If you find that you are good with work that involves your hands, consider giving woodworking a try. From measuring to cutting to piecing things together, it is a fun way to spend your time. The tips below will help you get started on the right foot, ensuring your first project is a great one.
Select the appropriate kind of wood for your projects. When thinking of work with wood, there are some pieces of wood that aren’t able to handle the stress other woods can. If you are unaware of whether a particular type of wood is suited to the project you want to build, invest some time researching it first.
Before using any new tool, do your research on it in full. New tools can mean serious injuries for those that use them incorrectly. Even if you’re pretty sure of how to use it, don’t risk it. Study up via the web and books related to the tool in question.
If you will be re-coating an existing finish, be sure that the surface is clean and free of any wax or oils. Then, let it dry completely, and lightly scuff the surface with a 220-grit sandpaper so that the finish you are applying will have something to hold onto.
Never skip sanding when it is necessary or think that staining hides imperfections in the wood. Wood with scratches, dents and nicks absorbs much more finish or stain than wood that is smooth. When you skip sanding or do not do a thorough job of it, the imperfections stand out even more because of the increased absorption.
If you have your own table saw, you will eventually have to crosscut some wood. This can bring your fingers very close to the saw guard and blade. If the saw kicks back, you could be headed to the hospital. It is best to cut a block of wood to push the wood through the saw with.
You can use a golf tee to help tighten up the hinges of an interior door. Take the door and your hinges off the door’s frame and softly tap your golf tee into every screw hole. Trim the excess wood and put the door back into place. The golf tee allows a screw to have something it can bite into.
When staining woods, always test in a hard to see area before moving forward. In fact, if you’ve got a piece of scrap wood, that’s even better. You never know how a type of wood will take to stain, so it’s best to find out in a place that won’t be an issue later on.
Do you know that different colored tin snips make different kinds of cuts? Tin snips with red handles are used for making left hand turns. Green handled tin snips are used for making right hand turns. Finally, yellow handled tin snips are used for straight lines and gradual curves.
You can make a customized color of stain, but make sure the stains you are using are from the same manufacturer. Be sure that you use either all water-based stain, or all oil-based. Never mix the two. Finally, be certain to write down the exact amounts you used of each, so that the color can be duplicated if desired.
If you are good with your hands, woodworking is the activity for you. Take your time to absorb the knowledge you have gained here and you’ll find that entering the world of working with wood becomes easier. In the end, you’ll find success with your projects and a new hobby to enjoy.
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