discard their scraps and that could prove quite useful for your project. Floor shops, home improvement stores and other similar places will discard unused wood. Use this to your advantage as often as you can, there really is no reason not to. You can also save quite a bit this way.
Shop around for used power tools. This is a great way to find good deals. As a result, you can save money on your woodworking projects.
Take the necessary safety precautions when you have the table saw out. When crosscutting, clamp a block onto the fence to properly set the length. This is better than just using the fence itself, as it keeps the board from springing back. The clamping method leaves the end of the board free for cutting.
Never use your own fingers as guidance when cutting narrow chunks of wood. Use a piece of wood to assist you in pushing the cut through. It will help you to maintain the use of all ten fingers on your hands.
Look out for old furniture getting thrown out. These pieces are often very inexpensive or are given away for free. Stop to think about other prospects before pushing aside what you’re seeing. If the dresser is not useful, do something with the drawers.
You should have a few essential tools before you start working with wood. A hammer is a good first tool. Choose a claw hammer for the best results. Try out a few and pick the one that you’re most comfortable with. You shouldn’t get a hammer that will be too heavy.
Make sure your wood shop has enough lighting. Any time you’re working on painting, sanding or staining you’re going to need bright lights. This will help you see any areas where extra sanding is necessary. Extra lighting will also make sure that your stain comes out the way you want it to come out.
Trim laminate by using tin snips. You can cut effortlessly and quickly with tin snips. Make sure that you designate tin snips to be used for laminate cutting only, as cutting other things with the tin snips will affect their sharpness.
Wet the lumber before you sand. Making the surface wet raises up the grain. This helps to get rid of small scratches in your finished piece. It will make your project look as if it was made by a professional carpenter. It may also save work for you down the road.
A drafting square gives much needed accuracy to smaller cuts. If you have to cut some wood accurately that’s around 2 or 3 feet, it may be difficult to get measured correctly. Drywall squares are known for being inaccurate, and carpenter squares must be fastened to an edge, making them cumbersome. Look for drafting squares at an art store. They are accurate and easy to use.
Double check measurements. Measure three times if your materials are costly! Some of the most expensive mistakes happen by measuring wrong. Measuring will help you avoid cutting your lumber incorrectly.
You should check the condition of your blade before you start sawing. A dull blade makes good cutting impossible. It can also lead to you making an error that could cost you a lot of money, depending on the type of wood that you are using.
You can make your own custom sized sanding blocks. Just cut your wood to the shape and size needed for your particular job. Use adhesive to apply the sandpaper to your block, then let it dry. Then you have a sanding black that is the perfect size for the job.
You now should realize more about the art of woodworking than you knew before. You may find this information incredibly useful the next time you want to try a woodworking project. Use the knowledge you acquired here to expand your woodworking options.