Woodworking is a hobby enjoyed by thousands of people. While this is true, it’s such a vast field that you might not know where to begin. Take the worry out of it by proceeding just one step after the other. This article will help.

Use a pre-stain wood conditioner before staining the wood. The conditioner will make it more difficult to notice irregularities in the wood. These conditioners are going to help smooth out the wood so that the stain can get into it more evenly.

Stair gauges are very important devices for you to use. Match them to the rise and run of your stair jack, then attach them to the carpenter’s square. Next, mark your notches using the guide you have set. When you combine them on your carpenter’s square’s tongue, they’ll guide your crosscuts for you.

TIP! Use stair gauges to guide your crosscuts. Clamp them on the carpenter’s square.

Before using any stains or finishes on your wood, make sure you stir them and not shake them. Some ingredients they contain will settle at the bottom of the can, which can effect the outcome of your project. However, shaking can cause bubbling, which keeps it from mixing well. Stir thoroughly until it is smooth and even.

When you are making a budget for woodworking, consider the tools. This is something often overlooked. Consider all expenses as a whole to see if the cost is workable with your budget.

Always know the specific characteristics of the wood you are working with before you begin a staining project. If the wood is paint grade, the quality isn’t as good. If it is stain grade wood, it is meant to be stained. If using veneer or particleboard, understand that particleboard absorbs a lot of stain while veneer will not absorb as much. Choosing the right wood will ensure your woodworking project turns out its best.

Are you aware that the workbench height is key to success of crafting a good piece of work? To find the perfect height of your workbench measure the distance between the midline of your waist and the floor. A perfect height will help you be more efficient.

TIP! Your workbench’s height is more important than you realize. Measure how far your waist is from the floor – this should be the height of your bench.

Be sure to use appropriate protection for your ears. Machinery causes a lot of noise, which can damage your ears. Repeated exposure to this noise can cause hearing loss. You can get headphones or use ear plugs that are disposable. Whatever your choice, make sure you are wearing the protection when you are using the machinery.

Try to find wood that has been recycled. Numerous places that sell or work with many types of wood will often discard the scraps which are useful to you. Flooring stores and home improvement shops are always tossing away unused wood. Use this to your advantage and see if they have something you can use for your project. This can save you a ton of money.

Woodworking is something that you will gradually improve in with practice. Keep learning more about woodworking to really appreciate it. There are so many things you build!

When you’re using finishes or stains you should always stir them instead of shaking them. Stains often have ingredients that settle to the bottom. However, if you shake it, it may create bubbles and not allow the product to mix well. Stir for at least five minutes so that everything is even.