Woodworking 101 Tips
Woodworking Plans and Projects for Beginners
Table of Contents
Introduction
Woodworking is the art of making things from wood and this include different skills like wood carving and carpentry. Woodworking has been around during the Stone Age period where early humans used wood together with stone tools such as flint tools. Wood readily comes available during the ancient times and it is the easiest material to work with.
With the advances in technology as well as the demands in woodworking, many people are now engaged in this industry either as a business or as a hobby. Woodworking allows you to create interesting pieces. Getting started with woodworking as a hobby can be a daunting task. From using different types of woods to working with different tools, there are so many things that you need to learn. Thus, if you want to start woodworking, then this book will serve as your guide.
Chapter 1: Woodworking Basics
Woodworking is an enjoyable hobby but before you can start making things from wood, you need to know its basics. This chapter will discuss about basic information that you need to know about woodworking.
Hand Tools for Woodworking
Hand tools are very indispensable for people who are doing wood working. Hand tools refer to tools and equipment that are not powered by electricity (power tools). Below are the different types of hand tools that you need to have in your work area if you want to do woodworking.
Claw Hammer
A claw hammer is used for driving nails on to wood. Choose one that is not too heavy and feels good in your grasp.
Layout Square
A layout square allows you to make a square line for an end cut. It also allows you to mark an angle of up to 45 degrees. If you are starting with woodworking, choose a 6 layout square.
Retractable Tape Measure
Tape measures allow you to make precise and accurate measurements. A standard tape measure should have standard and metric markings. A retractable tape measure comes with locking mechanisms as well as a loose hook so that you can lock the measurements in place.
Utility Knife
A utility knife is a versatile cutting tool that can be used to scribe a mark on a piece of wood. It can also be used to clean up hinge mortises.
Chisels
Chisels are very important woodworking hand tools. They can be used to clean out wastes from mortises and joints and can also be used to chip off extra portions of wood that need to be removed. You need to keep at least one each of , , and 1 width.
Level
A level is a great tool to determine if a stock is perfectly horizontal or vertical. You can use a long level if you are working with big woodworking projects while a short 6 torpedo level is great for making small projects.
Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers are like claw hammers and they are not only used in woodworking but in other things as well. Keep a few versions of screw drivers such as the flathead variety, square head and the star screw.
Sliding Bevel
A sliding bevel is similar to a layout square but it can be adjusted to any angle that you want. It also comes with a locking mechanism which allows you to duplicate the angle that you need.
Nail Sets
Nail sets are small round chisels that are used to sink the nail head just beneath the surface of the wood. It keeps the wood finish smooth.
Block Plane
A block plane is used to shave thin amounts of wood from the stock. It is great in cleaning up edges after assembling the project.
Power Tools for Woodworking
If you are starting with woodworking, you need to get yourself familiar with how to use the hand tools. But as you get more experience over time, you will eventually need power tools to help you create more lavish projects. There are many types of power tools that you can get to start woodworking but this section will discuss only the basic tools that you need to tackle different types of projects.
Circular Saw
This versatile power tool comes with a clamp-one edge that can be used as a table saw. It can cut plywood or a fiberboard. If you have a budget, make sure that the first power tool that you invest is a circular saw. They come in different sizes but when choosing a good circular saw, you need to buy one that has a high horsepower so that you can cut through any types of woods that you want. It should also come with additional features such as an anti-locking clutch which allow the blades to slip if they bind to the stock and a blade lock which locks the blade spindle in place thus allowing you to change the blades easily.
Power Drills
Power drills allow you to drill numerous holes on the surface of the wood. When buying a power drill, make sure that they have reversible action and comfortable grip. You can also choose those that come with hammering action which is handy for working with projects not related to woodworking. Power drills come in different sizes and they [sizes] relate to the chuck. You need to have both sizes of 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch so that you can make different sizes of holes on your wood if needed.
Jigsaw
A jigsaw allows you to make curved cuts on plywood or thin board. Good jigsaws have good variable speed and orbital action. A jigsaw with orbital action allows the blade to angle slightly forward into the stock which minimizes the wear and tear on the blade for smoother cut. If you are doing woodworking most of the time, make sure that you get a corded jigsaw because they are very powerful compared to the cordless ones.
Orbital Sander
An orbital sander allows you to smooth the surface of the wood easily than using sandpaper. When buying an orbital sander, you need to buy those that have a dust collector bag or filter so that the dust does not fly anywhere. The sander should also feel comfortable in the hand. While sanders vibrate, good ones should not vibrate too much which can cause fatigue when working on large sanding projects. Another feature of good orbital sander is the variable speed controls.
Compound Miter Saw
A compound miter saw is good for cutting compound angles on the ends of the stock. A good compound miter saw can be angled by up to 45 degrees to the left or to the right.
Woodworking Accessories
While investing in hand tools and power tools are very important, it is also crucial for hobbyists to invest in good woodworking accessories. Woodworking accessories are not only useful but they are also necessary in helping you finish your woodworking projects. Below are the accessories that you need to have if you want to be successful in woodworking.
Woodworkers Bench
The handiest accessory that you should have in your workshop is the workers bench. It is made from a stable thick hardwood top with series of holes that are designed to hold bench dogs and vise to hold the stock in place while you are working.
Portable Shop Table
The thing about working is that you can never have too many tables in your workshop. This particular table is lightweight but sturdy and it comes with retractable casters. It allows you to work with small projects. It can also be used as an extension of the workers bench if you are working with large projects.
Tool Storage
There is nothing more annoying than looking for your tools while you are in the middle of working. Getting tool storage can help you organize your stuffs. You can build a cabinet or drawers or just do a shelving system to store your tools in place. It is crucial to keep your workshop clean and organized to prevent any accidents.