Text copyright © 2013 Stephen Noble All rights reserved
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Getting Started Chapter 2: Safety Supplies and Practices Chapter 3: Tools and Other Equipment Hand Tools Hand-Held Power Tools Stationary Tools Convenience Tools and Accessories Chapter 4: Plans and Projects Bedroom Plan Tips Deck Plan Tips The Kitchen Project Bird House Plans Dog House Plans Chapter 5: Further Practice and Techniques Sharpening and Grinding Chisels and Knives Working With Plywood Biscuit Joints Chapter 6: Finishing a Woodpiece Chapter 7: Conclusion
Getting Started Dining room chairs, coffee tables, antique bureaus, down to baseball bats and kitchen cabinets- these items owe their existence to the craft of woodworking. In a nutshell, woodworking is the practice of cutting and shaping pieces of wood, then putting them together to form a particular structure that is designed for a particular purpose. This includes a large selection of special tools, techniques and patterns that can be used to serve the woodworker’s craft. Practical woodworking tips have become easy to find both online and in woodworking specialty stores, and are extremely helpful for amateurs and professionals alike. Here are some of those practical woodworking tips: Always Follow Safety Protocol Woodworking is a dangerous hobby that involves handling heavy
materials and sharp tools. There is a variety of products designed to increase safety while woodworking, as well as a variety of practices that can decrease risk of injury. Know and follow safe operating instructions and remain alert while woodworking. Know Your Tools There are multitudes of tools available for woodworking. Knowing what tools to use for what purpose and how to be handle these tools can be especially overwhelming to beginning woodworkers! The good news is that there are only a few uncomplicated tools that most people need in order to get started woodworking. These tools may be hand-operated or power tools, hand-held or stationary, but are very good for basic home repairs and crafting simple woodpieces. Consulting Design Plans Design plans are a convenience to both amateur and professional woodworkers and are widely available. Consulting plans and patterns increases accuracy while decreasing frustration and mistakes. Even if you decide to not purchase patterns, it is highly recommendable to sketch out a plan before beginning a project. This helps ensure that you have the necessary equipment and minimizes waste of materials, time and effort.
Understand the Nature of your Woodpieces The type of wood you choose to work with influences how you should design and manipulate it, as well as the finished product. For instance, different types of wood will withstand different pressures and do better with different types of cuts and joints. Understanding your wood will let the finished piece last longer and remain stronger. Certain techniques have been found to work better with certain types of wood. As you progress in your woodworking, you will learn how to hone and manipulate your materials and tools to produce a better finished product. Woodworking is a challenging but rewarding hobby. Long hours and hard work will produce beautiful, dependable furniture, toys and other woodpieces. In this eBook you will discover practical tips and instructions to beginning or improving your woodworking.
Safety Supplies and Practices Few things can surpass the excitement and pride of creating a unique piece of furniture or decorative object by hand. Woodworking can be a lucrative profession, enjoyable pastime or both. But woodworking is also a dangerous hobby. The tools can be heavy and, more often than not, very sharp. Motor tools are extremely powerful, and have been known to cause serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. Whether a hand tool or a power tool, all woodworking tools should be handled with care. Paying attention to the following safety tips could lessen your chance of woodworking-related injuries. Even before cutting into your first piece of wood, take time to consider your actions. Is this position the most ideal to cut this object in this way? Planning how and where you will cut each woodpiece could not only keep your fingers attached, it will also help you to utilize every piece of wood in the most efficient way. Always keep your woodshop clean. Woodworking can create a lot of mess and keeping a cluttered shop increases your chances of injury. Organize your tools and throw away trash. Not having a specific spot to put away your tools creates the risk of tripping over loose tools, dropping heavy equipment on your foot, becoming tangled in loose wires, etc.
Woodworking demands your complete attention. Concentrate on what you are doing at all times and if you must be distracted, turn off all tools first. Do not leave a radio or television in your woodshop. A little background noise only seems like a good idea until your hand makes contact with a sharp blade. Try to never rush to complete a project. Not only could you compromise the quality of the woodpiece, but the additional stress of a set deadline could cause you to lose focus. Take a break to avoid mistakes. Sometimes wood will resist the effects of a tool. Do not force tools through the wood. This can cause kickback from the tool, resulting in injuries to yourself. Safety gear and protective equipment is required when woodworking. Dust and woodchips can irritate your eyes and airways and loose hair can get caught in power tools, causing serious injury. Whenever you are woodworking, be sure to wear gloves, ear protection, goggles, a dust mask and even an apron. Don’t be so concerned with the way you look when geared up in your safety equipment. Just think of how much worse you would look without your head. Don’t overlook letting the tool take a rest, too. An overtaxed and overheated tool can cause injury to yourself or damage to the tool. Never drink alcohol when woodworking. No matter how great you may think your tolerance level for alcohol is, alcohol beverages distort
judgment and cause injury. Wait until after the project is done before starting the celebrations. Woodworking is a fun and exciting hobby, but it is also a dangerous one. Take all safety precautions while practicing your woodwork.
Hand Tools Although always labor intensive, woodworking is actually a fairly diverse activity. It involves altering and modifying or cutting and measuring, and can be as simple as a hobby or as complex as a profession. And, while profession woodworkers will have a large collection of tools, the average woodworker may only need a few simple ones. The term “hand tools” refers to hand-powered, hand-held woodworking tools. Sometimes, the project you’re working on just requires a little elbow grease! Measurement Instruments Your woodpieces won’t be very accurate if you don’t have tools with which to measure the proper dimensions before cutting. The most important measuring instruments you will own are friction point calipers, a square, a twenty-five foot tape measure and a steel ruler. The measuring tape is a flexible ruler that can be rolled out over an area and then rolled back into its container after the measurement has been read. Different brands have produced an expansive selection of measuring tapes, each selling different features. The more complex of
these include a laser pointer for additional guidance, or a memory function which allows them to record multiple measurements at once. Calipers, another common layout and measurement tool, are designed to read more detailed measurements. The most common type of caliper looks similar to a compass, a tool for making perfect circles, and is often mistaken for one. Calipers make measurement work much more accurate. Able to measure within a 0-6 inch or 0-150 mm range, the caliper has an accuracy measure of up to 0.001 inch or ± 0.02 mm. Digital calipers can make layouts and measurements more accurate, easier and faster than the traditional caliper. Sharpening and Grinding Tools Sharpening Stones Other types of grinding and sharpening stones include whetstones, oilstones and Japanese waterstones. Available in a large range of sizes and shapes, sharpening stones are typically comprised of man-made material or quarried stone. The most common instruments brought against a sharpening stone are scissors, chisels, knives and plane blades. All sharpening stones are hand- powered and available in multiple
grades. The grade of the stone refers to the size of the grit particles on the stone. A finer the grit produces a finer finish of the tool being sharpened. Finer grits also cause the project to be longer to complete, however, since finer grits remove less material compared to a rougher grit. Files Files sharpen tools or shape materials using abrasion techniques. While they can be used to shape or soften materials, especially wood, the file is also useful for sharpening cutting tools such as chisels, saws and knives. The file features a hardened steel bar covered in sharp, parallel ridges. Handsaws Most people are familiar with the handsaw, and know what it is used for. The saw is a serrated blade used for cutting wood. All saws were hand-powered until the 19th century and the invention of the motor. Since then, saws have been available as both hand-powered and electric tools. Power saws are structurally similar to handsaws, except that they are attached to a motor. This makes woodworking quicker and easier than with a handsaw. Handsaws come is a few different types. Each type yields the same
results, but produces a different type of cut. They are determined by the types of blades they use and the way those blades are held. For instance, a coping saw cuts curves and other intricate patterns. A crosscut saw makes straight cuts perpendicular to the grain of almost every kind of wood. A hacksaw can cut through metal, such as protruding nails. The most common handsaws include: Crosscut Saw By far the most popular type of handsaw, the crosscut saw is designed to make cuts that are perpendicular to the grain of the wood. Rip Saw The ripsaw is used to make cuts that are parallel to the grain of the wood. The blade’s angled, serrated teeth resemble a chisel and are ideal for tearing the fibers of a woodpiece. This is why ripsaws are the best choice for cuts made along of wood’s grain. Floorboard Saw Like the name suggests, a floorboard saw features a curved blade used for cutting floorboards. Japanese Saw
Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke of the saw. They are most often used for shaping woodpieces to a certain form and making curved cuts. Keyhole or Pad Saw The keyhole saw, pad saw and compass saw are several different names for the same tool. They are designed with a narrow, fitted blade that can be used for cutting window or door locks. Two-man Saw The two-man saw is one of the largest handsaws available. They require two operators and are used for cutting trees and logs. Plywood Saw Designed for cutting plywood, the plywood saw has a fine-toothed blade that minimizes the tearing of wood, leaving a cleaner cut. Veneer Saw A two-edged saw blade with fine teeth, the veneer saw is designed to make veneer cuts.
Chisels and a Mallet If you purchase a chisel, you will also need to purchase a wooden or rubber mallet. Chisels carve through wood, hitting one with a regular hammer will damage the chisel blade. Buy a set that includes ¾, ½, ¼, and 1/3 sized blades. Hammer Your woodshop, of course, will require a hammer. Be sure to choose a hammer with a claw behind the head, so that you will be able to extract and drive nails with the same tool. Sandpaper To smooth and shave wood, acquire a block plane and sandpaper. Sandpaper is used for general smoothing, and block planes are used for general shaving. Be sure to buy several different grains of sandpaper, different wood and different finishes will require them. Clamps Not rarely does a woodworker wish he had four or five more hands to hold this piece still, hold those pieces together, stabilize that piece so he can work on this piece. This is why many woodworkers value and employ woodworking clamps.
Beyond serving as an extra hand, clamps have another great advantage: They have greater torque than a human hand. That is, clamps can exert more strength and force than the average human grip. A variety of woodworking clamps are available, and it is a good idea to have at least one pair of each type. The most basic and most important clamp a woodworker can have is the C-clamp. Shaped exactly like its name, the C-clamp’s curved shape features a flat square at the top of the C to create a steadier grip on the wood’s surface. The bottom of the C is fitted with a hole through which a threaded screw is twisted to adjust the width of the clamp to the thickness of the woodpiece it is holding. The end of the screw is flat to match the top of the C-clamp, and the woodpiece rests between these two flat ends. It is easy to over-tighten a C-clamp, but doing so can damage softer or more delicate woods. Be careful to not tighten the screw of the C-clamp too much. Bar clamps are another variety of woodworking clamp. Used to hold thin woodpieces, the bar clamp consists of two jaws at either end of a straight bar. One jaw is fixed in place, the other is adjustable. Pipe clamps are used to grip very wide woodpieces. A pipe allows the clamp to have greater lengths, but can only hold woodpieces that
have the same width as the pipe length. To hold odd-shaped objects, woodworkers use web clamps. Made of nylon mesh straps, the web clamp uses metal ratchets to tighten the straps around woodpieces that will not fit other types of clamps. Miter clamps, also called corner clamps, can hold two objects together at 90 degree angles; making them valuable precision tools that allow the woodworker to fasten corners together with bolts, glue, nuts or fasteners. Miter clamps are most often used when assembling cabinet panels, cabinet face frames, cabinet doors rails and styles, vertical bookcases and door jambs. When choosing clamps for your woodshop, invest in the best quality tools you can afford. Purchasing cheap clamps that break in the middle of a project will only cost you more money in the long run. Glue Typically, nails or screws are the first choice in joining two woodpieces, but these tools aren’t always idea for a particular project. When the wood won’t hold nails well, or the aesthetic value of the piece will be compromised through the use of nails, wood glue is a secure alternative for joining woodpieces. Wood glue contains a specialized adhesive designed to tightly bond wooden objects together. Wood glue adhesives firmly bond to
wood but not to each other, enabling them to create a strong hold. The highest quality wood glues are water-based, and can be easily absorbed into the wood itself. Several chemical substances, such as polyvinyl acetate, have been employed as wood glues. Also called Yellow Glue, or Carpenter’s Glue, polyvinyl acetate is sold as a wood glue and is readily available in white, allowing it to leave a clearer finish after drying. Drying glued woodpieces usually necessitates the use of clamps, to prevent the separate pieces from moving before they’ve properly dried. Adhesive wood glues can also be made from substances besides polyvinyl acetate. Like Carpenter’s Glue, these also require clamping and plenty of drying time, and yield basically the same results. Animal- product glues, like hide glue, can still be found on the market, and are sometimes used for restoration projects. Although not as popular as polyvinyl acetate today, hide glues were the favorite choice before the production of synthetic glues. Hide glue must be dissolved in water before it can be applied to a wood surface, and are poorly suited for filling gaps in the wood, so joints must be accurately cut. Crazy Glue, or Superglue, is made from cyanoacrylate and is notorious for drying almost instantly. Cyanoacrylate glues are useful for small wood repairs, but not for bonding full woodpieces. Because they are more often used for detail bonding, clamping is often unnecessary. Hot melt glues, like glue sticks can be used by woodworkers, but only for temporary bonding. Contact Cement is good for veneers. These
adhesives are easy to apply and easy to remove.
Power Tools Since the Neolithic Era, humanity has owed its success to tools. From primitive bone to modern metal, tools have followed society’s evolution, all along aiding mankind in building and hunting. Tools have, in fact, become something of an uncelebrated hero in the progress of construction and art. As electric power tools have replaced hand-powered tools, it’s become increasingly likely to find a power drill or electric saw in a woodworker’s shop. Tools have come far from their origins of bone manufacture. They’ve become more convenient and complex, a practical compromise between purpose and technology, yet in some ways have remained the same. Hand-held power tools in particular have become immensely popular among woodworkers. They remain similar to the hand-powered tools they’ve replaced, but are much more time and energy efficient. Hand-held power tools aren’t too dissimilar from their hand- powered predecessors. They provide the same function, but in a quicker, more efficient manner. Nail Gun
A nail gun is a hand-held power tool used to rapidly drive nails. Also known as pin nailers, bradders and brad nailers, the nail gun utilizes electromagnetism, compressed air or small electric charges to replace the mechanical work of using a hammer to drive nails. While the nail gun has not yet replaced the hammer, they are very popular among the building trades. Hand Held Power Drill Drills are used to bore holes in wood, often before inserting screws. A drill bit is the focal point of the power drill. As the rotating bit is pressed into a woodpiece, it rapidly shaves round sections of the wood, creating a hole. An electric, power drill is easier to use than a hand-powered drill and allows you to insert different screwdriver tips and drill bits. Buy a portable, motorized drill and a wide variety of drill bits of different sizes. Electric Sanders Electric sanders are hand-held power tools used to rapidly sand rough wood finishes. By asserting a constant sanding level, electric sanders make sanding procedures faster and leave a smoother finish. Because they are hand-held tools, electric sanders are equally useful for sanding both curved and flat wood surfaces. Electric Powered Jig Saws
Both hand-powered and electric-powered jig saws are used to cut woopieces into precise shapes. Their primary difference is convenience, operating an electric jig saw requires much less effort on the part of the woodworker. The electric jig saw is a widely favored tool for simple cuts, straight lines, and various shapes. Miter Saw A miter is a corner or joint formed when two woodpieces are cut and joined at an angle. Picture frames are an example of a miter cut. The shape of the frame decides the type of wood joint they require. The miter saw makes creating miter joints fast and easy. Like most woodworking saws, the miter saw is available as both a motorized and manual tool. Motorized miter saws are electric tools powered by a motor. Manual miter saws are hand-powered, requiring the use of physical strength to operate them. The operation of the motorized miter saw is a cooperation between a spinning blade and its user’s control of the saw’s abilities. As the circular saw blade spins, its cut must be directed to the woodpiece, which should have been previously positioned against a fence. The fence supplies the cutting angle, to maximize precision, usually at a 90 degree angle. When the saw’s angle has been adjusted relative to the fence’s position, the miter saw’s index is employed. The miter saw’s index allows the operator to change the saw’s
angle. Some miter saws index at one degree increments, while others have “auto set” features for common angles such as 15, 30 or 45 degrees. More expensive brands come with a laser guide to increase precision and accuracy. Most miter saws are used to cut wood, but some types do have the ability to cut certain plastics and light metals. Miter saws are very useful for cutting frames; their most common use is certainly for cutting mouldings during frame-making. Miter saw blades range between eight and twelve inches; although exceptions are available to meet a wide variety of woodworking needs. Chain Saw Basically a motorized saw, and certainly not a detail, precision tool, chain saws are invaluable for separating thick logs of wood and preparing larger woodpieces for finer detailing. It is not rare to find a chain saw in a simple garage or shed, since many people use them for around-the-house wood cutting needs. Chain saws are available in two basic types: Those that use an electric motor, and those that require a two-stoked gasoline engine. The “chain” part of the saw is a series of riveted metal “teeth” connected to look much like a bicycle chain. These small, sharp blades are mounted on each link and cycle as the chain saw’s motor revolves them, cutting whatever surface the tool comes into contact with.
The gap positions of the tool’s teeth determine the type of chain saw. The teeth of a skip tooth chain saw are mounted on every other link, in order to reduce the risk of clogging when cutting through soft wood. More recent variations may have an alteration between left and right- handed teeth, so that the cuts are more even. Today, chain saws have largely replaced hand-powered saws, making wood projects easier, faster and more accurate. They have even been refined for use in sculpting, with special teeth.
Stationary Tools Portable, hand-held tools are probably what come to mind when thinking of woodworking. But the need for stationary woodworking machines should never be overlooked. Portable tools are certainly necessary for assembling, connecting and generally “putting together” a woodpiece. But stationary machines have in integral role prior to construction, in the shaping of the woodpieces. If portable tools put the blocks together, then stationary tools must be the block builders. Stationary woodworking tools shape the woodpieces before the project’s final assembly. Here are the most common stationary machines found in a woodshop. The Workbench The workbench will be the focus of all of your woodworking activities. Commercially available workbenches often come equipped with small trays beneath the actual bench where you can store some of your smaller tools, reducing clutter in the woodshop. Whether buying or building your own workbench however, it should be sturdy and solid. The bench will be exposed to large amounts of stress and will need to be reliable under it. It should also have areas
where you can attach clamps and vices. The workbench should be kept in a well-lighted area and kept clean. Bench Grinder Basically an abrasive wheel, bench grinders can be geared to serve a variety a purposes. It’s not hard to guess how a bench grinder operates: Visualize a wheel positioned beside a motor. Like most stationary tools, the bench grinder must be “fed” the woodpiece. The operator must learn to manipulate the woodpiece and not the tool itself. Bench grinders are used for buffing, polishing and sanding, among other things. For example, if a woodworker wished to sand a cabinet door, he would feed the door to the bench grinder at the specifications necessary to the design. Depending on the type of wheel and the grade of the wheel attached to the bench grinder, the tool can be used on a variety of other materials; including various plastics and certain metals. Wheels are available in packaged sets, sometimes included in the purchase of the bench grinder itself. The grade of the wheel determines the projects the tool is able of accomplish. Buffering wheels, or fine grade grinding wheels, enable bench grinders to polish materials; including metal, wood and plastic. High grade grinding wheels are used to reform rough metal before welding or fitting. These high grade wheels will also allow the bench grinder to sharpen tools. Regularly inspect chisels, mortisers, saw blades, drill bits,
and other cutting tools for dullness, as any of these can benefit from a sharpening on the bench grinder. Always mount your bench grinder securely on a stable structure; such as a bench or pillar. And ensure that your tool has been formatted with an emergency shut-off switch. Jointers In order to make wood joints as quickly and accurately as possible, many woodworkers value jointers. Joints are essential to making biscuit join and mortise setups and using a jointer allows a woodworker to fix them easily. More than that, a jointer ensures an accurate joint cut, minimizing mistakes and allowing the woodworker to save precious time. Drill Press Like the bench grinder, the drill press is suited to perform a number of jobs. Besides using a drill bit for boring holes, the drill press can also be fitted with grinding wheels to work as a polisher or grinder. However, the drill press’ assembly is a bit more sophisticated than that of a bench grinder. It’s compiled of a pillar or column, a table, a base, a drill head and a spindle. The drill head focuses down a fixed path though the tool’s column. The wood is placed on the press’ table and the drill descends to it, creating greater accuracy during drilling.
The drill press is a fixed, rather than a portable, drill that is most often available in a mounted form, needing to be secured to a stable surface such as a workbench or the floor. Also called the pedestal drill, bench drill or pillar drill, the drill press is primarily comprised of a table, base, spindle, drill head and column or pillar. The drill press is usually powered by an induction motor. The user operates the power tool with three handles located on the drill head. These handles are built on a core hub and control the drill vertically, boring a path beside the drill press’ column. The drill press’ table is adjustable vertically, to accommodate the width of the woodpiece being worked. The drill press has several advantages over hand-held drills, the most appreciated of which is that it requires less effort to operate. However, drill presses also tend to be more secure and accurate, since a clamp must be used to position the woodpiece in order to prevent it from slipping. Drill presses are also quicker and easier for boring multiple holes in a woodpiece, since the drill press itself is more accurate and secure. Band Saw The band saw is a motor-powered saw, commonly used in lumber mills, with a narrow band of toothed metal comprising the “cutting element.”
Although miniature varieties exist, band saws are predominately fixed position power tools that aren’t available hand-held. Powered by a motor, bands of toothed, revolving metal blades ride two wheels in a vertical plane. The wheels of most band saws can be adjusted, allowing the space between the wheels to determine the types of cuts a band saw will make. Adjusting the width of the band blade during operation allows curved cuts to be made by the tool, making band saws ideal for cutting irregular shapes. Timber mills often prefer band saws to circular saws, because less waste is produced. Band saws form a smaller cut size, or kerf, minimizing wastage. A band saw’s blades range from 4 inches wide by 19 feet long by 22 GA thickness, to 16 feet wide by 62 feet long by 11 GA thickness. A timber yard typically chooses a larger blade; the blades are often stretched very tightly, considering the size of the wood they are made to cut. There are several types of large band saws; including resaws, double cut saws and headsaws. Resaws are one of the most common types of larger band saws and the type most likely to be found in a timber mill. They are accurate and fast, and have a small kerf size.
As the name implies, double cut saws are equipped with cutting teeth on both sides of the blade. Similar to the size of a head saw, the double cut saw is designed to work in the same way, with the exception of being able to cut “backwards.” Head saws are primarily used to make initial cuts in a log. Composed of a two or three inch spread between the saw’s sharp edge , and silver teeth on the back of the saw’s sharp edge, the rotating teeth of a head saw are designed to swipe slivers out of the saw’s path. This is enormously useful when a band saw is forced to back out of a cut. Band saws are useful for general cutting work, but not for detailed cutting. Instead, consider band saws the first step in a woodworking project. Useful for producing pieces that more precision work can be performed upon later. Wood Lathe The wood lathe is a tool that spins wood for various tasks such as deformation, drilling, sanding, cutting and knurling. It is very similar to a potter’s wheel, in which clay is placed on the spinning mount point in order to be shaped. The wood lathe allows a woodworker to perform operations on woodpieces. Whether shaping or sanding, the wood lathe is a uniquely
specialized tool often used for shaping blocks of wood into different shapes. Chair legs, table legs, cue sticks and baseball bats are popular examples of what a wood lathe is used to make. Most wood lathes have a similar setup. The wood is attached to the lathe’s head stock, also called the leg stock or the spindle. A horizontal rail lies between the head stock and the operator, serving as a rest while the head stock spins the wood. The operator may then utilize shaping tools, most often hand-held. The rotary lathe is another specialized wood lathe, used to peel bark from softwood logs. An adjusted calibration allows successfully positioned sharp blades to peel continuous or semi-continuous rolls from unwanted portions of the log. Specialized wood lathes allow the operator to make shapes deviating from the common cylindrical design; including wooden pots or bowls. While these wood lathes may appear very different, the basic operating principles remain the same. The glasswork lathe, watchman’s lathe, metal lathe and ornamental tuning lathe make craft workers’ jobs simpler. They all operate by the same basic principles and serve the same basic purpose that wood lathes do. When it comes to shaping woodpieces, the wood lathes make a job easy and fast.
Convenience Tools and Accessories Woodworking isn’t for the faint of heart, even simple projects require a lot of time and effort. Sometimes, there is so much to do that one person can easily become overwhelmed! But, thankfully, manufacturers have put a considerable amount of thought into designing a lot of little ways to make woodworking easier for the craftsman. Here is a list of helpful woodworking products available on the market today: Some of the best inventions are the most simple, like the magnetic wrist nail holder. The nail holder consists of six magnets that affix to a woodworker’s wrist. This allows him to keep up to one pound of drill bits, nails, etc attached to the wrist for easier access. Traveling with the woodworker, the nail holder eliminates the need to dig through the tool box or chase nails around the table. The miniature plane is an exact replica of a full-sized plane, but measuring just a few inches long. They are more compact than regular planes and are useful for precision smoothing on small wood surfaces,
such as the edge of a sheet of plywood. The Bowjack is a tool used to install wooden planks on ceilings, floors and decking. The Bowjack is placed beside a board and the tool’s spur is inserted into the wooden framing. When the Bowjack’s lever is pulled, the board is forced into the correct position and spacing. A sliding collar keeps the board in position in order to free a woodworker’s hands so that he can fasten the wooden boards to the frame. Steel straight edges are sturdier than wooden or plastic rulers. They can withstand scoring and other damaging processed. Look for a steel straight edge with an accurate level gauge. Roll-up tool bags are less bulky than standard tool boxes. Made from thick polyester fabric, roll-up bags are exceedingly convenient and useful for protecting, organizing and keeping tools. Typically, a bag will have enough pockets to fit nine tools, up to two inches in diameter. Pockets should also be made with a flap to prevent the tools from falling out. These bags can be spread and mounted on a wall, making the tools slightly more visible than when inside a tool box. Safety tethers are a unique safety feature that prevent tools from falling and striking the woodworker’s feet or people standing below him. They are especially important for projects that are on “high ground,” such as roofing. Safety tethers are constructed from a stainless steel cord at a maximum strength of 175 kilograms, and attach to the woodworker’s belt.
It’s likely that there’s a product to assist in any woodworking problem a person could face. These products make projects easier, safer or just more convenient.
Plans and Projects Woodworking, whether as a profession or a hobby, offers a lot of fun and a lot of challenge. Part of this is the excitement of watching rough wood become useful or beautiful objects under your hands. But part of the fun is also planning how something will be built. Designing the plan of a woodworking project, especially a complex one, requires engineering, architecture, or just plain old math. Without some basic math skills, a woodpiece’s structural integrity is compromised. Most amateur and novice woodworkers don’t have the experience or knowledge necessary to make these sorts of plans, just as many experienced ones prefer to not have to make the plans themselves. This is how pre-made woodworking plans have become so available. There are many woodworking patterns available online for little or no price. Free patterns should be taken with a grain of salt, but purchased Internet patterns usually have equal or better quality to those sold in stores. For instance, Internet patterns tend to be more specific and more able to utilize diagrams and pictures. Often, websites will provide discounts or free incentives to repeat customers. Each pattern should contain a list of necessary specifications and materials to complete the project. These patterns come in varying levels of difficulty, from easy woodpieces for beginners to far more complex projects for experienced woodworkers. While a novice woodworker may use a pattern for
complete direction, experienced woodworkers know how to use patterns to glean additional information to improve their own projects. A typical woodworking pattern will feature three designs in order to make the directions more understandable. The first diagram should demonstrate the materials needed. The second diagram should demonstrate how certain parts fit with other components. The third diagram should show the finished project and how its features operate. The main disadvantage to using an Internet source to purchase your woodworking patterns is how untraceable an online company can be. It can be hard to know whether the store you purchase from is stealing your credit card information, or if your patterns will even be delivered. Look for companies that have been around for a while and whose customers have satisfied reviews. Websites that offer a variety of products within the industry are more likely to be legitimate. They might also offer a more knowledgeable staff, who can help you navigate their selections. Also be sure to examine and thoroughly understand the company’s refund policy. Some may only offer an exchange, and not all products may qualify for return. It’s not unusual for a company to require that their plans not be distributed to third parties. Doing so may violate their privacy policy.
If you do decide to utilize an online pattern, there are several factors you should consider before settling on a certain one. Most importantly, determine whether the skill level of the project suits your current abilities. Attempting a pattern that is too advanced can result in a disappointing finished, and choosing a pattern that is too easy for you will simply be boring. Also examine the tools and other materials you will need to complete the project. Check that you own the necessary tools, and calculate the cost of buying or renting the things you don’t have. Woodworking patterns are convenient without compromising excitement, but the Internet can be either a paradise or a nightmare for woodworkers looking for patterns. By knowing how to evaluate the quality of a website and their merchandise, you will save a lot of time and trouble when starting your next project. But buying patterns can also limit a lot of the creativity of your woodworking. Think of patterns as guidelines, don’t be afraid to personalize them a little bit! This eBook also contains a variety of tips and suggestions for designing your own woodworking patterns or for enhancing an existing pattern. Bedroom Plan Tips Your bedroom is your private space, a safe recluse where you can fully relax and rest. It can also become an outward expression of yourself
and, as such, you need to make careful considerations for how you want your bedroom to appear and function. Will your bedroom focus on comfort and coziness, or is it a quiet but purposeful reprieve from the rest of the house? First consider the bedroom’s natural lighting. During the day, allowing large amounts of natural lighting will provide a viable alternative to costly artificial lighting. Include spacious windows in your bedroom plan. Large windows that can also slide open provide plenty of natural light and cool air for ventilation. Many people, however, have difficulty sleeping when exposed to bright light. When constructing your windows, provide rails for thick, dark curtains that can be used to dim the room’s natural lighting should the need arise. Wood is often considered the best choice for creating a truly relaxing atmosphere, and comes in a variety of colors and tones. Consider including wooden floorboards or walls in your bedroom plans. Unlike ceramic tiles, marble or granite, wooden floors will contain heat. Few things are more unpleasant than stepping on a cold floor in the morning. If ceramic, marble or granite flooring is used, try investing on a soft, thick rug to cover the area of the room near where the bed will be placed. The best way to accentuate wooden floorboards or walls is will soft artificial lighting. Pin lights and lamp shades are ideal for this
project. This will also create a pleasant, romantic atmosphere at night. Be careful, however, to not depend on these soft sources for strong lighting. A main center light will likely still be necessary. If your bedroom is prone to clutter, install a wooden cabinet or storage space in addition to the closet. An extra set of drawers will help keep the room clean and organized. A uniform appearance is pleasant to the eye. Consider purchasing the same color, fabric and design for both the curtains and bed clothes. Also do your best to make the color, type and grain of wooden furniture, floorboards and walling. This will make your room seem professionally decorated. A small room can be made to seem larger by adding mirrors. This will give the illusion that the room is bigger than it is. When designing your bedroom plan, take into consideration the many factors that will influence the appearance of your space. Use these tips to ensure that your bedroom truly is your personal retreat. Deck Plan Tips The deck of a house can make a lasting impression on guests, or an endless assortment of grievances for you. Your deck should make a statement for the house as well as provide you with comfort and
enjoyment. Do not overlook designing a thoughtful plan for your home’s deck. With a good deck plan, you will be able to predetermine the deck’s use and arrange for all the necessary components. First decide whether your deck will be connected to or separate from the house. You will also want to plan whether your deck will have railings, a ceiling, or sitting areas. After the basic structure of the deck has been decided, consider what materials should be used for its construction. The quality and type of the building materials will determine the cost of building, the amount of maintenance, and how long it will last. Because decks are outdoor structures, exposed to natural climate and elements, the quality of the building materials should be the highest possible. Decks today can be built from a variety of different materials, by far the most preferred of which is wood. Wood is versatile, durable and easy to work with. The framing of the deck should be made of thick, heavy wooden beams. The flooring can be made of wooden boards, which are easy to coat or sand for a warm or more attractive appearance.
However, do not limit yourself to building the deck with only wood. Many other materials, such as concrete, are readily available at local hardware stores and are just as solid as wood. Concrete in particular can form the pad for the staircase and the main foundations of the deck. Additional features and comforts; such as lighting, posts, beams, railings, joints and benches should be incorporated only after the deck floor has been finalized. All deck plans must be reviewed by your town’s building office authorities before construction can begin. These plans must include every detail of the planned construction, including building materials and size. For many beginner woodworkers, this is an arduous task that requires specialized skill and knowledge; therefore, it is advisable to hire a licensed contractor for this. Your overall goal should remain to build a pleasant, yet sturdy, deck that is enjoyable for both relaxation and entertainment out-of- doors. The Kitchen Project Whether you are designing a new house, or renovating an old one, the kitchen always deserves much attention and consideration.
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