by Tips on Becoming an Amateur Woodworker
Being a home woodworker in your spare time is one of the most fulfilling hobbies a person can have. Making things for yourself and others with your hands from scratch is incredibly satisfying. Even refinishing an existing piece of furniture that has seen better days and bringing it new life feels amazing. After you’ve cleared yourself a workspace and fired up your circular saw there are a few things to keep in mind as you work your woodworking magic.
Save Time and Energy With Specialty Tools
Woodworking can be much more enjoyable if you have a few special devices designed to make tedious and difficult tasks much easier. One example is a Dremel Tool. This handy little helper does everything from scraping the rust off of a surface to creating a beveled edge on your masterpiece. Its interchangeable bits give it many uses. Another tool that is worth investing in is an electric sander. This makes the most excruciating job ever, sanding, disappear in a flash. Then you’ll have more time to spend on the more enjoyable tasks of your hobby.
Create a Stable Work Surface
An essential component to safe woodworking and carpentry is having a secure and stable surface on which to operate your tools. A pair of heavy-duty sawhorses will take care of this need perfectly. They are made of lightweight steel, so they are both sturdy and mobile. They also fold up for easy storage when not in use. Two sawhorses with a piece of plywood on top is a classic setup that any professional would approve of.
Watch Some Online Tutorials
Like most hobbies these days, there are online video tutorials for just about any kind of woodworking project you can imagine. Watching a brief video of someone tackling the task you are about to take on can not only show you the proper way to accomplish your project but could alert you to problems you could potentially encounter and need to beware of. Finding a great video tutorial can be the best tool online you can use for hands on information and visual step-by-step instructions for learning.
Ensure That Safety Comes First
Your safety is the most important thing to be aware of when woodworking, especially when operating high-powered tools designed to cut, slice, and make holes. The two must-have pieces of safety equipment are a sturdy pair of safety goggles and a pair of heavy work gloves. Woodworking is supposed to be enjoyable, and nothing can ruin your experience like a well-placed splinter. Be safe and wear the right safety equipment so you can quickly go from being an amateur woodworker to a real pro!
These are great tips for those that are thinking about taking this up. I have a couple of friends that love it!