Top 10 Woodworking Tips

There are a lot of people that do woodworking and many that do it for a job. It’s not easy for everybody as it does require proper training, practice, and woodworking skills. Given below is a top 10 tips list to consider while woodworking:

• Think Twice Before Cutting – The most importing thing is to cut the wood properly. Your mind is the most powerful tool, so use it while cutting. This will not only save you from wasting wood due to poor cuts, but will also save your fingers from any injury.
• Focus Focus Focus – Wherever you are in your shop, home, or anywhere else, concentrate on your work only. Even a little distraction can result in a wrong cut and can damage your hands. If you are working at your home, try to find a place where there is little disturbance. If you are working at your office or shop, only focus on the cut. Taking your eyes off of the cut for a split second can result in some bad things happening. So, focus on your attempt and never take your eyes off the blade until your cut is complete.
• Take Breaks – We all want to get things done. But, it’s always best if you are feeling frustrated or fatigued to take a break. Even just a 10 minute coffee break can clear your mind and help you workout the issue. Also, it’s a safety thing. Frustration and fatigue leads to missing fingers and pain.
• Be Confident – If you aren’t confident that you can do woodworking you will be tentative and make mistakes. Own it. Know you can do it. Thinking like this will enhance your focus, and enable you to make a right cut. That’s why we suggest starting with easy projects to build that confidence up.
• Don’t Force The Cut – If you are making a cut and getting resistance don’t shove it in there. When I was starting out I learned this the hard way. I was working with a table saw and the 2×4 wasn’t going smoothly through so I decided to push harder and it resulted in me getting the butt end of a 2×4 thrown into the middle of my chest. I’m just lucky it didn’t do more than knock the breath out of me and scare the…well…you get the point.
• Safety Equipment – Generally goggles, lung protection, and ear protection tools need be used while operating power tools. Make sure to use push sticks while working near to the blade.
• Protect Yourself From Dust & Fumes – Airborne dust and fumes can be hazardous for your health. You must ensure proper flow of fresh air in your area of working.
• Proper Clothing – Wear appropriate clothes preferably specially designed for woodworking. Don’t go into the shop with a necktie on. Just trust me on that one. If you have long hair, put it in a pony tail. Long hair or loose clothing can be caught in power tools which in result causes a severe injury or even death. I know this seems like a no brainer but there is a reason why it’s a tip.
• No Drinking On The Job – Having even the smallest of drinks on the job is the quickest way to lose a finger, hand, life, etc.
• Practice Practice Practice – As with anything…the more you do it the better you get. The same principle works here. Just keep working at it. You will become quite proficient with practice.

I hope you enjoyed these tips. Thanks for reading and happy woodworking.

Woodworking Plans