7 Important Woodworking Tips to Remember
Are you a novice wood-worker looking to develop this useful new skill?
Even if you’re a long-time pro, sometimes a refresher is helpful. Either way, we’ve put together a list of 7 important woodworking tips to make your next project easier.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. Research Your Wood
You’ve heard the adage, “knowledge is power.” Well, when it comes to woodworking, the same is true. The more you know about the wood you’re using, the better your project results.
One important detail to know about your wood is its moisture content.
Some woodworking experts say that having the wrong moisture level in your wood leads to 80% of all woodworking problems. Why is this?
Too much moisture leads to warping or shrinking wood. Wood that is too dry for your project can split or crack later on.
2. Avoid Glue-ooze
It’s a sure sign of a sloppy job–oozing glue. One of the best woodworking techniques involves masking tape.
Hold the two pieces needing glue together–DON’T glue them. Then, attach them together using masking tape. With a small knife or box-cutter, slice the tape where the glue needs to go to attach the pieces.
Carefully separate the pieces of wood and squirt the glue between them. Then, when you place the pieces together again, the excess glue will ooze out onto the masking tape instead of the wood.
3. Be Tidy
This is simple. Keep a tidy workspace so you can easily find the right tools when you need them.
Clean space will also prevent unnecessary injuries or errors in your project.
4. Sharpen Your Blades
A dull blade is a dangerous blade. The art of woodworking is best fulfilled by using sharp blades. They allow for more precision and clean cuts.
You’re also less likely to get painful cuts or injuries if your blades are clean and sharp.
5. Use a Sanding Block
Sanding doesn’t have to be a loud and messy affair. Use a sanding block and get the job done quicker.
Sanding blocks outshine paper as they distribute the pressure more evenly and give you a smoother surface. Just be sure to change the sandpaper frequently.
Make sure you sand with the grain of the wood. This is especially important when you’re completing final grits.
6. Use a Drafting Square
Just like with sewing, accurate measurements are essential to a good end-product. Drafting squares are simple pieces of equipment that can be purchased at any woodworking or hardware store.
They will really amp up your woodworking efficiency. You will have more precise cuts, lines, and more polished products when you’re finished.
Drafting squares are also easier to use than carpenter or drywall squares. They also tend to give you more accurate measurements than drywall squares. Save yourself the trouble of re-measuring or even starting over with a drafting square.
7. Use Wood Screws
One of the worst woodworking ideas is to use drywall screws instead of traditional woodworking screws. Don’t do it.
Drywall screws often break as they are installed and trying to pry them from your wood is impossible.
Wood screws are break-resistant and work better for hardwood projects.
More Woodworking Tips
There are endless smart woodworking techniques to make your projects more efficient. Follow these woodworking tips and you’re sure to be happy with the end result.
For more helpful techy hacks, browse the Technology portion of our blog.
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