Getting started in woodworking can seem like a daunting task. From the expense of woodworking tools to determining the different types of wood, there is so much to learn that even the old-timers are still learning. However, learning woodworking isn't difficult. If you master the woodworking basics, the rest will fall into place as you go along.
In the following articles, find some of the basics necessary to learning safe woodworking.
1. Safety Rules Every Woodworker Should Know
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
With sharp hand tools and unforgiving power tools, woodworking can be a dangerous activity. By following some basic safety rules, though, you can considerably reduce the risk of injury. In order to be effective, these safety rules must be implemented every time. By committing to making safety a habit, you will be able to increase your enjoyment and lower the chance of injury (or worse) while woodworking.
2. Top 10 Hand Tools Every Woodworker Needs
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
What are the essential hand tools every woodworker needs? Here, you'll find a list containing the Top 10 woodworking tools you'll need for nearly every woodworking project.
3. Top 7 Power Tools Every Woodworker Should Have
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
In the grand scheme of history, power woodworking tools are a very recent innovation. However, it is hard to imagine modern woodworking without the use or power tools. That being said, one doesn't need a shop full of expensive woodworking machines to be an effective woodworker. Here are seven essential woodworking tools that would be a great starting point for any woodworker.
4. Woodworking Machines
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
Table saws, band saws and radial-arm saws are examples of woodworking machines that are most often used exclusively in a woodshop, because they are far too large and cumbersome to be portable. Even though they're confined to the woodshop, these workhorses are so useful that it makes sense to complete the woodworking project in the shop and carry the finished project to the location or job site in which it will be used.
5. Selecting Lumber for Your Woodworking Projects
If you have spent any time in a home center or lumber yard recently, you know that there is a lot of sub-standard material available that may not be useable for a fine woodworking project. If you are allowed to pick through the stack to find suitable pieces of stock, how do you know which pieces to choose, among all of the warped, cupped, bowed, twisted and split boards? Here are some tips for selecting lumber for your woodworking projects.
6. The Easy Way to Check for Square
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
Nearly every woodworking project in one form or another will require you to check some intersection, joint or end of the board for square. In some cases, you'll need to check and see if an entire assembly is square, which in the case of large-scale projects, can be a bit difficult. In this woodworking tip, learn a simple method using very basic math to check for square on your woodworking projects.
7. Shop Accessories Every Woodworker Should Have
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
In addition to woodworking tools, there are a number of shop accessories that make woodworking tasks safer and easier to complete. In many cases, these are simply jigs that can be built in the woodshop. Learn all about a variety of woodshop accessories that every woodworker should consider adding to their cache of tools.
8. How to Calculate Board Feet
(c) 2010 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
Hardwood boards and softwoods may look similar in shape and dimension, but they are sold using a completely different measuring system. Softwoods are typically sold in standard dimensions (such as a 2x4), whereas hardwoods are most often sold by the board foot. The calculation of board feet can seem confusing, but if you know how to calculate board feet accurately, you can guarantee that you're getting your money's worth on every piece of hardwood you purchase.
