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 …
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 …
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 …
Are there wood planes for curves?
Yes. They are called compass planes (or circular plane, ship’s plane or radius plane). These tools have a rich history, used by ship builders, carriage builders and furniture makers throughout history. They are unrivaled by other planes and sanding blocks for smooth, sweeping curves. The compass plane is used mostly as a shaping plane, similarly to the way a jack …
What Is A Manual Nibbler?
What Is A Nibbler? The Manual Nibbler is the kind of tool you don’t think about until you really need it. I remember my first time using one and cutting through steel like it was nothing. The nibbler is a tool that cuts through sheet metal. Using a nibbler creates straight, even cuts, with minimal distortion of the sheet metal. …
Can You Use Mineral Oil On Hand Tools?
Yes, mineral oil can be safely used on hand tools to protect blades and metal parts from rusting. Using a soft rag, apply a very thin film of mineral oil over the metal surface after use. Mineral oil does not go rancid or oxidize. The best types of mineral oils to use are: Any brand of pure mineral oil 3-in-1 …
The Ultimate Guide to Whittling: Make Art, Pass the Time
(Yes, it’s different than carving) Whittling. It’s always had an almost romantic connotation. It calls up images of an older gentleman looking out over a farm, working away at a wooden spoon. A craft to bide the time. For starters, it’s worth mentioning that although they are often used interchangeably, whittling is not the same as carving. They are two …
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, …
What is a spokeshave and what is it used for?
Regardless of your skill level, if you have been in woodworking, you’ve probably heard of spokeshave even if you haven’t used one. Spokeshaves are used to smooth and flatten complex shapes in wood. Most commonly, spokeshave will be used for stuff like creating wheel spokes or even arrows. There are other uses of course that I haven’t listed here. Unlike …
What Is the Difference Between a Spokeshave and a Draw Knife?
A spokeshave and a draw knife are used for similar purposes. However, there are a few differences between them that you should keep in mind when you start working with hand tools. In this article, you’ll learn: What a spokeshave is for What a draw knife is for Different kinds of spokeshaves and drawknives What makes a spokeshave different from …