It is understandable that beginners may not be aware of certain things, considering they are beginners and we have all experienced that stage. However, there are a few essential things that you should be aware of at present.
1. Use your pencil correctly
Although it may come across as offensive, this is a concept that requires careful consideration. The width of a pencil varies depending on the type you use. The lead is positioned in the middle, while the surrounding wood or plastic extends further.
When you are using a straight edge to make a line, the pencil does not directly press against it. Due to the width of the pencil, the lead will create a mark slightly to the side of your intended mark. As a result, your marks and subsequently your cuts become less precise.
If you change the angle of the pencil while making a mark, the line will be displaced from the accurate measurement.
In order to ensure precise markings, it is important to place the pencil directly on the mark and subsequently glide the straight-edge towards it, considering the pencil’s width. Subsequently, maintain a consistent angle throughout the entire line with the pencil.
2. Don’t measure from the end of the tape
The end of tape measures is equipped with a thin metal “hook” that can become bent, resulting in inaccurate measurements.
To prevent the hook’s inaccuracy, move the tape slightly forward and measure from either the 1 or 2 inch mark. This ensures the accuracy of the distance. However, remember to subtract the starting number from the ending number. For instance, if you begin at 1 inch and the other end of your measurement indicates 10 inches, the actual length is 9 inches. Be careful not to mistakenly record it as 10.
3. Allow for the kerf
A saw blade has a width known as the kerf, which refers to the slot it cuts out. Thus, the kerf is both the saw blade’s width and the width it cuts into the wood.
When marking the width of a board needed, it indicates that everything beyond the mark should be retained. If the saw is aligned precisely over that line, a portion of the blade will intrude into the desired section. Hence, accounting for the kerf is necessary and aligning the outer edge of the blade teeth with the outer edge of the line is required.
4. Take time when sanding
Sanding is often seen as a necessary task that we try to complete quickly or even avoid altogether. However, achieving a professional finish for your projects requires understanding the proper approach to sanding and dedicating sufficient time to doing it effectively.
Sanding should be done gradually, especially when working on a rough surface. This involves starting with a lower grit, approximately 80, and then gradually moving up. Therefore, after using 80 grit, proceed with 120 or a similar grit, and conclude with 220.
When thinking step by step, it is important to avoid focusing on one spot for too long while sanding. This is because uneven edges may exist, and you may be tempted to continue sanding that specific spot until it is level. However, this approach can result in the formation of deep grooves and divots.
To ensure thorough and even sanding, a recommended approach involves employing a random orbit sander and making multiple marks with a pencil across the entire area. Progress to the next region for sanding once a pencil mark is erased, and refrain from resanding any areas until all pencil marks have been removed and you are prepared for a second round of sanding.
5. Don’t cut all of the pieces at once
Typically, woodworking plans will contain a cut list, which comprises all the required pieces and their measurements. However, this cut list should only be used as a reference. Avoid cutting all of these pieces at once in the beginning.
The rationale for this is that with each piece you join together, you will make small mistakes. These small measurement differences will accumulate, requiring different measurements for each subsequent piece during the project assembly.
To effectively address the potential human error that we all encounter, the most effective approach is to utilize measurement as a reference. Initially, utilize the cut list to determine the dimensions of the initial pieces. As the project is dry assembled, progressively measure the required length by positioning the subsequent piece and marking accordingly. Additionally, you may measure the necessary distance on the dry assembled project.
6. Create a simple woodworking setup
To begin with your woodworking activities, devise a basic arrangement for your workspace. It is not necessary to possess an extravagant or costly workshop or garage in order to commence woodworking. In reality, we have never possessed a workshop or garage. In our current townhome, we consistently establish a makeshift work area in our backyard utilizing a couple of sawhorses and a plywood board procured from the home improvement store.
When we resided in our Charleston apartment, we frequently engaged in apartment woodworking activities on our small apartment patio. On some occasions, we utilized the sawhorses and plywood in that area as well. Presently, if you possess a garage or shed area, I would suggest establishing a workspace there to avoid the need of dismantling and setting up each time.
7. Learn how to read a tape measure
I understand that this may seem very simple, and you may already be aware of how to read a tape measure, but please bear with me on this!
When working with woodworking, precise measurements and cuts are often necessary, which typically involve fractions or decimals rather than whole numbers. For instance, instead of using round numbers like 15 or 15.5 inches, measurements are often more specific, such as 15 and 5/8 inches or 15 and 9/16 inches. Therefore, having a comprehensive understanding of how to accurately interpret a tape measure is crucial.
8. Understand lumber dimensions and species
To begin, it’s important to note that there is a wide variety of wood species, which are classified into two groups: softwoods and hardwoods. Softwoods encompass pine, cedar, spruce, fir, and so on, while hardwoods consist of oak, walnut, maple, birch, cherry, mahogany, among others.
Pine wood (a softwood) is one of the most commonly used types of wood in DIY projects and furniture building. Each wood species has unique characteristics and traits, so we could potentially dedicate an entire post to discussing them.
Pine is a cost-effective and easily accessible choice found at your nearby home improvement store and it is available in various dimensions. It is strongly advised to utilize pine for woodworking projects, especially for beginners. As your proficiency advances, experiment with diverse types of timber!
Additionally, it is crucial to acquire the skill of comprehending lumber dimensions, such as comprehending the actual meaning behind terms like 1×2 or 2×12. Being knowledgeable about softwood lumber dimensions will enable you to interpret woodworking build plans, make informed lumber purchases, and grasp the overall measurements for your endeavors.
9. Try to always use straight wood boards
When selecting wood boards for your woodworking project, prioritize finding the straightest ones and avoid purchasing warped or bowed boards. This may involve thoroughly searching and inspecting the wood pile at the store. Nonetheless, ensuring straight boards will greatly benefit your construction process and help prevent challenges and frustrations.
At first glance, a board often appears to be straight, but it may actually be bowed or have some warping, which is not always easily noticeable. To confirm its actual condition, you can hold the board up towards your face with one end on the ground and examine it from a downward angle (as depicted in the photo below). Using this approach, you will be able to determine if there is any bowing.
When thinking systematically, it is important to rephrase the following text while retaining the original meaning. Do not introduce any new details and ensure that no information is omitted. Remember, while perfect boards do not exist, always opt for the straighter ones and avoid using warped boards whenever possible.
10. Learn how to use a few essential tools
When it comes to woodworking for beginners, the most important thing is to focus on learning how to use a limited number of essential woodworking tools.
With the wide range of fantastic tools available nowadays, it can be both overwhelming and costly to attempt to purchase and become proficient in all of them. However, by acquiring a solid understanding of the fundamental tools, you can quickly begin constructing and gradually become adept in any additional tools in the future.
11. Sand your wood
Properly preparing your wood surface is crucial for achieving successful results when staining, painting, or finishing your wood. Among the many tips for wood surface preparation, sanding the wood stands out as one of the most vital steps.
Once you have sanded your wood thoroughly, you can enjoy the process of selecting a stain or paint color for your woodworking project.
