When you begin woodworking, it may seem to be an intimidating task to do. You have to ensure the expenses of your working equipment and know the various types of wood. Plus, there are so many things you need to learn. In fact, even pro wood smiths are still learning a lot from their experiences. However, learning the basics of woodworking isn’t that tough. If only you practice and master the basics of woodworking, then everything else will fall into place.
It is true that practice makes perfect. Thus, we have gathered some tips and techniques on the basics of learning safe and efficient woodworking.
Project Tips and Tricks for Newbies
Tip #1: The Safety Rules Every Woodworker Should Know
Some hand tools and power tools are either sharp or high enough that makes woodworking a dangerous task. But when you follow the basic safety rules, then you may never panic as you use them. To become a competent woodsmith, you must implement these safety guidelines every single time you use those tools. As you commit that you will make safety and security your habit, you will enjoy more and lower your chance of getting injured.
You see, woodworking is such a fun hobby or career. But, you still need to follow the basic safety rules in woodworking. All of these guidelines are easy to follow. However, when you fail to follow them, you will heighten your chance of getting injured. Remember that your wood shop is not a place to play games and to hurry. You must commit to these woodworking safety rules to become safer.
The very core of the practice is to get familiar with your equipment for safety and security. Then, you should wear the tools appropriately. You need to consider wearing hearing protection when you use some noisy tools like wood routers and surface planes. You also need some latex gloves when you apply the finishes. In addition, you need to wear a pair of logger boots to protect your feet from danger. Also, you should always put on your safety glasses when you are working in the wood shop. Thus, you need to wear them as you enter the store. You do not take off your safety glasses until you leave the store.
Tip #2: Determine the Main Hand Tools You Will Need
6 Inch Layout Square: a woodworking tool that you can use to mark an angle up to 45 degrees directly. You may also measure up to 6 inches by just using this tool.
Retractable Tape Measure: another woodworking tool that is a must to use for measuring the length of your cuts. It may also help you mark where to attach another board.
Chisel: a finely-sharpened tool that is ideal for clearing out wastes from mortises and joints.
Nail Set: it somewhat looks like a rounded, small blade. However, you may use it to sink head flushes. You can also use it underneath the wood’s surface.
Level: you need a level when you need to determine if a piece of stock is ideally level or plumb.
Sliding Bevel: this comes very handy when an angle requires duplication.
Block Plane: this tool is for shaving thin wood away from the stock. A block plane is also useful for cleaning up wood edges during installation.
Tip #3: Get Oriented with Woodworking Machines
An electric chainsaw, band saws and radial arm saws are just some of the woodworking machines often used in the wood shop. However, these items are either too large or cumbersome to use. Even though you may find them in wood shops, these machines are beneficial when it comes to completing your woodworking projects. Hence, you need to become oriented with each one of them.
Tip #4: Choosing the Right Lumber for Your Woodworking Projects
If you have seen a lumber yard or a home center, then you already know that there is some sub-standard and quality wood. These materials are available for fine woodworking projects. If you select through the stack to find the right pieces of stock, you need to choose the suitable pieces. What woodworkers usually do is to look for a few defects on the stock. By doing so, they determine if the piece of stock is just right enough for your woodworking project.
Tip #5: Determine the Suitable Accessories for Woodworking Shop
Aside from the woodworking tools, you also need some shop accessories that will make woodworking easy and fast. In some cases, you need these accessories built in your wood shop. You most probably need a portable table shop, a woodworker’s bench with a vise, and saw horses add to your cache tools. You may also need some bench grinder, clamps, dust collection and shop vacuums, and jigs. Plus, you can also get some feather boards, tool storage, fastener storage and organizer.
Starting out your woodworking projects may be challenging at first. But if you find some time knowing these tips and tricks about the basics of woodworking, then everything will go smoothly. In fact, your projects will be a whole lot of fun and excitement to fulfill. So, in your quest of putting your heart, mind, soul, and hands into your wood crafts, you need some of these guidelines. For a faster, easier, and more efficient woodworking projects, these tips are applicable for all of your crafts.
Thomas is a founder of repairdaily.com. This website was created and is supported by a person who has been in the business of working with power tools, dedicated to home improvement projects both professionally and for the do it yourself type of person.