Which Woodworking Software Is Best For You?

Getting into the hobby of woodworking will be much smoother with the proper woodworking software. If you can find the best software to use then you will notice that your projects are so much easier to accomplish, you will need to invest some time to get the best software. Just keep in mind that the benefits far outweigh the effort to find the software, such as increased self-confidence and skill.

You are going to want to look at a few key points when you are shopping around for your woodworking software to be certain that you are getting the best program for your needs. For instance, you want to be sure that you know the number of templates that you can find in your software. Are you going to be able to use the templates over and over, on different projects?

It is also critical to find woodworking software that has complete instructions for you so that you will not be confused. Some software does not have total instructions included and are vague, but armed with the proper software you should do fine. You will have no reason to become stuck at any point and will enjoy woodworking.

One very helpful tactic to find the best woodworking software is to look at the reviews from other customers that have used it. Try to find a program that comes with a high referral rating from other customers who have used it. If it is a good package with a history of happy clients then you can trust that your experience will be the same. Otherwise you are taking a chance that you will be unhappy with it.

Try to find woodworking software that can help you at your current skill level, but that can take you to the next level. Do yourself a favor and find software that will not just leave you in your comfort zone, but will give you a challenge as well. The best programs will help you to improve yourself. This way you will be able to grow in experience and will complete projects that are more fulfilling.

The woodworking software that you want will give you great instructions from your own computer. Look at the guide when you get stuck some place, and you will have the ability to complete every project that you set out to do. Woodworking should not become frustrating for you. You should enjoy yourself and having good software will help you do so.

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Gifts For Woodturners: Things to Consider Before Buying That Present

Your spouse, relative, neighbor or friend is a woodturner, and you are thinking of getting him or her something related to that interest. Getting them a fancy chunk of wood (called a "blank") or a new tool or kit seems like an obvious choice. But before buying that present, here are a few things to consider before getting gifts for woodturners.

What do they turn?

Most turners tend to do one type of turning more than others. For example, some prefer doing spindle turning, making things like chair legs, baseball bats, boxes, or eggs. Others prefer bowls, bowls, bowls. Some do mostly hollow forms, such as vases, urns, and vessels.

Buying a pen kit for a turner who does pens might be ideal, but it wouldn't work for a bowl turner. You actually need special equipment to make pens, so unless you are sure the person has everything else they'd need, and that they'd actually turn it, it's best to skip the pen kit.

How big is their lathe?

Lathes come in several different sizes, from mini lathes, to heavy iron monstrosities. The "swing" is the measurement of the largest diameter piece of wood any particular lathe can accommodate.

A mini lathe has a swing of about 12 inches, and other larger lathes can handle 14, 16 inches, or more. If you get a wood blank for them to turn, you'll need to know what size they can handle.

What is their skill level?

Beginning turners have many failures. My goal, as a beginner, was always, "a finished piece, not a masterpiece." So spending money on tools that they wouldn't even know what to do with is foolish. So is buying wood blanks that are likely to end up as an expensive pile of shavings.

However, if you know they can do spindle turning and have turned a tool handle, for example, you can assume they have the skills to complete a similar project, such as the handle for a cheese knife or ice cream scoop. One of those kits might be a great gift.

Are they purists?

Many turners start out working with wood only. Eventually they may venture into playing around with embellishments, such as stone or metal inlays, carving, coloring, and burning.

If you know for a fact that your turner friend does these things, you might get them something related. Or present them with a book focused on the type of embellishments they enjoy.

Believe me, nothing is more exciting to a wood turner than a related gift. But make sure you consider these factors, so you give gifts for woodturners that are a good use of your hard earned money, and something they will actually be able to make use of.

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Weber 7413 Work Table, fits Kettle Charcoal Grills

Work table made of durable thermoset material. Great additional work space. Legs extend to fit all 3 sizes of charcoal grills. Fits 18.5'', 22.5'', and 26.75'' charcoal grills.

Price: $49.99

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1700s Brown Bess Revolutionary War Flintlock Musket Replica - Full Size All Wood and Metal Prop Gun with Bayonet

This replica is the style used in the United States Revolutionary War. It features a working action. (The hammer cocks back, and pulling trigger releases hammer.)

The overall length with bayonet is approximately 75 inches.

The bayonet is removable. It does not lock into place.

Price:

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Melissa & Doug Wooden Project Workbench

Melissa & Doug Toys - Wooden Project Workbench. Sturdy wooden workbench contains a functioning vise, tool rack, wooden tools, hardware and a storage shelf.

Price: $99.99

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Wood Model Kit-Covered Wagon

Wood Model Kit. These fabulous little wood kits are great for school camp, scout activities and at home. Each kit contains precut wood easy to follow instructions for assembly and finishing all you need is the glue, sandpaper and paint (sold separately)! There is a variety of kits available from cars to jets, bird houses to bird feeders and many more, each sold separately. Size, shape and number of pieces in each kit varies by design. WARNING: Choking Hazard-small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

Price: $1.99

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Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use (Popular Woodworking)

Every workbench should be able to easily work the edges, faces and ends of boards. But most benches built during the last 100 years fail on at least one of these tasks. This book dives deep into the historical records of the 18th and 19th centuries and breathes new life into traditional designs that were fantastic to use. These old-school benches are simpler than modern benches, easier to build and perfect for both power and hand tools.The reader will learn the fundamental rules of good workbench design that have been largely forgotten. The book explains all of the complex vises and ways of holding work so the reader can understand what they do. And it shows you how to use this knowledge to design a workbench any reader will love, using two venerable designs as basic skeletons. Unlike other books on the topic, this one isn't a tour of unusual or beautiful workbenches. Instead it's essential reading for anyone who likes to get their hands dirty in their workshop.

Price: $29.99

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