When you are looking for a new hobby, look no further than woodworking. This amazing pastime combines skill building with the creation of items you can actually use around your home. If you want a hobby that allows you to do something good, the tips below will help you join in.
Always use the safety equiptment that came with any of your woodworking tools. You may feel that a sheild is getting in your way when you are sawing, but its purpose is to protect you from serious injury. If you feel tempted just think of what it would be like to lose a finger or worse.
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.
A stair gauge is an essential item in every wood shop. Commonly used to scribe stair jacks, it can also be used to attach to your carpenter’s square. You can then use the square as a handy guide for your circular saw. If you use the square as a guide, your cuts will be straight every time.
Take advantage of several tools instead of trying to do all of your work on just one. A jig, a tablesaw, a bandsaw and a lathe all have their own uses. It is important that you know what each of these tools do and you use them accordingly while getting the job done.
If the hinges on your interior door have become loose, you can fix it with a simple golf tee. Remove the door and hinges from the frame and tap the golf tee into the hole. Cut the excess, then put the door back on. This gives the screw a more solid base to grip into.
Make sure that you are wearing the appropriate protective gear when you are working on your woodworking projects. Your safety is of primary importance. Eye protection can protect your eyes from flying wood debris. A pair of strong gloves can protect your hand from splinters. Make sure that you have these essentials before you start on any projects.
Always clean up sanding dust thoroughly before staining or applying a topcoat. If you want a smooth finish, dust is your enemy. Use a vacuum over blowing dust into the air because it settles back onto the wood, and use a damp cloth to ensure all dust is removed from the wood in your final cleanup prior to staining or applying a top coat.
Do you currently have a screw that needs some tightening but is not easy to reach? The answer is waiting for you in your toolbox. Get a screwdriver with a long handle and a socket that is 12 point. Just put your screwdriver into the socket and use your ratchet to get the job done.
When working with wood, consider the grade of wood you are using. Wood can be costly and it is not always necessary to use a high-cost wood. If budget is a concern, look at the durability and strength of different woods that may come in a little cheaper and still work for your project.
These ideas aren’t all new, yet they’re all worth reading. Those which are new to you will serve to better your techniques. Those which are old hat are reminders that you should continually pay attention to how you are working with wood. Together, they will build you into a master wood craftsman.
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