Woodwork Plans

A wide range of free wood working plans are available on the internet. Indeed you will get valuable information from free wood working plans that can be used for home renovation purposes. On some websites amateur wood workers share their experience, tips and ideas that make up for great free wood working plans. Some free wood working plans that are commonly used are bookcase plans, bed plans, shed plans, workbench plans and entertainment centre plans

Cherry Bookshelf plans :

It consists of 13 pieces that are screwed and dadoed together. The shaping and joinery is done with the help of drill press and a table saw. The bookshelf has slats and pyramid top posts. Cherry wood is used as it is lighter. You can use other types of wood such as quatersawn white oak. For building this bookcase you require screws, screw hole plugs, slates and shelves. The dimensions of these items will differ according to your requirements.

Break Down Chair Plans :

This high backed chair and has no wedges or pegs. You can easily make 2 chairs out of 4’x8’ sheet of good quality plywood. It is very easy to make these chairs.

Antiqued Table plan :

Clear pine is used to make this antiqued beauty. Tools that are required to make this table are trim saw or handsaw, bits and drill, spray bottles, wet rag and belt or orbital sander. Materials that are required to make this table include legs, apron, fastening strips and table top. You also require screw and washer, shellac and carpenter’s glue and 8 hanger bolts. Depending on the size of table you want, you should select the dimensions.

Circular Kitchen Table Plan :

Solid black walnut wood is used to make this kitchen table. The tabletop which has a radius of 2 feet is a perfect circle. The circular top is on a pedestal base which is constructed using laminated bridle joints. Warmth of this wood enhances as tung oil and polyurethane are used for protecting the finish. The contemporary design of this antique table is much more attractive than formal dining style. Jointer, jigsaw, hand router and some other tools are required to make this piece.

Mahogany bed plan :


This ideal master piece is ideal for any bedroom décor. The bed is made from solid mahogany. The bed with its contemporary style has convenient rail hangers A series of slats are required for supporting the bed. A box spring is not required once you use these slats. Depending on the thickness and length of the mattresses the dimensions of the bed will vary. The dimensions should be such that it should be able to handle queen size mattresses. The bed is designed in such a way that you can disassemble it easily.

Jewelry Box plans :

This elegant case has a simple design. If there are some beautiful small wooden boards in your house then you can make this box on your own. It won’t take you long to build this attractive box. This can indeed be a perfect last minute gift for a friend.

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Value Of A Woodwork

Realizing the Value of a Woodwork


There are things in life that we value so much. These are the priceless things that we take care of ever since we have become conscious of this world we live in.

There are also things that we do not recognize right away. These are things that have so much value in them, only we do not have that realization even if that thing is right before our eyes.

Take the woodwork for example.



You may have great plans for your household and it is a good thing to actually aim for improvement in your abode. However, if you have not paid attention at all, these endeavors will actually require some good amount of money to be put into action.

Definitely, cabinets and furniture items are not that affordable to the ordinary household if all these details have to be fulfilled. There would be some good amount of sacrifice to give way to this.

Now, if you will only go out in the market and check out these embellishments you want for the household, you will realize that they are mostly woodwork and these woodworks do not come off cheap.

Then you realize that there must be so much value in a woodwork considering that it has to take some considerable amount in your budget just to bring home one.


What Is Woodwork?


Woodwork will pertain to anything or any item that is made out of wooden material. It can include doors, tables, benches, windowsills, cabinets and furniture.


Woodwork Value


What really is the value of a single woodwork? Is it really worth your every cent? Has the market only taken advantage of the changes in the economy to justify the high prices?

There is no definite formula to get the exact value of a woodwork but it will help if you start by acknowledging that woodwork is done by woodworking or generally speaking, carpentry.

Woodworking is a craft. As such, it requires more than just materials and labor. The whole project will require some considerable amount effort, dedication and skills on the part of the person doing the woodwork.

Furthermore, this woodwork is not the typical commercial item that you see in the market that is mass-produced.

A woodwork is unique in itself. There may be other items that are of the same kind, but there will definitely be a unique quality in one woodwork that you cannot see in another.

This can be attributed to the fact that the carpenter or woodworker came up with the product with his bare hands. Thus, there is only the perseverance of human industry and none of the mechanical but impersonal precision.

Thus, when you look at one piece of woodwork, it is like looking at the work of art of the woodworker. Every little detail in it, including the curves, the cuts and the contours will be something that came out of the hard work of one person.


Realize It Yourself


You may want to engage in woodworking yourself. Try doing your own woodwork and you will realize just how valuable this thing could be considering the aspects taken into account just to finish a project.

Start studying a woodworking plan. You will see the details that have to be comprehended before one proceeds with the work. This will help you realize that mental processes are involved in woodworking. It is not all manual labor.

Do a survey of the materials needed in various stores and shops. Determine the rate and prices of every material that you have to use. You will realize that these do not come cheap.

If ever there are some affordable materials in the market, you have to take the initiative and extra effort to locate them.

Try executing the woodworking plan with the materials at hand. You will see how much estimations and measurement you have to take care of before you finally get it right. Of course, this goes only for those who are not well-trained in the field.

If you do want to get the right training, you still have to take up a woodwork course.


Conclusion


Evidently, woodworking is no small matter. There are many elements involved and so many skills employed. The value of a woodwork is definitely something that you cannot underestimate.



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Woodwork Repair Tips

Basic Woodwork Repair Tips for DIY Homeowners

House repair and maintenance is not a seasonal job. Throughout the year, you will encounter all sorts of problems related to your house and neglecting just one of them can certainly have disastrous consequences. Delegating everything to a professional, however, can be quite costly, so if you wish to save on money and time as well, you can start by learning various simple to do woodwork repair tips and turn yourself into a DIY homeowner.

Woodwork Repair Tip #1: Deciphering the Writing on the Wall

Scratches and other noticeable flaws on your walls is always a great eyesore. Unfortunately, it’s something that you have to bear with for a long time or until all your children have sufficiently grown up enough to understand that desecrating the home walls in an absolute no-no.


In the meantime, you can rely on DIY woodwork repair tips to resolve this predicament. Small and slight scratches can be easily remedied with a bit of sanding and refinishing. If large scratches occur on paneled walls, your biggest problem would be finding a perfect match for your wall’s colors after removing the scratches. One possible solution is applying wax that has the closest shade to your walls’ color.

Woodwork Repair Tip #2: Allowing Inner Beauty to Shine

Be aware that a surface layer of wood finishing is generally applied as protection for interior woodwork. If you wish to clean them, you need to ensure that you don’t destroy its finishing while doing so. Interior woodwork makes use of various types of finishing and each type has its respective way of cleaning.

Firstly, woodwork that makes use of natural oil as protection should be wiped clean with one that makes use of natural ingredients as well. Woodwork that relies on wax protection can also be cleaned with all-natural polishers or one that’s specifically designed for waxed surfaces. Lastly, plastic wood can be cleaned in the ordinary way: that is, with water and soap as well if you so prefer.

Woodwork Repair Tip #3: Hole in the Wall

If your wall – or any woodwork object for that matter – is suffering from a holed identity, there are several things you can do to address this problem effectively. If it’s only suffering from small holes, you can fill it up with putty – which, by the way, is also used to repair glasswork – then even out the surface from excess putty by sanding. Apply the appropriate wood finish if necessary.

Big holes on the other hand can also use putty or other filling substances. When relying on filling alone, your biggest problem is finding one that could match your woodwork’s original shade. If however you prefer to glue a new piece of wood to cover the hole, make sure that you get rid of any excess substance from all sides and end the process by applying finishing once more.

Woodwork Repair Tip #4: At the Sidelines

Trimmings and moldings, primarily because of their location and the amount of exposure that they’re subjected to damaging factors, are usually the first ones to require repairing. Although they are not as burdensome as other woodwork repairs, they do however require an advanced level of precision and skills from you. Just take your time considering the extent of damage and you’ll figure out by yourself the best thing to do.

DIY woodwork repair around the house doesn’t only help you save money and time but also represents a significant contribution in your part in ensuring that your home continues to be safe and comfortable for everyone.


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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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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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