The art of working with wood has so much to offer. From the very skilled woodworkers who do woodworking for a living or the weekend woodworker who does it just for fun, there is something for everyone. If you are looking to get into doing more woodworking, then keep reading to learn more.

Use stop blocks to your advantage for more accurate work. When cutting a lot of pieces the same size, no matter how carefully you measure, you often find small variations. Use a pre-cut stop block to make those measurements pinpoint accurate. Then the table saw will stop at just the right length length.

Organize your shop’s extension cords to keep your shop safe and tidy. You can make your own cord keeper with nothing more than a scrap piece of wood. Simply cut a piece of wood in the shape of an I and wrap each of your extension cords around the wood.

When staining furniture, turn to gel products. Gel stains work better on lumber because the liquid kind usually run. Gel stains will create a more consistent finish on pieces, as well.

Become more accurate by using a drafting square. If you need an accurate square that’s about 2″ to 3″, you have limited options. Drywall squares tend to be very inaccurate. With carpenter squares, you have to hook them onto your work piece’s edge. A drafting square can be easily used if you happen to have one lying around. If you don’t, they are pretty cheap to find at art stores. They are incredibly accurate and as useful as a tape measure.

Use more than just tape measures. You can use story sticks and work up to cut. Cutting a scrap piece of wood is a great idea, allowing you to try out your fitting. This also helps stretch your imagination and develop good woodworking techniques.

You can apply stain with either a brush, or a rag. Work the stain in against the grain, and with it as well. You need not be neat, just get a smooth, even coat on the wood. Then, wipe immediately for a lighter tone, or leave it on for up to fifteen minutes before wiping for a deeper tone.

You can prevent glue stains by placing masking tape along the joints of wood being adhered. First, tape the wood together along the joint, then use an Exacto knife to cut through the tape at the joint line. Following this, glue the pieces of wood together and clamp them. Just before the glue has dried completely, you can peel the tape off.

Keep your eyes peeled for furniture going to the trash. These will often be cheap and many times free! Think about all the possibilities before you dismiss a piece. You may be able to salvage the drawers of an unusable dresser and re-purpose them as bookshelves.

Take time to learn about the different types of wood and where they can be used. Each type of wood has its own benefits. For example, soft woods are generally cheaper; however, they tend to warp over time. Teak is a perfect wood for outdoor use; however, it is very expensive.

When opting for a pencil, try using a mechanical pencil instead of other varieties. Mechanical pencils allow you to make more precise lines on your wood. This means more precise cutting and less mistakes down the road. Even choose mechanical pencils over pencils that are labeled carpenter’s pencils. They are still more precise.

Ensure that your woodworking shop has plenty of lighting. You need bright lights when you are working on a project. This will help a lot with sanding, as well. Plus, that extra lighting will ensure that you’ve applied the stain evenly.

Sometimes a retractable tape measure is seen as too unreliable for woodworking. The tip can get worn out or bent, making measurements inexact. While a good steel ruler may be best, you can use a tape measure for some jobs. Just make sure you use the same one for all measurements. Don’t switch tape measures.

Do not use too many extension cords. Take time to unplug tools not in use, and plug in your tools you plan to use. Reduce the risk of tripping over cords or the possibility of a nasty shock with this basic safety procedure.

If you have a small, turned project, you can save time and give it a durable finish with cyanoacrylate glue. This glue dries to a glossy finish that is not dulled by repeated handling. This works great for small spindles that may be used in book racks or plate dividers in kitchen cabinets.

Working with wood has always been a valuable skill since the beginning of time. It can be a lucrative skill or simply an enjoyable hobby. There is something for everyone to enjoy about woodworking. Hopefully the tips from above will help inspire you and encourage you to get into doing more woodworking today.

The Proper Safety Gear For Your Woodworking Project was originally published on Spring