There are lots of people that enjoy working with wood as a medium. Woodworker make many wonderful items such as tables, chairs and bookshelves. Knowledge is the key to successful woodworking project completion. Read ahead and gain some good ideas that can help boost your enjoyment with woodworking.

Anytime you are working around power tools, there is an element of danger; focus on safety at all times. Always wear safety equipment and use tools the proper way. Avoid taking off the guards on power tools; they are meant to protect you. The last thing you want to do is end up at the emergency room because of an accident.

Before you stain your wood project, apply a pre-stain conditioner onto the wood. Using a pre-conditioner will help you avoid blotches when staining. These conditioners will smooth out the uneven nature of the wood and allow your stain to penetrate evenly.

TIP! Use pre-stain conditioner if you plan on staining your project. Using this conditioner will reduce the amount of blotching or unevenness on your finished project.

Make sanding blocks that are reusable. Cut 6 blocks from scrap wood in the size of the sandpaper you use. Be certain they are approximately 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. Put spray adhesive on the blocks and the tile square. Trim the cork so that it is flush around the edges of the block. This piece should then fit you hand fairly well and be secure enough to not slip. Cut the sandpaper flush and label each block.

Were you aware that your workbench height makes a difference in your quality of work? To find the best height, measure the distance from the floor to your waistline. That tells you the best height for a good workbench.

Figure out your budget for your project. When it comes to woodworking, it is easy to get lost in the project without a grasp on reality. It is easy to get carried away, only thinking of the finished project. Then later realize the project costs too much to finish. Plan ahead and avoid surprises.

You can make your own reusable sanding blocks. Cut 6 blocks from scrap wood in the size of the sandpaper you use. They should be 2.5″ by 4.75″. Spray adhesive on your blocks and also the cork square tile. Trim the cork so that it is flush around the edges of the block. Put adhesive on the sandpaper sheet and then apply it to the cork blocks face down. Cut the sandpaper flush and label each block.

Gel Stains

Gel stains are an excellent choice for furniture staining. Gel stains work better on the wood because they don’t run like the liquid stains do. Gel stains will create a more consistent finish on pieces, as well.

Every shop that does woodworking needs to contain a stair gauge. Commonly used to scribe stair jacks, it can also be used to attach to your carpenter’s square. This will make the carpenter square into a circular saw guide. You can always make perfectly straight cuts by using this method.

Try out some gel stain next time you are staining furniture items. Liquid stains have a tendency to run but gel stains will stay in place better, without running. Not only that, but gel stains tend to be thicker than liquid, so that the pigment is consistent, which makes for a more even stain on vertical and horizontal pieces.

TIP! Gel stains are great for furniture. Gel stains will adhere much better to your wood.

When the majority of people see wood, they cannot possibly fathom everything that it can create. Some people have that skill, though, and this article should help them improve their woodworking ability. Use these tips to keep having fun with woodworking.