If woodworking appeals to you, you need to understand the basics before you dive right in. This can be a challenge; however, simply getting some practice is sure to whet your appetite. There are a lot of ways to get into woodworking, so keep reading if you’d like to know more.
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.
When you install your hacksaw blade, make sure the teeth face forward. They are designed to cut when pushed using a forward stroke instead of a pulled stroke. Some of these blades have arrows pointing toward the handles that show the correct way to install them. Install it making sure it is tight and cannot bend. When you do lots of cutting, your blade heats up and expands, so make sure you tighten it before it begins bending.
If you have a high skill level when it comes to woodworking you may want to think about taking some time to share your knowledge with others. You can keep it simple by recording what you do step-by-step or you could take it to a higher level and teach a class.
Before using wood, make sure you have a good grasp of all the different types of woods that are out there. Each wood piece is different. They all respond to staining in their own ways. Different woods will splinter in unique ways. Different grains will be found on each. All of this will become factors in your woodworking project.
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.
Protect your ears. Woodworking can be very loud. Exposing your ears to these things for a long time can cause hearing loss. It is easy to buy disposable plugs for the ears, or you may decide to buy pricier headphones. No matter what you choose, be sure that you use them whenever you operate machinery.
Before even beginning a woodworking project, make sure you have an adequate and proper place to work in. You definitely don’t want your living space filled with sawdust. Some woodworking supplies, such as stains, varnish and paint strippers, have noxious fumes. Ideally, you will have a detached garage or a shed to work in since an outside space is an ideal location.
If you mark your intended cuts with pencil lines, try not to actually cut them! You might be lined up at first, but it is possible to get a little off later in the cut, resulting in pieces that fit less that perfectly. It’s better to cut the edge of the pencil line and then sand the rest of the marking off.
Keep your work area as clean as possible. Woodworking creates a lot of mess, especially dust. This dust can get into your home and eventually into your lungs. This can cause real health problems down the road for you and your family. So take a few minutes after a job, and sweep up your space.
Few artistic mediums are as personally intriguing as woodworking. With any luck, this article can help you take something back to your wood shop. Now is the time to take the information you’ve learned and apply it. Make sure to put these skills to use as soon as possible.
Leave a Reply