Finding A Woodworking Project For Every Occasion

Woodworking is not only a satisfying, rewarding and therapeutic hobby, but also a useful pastime, as practical items such as household and garden furniture can be produced, used and enjoyed by the whole family for years to come (even possibly becoming a cherished family heirloom). There is a certain satisfaction in sitting in a rocking chair that you have lovingly crafted with your own hands, invested dozens of hours of painstaking labor in, sanded umpteen times, varnished (and sanded and varnished again and again!) till it gleamed like a mirror, bringing out the life and the fiery grain of the wood.

Anyone who has worked with wood knows the wonderful satisfaction that comes with the joy of crafting something with your own hands, and the sweet smell of raw wood shavings that linger in the air like a perfumed fragrance, while you work the wood and craft it and sand it until it comes to life in your hands and transforms into a functional thing of beauty. There are few hobbies to equal it.

Some woodworkers regard their craft very seriously and consider it almost a kind of artistry; others consider it more of a relaxing and productive pastime. Whichever category you fall into, there are thousands of woodworking projects and plans available online to suit the skills of both beginners as well as advanced woodworking enthusiasts. Some of these plans are free, others are not. The rule of thumb is that simple and basic run-of-the-mill plans are usually free, but more complex - and worthwhile - projects, usually need to be paid for. The plus factor is that woodworking project plans can be instantly downloaded and printed, so you need waste no time in ordering materials and getting started.

Whatever project you have in mind, the likelihood of finding the right plans to suite your needs online are high. Or, if you're not quite sure what you want to tackle next, you'll get dozens of inspiring ideas online - and the plans to go with it.

Most plans include detailed drawings that illustrate sizes and placement of components. Some plans also come with templates for those tricky shapes or rounded curves. The plans invariably include a material list that itemizes each piece needed, as well as any further hardware required such as screws, wood glue, hinges etc.

These Woodworking projects also come with detailed instructions on how to go about building and completing the project. In some cases, each step of the project is clearly illustrated with photographs of the actual project being build, and may even include explanatory videos.

The types of woodworking projects available online run into the thousands. Whatever your interest or level of skills, there's definitely a plan out there for you.

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A Woodworking4home Review - Build The Bed Of Your Dreams Using These Awesome Bed Woodworking Plans

Everyone needs a bed, right? While tables and cabinets may be the most common woodworking projects around, why not use bed woodworking plans to build a beautiful, handcrafted sleeping area for yourself or your kids? Our Woodworking4home Review has taken the liberty of compiling a few ideas that you may not have considered.

Our Woodworking4home Review believes each of these bed woodworking plans is not only unique, but feature photographs of the work in progress as well as easy to follow instructions to ensure your new bed is completed with minimal headache.

Bunkhouse Loft Wood Plans

A bunk bed doesn't have to have two beds, so if you only need one why not use the extra space? This happens to be one of the easier bed woodworking plans our Woodworking4home Review found. The end result of this project is an elevated bed with a climbing ladder. The lower area features hand-cut and customizable storage shelving, which is sure to add a bit of organization to any room.

Bunk With Desk Wood Plans

Another one of the great bed woodworking plans our Woodworking4home Review found is based on a similar concept (bunk with one bed), but this one features a desk and small cabinet unit. This setup would work great in a room that is short on space and takes up a lot less space than an individual bed and desk would. As a final touch, the desk features a book shelve for all your studying needs.

Platform Bed Wood Plans

Our Woodworking4home Review believes there's a certain quality to platform beds that make them endlessly appealing. This specific woodworking plan incorporates the low-height and simplicity you've come to expect out of a platform bed, but also features built-in drawers below the mattress for a little additional space. This is a perfect bed for a college student or teenager and is a fun woodworking project with a low-cost and compact design.

Mahogany Master Bed Wood Plans

Our Woodworking4home Review didn't just take a look at the beds for kids and young adults. Every house has a master bedroom, and every master bedroom needs a bed to match the title. This gorgeous bed is made of solid mahogany and features clean lines, intricate detailing, and the bed woodworking plans are designed to fit a queen-sized mattress. It may cost a bit more to make this bed and require more effort, but the end result is absolutely stunning.

Day Bed Wood Plans

If you need a bed for your extra room or perhaps find people sleeping in your office when they stay over, our Woodworking4home Review believes these bed woodworking plans are going to be a great fit. With hinged front panels for under-the-bed storage, this bed does a great job of adding seating to a room that can quickly become overnight accommodations should the circumstances require.

This Woodworking4home Review takes great pride in the thought of sleeping on something constructed in one's own shop. We were able to find creative and fun ways to do so without breaking your backs or your bank. Our Woodworking4home Review believes all of these woodworking plans are easy to follow and work through, and the end result is nothing short of extraordinary. Besides, it's easier to sleep when you have the bed of your dreams.

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A-Frame Childrens Swingset.

A sturdy A-frame design will provide years of enjoyment as the children grow.

Link Type : free plans for woodworkers

There are other related woodworking free plans bits of information found at our web site woodworking category Swings - all types

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Tips for Woodworking Beginners

Beginners in the art of woodworking like you can easily get the grasp of the art by the aid of beginner projects. These are easy to do and simple woodworking projects that will not take too much of your time and money. These are projects that are suited for people who want to try their hand in woodworking but are too intimidated by its huge learning curve and the amount of money they need to invest in the hobby.

As with other endeavors, when you first get started in woodworking it is important that you first arm yourself with knowledge. You can consult woodworking magazines, books, and even websites. It is recommended that you try using the websites since you can interact with other woodworking enthusiasts and get more tips and resources. Some of these sites even offer free plans for download.

While it is true that woodworking does have a very huge learning curve, this is due to the fact that you will be using tools and equipment that have a large chance of seriously causing you injury. This is why it is recommended that you start with small simple projects at first, and then move to more complicated ones as you become accustomed to the tools. Before you can make detailed armoires, you must first learn to make a simple wooden stool.

Woodworking is a hobby that requires patience and diligence; you need to have both if you want to become a skilled woodworking craftsman in the near future.

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Wood for Woodworking

There are lots and lots of kinds of wood for woodworking projects. So many, in fact, that it can sometimes be challenging for a woodworker to decide what is the perfect type of wood for his particular project. For example, a good piece of solid wood is what you would most often find being used for furniture, and the particular type of wood used would determine the look and/or durability of the piece. But given the tips we will be outlining here, hopefully we can shed a little bit of light on what the differences are from one type of wood to the next, and what type is the best for each particular project.

Ironically, softwoods are not actually "softer" or less durable that hardwoods, although that is what the name would likely lead one to believe. They usually are yellowish or reddish in color, and are not as pricey as hardwoods. Another plus to softwoods is that they are grown on specific farms, and are a sustainable resource, and are not being cut to extinction (deforestation) like some other kinds of woods. Here are a few softwood choices:

Cedar is a straight grained, red colored wood that has a nice scent. Cedar also stands up to the environment very well, making it ideal for outdoor furniture and decks.

Doug fir is probably the most basic wood you will find in your local hardware. It is what is used to build houses, and it is hard, sturdy and inexpensive. It is not a very attractive wood out there though, lacking the beautiful grains that you may find in other woods. Doug fir doesn't stain well, either. Doug fir is mainly only recommended for use if it is going to be covered up later with paint or more wood, etc.

Pine is an inexpensive soft wood that is great for carving. Pine will take a stain, but you will need to seal it before applying any stains. The main drawback to pine however, is that you may often find sap oozing out of it.

And finally our last softwood is redwood. It is indeed reddish in color, just as its name would suggest. It is moderately priced and very attractive.

Some common hardwoods:

Ash is a choice that is simple to work with and easily stainable, but it is becoming increasingly hard to find.

Birch is not too expensive when compared to other common hardwoods and comes in shades of white and yellow. The stains come out blotchy when you attempt to stain birch however.

Cherry is a very popular hardwood that is a great all around choice for all your woodworking wood needs. It is easy to work with, stains well and comes in beautiful shades of red and white. It is sustainable and eco-friendly, but it is also expensive.

Mahogany, like cherry, is a reddish hardwood with a nice grain. So nice looking, in fact, that it will look nice with just a coat of oil and no stain at all. Mahogany is not sustainable and may be extinct one day, therefore is very expensive.

Maple is not too expensive, and is very stable, but difficult to work with.

Oak is the type of wood that you most commonly find in furniture, particularly outdoor furniture, since it holds up so well to the elements. White oak especially, because it looks nicer and holds up even better.

Poplar is generally not too expensive and is nice and strong, but tot too pretty, which is why you will often find it in places where it will not be seen, such as inside drawers.

Teak is a very expensive wood that is also often used for outdoor furniture that is becoming hard to find.

Walnut is a great choice to make a project prettier, but it is expensive and finding large pieces of it is getting harder these days.

Now that you know all your options of wood for woodworking, go out and build that project!

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A Simple Guide to Getting Woodworking Plans Online

Before you go and do any kind of woodworking project, like a shelf or a table, you must first have a good set of plans. The first venue you may think of on where to get them is probably the internet. Sure there are dozens of sites that offer downloadable plans, but choosing the right one is not as simple as you would normally think. Here are just a few of the dilemmas that you may face when you go online for your woodworking plans.

Limited Choices of Plans - They are few free plans that you may first find may not be the one that you first had in mind. Most websites sell their woodworking plans, so you may have to buy the plans that you want. Or you can research more extensively. Remember that the internet is a big place, but you'll find the plans that you need sooner or later.Hidden Charges - Some shady websites may seem to offer you a free plans, but what you don't know is that there are hidden charges associated with them. If they ask you for your personal details in exchange for their plans, look elsewhere.Extremely Hard to Understand Plans - You might get plans that are either too technical or do not have much assembly details. You should look for plans that have concise and detailed instructions, and if possible illustrations to guide you.

Be careful in selecting what woodworking plans you go with. Avoid unnecessary frustration by downloading the proper woodworking plans.

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Article Submitted On: September 14, 2010

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Woodworking and Keeping Your Workshop Organized

All woodworking workshops are not created equally, and I guess that goes without saying. Nevertheless, if you want your woodworking work area to be created more equally than the others, then perhaps, we should talk. You see, whether you are a master finish carpenter or you just like to create and build do-it-yourself projects, there is, and there always will be a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The rule of thumb being of course, "measure twice, cut once" and if you don't understand that or you are new at this, you'll soon find out why.

First, I'd like to discuss keeping your workshop organized, and clean, that's where it all starts. Sure there are folks that don't and still create some great stuff, but they are far from the perfectionist that would embody and perfectly completed project - one you can be proud of and have for generations to come.

One of the best tools, I've ever seen is the Workstation Caddy which is made by "The Perfect Caddy Company" out of Wisconsin. This is a portable work stand which can hold all of your tools, one you can move around your workshop or garage, keeping everything in order and out of the clutter.

The second thing I recommend that you get is a really solid vacuum system. Yes, you can get a Craftsman 6 horsepower shop vacuum, but it's just not the same as an industrial grade unit. Yes, there is a big difference in costs, but if you've graduated from infrequent hobbyist to serious hobbyist or professional, really that's what you are going to need. Remember sawdust is a serious fire hazard, not something to fool around with.

Next, it is both your skill as a woodworker, your planning, and your patience that will make all the difference. There are some stellar articles about woodworking online, by what I'd consider some of the best woodworkers in the country, folks that specialize in Cabinet Making, Wood Carving, and wood decks, bars, gazebos, etc. - I recommend that you read some of these articles and also subscribe to Woodworking Magazine.

If you are looking for some decent Woodworking Projects, I'd also like to recommend you check out Popular Mechanics each month, as there are some awesome project in there with custom plans, list of supplies needed, and modification options as well. If you love woodworking it just might run deep in your blood, as our ancestors made wood their material of choice, and made just about everything out of it. There is quite a bit of history there. So, please consider all this.

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Woods for Woodworker - Something You Must Know

Do you have proper understanding of woods as woodworker? Do you struggle to decide what woods should be used for your furniture, kitchen cabinets or shed?

You need to know about woods, if you are new in woods works. Woods are part of our daily life and interestingly we always ignore it. Trees are alive! It is good to remember that woods are product of nature and we are dependent on nature.

There are two major categories of wood: Natural Wood and Man-Made wood. Man-made wood is manufactured from by-products of wood from the tree.

The natural wood category is divided into two major groups: Softwoods and Hardwoods. Softwoods are harvested from trees that normally take about 20 or more years to mature.

The most common known family category is Pine. Pine is available all around the world and is relatively inexpensive. The trees grow tall and straight, a characteristic which, in years gone by made them suitable for the masts of sailing vessels as well as large construction beams. The common examples of softwood are Himalayan Cedar, Oregon Pine and South African Pine etc

The hardwoods category are harvested from trees that take a very long time to grow to maturity, in so many cases as 200 or more years. The more popular hardwoods for woodworking include oak, beech, walnut and mahogany. If you want to use hardwoods for furniture, there are so many hardwoods to choose from. For example American red oak, American white oak, Australian red cedar, cherry, beech, Elm, Iroko, Jelutong, Mahogany, Maple, Meranti, Rosewood, Sycamore, Teak tulipwood and walnut etc.

Now we have many reasons to manufacture 'Man-Made' woods and among these is the fact that natural wood is becoming more increasingly expensive. Another very good factor is that natural-wood tend to bit warp whereas 'man-made' boards are much more stable. There are so many examples you can see in your own home like built-in kitchen and bedroom. The man-made wood can be medium-density fibreboard, Plywood, blockboard (copine, pre-glued panels), chipboard and veneered chipboard etc.

My name is Andy Flemming and I've been building wood worker for over 20 years.

I'm going to show you exactly how to start building wooden sheds and woodwork projects easily, so that you're fully up and running, creating remarkable outdoor garden sheds and woodwork projects for your loved ones within days from now. You can get Free Shed Building Course

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Lathe Techniques To Give Your Woodturning Project the Right Design Touch

The same as any craft, woodturning demands a strong foundation in the basics, knowing the wood properties, tools, techniques and most especially design techniques or considerations. Improving this knowledge gives the woodturner the ability to express unique creativity in challenging ways, from the traditional to the modern style.

Spindle Turning Technique:

There are two basic tasks performed on the wood lathe, and spindle turning is the most popular. The process of spindle turning includes mounting a wood blank between the lathe's headstock and tailstock. Many different spindle types can be created, from furniture legs to pens. Several turning tools are used to shape the project. When turning small projects like wooden pens, wood turners use a small lathe size.

Decorative Spindle Technique:

Decorative spindle techniques, unlike the spindle turning technique, focus primarily on roughing, smoothing and sizing a cylindrical or tapered stock of wood. The technique includes elaborate cutting of grooves, notches, curves and unique shapes. But despite the fact this seems a complicated technique, all decorative spindle turning is based on two basic cuts of beads and coves. Beads are raised convex surfaces whereas coves are cut-in concave hollows. Though beads and coves can stand alone, usually, they are part of a combination of elements in the overall design.

Faceplate Turning Technique:

Faceplate turning technique is one of the most pleasing turning techniques, since the wood turner watches a rough block of wood change into a symmetrical, smooth, hollow timber item before his eyes. The whole process happens on the lathe. There is no assembly or fabrication of other wood pieces. The process is one fluid woodturning task. Faceplate turning provides the wood turner a good deal of design freedom.

Bowl Turning Technique:

Bowl turning is considered a little more difficult than spindle turning, but as the wood turner becomes more experienced in faceplate turning, he will improve his skills to the point that bowl turning will become second nature. The bowl gouge is the integral tool used in turning bowl. The wood turner holds the gouge's bevel on the wood blank that turns into a roughly shaped bowl. Scraping tools are also used in bowl turning.

Conclusion:

Wood turning is not only fun but when practiced it can be a very great and relaxing experience. Start with the simple design using the simple technique. As time goes by, you will learn strategies to make things easy and start practicing the next design technique. No single technique can make you an expert. You need to master these basic techniques and start making your own afterwards.

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Woodworking Tips - Workshop Safety

Woodworking is a relaxing hobby, but it can also be dangerous, what with all the sharp tools and equipment you'll be using. So before you undertake any kind of woodworking project be sure that you have a good attitude regarding safety. Here are tips to make sure you have a safe workspace.

First off are the clothes. Loose fitting clothes are a no-no when woodworking. You should always keep your clothes buttoned up and tucked-in. This is to prevent them from snagging onto things. You should always use safety goggles regardless of what size your project is. Just make sure that they fit comfortably on your face so you won't be tempted to remove them. You should also consider using face masks to protect yourself from the dust and fumes. And work gloves should always be a staple in your woodworking attire. Make sure that they are a perfect fit so that you won't be encumbered while working.

Next are your tools. Walk carefully when you're carrying your woodworking tools around, especially the sharp or pointed ones. With power tools, be sure that you check the power cord for damages before you even plug it in. And after using, you should always store your woodworking tools away properly. This is so you can easily find them the next time you need them and also help keep them in good working condition.

You should also know a few basic first aid techniques, and always have a well stocked first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher in your workshop just in case of emergencies.

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Exterior Wood Brackets

Despite the housing recession of the early 21st century, many builders have begun to bring back architectural detail to help set their homes apart. With new composites and plastics on the market this has also helped fuel the trend by offering details, which before would have only lasted 15-30 years. Despite this, exterior wood brackets are still one of the most common and economical ways to add structural detail to a home and can complement many of the older architectural styles that have been returning strong in the 21st century. Western red cedar is one of the most commonly used woods for these purposes due to its abundance, longevity, and low cost compared to other exotic woods on the market.

Western red cedar wood contains warm, natural color tones from light amber to a golden honey brown, and has the ability to easily accept and retain different types of stain finishes or paints. The finish product is usually smooth, but can also sometimes come in a rough form when leaving unfinished to give a natural look. This type of cedar is very useful as architectural wood brackets because it contains natural oils that helps repel insects and resist decay. Cedar also has a high resistance to swelling and shrinking due to moisture and with proper care and maintenance can last up to a hundred years. Western red cedar is comparable in quality and durability to both redwood and cypress and can cost half the price making it the ideal candidate for wood brackets and other exterior decorative millworks.

Not all brackets are shaped the same. Sometimes exterior brackets are small and compact and are often referred to as corbels or corbel brackets. These tend to be more decorative and less structural. Most traditional wood brackets are three-piece, with decorative accents on two of the legs and a central brace for support, but wood braces can be used alone as well in economical, small space settings to accent or support an area. Some of the usual structural applications for exterior wood brackets are for supporting overhangs, eaves, entrances, bay windows etc. The can also be used as accent pieces in porches, along columns, and in shallow gables.

Popular woods that are used in exterior millwork settings are cypress and redwood. They can be great choices for decorative millworks as well and you can check with local supply companies to see which materials are most common and economical in your area. In addition to wood products, other composites and plastic materials are beginning to be used with more frequency as well. In purely decorative scenarios where structure is not needed, the use of non structural materials such as urethanes, foam, vinyls, and cellular PVCs can be used for your architectural bracket needs. Some of these materials are lower in maintenance and can be more uniform and lightweight, but should only be used when structure is not a factor.

Cedar wood brackets can provide beautiful natural accent pieces to any home while enhancing the aesthetic curb appeal and increasing the property value of your home.

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Deck Water Garden.

This project is ideal for people who lack the space for an in-ground water garden but want to enjoy the soothing sights and sounds that it brings to the backyard experience.

Type of Information: woodworking free plans

Source : Home Hardware

You can view other related woodworking free plans plans found in our woodworking category http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/resources/index.php?cat=439

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Woodworkers Supply

If getting into woodworking is something you are interested in, going out and getting all the necessary woodworking tools is a must. This is just as true whether it is to be a professional career or just a hobby. The following is a guide to woodworkers supply.

You will definitely need some hand tools. They are the most important part of your woodworkers supply and are what you will use the most. Besides, you can not jump into power tools until you have first gotten the hang of the hand tools. The essential hand tools that you will need to get started include a hammer, a set of chisels, or at least one, maybe a one inch one, and a square for starters. As far as power tools, for cutting wood, the main ones you will want are a skill saw, chop saw, table saw, and a jig saw. For attaching it, you will need a screw gun or nail gun. Most nail guns require an air compressor and hose as well.

A good set of woodworking plans is also a must have. They can help you decide what your next project can be, and if you have something in mind, they tell you step by step how to build it. These save a ton of time, and if you're a pro, save money too. They can be found online.

Safety supplies are a necessity as well. Woodworking, while fun and rewarding, can also be very dangerous, not only for newbies, but even for people who have been at it for years and years. A good pair of gloves, safety glasses, and a dust mask are good to have.

One final tip is to not be cheap on your woodworkers supply. If you are going to be spending significant time woodworking, quality is key. Cheap tools are just that - cheap. Cheap tools make a project much harder than it needs to be. Take it from me, when I first got into woodworking, I didn't want to spend a lot of money, and every project I did was a battle. When I finally started buying better tools, my jobs got way easier and the quality of my work got way better. I began to learn quicker too. Quality tools are worth every penny, and if you are a pro, they will even save you money.

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The Woodturning Lathe - Your Main Tool In Every Woodturning Project

What exactly is Woodturning?

Woodturning is an experience you can totally enjoy. It can definitely be a rewarding and an addictive experience as well. It is fulfilling in a sense that you have a finished product afterwards, or you can even do this for repairing your damaged furniture parts. The pleasure of making or repairing your own wood turned products is definitely yours to have. You did not just save a lot of money; you also gained experience and a new learning as well.

The Importance of the Woodturning Lathe:

One important thing you have to provide so that woodturning becomes possible is a woodturning lathe. Lathes have become more trendy as years passed by. Many people have discovered woodturning lathes that are more convenient and can absolutely provide high quality of finished product.

However, in trying to search for a woodturning lathe, you have to be very careful in selecting one and always choose the best lathe. Some of them might be overlooked and can give you frustration later. If the price might be too expensive for you, take it easy because you can still sell it later as a second hand.

There are Different Sizes:

Lathes, especially the ones manufactured today, come in various different sizes, from small pen lathes up to huge machines that turn bowls. They have been purposely designated in accordance to the greatest diameter of the material that is allowed to be swung over the top part of the bed. A lathe that is very much capable of turning a disk that has a diameter of eleven inches, is referred to as an 11-inch lathe.

The other dimensions that must be taken in to account are those with a center measurement. This determines the number that showcases the maximum length of the material needed, which, in turn, can be mounted in between the headstock and tailstock. Parts of a lathe may or may not include a leg or a stand. It functions as an elevator of the lathe bed to your desired working height.

Parts of the Woodturning Lathe:

Almost all types of lathes have a bed. One end of the bed is called the headstock. It contains high-precision spinning bearings. Further, headstock often contains parts to enable conversion of the motor speed into variety of spindle speeds. Another part is called the tailstock. It can be positioned at any part of the bed and therefore, it is usually referred to as the loose head. It has a barrel that slides in and out parallel to the axis of the bed, and directly in line with the headstock spindle.

In a metalworking lathe, a carriage with a saddle and apron is topped with a cross-slide. A cross-slide is a flat piece that is situated crosswise on the bed. Unlike a metalworking lathe, woodturning lathes do not have a cross-slide, but banjos. Same as cross-slide, banjos are placed crosswise on the bed. However, its position can be adjusted manually.

Types of Woodturning Lathes

Beginners Lathe (Mini Lathe): This type of lathe is actually one of the world's most famous choices for most beginners. It can be fitted in a limited space and can also be extended later if you desired to. One consideration you have to think before selecting your first wood turning lathe is the cast iron bed and cast iron headstock and tailstock. It should have a minimum of four speeds with the lowest being 500rpm or lower, and the highest being 2000rpm or higher. Lathes are better without those light sheet metal construction and those with spindle bearing at one end only.

Floor Lathe: This is a heavy duty lathe, floor mounted, bed is more rigid than any lighter models, and this is a machine for serious and advanced wood turners.

CNC Lathe: This type of lathe is usually used by industrial user rather than the beginners or for the hobbyist. Though it has the disadvantage of programming it really hard, this lathe is able to produce complicated designs.

Pen Lathe: Small specialized lathe, usually limited to maximum 2" swing, ideal for pen turning, or turning dollhouse objects, just like cups, pots, columns, plates, and vases. It can also be used for prototypes for railroad pieces (including power or sign posts) and doll or marionette limbs. Thousands of classical model building items may be turned with ease. Note that you will also need specialist accessory tools to match.

Additional Equipment:

Some of the additional pieces of equipment you have to prepare are sharpening equipment, set of tools such as skew chisel, spear chisel, round nose chisel, parting chisel and gouge, abrasives and safety equipment.

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How to Identify Quality Woodworking

Anyone who knows anything about woodworking knows that it isn't all great; that there is bad woodworking, and there is quality woodworking. While the difference between the two is pretty obvious to some people, there are plenty of people who just aren't able to tell the difference between the two. This is a real problem when they go out to get furniture and end up paying a lot of money for something that just isn't worth it. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time that you evaluate a piece of quality woodworking.

First and foremost, and perhaps most obviously, you need to make sure that the woodwork is sturdy. This holds true for both pieces of furniture, and other items like boxes. If it's a chair, make sure you sit down on it and shift your weight around. There are a few points where you want to make sure that it holds and doesn't wobble around. You want to make sure that the legs are planted firmly on the ground and that they seem to be properly attached to the seat and backing. You want to take hold of the arms and attempt to move them to make sure that they aren't going to shift as you move, and you want to make sure that the back is firmly attached and doesn't bow out where it isn't supposed to.

Now, a lot of these things that you're checking hold true for any other piece of quality woodworking that you are evaluating. Obvious a large chest isn't going to have legs to test, but the idea remains true. You want to make sure that all seams are closed and don't pry apart with pressure or shifting, and you want to make sure the whole thing is fastened properly together and doesn't have any obvious areas where the different pieces of wood are separating.

The ways that the pieces of wood are joined together are also an indication of how high quality the piece is. There are a few things that you always want to look out for when evaluating woodwork joining.

? Screws are almost always far superior to staples, as staples have a tendency to work loose pretty easily and quickly.

? In general furniture with rabbetted and butted joints are often indications that the furniture is cheaply constructed. A rabbeted joint is one in which a small groove is cut in the end of the top piece of wood to sit on the lower wood, and is usually glued or stapled together. A butted joint doesn't even cut a groove out and simply places two boards placed at right angles and glued or stapled together.

? High quality furniture tends to have screws that are sunk into the wood and that have little wooden plugs covering them to hide the screw. This is usually the case when screws are visible, but even high quality woodwork sometimes lets screws show on the underside.

? Bolts are also strong and durable, though the have to have a self-locking mechanism, and on high quality furniture they will be hidden.

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Woodworking Guide for Beginners

Woodworking for a lot of people is a relaxing and rewarding hobby. There's just something about the feeling you get when you build things using your own two hands. But remember that whatever it is you want to build, whether something simple like a birdhouse, or something complicated like a boat, you will need a good set of woodworking plans.

Even the most experienced woodworking craftsmen can't make anything from the top of their heads. So if you're just a beginner in woodworking and have no idea where to start, then it's best for you to get some beginner woodworking plans. These will tell you what materials and tools you will need, so you don't have to invest money in a lot of woodworking tools that you won't even use.

The best place where you can get woodworking plans is over the internet. Choose websites that have their own resident craftsman in their staff, that way you have someone you can ask whenever you run into a problem with your project. And since all of the plans are in digital form, you don't need to clutter your workspace with dozens of blueprints.

Just make sure that you get plans that have very detailed instructions, and if possible offer some professional advice too. This is important especially for a beginner like you. When you have a clear idea of what you need to do then you won't get frustrated in the middle of a project. There's nothing sadder in the world than a forgotten, unfinished project.

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Finished Intarsia Woodwork - How Much Can I Sell It For?

How much can I sell my intarsia woodwork for? This is the question I get asked all the time. So I know that at least some of you out there are considering trying to sell your work.

So how much are they worth?

Early Days - A Typical Scenario

You've started on a new and exciting woodworking skill called Intarsia. You can't get enough of it. Your family and friends are really impressed with the stuff you are making. So every new piece easily finds a home.

You are happy to give your finished pieces to your close family and friends. But then friends of friends start wanting pieces. It occurs to you that while you certainly enjoy making them there are costs involved other than your time. And even though you don't feel you need to be paid for your time it would be nice to get some sort of return for your labours.

Mid Intarsia Crisis

Well maybe not a crisis but now you do start to think it might be good to sell a few intarsia pieces to recoup costs. And how much easier is it to get the boss to agree to a new machine in your workshop if you are showing a return. "Well dearest heart, I've made a few bob already and with that money I can buy a brand new - insert your preference here - so I can make my intarsia even more efficiently and then I'll easily be able to get around to making that new coffee table you've always wanted and so richly deserve." Woffle wofle woffle.

The Big Question - "How much are they worth?

"How long is a piece of string?

The golden rule. "They are worth whatever customers will pay for them"

Which doesn't actually tell you anything. So let's look at a couple of pricing scenarios.

The Academic Approach

A Masters degree in Business will tell you to do something like this. First calculate your total cost of production.

Material Costs

* Timber including any waste - $ Very little

* Plywood backing - $ A tiny amount

* Hangers from a framing shop - a few cents

Consumables

* Sandpaper - $ more than you'd first imagine but still not much

* Glue - a few more cents

* Varnish or oil finish - $ a few dollars

Overheads

* Workshop rent - it might be your garage but somebody some time had to pay for it.

* Telephone

* Electricity

* Broom for sweeping up

* yadda yadda yadda

Marketing

* Cost of stall at local flea market/car boot sale

* Traveling cost to get there

* Your time sitting behind the stall all day

Profit

* The cream on the top that you deserve over and above your wages for running your own business. And now the big one.

Labour

* Your local mechanic charges $50 (or $60 or $70) per hour to fix your car. And it's probably the first year apprentice that's done the work anyway. It's taken you 84 hours to make your masterpiece (you've carefully noted the hours) and it looks fabulous. You're not greedy so maybe $20 per hour is okay. That makes $1680 plus the $50 for all the materials etc. $1700+. Probably not going to get that at the local flea market.

Okay, let's be less ambitious and work for $5 per hour, I don't actually need anything, this is just a hobby. And I'm sure I must have got those hours wrong, lets pretend it was only 40 hours work. So $200 plus a bit extra for materials, let's call it $220 all up. Now that sounds more reasonable.So not-with-standing the business degree, what we've actually done is made a guess at the price. Surely there's a better way. You're right, there is.

An aside Sitting all day in the hot sun at a local flea market hoping a punter with $220 in their pocket will happen by is okay occasionally but not a regular, reliable income stream. Oh, you say, but if you take your work to a local gallery they want 40%, or 50% or more for themselves. And all they have to do is hang it on their wall, I had to do all the hard yakka to make it. Highway robbery. But if you go the gallery route you don't have to hang around all day, every day looking for customers. They do that. That's what you pay them for. And they have to spend the money to make their gallery look good, not you. We always tried to make quality woodwork so we could interest the best galleries in the land. Way to go. Happy to pay their cut as long as they keep them trucking over.

The Two Month Rule

I take my finished woodwork to the local craft gallery and talk to the owner. After some discussion we came to an agreed starting price and his percentage. Listen to the owner. If they are any good they know their market. Your beautiful intarsia gets hung on the wall. Hopefully the first thing the customer sees when they first walk into the gallery.

* If the work sells in less than two months it is too cheap.

* If it takes much longer than two months to sell it is too expensive.

* And you guessed it, if it sells in about two months the price is just right.

The first time I did this I took along 2 frog intarsia on Thursday. They both sold that weekend. Priced too cheaply but I knew there was a market.

Okay, so now you know the price you can sell them for. But maybe you are still only going to be earning $5 per hour based on the time it took you to make that first one.

So what have you gained?The knowledge that you can't expect your customers to pay for your inefficiency.

So what can you do about it. There are lots of ways to streamline your production. You will make your 20th frog a lot more quickly than the first one. As you get more experienced you will come up with all sorts of short cuts. But that's another article.

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Woodworking Projects - Removing Mildew From Your Lumber

Just like everything in life sometimes your woodworking projects can get put off and delayed. Nothing is worse that when you finally get around to starting and you find mildew stains on your lumber. Even easy woodworking projects can become a nightmare. I'm going to give you some advice on how to best avoid stains on your project lumber and how to best remove the stain.

How you store the wood is obviously the biggest factor in whether or not you end up with mold and mildew on your wood surfaces. Storing lumber for your woodworking projects indoors is your best bet whenever possible. If you must store it outside cover the wood with a blanket or old sheet that will allow air movement and won't trap the moisture. Then loosely cover that with a plastic tarp or cover. Do not make this plastic outer cover tight you want it to be loose, not tight. The plastic should keep rain from getting to the blankets covering the wood.

If you do end up with mildew on the lumber you plan to use for your woodworking projects removing it does not have to be a difficult job and can be accomplished with items you probably already have in your home. Start with a solution of 1 part dish washing liquid to 10 parts of regular household bleach and 30 parts of warm water. You will want to work in a well ventilated area and wear rubber gloves while working with the solution you have just created. Use the solution along with a soft bristle blue to scrub away the mildew on the wood surface. You should scrub gently. Then rinse the cleaned area with clean water and towel dry it. Once the wood has dried thoroughly you can sand off and grain that is raised. I hope this article was useful and you can put this into use when pulling out older lumber to use in your woodworking projects.

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Article Submitted On: September 11, 2010

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Used Woodworking Tools Are A Great Money Saver

There are so many people like yourself who want to get into woodworking for various reasons, but find the high cost of new tools to prohibit them from diving in. This is why many decide to look for their tools by taking advantage of the used woodworking tools available. It is easy to find a number of great tools to use if you know where to begin looking.

Maybe you live some place small, out in the country somewhere, or maybe you live in a crowded urban area - there are always garage or yard sales. You can look for used woodworking tools from local garage sales and even get a better deal. Try negotiating the prices so that you get more for less. Then you can look through many of the church yard sales as well since many will join in and bring their tools for sale.

If you are able to do so, you should look at the pawn shops that sell used woodworking tools in your area. Sometimes if you look through various shops you will see that the inventory and prices really fluctuate but can easily be much cheaper than new tools in the hardware and lumber stores. It always helps if you call in advance to see if they carry the tool you are after, and to check back often since inventory is not constant.

Rather than looking locally you can also check with the many online stores where you can buy used woodworking tools at auction prices. There are a few tips to keep in mind, such as considering the reputation of the seller as well as really combing over the tool in question. Again the inventory is fluid so you will want to keep checking regularly to be sure you don't miss out on a great deal for the tools you are looking for.

A classic way to find used woodworking tools is to check in the local listings of the classified advertisements. Newspapers can give you a heads up when there is an estate sale or great yard sale in your area featuring tools.

You should be able to find used woodworking tools very easily if you consider the resources listed and are diligent to search for deals. Doing this will enable you to get to woodworking much faster and help you advance in your skills much quicker - it is much easier to work when you have all the tools you need.

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Sharpening Woodturning Tools - Seeking the Edge

Woodturners all agree that wood lathe tools need to be sharp, the question however is "how sharp is sharp enough?" A few simple considerations will get us quickly back to the lathe and to turning wood.

First we need to question what is a good edge for woodturning. The razor edge sought after by wood carvers and aficionados of wood planes quickly disappears under the rapid movement of turning wood as well as the bark and knots that often meets the edges of our tools. As opposed to the very fine angle used to achieve a knife edge, woodturning tools require a hefty amount of steel behind the cutting edge so as to resist the impact of the wood itself.

For bowl turners in particular, a forty five degree sharpening angle will give an edge that removes clean shavings while retaining a clean cut for a reasonable length of time before sharpening is again necessary. The nature of spindle turning which generally calls for higher speeds and more knot free wood allows for a tighter angle of about thirty degrees.

The need for an edge that hold up under the stress of high speeds and less than perfect wood allows a turner to use a grinder as the primary sharpening tool. A honed and stropped edge on a gouge tends to be quickly dulled by the spinning material. However, the grinder with an aluminum oxide stone of eighty to a hundred grit will leave an edge that cuts well and holds up reasonably well under most turning circumstances. A quick trip to the grinder allows the turner to get back to work with minimum time spent on the sharpening process.

Skew chisels may require a slightly different approach. They are used for spindle turning and thus can have a sharper angle than most gouges, especially those used for faceplate work. In addition they are sharpened on both sides similar to a knife blade while most other woodturning tools are sharpened on only one side. For most cuts the edge off the grinder will be quite sufficient, however, the skew rests in the woodturner's arsenal in much the same place as a plane to a flat woodworker. Finishing cuts in particular for a skew may call for a honing before the cut. In skilled hands a skew may leave a surface that requires little or no sanding before the finish is applied.

Scrapers are used by most if not all woodturners and require an even heavier edge. Many times they are ground to only eighty or seventy degrees. However, fine cuts and very fine shavings can be achieved using the burr raised from the grinder in a trailing motion.

Surprisingly, the simple grinder becomes a very efficient sharpening tool for the experienced woodturner. What is needed is an understanding of the tool that is held and the wood that is to be cut so as to understand the cutting edge one is after. Putting these together before the grinder allows for an enjoyable and productive time in making shavings at the wood lathe.

Darrell Feltmate is a juried wood turner whose web site, Around the Woods, contains detailed information about wood turning for the novice or experienced turner as well as a collection of turnings for your viewing pleasure. You too can learn to turn wood, here is the place to start. Wondering what it looks like? There are many free videos on the site dealing with everything from sharpening to making a bowl.

While sharpening wood turning tools is a mystery to many wood turners you can easily and cheaply make a jig to solve your sharpening problems. To see how and solve those problems in a hurry, check out the sharpening pages at http://aroundthewoods.com/sharpening01.html. There are lots of explanations, pictures and videos, all free, to get you underway.

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The Versatility of Home Woodworking

There are a lot of things that you can do with woodworking, and home woodworking is one of the most rewarding. Some people like to make furniture or pieces that they intend to sell; some people just find it a fun hobby to pass the time in an enjoyable and constructive way. Other people want to be able to make a lot of things for their home, and home woodworking is one of the best possible applications for your newfound skill. Not only will you save money making pieces for yourself when you learn home woodworking, but you'll also personal your space and create a warm feel to your house that no store bought item can possibly duplicate.

Every space in your house can benefit from woodworking. Let's start in the front.

There are a few great pieces you can make for your foyer, front hallway, or front entryway. Making a round or square umbrella stand is a great touch, especially if you live in a place where inclement weather is the norm. Snowy and rainy places also benefit from mitten chests and either racks or stands to hang your coat on. You can even construct a small seat to sit on as you take on and take off your shoes, and I know someone who made a really attractive shoe rack to sit next to his front door.

Next up we have the living room. There are a lot of items that are perfect to make for your living room and that are great applications of home woodworking. Bookshelves are a great thing to make, as are book ends. You can make them tall or short, wide or thin- whatever suits your space. You can make cabinets and display cases for all your decorations or precious items. You can even make some of the larger furniture. Coffee tables are relatively easy to put together, and can be beautifully personalized and finished to match the rest of your d?cor. You can also make other small tables for plants or other decorations. Card tables are nice to have if you have a space for playing games, and you can even construct the chairs for them.

Home offices are a natural place to construct some furniture for. Obviously the main thing you can make for your home office is a sturdy desk to work from. There's something about working from a large, solid desk that you constructed yourself that nothing from IKEA can touch. In addition, you can also make shelves and drawers for your equipment, tools and important papers.

Kitchens are also great places to make an item or two for. While a lot of kitchen furniture is fixed into place, there's nothing stopping you from learning how to replace your cabinets with something more appropriate to your tastes. You can also make a great kitchen table or small pantries.

Finally, if you're feeling really ambitious you can bring your woodworking skills to your bedroom furniture. Perhaps the best use for your skills is constructing a custom bed for yourself. Your bed is where you spend a third of your life, and taking the time, energy and resources to make a bed that will make you exceptionally happy is an investment that will pay dividends.

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Lattice Wall Planter.

Portable planters allow you to add a touch of spring color anywhere you want!

Type of Information: woodworking free plans

Source : HGTV

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How To Carve Wood - Ways To Shape A Wooden Piece

Don't think your work is completed after buying a new home. The real work starts when it comes to beautifying your house. Some people may be fond of using interiors inside their house, while others prefer using their handmade crafts. Designated wood adds extra magnificence to the living room. What I would do to beautify my house is to carve wood and use the same. While some people do it for zeal, others keep this as a hobby. You don't have to be a great artist to be able to shape the wood. With the necessary information in hand, you can start carving your own masterpiece.

Things Required:

? Wooden Piece
? Your favorite design
? Tool set, including carving knife, chisel, groove, a V-tool and other sharpening tools
? Coloring
? A sand paper and
? Smoothening tools

So now that we are ready with the materials required, let's begin the work. If you are a newbie to doing this, I would suggest you use soft woods. It serves as a great beginning for the novice. If your design is bigger, then choose a wooden piece larger than that. Begin drawing your design of choice over the wood. Using pencils or markers to create the outline for your deign will be a better option. Now, begin carving the outline using a sharp knife. Basic knife is just enough to carve softwood.

Make it a point not to apply too much pressure while carving the outline; else, you may spoil the entire aesthetic of the design. You can now start marking finer details with the appropriate carving tools. You should be aware of the types carving tools available. Start smoothing the wooden piece to make the design more visible. With the help of sand paper, you can smooth the rough edges of the design so it looks even better. The final step includes coloring the design with natural stains to add the final touch to the work piece.

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A-Frame Entertainment Center.

Building an elegant A-frame entertainment center can be as easy as fitting notched lumber together like puzzle pieces. The result is a rustic yet dramatic focal point of any room.

Link Type : free plans for woodworkers

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57 Chevy Mail Box Woodworking Plan.

Dress up your standard mail box with this 57 Chevy car. It is easy to make from our full-sized plans.

Type of Information: woodworking fee plans

Source : WoodworkersWorkshop Online Store

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Beagle Mailbox Woodworking Plan.

Turn your boring mailbox into a handcrafted work of art! This original, easy-to-make design uses a standard US metal mailbox for the body. Complete instructions and painting details are included on our full-size pattern.

Type of Information: woodworking fee plans

Source : WoodworkersWorkshop Online Store

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Standing Cow Mailbox Woodworking Plan.

This standing cow mailbox is sure to catch your neighbors attention. It is easy to make with our full size plans and fits over a standard metal mailbox.

Type of Information: woodworking fee plans

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Woodworking Plans - Ted's Woodworking Plan

It is always a new venture for a person in the woodwork profession to find new ideas in woodwork. They usually to go with packages which are already planned out for the woodworker, but a majority of the time they work from scratch with their own ideas. Prices can vary for such pack, starting from $7.00 TO $12.00, but most woodworkers have many plans to hand that they don't need to go to such expense. If you starting new in this profession it is always an idea to buy a plan worked out for you, it is always a better option to buy a readymade pack with all the instructions to work out at your own pace. This can be a whole lot easier and can save a lot of money, and effort for the individual. With this way less material is wasted, and the whole process can be enjoyed without the need of things going wrong.

Most packages for this option come with a list of instructions, and the right amount of wood, each is specifically measured to the right measurement. This will save a lot of time and planning, making the job easier. A selection of packages is available to suit the variety of projects. Another option is to involve you with other people who have the knowledge of many woodworking skills. This can be quite an advantage. This will improve your knowledge of woodworking. Many people get together in types of groups or meetings to discuss and share their skills, these sort of places are easily found advertised, but if there is not any of these around, it is not hard to set one up. One of the popular items that can be made, with not much effort are racks, these can vary for a load of different things such as to hold wine, DVDs and CDs. They can also hold a wide range of books too, as well as having spice racks too for the kitchen. Many magazines and D.I.Y stores have a selection of different ideas for such racks.

Racks are an essential item that can be made in the woodwork trade there is always a use for these in your home and workplace. If you are new to the trade it is always an idea to have the basic tools and materials to help you along the way. They can range from a selection of power tools, as well as many manual ones. The power drill, is a tool which has an electric drill, it comes with a range of different size drills, which will help in any kind of work with the minimal amount of effort. There are ones that are attached to a cord or there are cordless ones which are more efficient and ideal. The circular saw works just as a normal saw but with the advantage of it being electrical, it is a more efficient and easier to use. It is one the most needed tool in the profession. The table saw, this a much bigger kind of tool similar to the circular saw, again it is an essential item to have but it does not come cheap, it can be quite costly. The random orbital sander, this tool is used to smooth over your wood product once it has be made, this gives an even smooth even finish. This job can be done with a type called a power sander too, which works just as good.

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One of the Best Ways to Learn Woodworking

If you had to make a list of the oldest skills that man has learned and developed, woodworking would be pretty high on there, which means that deciding to learn woodworking is nothing knew. People have been carving and constructing tools, decorations and pieces of furniture from wood for as just about as long as we can measure, and it remains a great craft to pick up. While deciding to pick up woodworking probably isn't a life or death decision for most people these days, it can still add a lot of enjoyment and pride to your life- not to mention the money you will save when you no longer buy expensive store furniture. Here are the basics you need to pursue to learn woodworking.

The first thing you need to learn is all the safety precautions and steps that you need to take when woodworking. While it's not the most dangerous hobby you can pick up, you will still be dealing with hand and power tools that can be very risky and very sharp- things like awls and especially saws can really do some damage if you don't know how to safely use them. Not to mention all the byproducts of woodworking, like sawdust and motes that go flying as you work. Before you get started, you have to learn how to take the proper safety precautions to make sure your hobby remains as safe as possible.

Next, you need to learn about the materials that you will be working with. Obviously you will be working with wood, but for starters there are thousands of different types of wood stock that you can work with. Each of these has its own properties and characteristics, and each is good and bad for different projects. While most plans will tell you the best type of wood to use for the job, it's still a good idea to be well enough versed in your options to understand why you're using the wood that you are using.

If you are going to be taking your woodworking seriously, than it will pay off to carve out some space in your house or garage for a proper wood shop. This will insure that you have a safe and predictable space that is easy to get around and that provides plenty of space for working with your tools and materials.

It would be impossible to construct anything if you didn't know a number of different methods for joining pieces of wood to each other, so you'll need to learn at least the basics of joinery. You have a lot of different options here, including nails and screws and other fixtures. Of course, there are also lots of ways to join wood that don't require any kind of mechanical fastener, and these can be really helpful to know.

Finally, you're going to want to learn how to pit the finishing touches on your masterpieces. Learning how to sand and finish wood is a crucial step that makes the difference between making a piece of woodwork that is functional, and making one that is also beautiful. There are a number of different techniques for finishing, and mastering them will really give your piece the "wow" effect it deserves. And why learn woodworking if you aren't going to Wow people with your new craft?

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How To Carve Wood - 6 Handy Tips To Help You Get Started With Wood Carving

By Gedet Basumatary Gedet Basumatary
Level: Basic PLUS

I am gedet basumatary. Completed my enginerring in computer science in 2009. Currently working with NIIT Ltd, Gurgaon from April 2010 onwards. I was interested ...

Carving wood is an excellent way to add embellishment to plain wood. Carving timber is a craft, which can serve as an ideal part-time job as well. Woodcarving paves way for an individual to show his/her creativity and use the same to add decor to the living room. You many wonder how to carve wood. There are certain ways where you can shape the timber. Before moving on to that, lets dig into analyzing the reason for using wood.

People, who are environmentally conscious, prefer using wood as their first choice since carbon emission lessens by almost ten to twenty percent. Since, timber is the only material, which comes from a renewable resource; it is becoming the preferred choice among most of the people. Okay, now lets move on to the ways to carve wood by analyzing the systematic process mentioned below.

Get a portion of wood. If you are a beginner, choose soft woods like butternut, basswood, etc. Gather a carving tool set. Use a utility knife and chisel the wood. Ensure that tools are very sharp. Now, create a design. Prepare a handmade design, using a graphite paper. You could as well draw over the wood directly. Make the design simple, because this can help you learn more while on the process. Start carving, using a small knife. For novice, an x-acto knife will be ideal. Later on, you can start using a utility knife, progressively upgrading to a highly sophisticated carving knife. Go along with the grain to carve out designs effortlessly. Use a sledgehammer to strike the apex of the chisel. Make sure you follow the design lines of pattern, together with moving the chisel. It is advisable to use eye goggles and gloves during carving. Blow off the debris so you could examine the carvings. You can add more details to it later on. Adding stain will protect your final piece. With the above-mentioned useful and interesting facts about woodcarving, why don't you try making a simple design now? This article has been viewed 63 time(s).
Article Submitted On: September 13, 2010

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Woodworking Your Home Furnishings

Although most people furnish their homes with store-bought furnishings for the sake of time or convenience, woodworking is a great way make furnishings for your home. Not only is it typically less costly than buying furnishings, but there are also the added elements of customizing the items to specific preferences, having a handmade heirloom to pass on, and the overall joy and creativity so many cherish that comes from woodworking. There are many possibilities for incorporating woodworking into home furnishings.

For the beginning woodworker, a small bookshelf for a home office or study is a great way to gain experience. Because a small bookshelf allows the woodworker to use and work with standard planes of wood, this project keeps it simple for the woodworker in the making. For experienced woodworkers, a bookshelf can be a more intricate project by building a larger scale bookshelf or by adding creative touches. These may include the addition of crown molding, hinged doors, or designs carved into the wood. Once the bookshelf is complete and new woodworking skills attained, a roll top desk would be an excellent compliment.

A nice wall-hanging coat rack for an entryway is another simple home furnishing project a less experienced woodworker can start with. A sturdy piece of wood, a good wood dowel, and some staining supplies are all that's needed to complete this project. Again, however, a more experienced woodworker may consider intricacies, such as wood carvings, to make the project more fulfilling, challenging, or to get the design he or she had envisioned.

A lovely jewelry box or a sturdy quilt stand for a bedroom is another simple furnishing to consider.

Chairs for a dining table are another handmade furniture possibility. Simple chairs can be made using small planes of wood for the seating and hardwood dowel for the backing. A rocking chair for a nursery or reading nook is another consideration.

You can also use woodworking skills to upgrade already existing furnishings, such as kitchen cabinetry. Wooden dowels and caps can be added to kitchen cabinet backs to hang items such as coffee mugs or measuring cups, making use of all available cabinet space by implementing hanging space and freeing up cabinet bottoms. Or consider using dowels for making shoe racks to free up space in the bottom of bedroom closets.

Woodworking furnishings for the home can also include outdoor space. Small projects may include a birdhouse, mailbox, or planter, and larger projects may include a picnic table, porch swing, or Adirondack chairs.

Whatever your skill level, there are many woodworking projects you can complete for your home, both inside and out, with the furnishings and styles of your choosing.

About the Author: Dave Murphy is the founder and president of Good Wood, Inc. which manufactures wood products in Ohio. Good Wood, Inc. makes dowels and dowel rods, all types of wood components, custom wood parts, and more. They offer safe wood finishing, wood turning, and a plethora of wood parts needs. Visit http://www.goodwoodinc.com/ for your wood product needs.

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Woodworking 101 And How To Begin The New Hobby

Many find woodworking to be a viable skill that they would love to learn. Maybe you do not see this skill as easy to learn, many think it is very complicated to begin. If you have a little practice and guidance you will be able to create wonderful wooden crafts of all sorts. This is a very ancient skill that has been passed down through the ages and still leaves people with a sense of fulfillment.

Anyone who is just a novice at woodworking will want to begin to learn about the various species of wood that there is. When you take a class on the art of woodcraft, you will begin by studying various species. You can also read about them in the many books that have been published on the subject, and they will leave you with a very good understanding of the benefits of each type of wood that you work with as well as any special requirements of each species.

When you do begin a woodworking project you will need to come up with your materials list. This is a critical step when you begin preparing for any project that you want to complete. This will list out the various materials that you will need as well as the tools you might require. Besides that, you will also list out the measurements of all the pieces of lumber that you will be crafting together. A guide to take you through all the steps will really help get things done in wood crafts.

Another skill you want to pick up and to learn is the easy skill of reading drawings so that you can complete every woodworking endeavor. It helps to understand clearly what you are looking at, and to decipher the legend so the symbols and lines are meaningful to you. You can begin to learn fairly easily with the more experience you gain in the hobby.

Then going over the footage of the boards that you will be using while woodworking is a necessary skill to learn. You need to learn how to use various measuring tools and methods so that you can get accurate cuts and maximize your use of the material without waste. Over time you will learn how to measure quickly and much more accurately - but when you are new, just remember to "measure twice and cut once" and you should be fine.

Anyone can learn the art of woodworking fairly easily with the drive to push yourself. If you are a novice, it is OK, you can still achieve wonderful results by learning in time and consulting various guides to enrich your experience.

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Farm Tractor Mailbox Woodworking Plan.

Set this unique mailbox design at your roadside to show everyone you are proud to be a farmer. Uses a standard US metal mailbox.

Type of Information: woodworking fee plans

Source : WoodworkersWorkshop Online Store

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Woodturning Skills - Sharpening Free Hand Or With A Jig

The most basic of all woodturning skills is cutting wood with a hand held tool while the wood spins on a wood lathe. This requires the second most basic skill, sharpening the tools themselves. There are two major ways to accomplish this, free hand sharpening and sharpening with a jig.

Free hand sharpening mimics the movements of woodturning itself. Virtually the same movements are needed at the grinder as at the wood lathe. A grinder is after all is said and done, a round stone moving in the direction of the turner, or in this case the sharpener. Tools are presented to the stone in the same fashion and at the same angles as they are presented to the wood. It would seem that this should be a simple task to master but experience will quickly establish otherwise.

First of all, when a woodturner is beginning to learn to turn wood the motions that will later become second nature must first be learnt and practised over and over. While this is accomplished at the wood lathe with inexpensive or even free wood, sharpening is practised on the tools themselves. If it is done badly, expensive steel is wasted and even more is ground away in further attempts to rectify the mistake. At the same time, dull or badly sharpened tools make learning those woodturning skills difficult, impossible or dangerous.

Jigs can help. It is an interesting occurrence in woodworking that the same people who will use jigs with router, table saw or other woodworking tool, frown on the idea of using jigs to aid in sharpening woodturning tools. There is certainly a measure of elitism involved.

However, jigs, either commercial or home made, will enable even the newest turner to quickly and effectively sharpen their tools and return to work with sharp instruments for a great cut. Just follow the directions and good results come easily. More and more professional woodturners are also using jigs for sharpening their tools because the results are so predictable and good.

While the choice of learning to turn free hand or use a jig is certainly up to the individual turner, it is a good thing to learn both ways. Use of a jig will gradually get a person used to the movements fro free hand sharpening for that day when he or she is away from a jig. Also one skill complements the other as was pointed out before. Elitism should not prevent one from the enjoyment of sharp tools and whispering shavings nor should reliance on jigs prevent one from the satisfaction of learning valuable skills.

Darrell Feltmate is a juried wood turner whose web site, Around the Woods, contains detailed information about wood turning for the novice or experienced turner as well as a collection of turnings for your viewing pleasure. You too can learn to turn wood, here is the place to start. Wondering what it looks like? There are many free videos on the site dealing with everything from sharpening to making a bowl.

While sharpening wood turning tools is a mystery to many wood turners you can easily and cheaply make a jig to solve your sharpening problems. To see how and solve those problems in a hurry, check out the sharpening pages at http://aroundthewoods.com/sharpening01.html. There are lots of explanations, pictures and videos, all free, to get you underway.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darrell_Feltmate

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Article Submitted On: October 18, 2010

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