Woodworking is a truly respected art-form. There are many techniques to learn when it comes to woodworking. The following paragraphs are full of ideas you can use to be a better woodworker.
Make sanding blocks that are reusable. Use your scrap pieces of 3/4″ plywood and cut as many blocks as you need for the sandpaper grits you use the most. Be certain the pieces are about two and a half inches by four and three quarter inches. Spray adhesive on the wood and a piece of cork. Put one block on the tile square and cut the cork with a utility knife. Put glue on the sandpaper and apply to the cork. Cut the sandpaper flush and label each block.
Safety must be a priority when doing woodworking. Always purchase the necessary safety equipment to avoid injury. Don’t take the guards off the tools you have as they were put there for your protection. Nasty injuries are no way to end a woodworking project.
Crosscut Guide
Try using a stair gauge as a crosscut guide. With a carpenter’s square these can be clamped down to match up the stair jack. From there, make note of the notches. If you place the on the tongue that’s on your carpenter’s square, this means that together you can use this as a good crosscut guide for the circular saw.
How high your workbench is truly affects the quality of your work. Measure the distance between the floor and your waist to learn the perfect height for your workbench. This technique will ensure your workbench is at the optimum height.
Make sand blocks that you can reuse. Make a list of each sandpaper grit that you typically use, and then cut a full six blocks for each from scrap plywood, 3/4″ thick. They should be able two and a half inches by four and three-quarters inches. Use some spray adhesive on your blocks and the cork tile. Stick a block on your cork, then make certain you cut the cork flush with a utility knife. Put glue on the sandpaper and apply to the cork. Cut the sandpaper flush and label the block.
Determine the best wood for your project. Some woods are fragile and will break upon exertion. Learn about the types of wood you are using.
Know the different characteristics of the woods that you’re using in your projects All wood is different. Different types of wood will respond to staining in different ways. Different cuts will have different effects on splintering. There will also be a wide range of grains. All these factors will influence the way you work on your wood block.
You can make cuts without a tape measure. Story sticks can be helpful, and you are always able to cut later. Practicing on scraps first is a great way to try various fittings. Using different ways to plan cuts keeps things interesting.
Stair gauges may be just the ticket for crosscut guides. With a carpenter’s square these can be clamped down to match up the stair jack. Then mark the notches. Putting them onto the tongue of the carpenter’s square will produce a good crosscut guide for the circular saw.
Always ensure that the area you are working in is well lit. You need to be accurate when you measure. You will need a variety of sharp tools and proper lighting is needed to see what you are doing. That means you need to see what you are doing clearly to avoid mistakes and injuries.
Exercise proper safety precautions when using a table saw. While crosscutting, it is important that you use a block properly secured on the fence when establishing the cut length. This is safer than just using the fence directly, as it prevents the wood from kicking back. Using this clamping method will allow the board end to still be cut.
Try a woodworking kit or two. These kits include pre-cut wooden pieces that are put together to create a specific project. This makes it easy to help understand how woodworking works. The practice saves you money on supplies and wood since you won’t make that many mistakes.
Be realistic about your budget. Sometimes your eyes are larger than your wallet when you have a particular project in mind. It can be disappointing to find out that the money isn’t there after you have already completed half of the project. Do the math before you start, and you can avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Lighting is vital in the shop that you create. When you are working with wood, staining it and sanding, you need plenty of light. This will allow you to figure out if you are sanding properly. Also, additional lighting means you can make sure that you apply stains evenly.
Drafting Square
Make accurate measurements for small cuts by using a drafting square. Measuring wood accurately can be difficult when the ranges are several feet in length. Drywall sections are often inaccurate, but carpenter type squares must be attached to an edge, so they are difficult as well. Try stopping into your friendly neighborhood art supply store to pick up a drafting square. Not only are they a cinch to use, they are known for being incredibly accurate.
When you are making a budget for woodworking, consider the tools. This is something often overlooked. If you don’t pay attention to these extra costs, you may find your project going over budget quickly.
It isn’t surprising that working with wood is something that takes some skill but is also a hobby lots of people have done through the years. There will always be a demand for skilled woodworkers. No matter how important woodworking is to your life, the above tips will make you appreciate it more.