Woodworking is a field where you can easily find a niche. It is a lot of fun, but your probably need some tips to get started. Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic pasttime, so you are ready to have more fun with this hobby.
Woodworking Project
It is always a good idea to have a pre-stain conditioner for the wood you’re planning to stain. This will help you to get an even finish when you stain. This is because the conditioners allow stains to penetrate evenly.
When doing any woodworking project, safety is a big concern. Make sure you know how to use power tools properly and always wear safety equipment. Do not take guards off of power machines, because they are meant to protect you. You do not want to start a woodworking project and end up in the hospital.
Make your own reusable sanding blocks. Use a scrap of 3/4″ plywood to cut six blocks, one for each sandpaper grit you need. They should be 2.5″ by 4.75″. Apply spray adhesive to each of the tile squares and the blocks themselves. Place one block onto the cork and make sure the cork is cut flush with a sharp knife. Spray adhesive on a piece of sandpaper and stick that to both cork blocks face down. You can make smaller blocks if you wish as well. These can be used for smaller pieces demanding finer sanding.
Metal Ruler
Make sanding blocks that are reusable. Begin by cutting some 3/4 inch plywood into blocks. Each block should be about 2 inches by 4 inches. Spray your adhesive on the cork tile and the block of wood. Trim the cork so that it is flush around the edges of the block. Spray adhesive on the back of your sandpaper sheets and attach to the cork blocks. Use a utility knife to trim the sandpaper around the edge of the block. Label each block.
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. Purchase a metal ruler to carry along with a small telescoping magnet that is used to grab loose screws or nails. This will hold the two together, making them bulking enough to stay put.
Learn all about the wood you are working with and its particular characteristics. Woods can differ substantially. They all react differently when you apply stain. Depending on the cut, you will see varying effects on splintering. In addition, the grain will look different as well. All of these characteristics will become features in your project.
Are you dealing with a screw that’s difficult to get to but needs to be more tight, but you don’t have any room for your screwdriver and hand? You should look to your toolbox for assistance. Get a screwdriver with a long handle and pick up a 12-point socket. Place the socket on the screwdriver, and then attach it onto your best ratchet.
When you are cutting narrow pieces of wood, never use your fingers to guide them. Instead, push the pieces through your saw with a long strip of wood. This technique helps protect your fingers from injury.
Wear strong, closed-toe footwear when you are doing woodworking. Where you’re working there will be tools, nails, and wood pieces everywhere. Your feet deserve protection from the inevitable stepping on a nail as well as you accidentally kicking or dropping something heavy. Sturdy shoes with toe protectors can prevent work related accidents.
Look for recycled wood. You can find many discarded scrap wood pieces if you search around. You may be surprised to learn that many home improvement stores or other types of businesses that use wood will simply throw out any wood they don’t use. Use this knowledge to your advantage, and go looking for what you need. This can help you save money.
If woodworking is something you just started working with, one good thing to do is to carefully read through all the plans before getting started. 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 there is something you don’t understand or something is missing, you could head to your home improvement store to see if someone there could offer suggestions.
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. Dry fitting will help you see which pieces go in which spots.
Have plenty of light in your work area. Make sure to focus on your accuracy when you are cutting. In addition, you will be using sharp tools with which to cut pieces of wood. Proper lighting is a must for all these things so that there are no injuries or major mistakes.
Use your woodworking talents to create a great yard area. Create an amazing deck and an impressive birdhouse. The bird feeder will help attract birds that will keep away pesky bugs. If you work with wood professionally, show them your projects so they can see some examples.
Keep a lookout for old furniture that people are going to throw out. These pieces are often very inexpensive or are given away for free. Think about the possibilities rather than dismissing things. Even if the dresser is too short, your drawers can be arranged on the sides into an artsy bookshelf.
Many people have a small ruler on them when working in the shop. Sometimes it will fall out of your pocket when you move around. To reduce this problem, you could get a metal ruler and put the ruler in the same place as where you store your magnet. The magnet will keep everything in your pocket.
When you think about your woodworking, it’s better to realize your pieces don’t need to be perfect. Your pieces are personal and they will have character. As you develop your skills, you’ll get better at woodworking.