Learn All About Woodworking With This Article.

Have you admired a beautiful piece of furniture and dreamed of creating such an item yourself? Do you have a need for a new shelf and want to build it on your own? Regardless of why you want to get involved in woodworking, the advice below will help you get your start.

The reason why many power tools have guards on them is to keep you safe. Never remove the guards off of any of your tools. You may not understand why they are there, but they are there for a reason. They are there to protect you from sharp blades, moving parts and other things that could potentially hurt you.

If you will be re-coating an existing finish, be sure that the surface is clean and free of any wax or oils. Then, let it dry completely, and lightly scuff the surface with a 220-grit sandpaper so that the finish you are applying will have something to hold onto.

If you are working with wood, it can be very dangerous to have a messy workshop. Do everything you can to keep your work area clean and well-maintained. Every time you are done with a specific tool, out it away before you get another. It may seem like this is time consuming, but you wont have any reason to clean up later.

When you are new at woodworking and starting to collect your tools, purchase simple tools to begin with. Try your hand at a few projects to make sure you want to continue before you invest in expensive tools. You can save money and get better quality tools when you buy used tools.

Do you know that different colored tin snips make different kinds of cuts? Tin snips with red handles are used for making left hand turns. Green handled tin snips are used for making right hand turns. Finally, yellow handled tin snips are used for straight lines and gradual curves.

Go to the art supply store and get a drafting square. Carpenter squares are a hassle, and drywall squares are notoriously inaccurate. When you need an exact square several feet in width and length, a drafting square is a surefire winner. Once you use it a few times, youll likely use it just as much as a tape measure.

Develop good safety habits when beginning your woodworking hobby. It is easy to disregard safety, thinking that it doesnt really matter if you wear safety glasses, for example. Youll change your mind the first time you sustain an injury while doing something you enjoy. So start right - think safety!

When starting out in woodworking, buy the tools youll need immediately. Later buy more tools as the need comes up. Dont spend a fortune decking out a shop at first. Youll find there are many tools you wont ever use. Youll also find you can often make due with the tools you already have on hand rather than spending more money.

A drafting square can help you make small cuts with greater accuracy. Sometimes getting an accurate measuring can be hard. Regular squares can be inaccurate. Carpenter squares need a good, long edge for proper alignment. Instead, check your art supplies or make a trip to an art store and pick up a drafting square. They are easier to work with and more accurate.

To get off on the right foot, use these tips as you plan out your next project. That will allow you to use the right techniques to ensure your end result is on target. Once you get that project under your belt, youll be able to complete others and truly enjoy woodworking as a hobby.