Are you new to woodworking and need some advice?

The idea for the article came from a discussion with a wood lover who wanted very much to make something out of wood, but knew very little about how he could do it. There were many basic things he didn't know, but he had a great desire to get started. I recognized myself in a way because I, too, got into woodworking without having taken any woodworking classes. When my work was all about varnishes and paints, I went to a lot of factories, saw a lot of machines and production lines and understood how they worked, but when you work with your own hands, it's different. So for those of you who are thinking of starting to work with wood, I try to put here some tips - useful information to make things work out for you.

Choice of wood

When you're preparing for a project like this, the first thing you need is wood. If you're not reusing reclaimed wood from an older object then you'll have to buy. Small quantities of wood can be found in DIY stores, but the choice in terms of species is limited. A wide range of wood species and wood-based panels can be found at Holver.

As it's your first project, it's a good idea to choose wood from a softer, less valuable species. We all love oak tree or the American walnut, but it doesn't deserve to be spoiled by our lack of skill. Theinoase are, in my opinion, very suitable for a start. A very good starter is also tackle. It's wood and it's very stable.

Content of wood moisture is important so that there are no cracks or bends. Wood moisture content should be between 8 and 12% if used indoors and 14-18% if used outdoors. Buy the wood from reliable sources to be sure it is properly dried.

Check the wood before you buy it for cracks, insect holes, knots, not to be moldy. All this can create problems for you later.

Choose species of wood and depending on the further use of the object. There are species that are more resistant outdoors (tec, chestnut), others harder and more suitable for objects subject to mechanical aggression or lighter species, which will also give this property to the final object. Some are harder to work, others easier. A harder wood will be a test not only for the tools used, but also for your hands.

Choosing hand tools

And because it's about tools, you'll need some basic tools. The choice is wide and it's good to pick the right ones. Don't go for the most expensive, but don't go for the cheapest either. Get the ones that are intended for a hobby, DIY activity. You don't need professional tools to start with, but you also don't need ones that break the first time you use them, or worse, put your safety at risk.

Let's start with a few recommendations for traditional hand tools.

Hammer. A good hammer is one with a good balance between the shank and head so that it does not twist in the hand. It should be easy to use, have strength and not put too much strain on the hand. This means a hammer with a metal head and a hardwood handle (hardwood: oak, acacia, beech). The wooden handle picks up the vibrations and the hand is not very stressed. If the handle is not made of wood, it is a good idea to have a rubber sleeve to absorb the shock.

Hand saw. Experienced carpenters say that the saw should be chosen so that you feel the response of the wood as the blade goes into it. That means a quality blade with sharp teeth and an optimal profile for cutting hardwood.

Set of chisels. Chisels are not just for carving. They are used to clean joints or saw cuts, for hollowing, removing stock, splitting, adjusting or straightening material. There are sets that combine different types and sizes of chisels. Their material must be hard and durable.

Clamp set. If you ask a carpenter they will tell you they are never enough. They are used to fix the component parts of a glued object or to fix the object to be machined.

Hand drill. The objects you make will certainly need holes. If there isn't a power tool to do it with, the old hand drill (you may remember it from your drill kit) will always be handy.

Rindea. The reindowel is useful for straightening, smoothing or making indentations that make a surface look dull. It's a favorite tool of woodworkers, a sort of symbol of the craft. It can be made of wood or metal, and it's very important that the blade is very sharp. It's not something you won't be able to work without, but I have to admit it's a great joy to have one, especially if it's an old one.

Measuring devices. It is impossible to make an object without measuring the wood before cutting it. You'll need the classic and very useful carpentry tape measure, a ruler and a protractor for measuring and plotting angles. A router is also useful for measuring depths, the insides of holes and round bodies.

Very useful hand-held power tools

If you've gotten past the first few projects and have come to the conclusion that this is the hobby you want to pursue it's a good idea to think about some power tools. In my opinion the most important ones are:

Pendulum saw. It is easier to handle than hand saws, faster and less effort is required to cut. It can be used for precise curved cuts in wood or plywood, or for cutting wood-based panels.

Flat sander. It is especially useful if a coat of paint needs to be removed or the wood to be worked is very rough and irregular. It really helps to sand flat surfaces quickly and well. But if the surfaces are curved then hand sanding is still the base.

Bormașina. An electric drill makes it much easier to drill holes in wood than a hand drill. The best ones are the 2-speed ones, which can screw in and out depending on the speed you choose. A very good quality drill set makes the drill the perfect tool for drilling.

Simple but important tips for a quality end result

Make a drawing, a sketch with dimensions, where the holes will be, angles. Measure carefully and then cut and/or pierce. "Measure twice and cut once" is a saying that applies here too, not just in tailoring.

Use sharp blades for cutting. The sharper the blade, the cleaner and more accurate the cut. Clean and care your tools for quality results.

Choose the glue suitable for the conditions in which the object will stand. For places with high humidity (bathrooms, kitchens) or outdoors, use D3 or D4 adhesives.

UseUse screws matching the size of the holes drilled in the wood. Larger screws can crack the wood, and smaller screws will not hold the wood firmly and securely.

Carefully sand the wood to achieve smooth surfaces with a nice grain. The more attention you pay to this step, the better the result. Use sanding paper or sanding sponges to sand the surface.wood grindingFine grit (240-400) is for polishing varnish.

If the wood has unwanted holes or cracks, seal them with wood putty. Take care that the putty decreases in volume as it dries. Apply more and sand off the excess after drying.

Don't choose complicated finishing materials. The most suitable and easy to use are oils and the heavens. Don't choose complicated finishes for your first projects. They're not as simple to do as they look. You'll need some experience before you get to great finishes. Stick to wood protection at first.

Be patient, do everything carefully and take your time. It's not the speed with which you finish your work that will bring you satisfaction, it's the quality of the product you get.

To gain experience and dexterity, aim to do something extra with each new project: o joining new, more advanced processing, a finish including coloring or a great effect. Don't skip steps. Don't jump from a very simple project to a very complicated one.

Do your homework! There is a lot of information related to this area. Find out how others are doing what you want to do. Learn from their experience. You don't need to make the same mistakes.

Comply with all protection requirements while working. Take no risks and remember that you are using tools that can become dangerous. Use protective equipment. The most important thing is your safety.

I hope you find this information and advice useful and helpful in future projects. I would be glad if those of you with experience would come up with additions of interest to a beginner. After all, we all share the same passion.