Is grain orientation during planing important? When planing, orienting the grain correctly is critical to achieving a smooth finish. Improper grain orientation can cause chips, tear-outs, and/or additional damage. In this article, we’ll discuss how to plane with the grain to avoid damage and how to identify the direction of grain in various common wood types. Each piece of wood …
How to Restore a $5 Wooden Piece to a $500 Masterpiece
How can I restore a cheap wooden furniture item and sell it for profit? Restoring wooden furniture can be a lucrative business venture. The basic restoration processes include obtaining a piece, cleaning it, refinishing and refurbishing individual components, and then marketing the final product. In this article, we’ll discuss the supplies, techniques, processes, costs, project ideas, and common sources for …
The Wood on the Lathe Goes Round and Round: A Beginner’s Guide to Wood Turning
What is wood turning? Wood turning is the process of carving work from wood via a lathe. Spindle and faceplate work are the two main types of wood turning. Wood turners can make a variety of objects, from chair legs to wooden bowls. There’s no end to the possibilities with a wood turning lathe and a bit of creativity. If …
Harness the Flow: A Beginner’s Guide to Epoxy Resin
What is epoxy resin and how is it used in woodworking? Epoxy resin is a clear, hard-setting substance used to bond various materials together and/or create a polished final look. Woodworkers use epoxy resin to accentuate and encase their works to preserve the wood’s natural features. You can use epoxy resin in various amounts, from small drops for jewelry-making to …
The Top 14 Carpentry Skills Woodworkers Should Know
What carpentry skills should woodworkers know? Beyond possessing basic woodworking knowledge, carpenters should know the most common tasks associated with their chosen profession. We’ve created a list of these skills below for you to reference. These skills will not only serve you as you look for a carpentry career but will help you excel in any position you obtain. This …
The Future of Woodworking
In the age of artificial intelligence, where does traditional woodworking fit in? Traditional woodworking will soon become a niche market. The future of this craft undeniably includes competition with technological advances. However, the desire and demand for hand-crafted products will sustain those craftsmen who embrace such a unique positioning and implement savvy marketing techniques. For that reason, successful woodworkers must …
5 Beginning Woodburning Projects You Can Complete in an Afternoon
What kind of projects (and potential homemade Christmas gifts) can you make with a woodburning tool?! There are many great ideas out there for projects you can create via woodburning. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to 5 basic projects you can start with and even gift. We’ll also briefly discuss tips and tricks for beginners. From there, …
Are Hammer Heads Hardened?
Do you know the reasoning behind and process of hardening a hammer head? Manufacturers harden a hammer head for strength and durability via tempering processes. In this article, we’ll talk about how a hammer comes to be, how to safely use it, and what the best hammers have in common. By the end of these few thousand words, you’ll be …
The Ultimate Guide to Carving Pencil Lead
Is it truly possible to create miniature carvings in pencil lead? Yes, these pencil lead carvings are a real art form! There are a handful of skilled artists who are internationally-known for carving sculptures out of graphite. In fact, pencil lead carving is relatively affordable and only requires a few tools. To explore this new and exciting form of carving, …
The Ultimate Guide to Hand Carving
After deciding you want to try your hand at carving, what’s the best way to begin? In this article, we’ll discuss how to get started with hand carving, from the types of wood to choose from and what hand tools to purchase. This guide will show you how to be safe as you carve, what techniques you’ll want to master, …
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2