Woodworking Tips

What One Should Know About Woodworking Before Getting Started


TIP! Make sanding blocks that are reusable. First cut 6 blocks from scrap plywood, one for each grit of sandpaper you like to use.

Are you interested in woodworking? Have you or do you now build things from simple slabs of wood? This article provides some valuable information for the craft of woodworking, whatever type you are involved in. Check it out below.

TIP! Test an area or scrap wood before using a stain. This lets you stay away from any sudden surprises when the stain color is not what you expected.

Stair gauges make good crosscut guides. To use, clamp the gauges to a carpenter square. Then you can mark notches. When you clamp them on the one tongue of the carpenter’s square it will become a good crosscut guide for your circular saw.

TIP! Stair gauges are very important devices for you to use. Match them to the rise and run of your stair jack, then attach them to the carpenter’s square.

When using stains, a great product choice is gel. Stains that are liquid will run when you apply them, but gels tend to stick to lumber. The thickness of gel stains helps because it allows the pigment to distribute evenly over all different types of wood pieces.

Dry Fitting

TIP! You should understand that stains should be stirred, not shaken up. Certain ingredients in such items tend to settle with time.

Do some dry fitting before applying glue and then piece the wooden pieces together. You can cause damage if you move things around after gluing them together. Dry fitting will help you see which pieces go in which spots.

TIP! Know how much you can spend in order to create a project. Keep in mind that complicated projects are often the most expensive ones.

Even though it is smart to carry a small ruler, sometimes it might fall out when you are working. Purchase a metal ruler to carry along with a small telescoping magnet that is used to grab loose screws or nails. The magnet will keep everything in your pocket.

TIP! Before applying glue, try a dry fitting first. Trying to move things around once the glue is on is likely to result in harm to the final project.

A golf tee can fix loose door hinges. Take the door from the frame than then tap in the tee into the screw holes. Get rid of the excess part of the tee by cutting it and put the door back up. The golf tee allows a screw to have something it can bite into.

TIP! Keeping a small ruler with you in a pocket is a great idea, however it may fall out easily because of its length. Purchase a metal ruler to carry along with a small telescoping magnet that is used to grab loose screws or nails.

It’s very important to always make sure that the saw blade you use is in great condition every time you use it. A dull blade can’t efficiently get the job done. On a non-power saw, a dull blade can make exact cuts hard to pull off. This can cost money if the piece is cut too short.

TIP! A golf tee is a wonderful fix for wiggling hinges. Start by removing the door from the frame.

Don’t try to be too perfect when you’re measuring with a tape measure. A story stick is a useful item. It is always possible to work to a cut in increments. Practicing on scraps first is a great way to try various fittings. When you plan your cuts properly, you’ll do a better job.

TIP! Do you have a hard to reach screw that needs tightened, but there isn’t room for your hand and the screwdriver? You should look to your toolbox for assistance. Get a screwdriver with a long handle and a socket that is 12 point.

Keep an eye out for recycled wood. You can find many discarded scrap wood pieces if you search around. Oftentimes, flooring and home improvement stores will discard wood scraps and unused wood. Use this to your advantage to find great pieces of wood to use. This also saves quite a bit of money.

TIP! Enjoying woodworking with a couple beers may sound fun. However, drinking and woodworking is a bad combination.

Your work area must be well lit. Woodworking is a hobby that requires great accuracy when measuring. You are going to be using tools that are sharp enough to cut through your hand. Proper lighting is a must for all these things so that there are no injuries or major mistakes.

TIP! If you are planning on a woodworking project, it is important that you select the best wood for the project. If you want to make a table, avoid easily scratched soft woods like pine.

Woodworking is calling you, so get started. Try not to be wary of your beginner status, just concentrate on putting these tips to work. Start with simple projects and work yourself up to more complicated pieces. It takes some time to get good. The rest relies on your practice and creativity.