Router Table Depot Blog: Woodworking Tips Router Table Depot

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Friday, June 5, 2009

Woodworking is a craft that uses wood to build or create things like tables, chairs, cabinets, and fixtures. It is a relaxing hobby for someone who likes to work with his hands, and could turn out to be a profitable business if you really become good at it.

If you are a beginning woodworker (i.e., you might have all the equipment you need in your workshop, but do not know where to begin), it is always best to learn from those who have had experience at it. That way, you can benefit from their experiences and avoid committing their mistakes yourself. Also, by learning from the experienced woodworkers, you discover how to do things better than the conventional methods.

Some of the tips from those who have had experience in woodworking are as follows:

When cutting plywood, cut against the grain as much as possible. Plywood is composed of bound thin layers of wood (called plies), and have the tendency to chip when the cut is along the grain. To lessen the risk of the fibers piling up when you are cutting, put masking tape along the cut line (you should always mark the cut –scored with a utility knife- you are going to make before you cut!).
Tracing patterns onto wood is best accomplished with carbon paper. You can find carbon paper at any of your local craft store.
If you are going to use a scroll saw to cut patterns, the best material to use to draw your pattern is carpet tape (the tape you use to secure your carpet). Attach enough carpet tape to the wood, and sketch in your pattern. After you are done, you simply remove the remaining tape and need not fear about any major residue being left.
When you are using wood glues for your woodworking, remember that the best surfaces to join are the long grain to long grain surfaces. This is because this situation results in a firmer and better spread “grip”. Parallel surfaces joined together are long grain to long grain surface joining examples. In contrast joints involving short grain surfaces are weak and will need to be supported mechanically, e.g., using nails or braces. Perpendicular joints are normally joints with short grain surfaces.

The above tips can help you get on nicely in your woodworking adventure. You may not be able to immediately apply these in your projects but it is always good information to have in case you do run into a similar situation. These tips are not only useful for you as a newbie, but even when you gain years of experience, because these are fundamental tips that can never expire in their usefulness. Continue to search for tips from the masters, develop your own as you gain more experience, and you will be able to do you woodworking much better. Do not forget, of course, to share your knowledge and experience with others. This ensures that the craft of woodworking will continue to grow.

by: Router Table Depot

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