Woodwork Magazines

Upgrade Your Trade

While skill is certainly not easily acquired as knowledge, learning new tricks can definitely better your technique and make your craftsmanship stand out among the rest.

It is your responsibility to develop your talent and hone your craft to perfection. There is no other way to do so but by diligent practice and by constant acquisition of new knowledge. Although you may argue that it is not always possible to attend conferences or to enroll on crash courses for joinery, there is no excuse why you should be left behind. There are always other means to get what you need to excel in your craft.


Bear in mind that woodworking, though it may seem mostly physical labor, actually involves analytical thinking too. It requires meticulous planning, innovativeness in designing and great agility in constructing the idea into place. Analytical thinking is also a skill – a mental skill that cannot be neglected or else you encounter a domino effect of problems when building your project. Unfortunately, there is no novel option to cultivate your analytical prowess than by reading. In your case, it is reading woodwork magazines or books.

Though there is no doubt that there are countless books out there, they may be too long to read, too specific to cater for your wide array of needs and may not contain the latest trends that you are looking for to provide your project a sharp-cutting edge in the woodwork arena. Thus, it is recommendable to subscribe to woodwork magazines that are mostly an easy read and contains the most up-to-the-minute ideas that you can apply to your next project. By doing so, you will gather new tips and techniques to be on your way on becoming a savvy and ingenious woodworker.

Here is a list of magazines that you can subscribe to. Whether you are looking after employing a fine or traditional woodwork or whether you want some help on techniques, At least one of these popular magazines will definitely appeal to you. They can provide you with interesting articles that features many of your different concerns. They can also give you reviews about tools and machineries. Plus, you will never go short-changed with the project plans they have prepared for you.

• Popular Woodworking
• American Woodworker
• The Woodworker’s Journal
• Fine Woodworking
• Workbench
• Wood
• Woodcraft Magazine
• Family Handyman

Below is an example of a woodwork magazine article that you can’t skip. Although this may seem uninteresting for your pulsating excitement over new styles and great projects, this unquestionably is needed to ensure that you get to finish your work.

1) Plan Your Cut – Although muscles can twist metals, the brain is still more powerful than any bicep. So before cutting or doing any movement in your workshop remember to use your most powerful tool – your brain. By calculating your every move in your brain before acting you can avoid cutting your fingers or wasting wood.

2) Maintain a Workable Shop – A disorganized and messy shop is a hazard. Always keep your shop free from any clutter. This will ensure you added safety from your tools and other objects that may pose as potential threat.

3) Concentrate on Your Work – Focus. Be keen. A split-second of distraction can split your arms too. Always complete your cut first before taking the blade out of your sight.

4) Don’t Rush – Take your time in completing every task . More mistakes usually happen when you are too much concerned with speed rather than the quality of work.

5) Don’t Force It – If something is suddenly not working. Do not force it to work. Stop and then take the time to assess what is wrong.

6) Guard Your Body – Wear proper protective gears when you are working on your project. Wear goggles, mask and ear muffs to protect your vital organs.

7) Allow the Tool to Stop – Give the machines time to slow down after a cut. Most accidents happen because of this neglected mistake. Remember that it is not dead unless it is still moving. A running blade can still do damage even when the power is already cut off.

8) Vapor and Air particles – Chemical fumes and particulate matter suspended on air may follow respiratory health problems. Aside from that, fumes pose as a fire hazard since most of these solvents are combustible. There should be proper ventilation that allows fumes to get out in exchange for fresh air.

9) Wear the Proper Attire – Do not wear loose clothing. This may get caught up in machines and might spell disaster.

10) Do not Drink Alcohol – Create a policy that you never do any woodwork after drinking. Alcohol is a depressant and this will decrease your focus and alertness.


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Woodwork Bench

The Woodwork Bench


There are many projects that individuals can come up with that will definitely benefit the household, as well the growth and development of skills.

Some can engage in crafts. Some will focus on the likes of cooking or pottery. Others will be attracted to focus on entertaining outputs like painting or singing.

One activity that can definitely make one showcase his or her craftsmanship is to engage in woodworking.


What Is Woodworking?


Woodwork is anything that is constructed or made out of any wooden material. This can be your ordinary furniture, interiors, doors, stairs, panels or even an entire structure.

Engaging in woodworking activity can definitely make your free time more productive than it would ordinarily be if you simply sit around.


Start Your Own Woodwork


Considering that woodwork really does seem to be a worthwhile thing to focus your efforts into then it is time to take action to build your own woodwork.

The first thing to keep in mind when you start your own woodwork is to build something that is very basic and simple before you aim to proceed to the more complicated ones.

It is best to start with something that is very ordinary but something that you can very much use and enjoy in the household.


The Woodwork Bench


A bench is one furniture material that you usually use. It is a good addition to your room. It is even better in the garden. Just imagine being able to sit down on it while you relax and enjoy the view of your own greenery.

Any woodwork bench will be readily available in regular furniture shops or even in the DIY stores.

However, considering that you have a newfound enthusiasm for woodworking then it is high time that you build your own. It is actually a very feasible and easy activity that you can enjoy.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you proceed with your woodwork bench project :


1. Find a Simple Design


Starting with the woodwork bench will require a design to follow. Find a design that is ideal for a beginner. Stay away first from those that require intricate details and curvatures.


2. Look for Woodwork Materials from Woodwork Shops


Next thing to focus on is to make sure that you have all the materials that you will need to execute the design. As such, you have to find the right place to get your necessities.

There are furniture stops and stores that you can go to. These will offer you most of the basic materials that you will need in making the bench.

You can also check online for some woodwork shops so you will not need to go out of your house anymore. You can easily have the materials delivered to your house.


3. Gather All Things Needed


Make sure that you are able to gather all the things that you will need. Frames of wood will be your main tool. Use teak, pine or oak. You will also do well with a strong-hold glue, screws and finishing nails.

The size or quantity of these materials will of course depend on the size and specifications of your design.


4. Take Measurements Properly


The most crucial part of this project will be the measurement of the dimensions of the woodwork bench. This is where you need to be careful and do everything according to what the design provided.

If you find this part a bit complicated, you might want to consider getting a few help on how you go about the whole process. You do not want your wood to go to waste if you keep erring in the measurement.

Once this task is done, putting together the rest of the materials will be easier. All you need to do is to join the parts and make sure they are properly held together.


5. Sand and Finish the Bench


Once you have finally put together the woodwork bench, then it is time to sand the wooden surface and give it a good finish.

You can put coating if you want especially to make sure that it will go together with the rest of your household.



Conclusion


The woodwork bench is a good project for you to start on. There might be some skills and craftsmanship in you that only needs to be tapped.


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Woodwork Joints

Anatomical Structure of Woodwork Joints

Who said that joints are strictly medical? Surprisingly, they also exist in a carpenter's glossary too. In fact, woodwork joints have outnumbered the three types of joints found in humans namely the diarthroses, amphiarthroses and synarthroses. But don’t worry because we won’t be dealing with these medical terms. Let us direct our attention on how we can build stable, stylish, and sturdy woodwork by familiarizing ourselves with the different types of woodwork joints.

Depending on the type of woodworking project you may have in mind, the following will help you decide on what appropriate woodwork joint to use. With the advent of new tools and machineries, traditional joints have evolved in various types. These woodwork joints differ in styles but have the ultimate purpose of making a strong and stable woodwork.


1. Square Butt Joint.

Simply known as the butt joint, it is the most basic joint in joining two pieces of timber relying solely on glue to stick it together. The advantage of this is its being quick and easy to make. It is very useful in making boxes and picture frames. However, since the end of the timber where glue is applied is porous which absorbs most of the glue, it becomes difficult to hold the timber together. On the other hand, this can be strengthened by using screws or pins as support.

2. Mitre or Miter Joint.

This is a joint created by sawing one end of two parts to be joined at an angle of 45° to form a 90o angle corner. This is more often used in making picture frames than butt joints. Although this popular method of joining is cheap, it requires accurate cutting to achieve its best strength and visual appeal.

3. Dado Joint.

Also known as the housed joint, this type of joint is most popularly used in making bookcases, shelves, and drawers . Unlike butt joints, this joint does not need the benefit of any glue or screw to hold it in place. To make a dado joint, a cut in one piece of wood receives the end of the other. It is much stronger than the butt joint and has a more professional appeal.

4. Dowel Joint.

To make a dowel joint, drill aligning holes in each piece of wood then by using glue attach the dowels in place for a tight joint. To achieve high accuracy, it requires a dowelling jig and bits. Use a jig and a drill press to obtain straight holes with uniform depth.

5. Mortise-and-Tenon Joint.

This joint is used to join two members perpendicularly. A rectangular projection from the end of one piece called the tenon fits snugly into the mortise cut in the second piece. This strong and traditional joint can be made even stronger by adding a peg. This is commonly used in antique furniture building.

6. Tongue-and-Groove Joint.

Also known as the finger joint, this joint allows for wood shrinkage, it's great for floors and paneling. Long tapered tongues or fingers that interlock join two pieces of timber lengthwise. A high powered router is used to cut a groove in the edge of one piece and a tongue on the other to fit into the groove.

7. Through-Dovetail Joint.

This is one of the most stylish joints available, but also one that requires additional patience and more accuracy to cut. The interlocking cut of the wood makes it really strong plus gives more visual interest. This type of joint is used in the manufacture of superior furniture.

8. Lap Joint.

This is made by laying one piece on top of another. This can be used either in an angle or lengthwise joint. Lap joints can be made manually with a saw and chisel, on a table saw or radial arm saw with a dado blade, or with a router and a straight bit. Meanwhile, there is a variation of a lap joint which is the half lap joint. This is when half of the thickness from each piece is removed. To make a half lap joint, several cuts half the depth of the material is made while the excess is removed with a chisel.

Now that you know most of the different types of woodwork joints and you can now determine which is best suited for your next woodwork project, there is no reason why you shouldn’t start working on it.


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Woodwork Forums

A Woodworker’s Forum 101

At one point, a writer will reach his most dreaded end. Don’t get the impression that someone’s going to die. It’s not someone but something-the source of his creative ideas. Like any writer, a woodworker may experience the same fate; but like any writer, he must device a way to resuscitate his arresting ingenuity to make his creative juices flowing again.

There are various ways to keep your well of ideas from drying. You can read home furniture books and the like. You can subscribe to woodworking magazines. You can also attend architectural woodwork exhibits and other related events. But one interesting way of getting great ideas is by joining a woodwork forum.


But first, you should know what exactly a forum is. What can you get from joining one? Basically, a forum is a public meeting place for open discussion of various topics. It is designed to bring people from across the industry who knows the most about a specific technology or topic and who can revolutionize an idea or give direction and solution to a particular issue. In your case, you should look for one that is specifically intended to your general interest and that is woodworking. Online, a forum is also known as a bulletin board or discussion area.

Forums are varied in nature. However, its primary objective is to make an available area where users or members can interact with their questions, answers and discussions on a certain topic. They are also intended as idea-generators that will help the users get a new energy focused on moving forward.

There are thousands and thousands of topical forums that abound online. Each usually addresses a topic and tries to keep the discussions on topic. However, this can often vary from one forum to another.

Here are other things that will enlighten you before joining a forum :

• There is a limit in attendance usually 75-85 people to allow opportunities for discussion.

• Some forums are by invitation only. You may have to apply and submit information about yourself and your experience related to your chosen forum. Your application will then be reviewed by the forum committee which will select the attendees based on who will contribute the most to the discussion.

• To encourage open discussion, confidentiality is kept. Usually, you are assigned or allowed to choose your on username or member ID before letting you post on the forum. Nothing is published from the forum except probably a brief summary with the consensus of all users.

• Since you will be dealing with a number of people, you should expect a lot of discussion and interaction. Making formal presentations is not necessarily and sometimes an informal statement of the issue is much appreciated. The discussion is normally started by group leaders and then breakout groups are often used to discuss the topics in a smaller group.

By now, you are already aware of what a forum is and what it requires. You have probably gone searching for the right woodwork forums that suit your interests. Perhaps, you have finally been accepted by one after the rigorous series of applications you have had. This only means that you are also ready to post with your questions, ideas, and the desire to opine, but on second thought not just yet.

To be sure that you are ready for postings, here are a few questions that you need to know before taking on that task in the forum.

• Slow down. Don’t start a thread in an impulse just yet. Ask yourself first if you have something worthwhile to contribute? If you have opinions, you better back it up with reason. If you have questions, it is helpful for other members who are willing to help you that you support your questions with enough details. And if you have opinions that you want to say, always remember to be tactful and respectful.

• Check whether your concerns have already been posted. The search button is very helpful on this. So, find the search button, type in some keywords and then click it. This will allow you to few the past threads posted a few days ago. Remember that it is better to post in an existing forum that to post a new one.

• Finally, ask yourself whether you are in the right forum? Read the general description of each forum before entering and posting your thoughts. You wouldn’t want to be an alien among a bunch of tailors when you are really interesting to be part of a woodwork forum right?


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Woodwork Events

Eight Exciting Reasons to Attend a Woodwork Event


Every once in a while, you need to get out of your rut and bask under the sun. Get your dose of Vitamin D and energize yourself with new sights and sounds. Get a time to relax and to revitalize your passion. Remember the old saying 'all work and no play makes a dull man?' Eventually, if you just continue drilling, cutting, routing, and sanding you will lose your vitality. You certainly don't want to make your life monotonous right?

Although for some of you who share in the principle of Benjamin Franklin that time is money and it will be a waste to be "a man of leisure" at one time or another, it is still possible that you take an off from woodworking while at the same time enjoy an equally productive endeavor. A good way to hit these two birds in one stone paradigm is by attending woodwork events.


Though it may not be common to hear news about woodwork events, they abound. Go and visit community colleges or schools that offer courses in architecture, interior design and carpentry. These institutions usually organize events to showcase their students' works. Try also to look for ads in magazines and other periodicals, woodworkers associations and other related organizations may be advertising invitations for their upcoming events or conferences.

Now, why is it important that you leave your power tools for the meantime and head somewhere else to sharpen your senses?

Here are eight good reasons to attend a woodwork event :

• Get to Travel.

It doesn't matter whether you'll be driving only for 30 minutes to an hour or taking a long flight to the other side of the globe. What is important is you get to inhale fresh air and get to feed your eyes with new delights. The journey alone gives you an opportunity to gather new inspiration for your next projects. What more when you have finally reached your destination?

• Meet People who Share your Passion.

It stirs the soul to meet someone who shares the same interests as you do. You suddenly feel the rush of endorphins due to the excitement of being surrounded by people who are one with you. There is this soothing and calming effect on knowing that you are with a company who understands your needs and sentiments.

• Discover the wonder.

Once you are in the event regardless whether it is an exhibit of a great woodwork collection or a mere gathering of colleagues, You will discover a certain wonder as if you were a child again being mesmerized by every new and even not so new objects that appeal to your senses. You will be thrilled with the agility of others and be amazed with the possibilities that you can also do.

• Expand your Horizon.

Ultimately, the experience of attending an event will broaden your understanding and commitment to excel in your work. Since it gives you an opportunity to evaluate yourself and your works, it allows you to know better the strategies that you need to do to better your craft.

• Widen Your Network.

Upon going to an event, it is inevitable to meet people. This is your chance to step up and show some entrepreneur in you. Even though you are just making projects for a hobby, it is not bad to get some contacts who may be interested in buying your projects. This is also the time to increase your social and professional circle of people who can give you tips or discounts when buying tools and timber.

• Spread Yourself.

This is the time and place to spread yourself by sharing what you know. Many will be eager to listen and learn from you in this venue about your techniques and creative concepts on design. If you are an expert, do not hesitate to teach your best practices.

• Make yourself proud.

It is your time to shine. Some events will allow you to bring with you some of your finest projects. If that's the case, keep your modesty aside and show the world your masterpiece.

• Go Home with a Full Heart.

At the end of the day, even if you didn't have the chance to be a speaker or your circle of friends did not grow as much, with all the other things that you can experience, you'll still be going home with a full heart.


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Antique Woodworks

Types Collectible of Antique Woodworks

Woodworking is one of the oldest crafts known to man. Wood has long been a staple material for man's many arts and crafts, being used to create everything from homes to toys to tools. Carpentry has evolved over the years with the introduction of power tools which allow woodworkers to make things faster and more efficiently, but the appeal of antique items created the old fashioned way, with chisels, saws, and hammers, have their own appeal to collectors.

Such handcrafted wooden items are still being made today by dedicated woodworkers who prefer to use old fashioned manual tools instead of electric powered ones. These collectibles, along with the truly old antiques created decades ago, fetch hefty sums among collectors of woodwork. For those of you who want to try your hand at either collecting or buying and reselling antique woodworks to collectors, here are a few of the more popular categories of woodwork around.


Carvings and Statuary

Wooden carvings and statues are extremely attractive decorative pieces. Some of the larger and more impressive pieces include not only wooden statues, but even carved murals. True antique wooden pieces of this nature are quite expensive, though even modern crafted pieces can fetch a hefty sum if the artist is capable of rendering something with a great deal of elegance and beauty. The most common example of modern wooden carved statues are usually religious in nature, like carvings of ancient gods and angels.

Tribal Paraphernalia

This is a common collectible that is usually best purchased overseas in local bazaars and markets. Native woodworkers create all sorts of pieces from wood, including tribal masks, shields, baskets, accessories, and the like. Wooden antiques of this sort usually appeal to people who have a fascination with ancient cultures. To avoid buying "tourist trap" pieces, it is best to do a little background study on the customs of the area you're visiting to learn how to determine authentic tribal pieces from their gaudier, mass produced cousins.




Shelves and Furniture

On a more modern note, wooden furniture in general is a collectible that must not be overlooked. Heavy hardwood tables, chairs, and shelves can fetch quite a hefty sum among people who are seeking to decorate their homes with a touch of elegance. A pure mahogany dining table, when polished and restored properly, can grant a touch of warmth and beauty to any home. Another good example is a book shelf with matching wooden carved bookends. These are almost a staple with any book lover who owns his own home library.

Handcrafted Toys

Old fashioned children's toys are probably the smallest and easiest of all antique woodworks to collect. Probably the most famous examples would be carved wooden animals, and those old appealing hollow russian dolls which can be opened to hold a smaller doll, which can likewise be opened to hold an even smaller one. Then of course there are the little wooden puppets on strings, and wooden toys on wheels which can be pulled along on a string. While quite simplistic by modern standards, these toys are generally colorful and carry a nostalgic appeal with woodwork collectors of any age and genre.

Musical Instruments

While not an antique woodworking category per se, there are actually collectors who have a fascination with wooden instruments, most notably woodwind instruments and stringed instruments made of wood. Perhaps the most common example of this would be collections of wooden flutes. In case you are musically inclined and have a talent for woodworking, this might be a nice area to start a collection or even to craft pieces of your own.

Weapons

Lastly, weapons are a special category that caters to a small but very dedicated niche group. While most antique weapons are made of metal like swords, knives, maces, and battle axes, wooden weapons compose a smaller minority that nonetheless remains avid about them. Oriental wooden weapons in particular are extremely well made and in high demand, including things like arnis sticks (single or paired truncheons, essentially), nunchacku, tonfas, bo staffs, and bokkens. A collector and martial arts practitioner will usually be willing to pay quite a bit for a pair of personalized wooden weapons made of rare hardwoods.


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Woodwork Courses

Taking Woodwork Courses


One day, you might just find yourself thinking that there are so many things that you want to change in your household.

The room may need a new wooden door to change the old one that does not look good anymore. Your bedroom might need some cabinets to make room for more stuff.

The living room can make good use of a coffee table to entertain the guests that keep visiting the house. Maybe, it will not hurt to even add a few benches in the garden so that you can easily rest there in the afternoons.



Woodwork Endeavor

If you want all these details, it might be more helpful for you to try learning how to do woodwork.

When you take a closer look at the items mentioned, all these can be manufactured or made out of wood. Thus, learning how to do woodwork will let you do these materials on your own.


What Is Woodworking?

Woodwork will pertain to any thing or item that is made out of wooden material. This can include different furniture items. It can even involve a structure that is made mainly out of wood.

Woodworking will then refer to the craft of making some useful output out of a piece of wood. This will require some good use of creativity and resourcefulness skills to be able to accomplish one project.

At best, one has to be able to know what to do with a given set of materials to handle the requirements of the project.


How Does One Learn How to Make Woodwork?

Learning how to make woodworks will surely allow the individual to depend on his or her skills whenever something is needed to be constructed inside the house. This can also play a big role for people who are looking for a good hobby.

Woodworking can also be a good creative outlet for people who feel the need to express themselves and be productive. Some can even consider a business enterprise with woodworking skills.

Thus learning to do woodwork will definitely be helpful.


Woodworking Courses

There are many ways by which one can learn woodworking.

Ask a carpenter and it is very probable that his or her answer would be that experience had been their best teacher. Definitely they have learned this way considering the practices they were able to do as they go about their jobs.

However, most beginners will definitely not be open to experimenting and learning little by little. As such, the best option is to take woodworking courses to learn more about this craft.

Woodworking courses will teach one how to properly come up with a plan to create woodwork. It will also deal with the proper estimation of materials and use of tools to create a project.

This will make the student capable of dealing with any woodworking endeavor that may come in the future.

Taking a woodworking course can also provide the student with a certification or diploma. Ordinarily, these things are not needed by the person who wants to do woodwork.

However, this certification that one completed a woodworking course may come in handy when one seeks employment that requires this skill. It will also reflect that there is a degree of professionalism expected from the person.

To be able to take woodworking courses, it is best to check your local community. Some institutions may offer such programs at a given time so that you can learn this craft.

However, should you fail to make it on the proper cutoff time or if there be no courses offered at all in your locality then you can utilize the online courses.

There are carpentry and woodworking schools online that will allow you to learn the basics and the important details of the craft without having to leave your house. You can learn the skills in your own place and in your own pace.

All you need to do is to look properly for those online schools that are accredited to give such courses and you will ensure yourself the proper instruction.


Conclusion


Learning how to do woodwork will definitely prove to be a good decision for you. So take woodworking courses now and reap the benefits of woodworking.


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How To Be A Professional Woodworker

Courses to Take for Woodworking

Woodworking is a long and time honoured traditional craft. For as long as man has been around, we've always woprked with tools to render items of both purpose and beauty from raw materials around us. One of the first and most basic materials man has always worked with, alongside stone and metal, is wood.

While woodworking is not quite as in demand today due to the increasing number of synthetic materials that have been produced for making things, it is still a viable craft to learn. As a matter of fact, it's value is increased significantly because more and more people are turning to working with machines which create furniture, toys, and other things from plastics and composites.


Woodworkers are fewer in number because of this, but by the same token the appeal and value of things made from wood has increased due to thir relative rarity and beauty. A lot of people no longer make furniture from wood simply because it's practical - if they wanted practicality, they would just buy a plastic table or chairs. No, people who still make their own gear from wood do so because these items are works of art as much as they are functional pieces, and no matter how "modern" the world gets, the natural feel, warmth, and texture of wood is something that no synthetic material or metal piece can ever emulate. If you like working with your hands and want to get into woodworking, here are a few short courses you should look into taking.

Basic Woodworking - this teaches the basics of working with the simplest tools you'll need to get started for woodworking. Aside from the obvious uses of saws and hammers, you'll also need to learn to use things like planes for smoothening the surface of wood, wood files and rasps for shaping and rounding edges, and the use of protective varnishes and wood glues for sealing and coating wood surfaces. Basic woodworking courses usually also teach the different types of hardwood that are often used for woodworking. The pieces people are taught to make in these courses are often basic necessities like benches, tables, and cabinets.

Woodcarving - for those who are more artistically inclined, wood carving courses teach the use of fine chisels and cutters that allow you to create highly decorative pieces from wood. Making statues, murals, small carvings and engravings into wood are some common examples of what is taught in woodcarving classes. Also, these courses will sometimes include instruction in some of the more exotic types of wood used for creating decorative pieces. Different from the hardwoods used in regular woodworking, these usually involve soft wood types or fibrous woods like bamboo.

Woodworking with Power Tools - this is an advanced course from Basic Woodworking. It pretty much involves the same thing, but ramps up the tempo with the use of power tools and heavy machinery like power saws and grinders. Most of the power tools involved will usually be small and personal in size, like a handy power drill. However, some of these advanced courses will actually even include tutorials in the use of large scale industrial machines like lathes and routers, which can be used for shaping much larger pieces of lumber. In some cases, the use of such machines will actually require their own course, categorically called Industrial Woodworking.

Woodworking Appraisal - lastly, there is woodworking appraisal. Instead of teaching how to make items from wood, woodworking appraisal actually teaches people how to identify and analyze the different types of antique and collector types of woodwork. As stated earlier, woodworking has been around for ages, so older pieces of woodwork and things like old-style wooden toys, tribal gear, and exotic items like bamboo furniture actually fetch a hefty sum from collectors. These courses teach people how to identify and appraise these vintage pieces, as well as how to restore battered woodwork to make it valuable again to collectors.

These are the general categories of woodworking courses you should look into. The basic course is a prerequisite for everyone, while the others that follow it are actually specialized courses that people may choose to branch out into once they master the basics.


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Appraise A Woodwork

Woodwork Appraisal Prerequisites

The art of appraisal means being able to determine something's overall value after careful scrutiny and analysis. It is often associated with jewelry and antique dealers, who study rare and valuable items in an effort to determine what buying price those items may garner from collectors.

While there are also antique woodwork collectors, learning the necessary skills for antique woodwork appraisals isn't something you can learn overnight or even in a simple short course. It is something you need to become familiar with and gain only through practical application and experience.


However, it IS possible, with a keen eye and a few prerequisite skills, to at least be able to appraise regular woodwork. This form of appraisal doesn't really involve determining an item's price with collectors, but rather a more practical type of analysis which will allow you to determine an item's structural integrity and durability. Here are a few prerequisite skills and background knowledge you'll want to study if you intend to try your hand at woodwork appraisal.

Carpentry - at least a basic level of competence in carpentry as well as general woodworking is a must for woodwork appraisal. While some would argue that it is not a "hard", or necessary prerequisite, skills in working with wood are essential if you're going to be analyzing items made from it. This involves knowledge not only in working with modern power tools to render pieces of furniture, but in working with more old fashioned manual tools like straight edged and curved saws, hammers, pegs, planes, wood rasps and files, and chisels.

Knowledge of Wood Types - Another prerequisite skill you'll need is at least a good working knowledge of the different types of wood used in item construction, from hardwoods like oak, cedar, and mahogany, to softer woods and more exotic ones as well like balsa and bamboo. Different types of wood from different regions all have their own unique qualities that make them appropriate for some types of woodwork but lousy for others. For example, coconut wood, known in the Philippines as Bahi, is a heavy fibrous wood type that splinters when broken instead of shattering like some hardwoods are prone to do. It is extremely resinous and resilient, making it an ideal choice for woodworking requiring linear pieces, but it's fibrous nature makes it lousy working material for making statues, carvings, and other things which require a lot of oblique angles cut into the grain of the wood.

Knowledge of Woodworking Craft Types - aside from knowing how to work with wood and the different types of woods you can work with, you should do background studies on all of the different ways wood can be rendered into items. Don't focus on the most obvious and common applications of using wood like making furniture. Try researching the more artistic and esoteric types of woodworking, from making statues and murals, to toys, to musical instruments, to exotic weapons. Each of these different fields of woodworking will actually have their own unique needs in terms of woodworking skills and types of woods they'll use for their rendered pieces. Knowing these little nuances can help you in appraising the quality of a piece of woodwork.

Forums and gatherings - you should also check out woodworking and antique collector forums on the internet to find out what's in demand. Going in person to conventions also helps you expand your knowledge base. If you decide to take up woodwork appraisal as something more than just a hobby, knowing the different standards set by collectors and the prices they'll be willing to pay for certain pieces will help you turn a quick profit if you can locate the items they require.

Bargain Hunting Knowledge - lastly, on the assumption that you decide to use your appraisal skills to turn hefty profits with collectors, it never, ever hurts to know where to cheaply acquire the things they'll be looking for. More often than not, foreign countries have specialist woodworkers that produce relatively cheap and high quality items that can be resold for more than five times their purchase price in the United States. For example, bamboo dining and sleeping mats from certain asian countries can be bought for under a dollar each in their local markets. Enterprising individuals travel to these places and buy the mats cheap, then they resell them for over 10 dollars in the United States, where people still count this price a bargain.


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Woodworking as Business

Let’s say you’re an avid woodworker. You’re so good at it that people who have seen your work say it’s a masterpiece. They suggest that you make it a business. Why don’t you?

Starting a wood working business is just one of options woodworkers can resort to the minute they realize that their building and creating products from wood is more than a hobby. It is a craft. In fact, the design and quality of any hand-crafted furniture is considered to be valuable all over the world.


When you make woodworking your business, there will always be a demand for your products. Considering that people are in need of furniture all the time. Not only that, woodworking can also produce boxes, toys and many other things people fancy on a daily basis. There will always be a market for woodwork products.

Therefore, woodworking is a wonderful business opportunity you can venture in.

Nowadays, a lot of woodworking products are supplied in the market due to the demand of the public. Shipping crates and armoires are also other example of woodworking products a woodworker can supply to his client.

There is also a growing market that is devoted for hand-made wooden toys. Despite video games appearing left and right, surprisingly there are still children who prefer to play with toys made from wood.

Since you have the talent and the skill creating woodwork products, and you clearly have the interest and passion in doing so, you can let the money roll in by trying out your hand and your sawhorse bench on a woodworking business.

Here are the things you need in order for you to start your woodworking business. First of, you need to know your territory. Obtain the local requirements in order for you to open your business. Above all, you have to know what type of items you will produce. Strategize first since this is necessary on the tools and supplies that you must have with you.

Consider joining trade organizations that are connected to woodworking. This will assist you in spreading the word about your work through the events and shows that will also be of good assistance in showcasing the pieces that you have.

You must also have a supplier of woods and tools. Your supplier must be someone of a company you fully trust. Never use sub-standard materials. Quality is very important when it comes to producing woodwork. You want to be famous for delivering the goods – literally and figuratively. Since woodworking products are expected to be durable, give your clients what they hope and paid for. Notice that the minute your purchasers see that your products are long-lasting, you will be getting lots of referrals.

The minute you struck a trusting relationship with the supplier of your wood working business, you then work on the advertising aspect of the business. There are so many ways on how you can showcase your products to the market. One is by having a web site that is targeted to clients. You can upload pictures of your products. This is a great way to have your business out there. A lot of people shop online. Once they like what they see, their purchasing from you is just a mouse click away.

You can also go for the traditional selling of your product. Display your works of art in flea markets, malls, outlet stores, arts and crafts fairs and trade shows. By marketing your products at furniture and special stores, your woodworking business is sure to roll.

But double check that you do not book your business too much. Maintain the level of quality of your business during the whole sales process. It is always quality over quantity.

Use the internet to your advantage by spreading the word of your business through forum discussion boards and bulletin boards. You can also advertise on trade magazines.

Seize every opportunity that you can and make the most out of it. It will not only boost up your business’ profile, but your woodworker’s resume as well. You can also enter woodworking trade contests. You may get referrals and contacts.

Do not limit your business’ potential. You can even reach out to the home décor and fashion side of the whole woodworking business. By producing beautifully crafted accessories such as bowls, kitchenware and the like, your business will gain more popularity.

For fun, you can try the artistic side of the woodworking field. Make frames, sculptures and other art projects that you can sell along with your furniture.

Woodworking is both enjoyable and practical – that’s why it makes the perfect career for a passionate woodworker.


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Woodworking as Hobby

Just because you enjoy woodworking, it doesn’t mean your craft is not a hobby
A hobby must be invested on. You wouldn’t have a hard time doing so, since the interest is there in the first place. Therefore, motivation and drive are obviously inherent as well.

Newbies in woodworking often wonder what the essential tools in starting a workshop are. The answer varies from one woodworker to the next, since there is a long list of required tools to begin with. Plus, it depends on the project.


Take for example, you go to your nearest tool store to get a power tool. Now there is a variety of manufacturers and of course, prices differ too. Like in any product, the more expensive, then the better the quality. Better quality tools in wood working have better design features and parts, as well as a high tolerance in manufacturing.
They also perform better.

Buy the best tool that you can afford. Come up with a budget on how much you are willing to spend on a particular tool. This is important because you will be using your tools on a frequent basis.

But if you are just beginning and you can only spend limited cash to set up your woodwork shop, don’t go for the absolute best then. You can resort to the one that is trusted by most woodworkers that come in a reasonable price.

There are exceptions to the general rule mentioned above. If woodworking is simply a hobby you enjoy during the weekend, then you do not have to get the top-of-the-notch tools.

The key is getting a tool that is within your budget. But as much as possible, veer away from the cheapest tools and materials. It being cheap already says something - these aren’t worth purchasing.

Here are the element tools a woodworker newbie must have in his workshop :

1. Drill

Get one with the cord and the screwdriver attachment. It will let you single handedly accomplish tons of tasks – literally and figuratively. They may be quite a bit expensive, but this is one woodworking tool worth investing on.

2. Circular Saw

Use this to trim and cut plywood.

3. Finishing Sander

This is used for finishing. This is perfect for smoothing out planes. It can also be used for finishing and painting. You can also use this on round planes to clear out the edges.

4. Jig Saw

This is a hand held saw that is used for cutting the plywood’s curves and for smoothing out rough outlines.

5. Table Saw

Like the drill, this is another tool that you must have and invest on. Although there are some inexpensive table saws but they are not as high-powered as the pricey ones. They don’t work as well as you hope too. Get a table saw with a good motor, one that is powerful enough that it can be used over and over again. If not, the blade will stall during the course of you ripping wood. It may even burn some of your masterpieces and no woodworker would want that.

6. Router

A router is like a table – when it comes to the necessary woodworking materials a newbie must get. It is a tool used for cutting a profile on the edge of pieces of wood. They are also used in cutting molding and to trim plastic and cut parts on a template. Routers come in two forms: plunge and fixed. The plunge router is loaded on the base. It can be pushed flat down to a work piece when special cuts are called for. Whereas the fixed router holds the work piece into place.

7. Band Saw

This can also be used to other projects and not just woodworking. This is used to cut curves and shapes onto the wood. It can also be used as a bandsaw which is appropriate for sawing lumber.

8. Compound Miter Saw

This is used to cut, like the table saw, but is a lot easier to handle.

9. Lathe

Tool is a turning tool and is one of the equipment you should invest on.

10. Biscuit Joiner

It joins together the pieces of wood. The tool cuts small slots in every side of the join. The biscuit is inserted and glued in between, holding the parts altogether.

11. Belt Sander

This is great for quickly smoothing plywood and also for shaping objects.

12. Drill Press

This is used for consistently drilling holes into wood.

As a woodwork newbie, you must get the best tools you can afford. But that also depends on the projects that you plan on handling. Before dropping by your nearest hardware store to get your tools, ponder on what exactly you will be making.


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Woodworking

Get into woodworking

As a woodworker, you must have basic knowledge of your material – wood. In order for you to come up with the best products from wood, you must have the complete 411 on the kinds of wood.

1. Hardwood

This often comes from trees such as cherry, elm, oak (English, imported, Japanese), lime, rosewood, walnut, teak, mahogany, cherry, ash and beech.

Hardwood is strong and durable. It may be more expensive than others (particularly softwood) because it has a longer life span. It is used for making furniture. Be careful in selecting hardwood. The younger the wood, the softer it is to work with. Yet, the center of the log, or what is the heart of the hardwood, it is liable to splitting into half and can also twist or shrink. Store and season the timber correctly to prevent it from doing so.


Seasoning hardwood helps in making it stronger. By storing it for a number of years before it is brought to the market, the wood becomes more durable and long-lasting.

2. Softwood

This comes from trees like cedar, hemlock, pine, redwood, whitewood, yew, spruce, larch, cedar and deal.

These are cheaper than hardwood because their deterioration rate is faster, particularly when used in an exterior setting. Softwood must be combined with wood preservers or finishes such as paint in order to protect it from natural elements.

Softwood must be treated with an anti-woodworm and anti-rot preservative. If these are going to be exposed, then they should have a lacquer finishing. This will prevent dirt from seeping through the surface. It will also emphasize the appearance, showing off the wood’s natural color.

3. Blockboard

These are often made from the strips of glued and bonded softwood, often rectangular in shape. These strips are trapped between veneers like birch. Single veneer on each side is called 3-ply. Double veneer on the two sides is known as 5-ply.

Blockboard works best for interior work because the glues used during the construction are not exactly-waterproof. It has a variety of thickness – ranging from 12mm to 32mm. Upon purchasing blockboard, they must be stored because they have the tendency to warp and twist.

4. Chipboard

This is made from softwood particles coated with resin. The particles are spread flat out and are heated together in a high pressure. Its thickness ranges from 9mm to 18,

Other types of chipboard include the flooring glade, plastic veneered, wood veneered, white melamine coated and melamine veneered.

Upon purchasing chipboards, these must be stored. These work best in interior jobs. They are also waterproof and appropriate materials for damp projects.

5. Hardboard

A versatile product that comes from softwood pulp turned into sheets. There is a finishing on one side and a textured underside. It is also available in a variety of finishes and thicknesses.

Other types of hardboard include medium, oil-tempered, perforated (pegboard), plastic faced, painted and duo faced.

Upon purchasing hardboard, this must be stored.

6. Medium Density Fiberboard

These work best for interior projects. Since it is easily exposed to wet weather scenarios, it cannot be used for exterior work. It is perfect for surfaces inside a house – like shelving and cupboards.

With its fine texture that is evident throughout the length, medium density fiberboard is often manufactured in woodwork warehouses the world over. The bonded wooden fibers are instilled together in a high pressure.

It is advised that a mask must be used when sawing medium density fiberboards. This is to prevent the inhalation of the fine dust particles. The thickness range from 9mm to 18 mm.

7. Plywood

A majority of plywood used for woodworking is imported from abroad. The bonding of the veneers is made sure to run in alternating directions in order to make up for the sheets of plywood. These are bonded on each side of the piece so the tension remains balanced.

Basic number of sheets in plywood is three. This is the 3-ply. When another sheet is added in each side, then this becomes the stronger ply also called the 5-ply. By repeatedly conducting the same technique, plywood comes in different forms.

But bear in mind that this procedure can lessen the tendency of warping. Plywood may still twist or warp because each veneer sheet is not completely identical though. Another reason why warping occurs is heat and water penetration.

Different types of plywood are standard, wood faced and plastic faced.

When storing plywood, make sure that the sheets are flat in order to prevent twisting. The sheets come in various thickness ranging from 4 mm to 18mm.


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What is Woodworking ?

If the household has been looking very bare lately, then it is time to give it some embellishments and makeover.

The bathroom can make a good use of a cabinet. Your bed might be better with a nice headboard or drawers under it to maximize space. The garden might have some good use of a cozy bench. Maybe the door needs to be changed.

These things are some of the fine ways by which you can give your house a good makeover. You may not completely notice it, but all these details will actually make use of woodworks.




You can easily purchase these materials or furniture so that you can give the perfect detail to your house. However, you may not be able to have the exact budget to afford all the finances required. As such, you may have to resort to woodworking.


What Is Woodworking?


Woodworking is the art or craft that focuses on making or constructing materials out of wood. The materials can range from the ordinary bench down to the most intricate furniture that you will set up in your house.

Woodworking allows you to construct household pieces on your own by using wood and some construction materials to finish a project.

This can very well save you money rather than buy finished materials that are more expensive because of the overhead expenses added to the price.


What Does It Take to Do Woodworking?


Engaging in this endeavor of woodworking is, of course, no simple matter. It requires considerable amount of time and energy just to study how to do woodworking.

It also requires some skills and dedication to be able to finish one project out of a simple wood material.

At the same time, this endeavor will be able to bring out some good in you. It can make you a more productive person. Nothing compares to the feeling of being able to see a product that you made become beneficial to the household.

It also pays to develop some of your skills that may only be left untapped all these years.

You may also consider this woodworking as a way to earn some extra money by selling some of the finished materials when you become better in this field.


How is Woodworking Done?


A beginner may wonder how he or she can start doing woodworking if there is no experience to depend on. As such, different means of learning will become handy to make one able to do woodworking.


1. Do-It-Yourself

Some people rely on DIY or do-it-yourself projects to be able to claim that they have done their own woodwork. In a way, this can help your agenda. However, this is not woodworking in the strictest sense.

DIY packages will provide you everything there is in the project. All you need to do is to put together the materials and you have it done.

Woodworking on the other hand will challenge you to develop some craftsmanship as you have to weather with some trials in reading the plan or design, measurement, woodcutting and polishing it altogether.

Definitely, woodworking requires more attention to detail and more dedication from you.


2. Woodworking Courses

There are also woodworking courses that you can take so will not be completely clueless in your activity. You can check out if there are any classes offered in your local community.

However, should you find that there are none, you can easily take woodworking lessons online. There are woodworking courses offered by some recognized web sites. You will definitely enjoy joining one.


3. Be Adventurous

Finally, you may want to simply dive in to the activity and see how well you can perform this activity considering your lack of a proper experience. You may want to learn on your own and take the lessons of this craft from the mistakes.

If ever you do consider this, it is best to have a woodworking plan at hand so that you will not start a project out of pure guess work.

The plan will indicate to you all the materials that you will need as well the actions that you have to take. Just do your task well and you may end up with a good outcome.


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