Either you want to make things for sale or you just want to work with wood for the entertainment value. Your reasons do not matter. Woodworking is not terribly difficult, but it does take some know-how. The article below is a compilation of expert information and tips that you can put into practice immediately.
When working with stains, dab a small amount in a test area to see how it comes out. This will help you avoid any surprises if the stain color looks different after it has been applied. Wood is unpredictable at times and you should do this test so that you aren’t disappointed by the results.
When you are budgeting for new projects, don’t forget to set aside money for any tools you need. Some people miss this step and their budget is quickly blown. But if there are things you are going to need that you don’t have, they can be budget breakers if you aren’t careful.
Become more accurate by using a drafting square. If you need an accurate square that’s about 2″ to 3″, you have limited options. Drywall squares tend to be very inaccurate. With carpenter squares, you have to hook them onto your work piece’s edge. A drafting square can be easily used if you happen to have one lying around. If you don’t, they are pretty cheap to find at art stores. They are incredibly accurate and as useful as a tape measure.
Always put your safety first when it comes to using tools, stains and paints. The more variety you use, the more specifics there are about applications, tool use, times for drying, and more. Put your safety first by reading the instructions, wearing any necessary protective gear, and working in areas with good ventilation whenever using oil-based products or anything that produces air pollutants.
Never use your own fingers as guidance when cutting narrow chunks of wood. Instead, push the pieces through your saw with a long strip of wood. That means you get to keep your fingers, which means you get to keep woodworking.
Make sure your workbench is the proper height. It really can make a big difference. It needs to fit you and how you work. Usually if you are around 5’6″ to 5’9″ you probably need one that is between 33″ and 36″ high. If you are 5’10” or taller, you may need one that is between 35″ and 37″ high. Use your bench at its current height to determine if you need to change it to work better for you.
Most people find that the ideal tool for cutting laminate is a good pair of tin snips. They make cutting the laminate to the right sizes effortless. If you buy a pair of snips specifically for laminate cuts, they’ll always be sharp for you.
Test the color of a stain before doing the complete stain on more visible areas. Wood is never predictable, so a stain may not look the way you expect or need it to when applied to the wood you are using. When you test the stain in a spot that’s not easily visible, you prevent having a project turn out badly.
Stir, never shake stains and finishes before use. Over time, these settle, so mixing is necessary. Shaking, however, adds bubbles and doesn’t always mix the stain or finish thoroughly. Stirring mixes the products better by evenly mixing in any settlement that occurred during storage. Stains and finishes that are not mixed thoroughly will not apply correctly to the wood you’re staining and are at risk of looking blotchy.
Now that you now more about woodworking, you are ready to get started. Use what you’ve just learned, and you will do quite well. Enjoy the process as you improve your skills and make wonderful creations. You are about to find out just how much of a joy woodworking really is!
Leave a Reply