Woodworking Tips

Get Better At Woodworking With These Great Tips!


TIP! Dry fit your wood before using glue. You could cause damage if you tinker with the fit after you’ve applied the glue.

People respect those who can work with wood. Woodworking has so many different aspects that there’s something for anyone, regardless of their interest or skill level. Read on for tips on enhancing your skills and taking your woodworking skills up a notch.

TIP! One of the essential tools for any woodworking shop is a stair gauge. They can layout stair jacks as well as clamp carpenter’s squares.

Safety is of utmost concern when you are doing any time of woodworking project. Proper tool use and safety equipment are important when you are woodworking. Don’t ever remove the guards from your power tools; they are in place for your protection. If you end up hurt, you won’t be able to work at all.

TIP! It’s great to have a small ruler inside your pocket, but it might fall out if you have to bend. Get yourself a ruler made of metal and put it in the pocket where you store your telescoping magnet.

If you plan on renting an unfamiliar tool, ask the company if they can provide a short tutorial. There are often specialists available to help you learn how to use the tool quickly. Also ask if there are handouts available with tips for tool usage.

TIP! Understand the characteristics of the woods you’re using. Every piece of wood is different.

All woodworking shops need stair gauges. They are used most often for laying out stair jacks, but they can also be used to clamp carpenter squares. You can then use your square as a guide for a circular saw. Every cut you make will be straight when you use the square to guide you.

TIP! Before doing any saw work, make sure the blades of the saw are good and sharp. Dull blades make sawing nearly impossible.

Many people have a small ruler on them when working in the shop. Sometimes it will fall out of your pocket when you move around. To stop this from happening buy a metal ruler and place it in the same pocket where you keep your telescoping magnets, used for picking up nails and wood screws. The magnet will keep everything in your pocket.

TIP! Is there a screw that needs tightening, but it is located in an unreachable spot? Your toolbox may hold the answer! Grab a 12-point socket and your long-handle screwdriver. Attach the socket to the screwdriver and then to a ratchet.

Watch for ways to get free wood in your area. Businesses who use pallets may give them to you at no charge, especially if you can collect them. Look online for ideas of what you can make with pallets.

Wood Shop

TIP! Use premade woodworking kits if you are new to it. Such kits include already-cut wood pieces that fit to make a project.

You should light your work area well. You have to be accurate in measuring when you work with wood. Also, the tools you will use are sharp. To do so safely, you need to see what you are doing well. A well lighted wood shop is a happy wood shop.

TIP! Watch for people getting rid of furniture. Sometimes you can find wood to recycle for cheap or free.

Choose the type of wood that is right for the project you are planning. A soft wood like pine should never be used as a top for a table because it can easily get scratched. Remember that different woods turn different colors when finished.

TIP! There are a few essential hand tools you should purchase before starting your first woodworking project. A hammer is obviously a must-have item.

Be safe when using your table saw. When executing a crosscut, set the length for the cut by clamping a wooden block to the fence. This is preferable to simply using the fence because it will prevent having your board spring back. This clamping method leaves the end of the board accessible for cutting.

TIP! Wet any surface you are planning on sanding before you start. This will raise the grain.

Use your woodworking skills to enjoy your yard. Maybe you could create an intricate bird feeder or add a fancy deck to your home. This will reduce the insects that you have in your yard, as well. If you are doing woodworking professionally, have your meeting on your deck in order to show them your handiwork.

TIP! Test the wood stain on a spot that is inconspicuous. The stain might come out blotchy or off color.

It’s not surprising that woodworking has been around so long. It is a skill set that has always been in demand. Whether it is just a hobby for you or you see yourself as a woodworking fanatic, the above suggestions will enhance your craft and your enjoyment while doing it.