Friday, September 14, 2012

What You Should Know About Custom Woodworking

By Stephen A. Hiles


If you are interested in learning more about custom woodworking, there are a lot of things you should know. Some of it will seem like common sense and other information will be quite helpful. To begin, you will want to put some thought into the project you are interested in. This will help to ensure that you purchase the proper equipment for the job at hand.

Whether you are new to this craft or have years of experience, safety should always be your first consideration. One of the most important things to remember is to wear your safety goggles or glasses. Wood chips, sawdust, and other things will be airborne during much of the time that you are working so you will want to keep your eyes protected.

Choose a large enough area for you to be able to work freely. Depending on the project you plan to work on, this may mean using your entire basement, your garage, or even an area outside. To help prevent slipping and falling, clean up any spills and put tools away when you are finished. This includes unplugging any corded tools to prevent you from tripping over cords.

Ventilation must be taken into consideration in the area where you choose to work. Paints and varnishes can have strong odors and may contain harmful chemicals. Sawdust can also be dangers to your health if it is inhaled. If proper ventilation cannot be installed in the garage or basement, you may choose to work outdoors.

It is often recommended that those new to the craft start off building something simple such as a birdhouse or shelf. For new crafters seeking a more challenging build, a basic table may be the way to go. By starting with a basic item and building up, you will fine tune your skills.

When you are starting out with your new adventure, there are some key tools that you will need to get you started. Some of the basic tools that you should consider buying include a circular saw, a drill and assorted drill bits and a level with a straight edge. You will want to have a good ruler; typically a sturdy tape measure will do the trick.

Always pay attention to what you are doing and be well aware of your environment, especially when using power tools. Keep the television off and children and pets out of the area to avoid distractions. These are just a few of the ways to prevent any unwanted accidents.

Custom woodworking can be a lot of fun. Those who become good at it also find it to be profitable. You may even choose to enroll in a beginner's course at your local college. Many times friends or relatives that are skilled in this area will be happy to teach you what you need to learn.




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