Woodworking 101 - Learn to Woodwork

I recently heard about a guy who left his stressful position at a major bank to become a carpenter. While dramatic, his move from derivatives to driver bits makes sense to me. The financial industry is unstable; he has a daughter who could use more daddy time... And well, from the sound of it, woodworking just simply makes him happy. He now makes his living creating high-end wood furniture in his garage, using a few simple tools and his imagination.

In these high-tech, high-stress times, it's easy to understand the resurgence in recreational woodworking. From the smell and texture of the wood to the sense of accomplishment that comes with working with your own two hands, Woodworking provides a creative outlet that is satisfyingly visceral. And while most hobbies drain your bank account, woodworking is that rare leisure activity that can actually create value.

If you are considering woodworking as a hobby, there are a few tools and resources that you will need. Start with a solid work bench and measuring tools such as a combination square and simple tape measure. Important electric power tools include the circular saw for straight cuts (a fence guard can improve the saw's accuracy) and a jig saw for cutting curves. After making the cuts, you will need to shape the wood using either a block plane or router. A standard cordless drill will come in handy and you will also want to have some sturdy clamps and project glue on hand.

As you become more experienced, you may choose to invest in Woodworking machines, which offer more power and precision. Lastly, you will need the essential safety gear, such as glasses, ear protection, and a face mask for eliminating fine dust particles. The web and your local bookstore offer the best project guides and a place to trade ideas with other woodworkers. There are many resources out there, but Popular Mechanics and Fine Woodworking both offer useful guides for beginners.

About the Author: Maria Polidoro is the owner of Ace Tool Online, a leading dealer and service center for hand and power tools offering over 70 major brands. Please visit Ace Tool Online to find the right Festool router, sander or saw as well as tools from 70+ other brands. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maria_Polidoro

Carpentry: Tools and Tips

A carpenter is the person who works with wood to make different utility products like furniture, doors, boxes, tables and other things. Carpentry is the skill of making different things form wood. A carpenter uses different types of tools to make these things. A construction team must have a carpenter to do their woodworking jobs. Once the house gets ready, it is the job of the carpenter to make it more comfortable by making right furniture. It is a very laborious work which needs special skills. Carpentry Tools Carpenters use various special tools to carry out their job. These tools are categorized into hand tools and power tools. Most often carpenter uses hand tools for carrying out simple or even complex jobs. Power tools are used when working with heavy wood or large amount of work is to be done. Some very popular tools used for carpentry are mallets, hammers, chisels, saws, file, clamp, pliers, punches and measuring tapes. Some useful tips about Carpentry A carpentry job may include many small functions as part of a big project. These functions include measuring, marking, cutting, sawing, striking, chiselling, checking, boring, lengthening, sharpening and framing of joints. Cut once after measuring twice, this is the most important rule of the carpenters who believe in making perfect objects in perfect time. This is why measuring tape and 90 degree angled tool are among the most important tools for carpenters. An end product is always perfect if you measure right and cut materials perfectly. A square is used for drawing straight lines and measuring tapes give you right measurements. Simple saw is the best choice for cutting wood in straight lines, especially for the beginners. Coping saw is used for cutting curves. But for beginners, it is not recommended to use electric saws and cutters as they may injure themselves. Even if you are using it, you must read all the instructions carefully, about its usage. Drill machines are the perfect carpentry tools to make holes in walls and wood. These are the power operated tools which make the job very easy and less laborious. Various kinds of nails and glue are the other elements you would need for any kind of carpentry job. Nailing requires skill which a person learns with practice. A beginner can start making simple things like bookshelves, simple tables, closet fixtures, etc. While going for a project, choose the wood carefully. Measure and mark it even more carefully. If you have drawn some wrong marking, make a cross sign over it to differentiate it from the other lines. Job of carpenter involves too much precision without which you cannot make a perfect product. After you have chosen an object and the appropriate wood for it, you can start your first carpentry project. Measuring is important for making a perfect carpentry object. So measure you wood twice according to the pattern before cutting it. Mark them with pencil and cross out the lines drawn by mistake. After you have cut wood pieces, it is time to put them together. Use nails and screws and according to the thickness of your wood, they should not stick out of the wood. Along with nails, you can use wood glue as well to make the joint stronger.
About The Author
Joanna is a well renowned Polish journalist specialising in Polish, Russian and English translation services. She has been residing in the UK for 3 years where she has made her home among the Polish community in Tooting, South West London. http://www.balhambuilder.co.uk/

Posted:October 16,2009

get those hammers on the go!

Once considered a "fad" or "passing fancy", especially during the 1890s, the hobby of carpentry or woodworking has actually remained a constant throughout the years. Many people have found it to not only be an interesting and fun hobby, but also a useful and money-saving skill to have.

When one decides to begin carpentry or woodworking, one may be surprised to discover how easy it actually is to learn the basics. Once the budding carpenter/woodworker has mastered these skills, it is only a matter of time before he or she attempts more challenging jobs.

The satisfaction of admiring one's finished work will be more than ample reward for one's efforts.

Not everyone, however, feels that carpentry/woodworking is for them. They may be fully aware of their limitations, or may actually realize that while they are skilled in one area, this is not it. Therefore, these people will gladly engage the services of a contractor someone who is considered an expert or professional.

Those who do find out, however, that they do they do have the capability of performing carpentry/woodworking projects and chores themselves will soon become aware of how much money can be saved by doing the work themselves.

If one thinks that he or she may have this "hidden talent", one way that this can be discovered is by the purchase of a "prefab" kit. If, however, one does so and then finds out that he or she is NOT "cut out" (no pun intended) for this type work, then he or she will not have expended a great deal of effort or expense before coming to this realization.

The person who does realize that he or she has a "knack" for it will more than likely want to continue in this fun and satisfying hobby.