A Beginners Guide to Woodworking Table of Contents   Know Your Woods How to Select Good Wood All about Hand Tools Power Tools How to Plan a Home Workshop How to Design and Build a Work Bench Safety in the Workshop Designing in Wood - The Fine Points What Are Veneers What Are Man-made Woods Woodworking Terminology Start Small Where to Shop For Good Tools The Finishing Touch             Know Your Woods Know your lumber The first step for any new woodworker is to gain a solid knowledge of the different types of woods. Certain woods are best for specific uses and it can be counter productive to use an inappropriate wood for a project that requires a different type. It’s a good idea to have an overall understanding of the different classifications of woods and a discussion of different tree species and the woods they produce. Here are some of the tree species classified into hardwoods and softwoods, together with the description of the wood they produce. 1. Hardwoods Hardwood lumber comes from deciduous trees, which have characteristics like broad sets of leaves, capability to bear fruits or nuts, and dormancy during winter. These trees can be seen growing in regions with a temperate climate. Since not all species are strong enough, most lumbers produced are seldom used for flooring and structural purposes. Hardwood lumber includes: -Walnut Walnut refers to a small family of flowering plants that is well known for the nuts and the lumber it produces. They belong to the order Juglandacaea family of the Juglandales order. The walnut tree produces a fine-textured and strong lumber. It is capable of resisting warping and shrinking. That is why the lumber is used for making wall paneling, cabinets, gunstocks, as well as veneered and solid furniture. -Cherry This tree species is closely related to fruit bearing trees like plums, peaches, apricots and almonds. They belong to the Rocacea family. Aside from the edible fruit that cherry trees produce, it is also known for the fine-textured, shrink and warp-resistant lumber that reddens when exposed to sunlight. Because of the lumber’s capacity to age well, it is commonly used in making cabinets, furniture handles, novelties and boat trims. -Maple This tree species can be commonly seen near streets and is used as an ornament because of its autumn color and leaf shape. It belongs to the family Aceraceae. The tree is native to Northern America and Europe. It also produces quality timber which is finely textured but is hard and strong. The lumber shrinks moderately, and the fact that it is durable makes it ideal for flooring, especially in bowling alleys. 2. Softwoods Softwood lumber, on the other hand, is produced from coniferous trees with needle-like leaves. These trees are evergreen, and bear cones. They are used more as structures than decorations. Some known softwood lumbers include: - Pine Pines are evergreen trees that have 210 species, all of which produces cones, timber and pulpwood. They belong to the Pinaceae family. The lumber it produces doesn't shrink, warp or swell. It also has a good finishing. It can be worked on easily because of its uniform texture. Because of those characteristics, pines are used widely in building houses, panels, boxes, molds and furniture. - Redwood Redwoods, also called sequoia trees, are huge evergreen trees that are known for their reddish brown trunks that can grow up too 100 ft. It has a buttressed base to support the conical tree. All of the sequoia species belong to the Taxodiaceae family. Redwood lumbers are known to be durable, and naturally decay-resistant. That is why it is preferred to be used in building outdoor furniture as well as fencing and house sidings. It can also be used indoors for your indoor finishing, paneling and veneering. - Spruce Spruce grows in the farther north, where it converges with the Arctic forest. It belongs to the Pinaceae family, together with cider, pine and fir. It has woody leaf bases and pendulous cones, its distinct characteristics. The spruce lumber is resistant to decaying. It shrinks moderately too and has a nice finish. More so, it is lightweight. That is why it is ideal in spars and masts in boats and wooden parts in aircrafts, boxes/crates, and ladders. - Cedar Cedar is closely related to the tree mentioned previously. However, there are unique features that draw the line between cedar and spruce. The wood produced from this tree species is naturally sweet in odor and reddish in color. It can easily be worked on. It is the ideal wood in chest-making, Venetian blinds, dock planks, shingles, linings in closet, and novelties. Now that you know the trees behind the woods you use, not only did you gain knowledge about them, you also know their basics uses so you can make decisions for your projects. How to Select Good Wood Tips in selecting good wood in lumber stores In the previous chapter we discussed the different trees and the types of woods they produce. If you really want your work to be perfect, you must have the perfect wood for the job. You can only do that if you are capable of choosing it yourself. You can't depend on others to do this for you because it is you who knows what you plan to do with it. So, here are some tips that you can use when you are choosing wood in the lumber store. 1. Know the different classes and types of wood As you learned previously there are many woods to choose from, all with unique characteristics. However, not all woods will cater to your needs and requirements. - On wood classes You have learned that there are two classes of wood, defined by the kind of trees from which they came from. So, we have hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods belong to the group of plants that we call angiosperms. These are flower-bearing plants that have broad leaves. On the other hand, softwoods, or conifers, belong to the gymnosperm plant groups. They don't have flowers, but they bear seeds. These aren't the only things that set them apart. Constitution-wise, hardwood produces more attractive lumber because of the patterns produced by the various types vertically aligned cells. This is the reason why most hardwoods are used as materials in furniture and decorative items. Softwood, on the other hand is used as framework in structures, and as flooring material. Contrary to its name, most of the softwoods are harder and stronger than hardwoods. - On wood grades – Here is where we deviate from the generalities you have already learned. While woods can be classified into two classes (hardwood and softwood) within those two classes they are additionally classified into two grades, select and common. Select lumbers are excellent types of wood that are almost 100% free of blemishes. These are used when there is a high need for a beautiful finish and appearance. Expect to pay a premium for the select grade. Common grade lumbers are woods that have appearance flaws and are basically used in general projects and in construction. - Let’s add to our discussion on the different wood types There are different types of wood that are best suited to your specific project. There are also types which will make the job more difficult for you because of certain limitations. That is why you must know these wood types and their special characteristics and flaws. - Pines can be stained in a variety of colors. That is why it is preferred to be used in indoor projects. It is also ideal for cabinet making because it can easily be cut and sanded, plus it offers stability and durability. - Poplars don't have many pores so it is ideal for work that needs painting to give that very smooth look. - Birch wood isn't that easy to use since it is difficult to drive nails on its surface. It also produces an uneven tone when stained. - Spruces are lightweight, so it is used in travel vehicles like ships and aircraft. - Cedars have a sweet taste, so it is advisable to use it in lining closets and building storage chests. - Redwoods are naturally resistant to decaying. That is why it is a commendable wood type to be used in outdoor furniture, fences, and other damp areas. - There are also chemically treated types of lumber that offer better protection from decaying due to water exposure making these types of wood best for outdoor work like fences. - Cherries, oak, maple, and the likes have really nice grain patterns that can be used as accents in woodworks. - Rosewoods are used in creating musical instruments such as pianos because of the high polish finish and its reddish color. 2. Be aware of the deformations and defects of the wood. You must be aware of the deformations that can affect the quality of work that you will produce from the wood. You have to closely examine if the wood has the following: - Physical deformities such as twisting, cupping, bending, and crooking that will affect the shape and stability of the work; - Cosmetic flaws such as knots and checks. - Splits that must be cut off immediately since it will widen as long as it is present in the wood. Armed with this information, it will be easy for you to choose the right wood for the task at hand. All about Hand Tools Knowing the different hand tools in woodworking Great strides in modern technology allow us to have powerful tools that can do things for us with ease. However, let's not forget the hand tools. Some hand tools now have a "power" counterpart, however, many woodworkers still prefer using the old standards. Here are some of the basic hand tools used in woodworking: 1. The hand saw The term hand saw refers to a tool with a metal blade that is capable of cutting wood. It can also cut other materials like plastic, and metals. The saw blade has teeth that protect the cutting edge. It can be observed that the cut being made by the saw is wider than the saw blade itself. It is because the teeth are curved alternately on the sides of the blade. This feature of the saw blade avoided the instances of the saw blade being stuck between the wood being cut. There are different types of handsaws depending on the use and physical characteristics - Crosscut saws and ripsaws are physically identical, with the blades (approximately attached to a wooden handle. But crosscut saws are designed to cut across grains; Ripsaws cut with the grain. - Backsaws have rectangular blades that are reinforced with a metal strip to keep them straight while cutting across wood. This saw can cut across or with the grain. It can be used with a miter box for precise cutting. - Coping saws are used to create curved cuts in woods. It is made possible because of the flexible blade of the saw attached to a U-shaped frame. 2. Planes Planes are hand tools used in smoothing wood surfaces and in reducing the thickness of the wood. It is composed of a sharp steel blade protected by a wooden housing. The blade is adjusted to achieve a specific angle against the surface to be planed. The cut depth is determined by the length of the blade protruding the surface of the housing. Special blades can be attached to the plane to create special channels and grooves in the wood surface. Files can also be attached to the plane for customized shaping and smoothing. Planes can be categorized according to length, and the materials that comprise it. - According to length Smoothing planes are usually up to 10 inches in length. Jack planes are generally longer with a length range of 10 to 14 inches. Fore planes come after jack planes, with a maximum length of 18 inches. The longest among the planes is the jointer plane with a length that reaches up to 22 inches. - According to materials used Wooden planes are completely made of wood, except for their metal blades. The blade is attached to the body by a wedge. To adjust the blade, the wedge must be hit by a hammer. Transitional planes also have a wooden body, but a metal cast takes the place of the wedge. It is easier to adjust the blade using the metal cast. Metal planes are made up of metal, except for their handles. Infill planes have metal bodies, but the space in which the blade is resting is filled with wood.   3. Chisels Chisels are tools with a flat beveled blade with a square cut edge attached to a handle. It is used to remove unwanted parts of the wood, may it be for form or function purposes. The chisel is held by one hand, while the other hand is used in striking the hammer at the handle of the chisel. A variety of sizes of chisels are used in woodworking. Larger ones are used before using smaller chisels to give detail. A framing slick, for example, is one type of large chisel that is used in frame construction. Gouge, a variety of a chisel, is used when creating concave carvings in wood. The difference between the beveled-edge chisel and the gouge is the U-shaped cross section found in the latter. A lathe tool is another kind of chisel that cuts wood that is spinning in a lathe. It has longer handles to allow more leverage to counteract the spinning action of the wood. These are some of the hand tools that earlier generations relied on to get things done. Don’t forget to give credit to these tools, for without them, woodworking wouldn't have become the industry we know today. Power Tools All about Power Tools There are many power tools available to people who want to get involved in woodworking. These power tools tend to make the lives of these people easier and make their work more precise and professional looking. You will definitely spend a hefty amount of money if you buy a full set of power tools. However, there are always choices which will make buying easier on the wallet. Different power tools are used for different purposes. Each is designed to be able to perform a certain task for a certain material, in order to come up with a specific result. Listed below are some of the more popular power tools on the market. This will serve as a guide for people who want to start acquiring their own power tools. Radial Arm Saw This kind of saw has a motor which is suspended from an arm. This feature allows the saw to rotate in multiple angels. The motor is connected to an overhead arm which goes through the length of the arm when it is pulled. The assembly can be locked in different positions. This kind of saw was first created in 1922 by Mr. Raymond Dewalt and was initially marketed as the "wonder-worker." Its rights were sold to the American Saw Company. Band Saw There are different variations of band saws. Some saws have two wheels while some have 3. The blades can be 1/8 up to 1 inch in width. It has several uses such as cutting straight corners or small curves. It is a definite alternative to a table saw and many people opt to have a band saw if they can afford to because these saws are very versatile. The downside that comes along band saws is that these saws require much more effort in setting up than most of the power tools. It can be very complicated because it requires different blades and they need to be changed frequently. Most shops have two band saws, one is intended for heavy loads and the other one is for finer wood work. Jointer A jointer is a tool for planning on edges and faces. This is the initial tool which was used to straighten boards by truing an edge on the face. Belt Sander A belt sander is comparable to sand paper. Basically, all the belt sanders out there utilize the same basic principle; it is a sandpaper belt which is wrapped around two rollers: the rear and the front. The roller, which is connected to the motor, spins and this causes the belt to move. The belt sander is more aggressive than other types of sanders and is usually utilized to remove materials off surfaces. Disk Sander The disk sander is an attachment that is used on electric drills. This is attached as a replacement for the drill bits and can be used to smooth out different surfaces. Initially, there were problems which were related to the markings which were left by the first disk sanders but there have been solutions to eliminate these problems today. Scroll saws These are saws which are considered one of the safest on in the market. This is also considered as a start-up tool for anyone who wants to get involved in wood works. How to Plan a Home Workshop Setting up a Work Shop Many people are becoming interested in woodworking, carpentry and other similar activities. People aren't only seeing these activities as hobbies or past times but as productive activities which can actually result in generating resources for them. Some people who have become experts in these activities generate enough knowledge and passion to be able to make money. Some people produce useful products which they themselves use such as pieces of furniture and other such materials. Getting accustomed to wood work and other such activities may not only result in income but also give fulfillment and enjoyment to people who are engaged in them. One of the most important requirements for you to be able to develop a certain level of expertise and eventually fall in love with these activities is a work shop. A work shop is like a basketball court for basketball players, it serves as a training ground for people who would want to get serious with wood work and other such activities. A nice work shop will allow you to be able to develop your skills and get accustomed with the general characteristics of the art itself. It will also allow you to use power tools such as high-tech saws and drills. These tools should be set-up properly so a good work shop is required. Found below are some of the tips that you need to consider when trying to come up with an idea for a work shop. Building a work shop isn't an activity for the impatient or for the weak. It takes a lot of muscle and vision to be able to put everything in its proper place. 1. The key towards creating an effective and a spacious work shop is to get ideas from other people who have already built their own work shop. Learn from the experience of others. Researching will give you ideas about good layouts for the shop and proper configuration of tools. There are, of course, needed adjustments because the shop will definitely reflect your own preferences. 2. You should always take into consideration the rule of plenty. The work shop should have enough light, ventilation, space, power, storage and work surfaces so as to provide you with the maximum comfort while working. 3. A work bench is a must for a work shop. You should invest in a good work bench which you can buy or build yourself. This tool is most often referred to as the most important part of the work shop. You will find information on building a work bench in the next chapter. 4. Place equipment strategically. The tools should be placed in strategic locations so as to make the work easier. The layout of the work shop should take this fact into consideration. There’s no point in putting a piece of equipment in place with it’s components 20 feet way in another location. 5. Provide enough power sockets. This will prevent the shop from being cluttered by unwanted extension wires. The proper placement of power sockets is a must for every work shop. You should also buy extension cords which are retractable. Wires can really be irritating and dangerous. They can distract you from doing your work properly and also be a source of danger because too many wires can cause fires. 6. Be organized in setting up the work shop. When it comes to accounting the costs and other details regarding the construction of the work shop, it would do you no harm to become more organized. The receipts, warranties and other such documents should be kept in a safe and secure place so they will be handy come tax time. 7. Make sure that the lighting is good. There’s no sense in working in a work shop that is too dark or too bright. The right angle of lighting will definitely give a work shop a certain light which will make you feel more relaxed and make the work more enjoyable. These are some basic things that you should consider when constructing a work shop or converting an old room into one. The most important thing to remember is that the work shop should provide as much comfort as it can. Follow this and everything will be in the proper place. How to Design and Build a Work Bench Building a Work Bench Garages have always been used as work shops by people who are into woodworking as a hobby. However tools will clutter and always eat up a lot of space. What is the solution? Build your own work bench. Garage-type work benches are very effective in maximizing space in the ever-so-cluttered space garage. They are very good things to have to be able to make the most out of the surface area of the work shop. There are available work benches out there on the market, however, there’s always the alternative of building your own work bench. You can save money and get fulfillment in using a thing which you have created. This chapter guides you through a step-by-step procedure on how to make a sturdy and reliable work bench. The materials for building a work bench are: - 16 ft maple wood strip - 2 by 4 wood planks - hardboard sheets (for drawer bottoms) - pine boards - screws - 8 by 4 feet maple plywood (3/4 thick) - circular saw - drill - screw driver - polyurethane glue - polyurethane varnish To give you some idea about the prices of the materials, we have listed some of the indicative prices of some of the materials here. The maple plywood would cost about $34. The 2 x 4 would cost $12 for 3 pieces. The hardboard sheet which would be used for drawer bottoms would cost $17, the pine boards would cost $15, the screws would add up to $8 and the glue would cost $4. 1. The maple wood strip should be attached to the wall studs. You should use a level to be able to make sure that the wood is properly attached to the wall. The top of the wood should be around 3.5 ft. above the ground. This is because the work bench is placed in the garage where space is a must for the car to be able to fit properly. The wood should be attached to the studs using 2.5 inch screws. 2. Another maple wood strip measuring 16 feet (2 x4) should be placed right below the first one. There would be a gap between the two and the distance will be determined by the actual length of the steel bracket which would be used. 3. The shelf brackets should then be attached to the strips. The top bracket should be in line with the top of the upper strip. A piece of plywood should be placed on the top and the lower part of the shelf bracket and should be located against it. You should use smaller screws (1.5 inches) in attaching the brackets. This will result in two strips of wood attached to the wall accompanied with a row of brackets for shelves. The shelves are placed 2 feet apart from each other. 4. The ¾ inch sheet of plywood (4x8) should then be cut into planks measuring 2 feet. One should be placed above the shelf brackets and then screw the accompanying plank to the other 2x4 wood strip on top. The other plank should then be placed and will join the other planks. 5. An 18 ft (2x4) piece of maple wood should then be placed on the top of the shelf (measuring 16 feet) and this should be screwed to the studs. 6. You should use a combination of wood glue and screws in attaching the maple wood in front of the planks so as to make it sturdy enough to endure stress. 7. The last part of the project is attaching drawer slides. The drawer slides will go under the shelf. The drawers should measure about 2 feet in width and 1.5 inches in depth. These drawers should stretch around 18 inches up to the back. The drawer slides can be made from pines trips which can then be attached to the underside of the shelf. This is an easy way to be able to create space where you can do your wood work and any other jobs which would entail elbow grease. You can't expect to produce a perfect work bench during your first try but working with wood takes experience and the work bench will definitely remind you that hard work pays off. Safety in the Workshop How to Avoid Woodworking Accidents: Potential Hazards and Safety Tips Be aware of the hazards associated with woodworking. Wood is one of the most versatile and most utilized mediums in the world because of its inherent flexibility and abundance in nature. The craft of woodworking has developed a number of techniques to produce a wide variety of products such as furniture, sculptures and more. Woodworking isn't only about the skill and technical expertise involved in carving, painting, laminating and the like. You should also give priority to the hazards involved in this type of activity. Some woods can be a hazard to people who come into contact with them. Working with hardwoods can pose a hazard to health mainly because of exposure to its dust that is known to render woodworkers not only skin and nasal allergic reactions but as well as make them more susceptible to a specific kind of cancer. The exterior of newly cut hardwood have saps that can trigger allergies on the skin if there is direct contact. Even hardwood dust can cause the same allergic reactions. A good example of this is rosewood, which is commonly utilized in musical instruments. Other effects of contact with dust can bring about a number of respiratory diseases such as asthma, hypersensitive pneumonia and lung scarring caused by repeated respiratory attacks. Examples would be cork, oak and redwood. Prolonged exposure to hardwood dust is now connected with a specific kind of nasal/sinus cancer called Aden carcinoma. The latency period of this type of disease is between 40 and 45 years. Studies have shown that 7 of 10,000 woodworkers are more likely to develop this disease. Certain pesticides and preservatives can also be a hazard in woodworking. Although it is now impossible to determine which specific chemical is dangerous in processed wood, the United States and Canada have taken an active action against banning imported woods that have been treated with pentachlorophenol and its salts, creosote and chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Pentachlorophenol can penetrate the skin and become the cause of chloracne, which is an acute form of acne. It can also bring about liver damage and has been identified as a plausible human carcinogen. On the other hand, chromated copper arsenate can prove to be severely toxic through inhalation, ingestion and through physical contact. It can cause a variety of skin diseases such as allergies, skin ulcers and skin cancer. More importantly, it can also threaten internal organ functions such as peripheral nervous system damage and kidney and blood damage. Creosote may also cause irritation to both the skin and the respiratory system, and has also been classified as a probable human carcinogen and teratogen. Machining can be very detrimental to hearing. More often than not, these woodworking machines can be deafening as they reach a high of 115 decibels. The obvious effect of such is long-term hearing loss due to prolonged exposure. Before starting a woodworking project, it is of importance to protect your body from all the potential hazards that are present. It is especially important to protect the eyes, ears, and the lungs. Wearing clothes that aren’t loose and gloves are recommended to prevent skin irritation. Wearing of protective eye gears or goggles protect woodworkers from debris flying from using hand tools to rip wood. Also, these protective eye gears should be worn while applying wood finish because the chemicals might dry the eyes. Sawing lumber to pieces could be deafening, the reason why ear muffs or ear plugs should be worn at all times. There are tools that send off high pitched sounds that will cause hearing loss in time. To protect the airways, there are dust collectors, chip collectors, air filters and dust masks available. It is important to keep the woodworking area well ventilated and orderly. You never know when dust particles may enter the respiratory tract and cause harm. When working with wood you will be using sharp tools, heavy equipment, and power tools. To ensure that long-term damage will be prevented, workers should always check that the tools used are sharp. Sharp gears would mean fewer accidents. Heavy equipment should be used properly. There are cutting aids and jigs that guide the wood. If hand tools are going to be used, clamping the wood on the work table is advisable. Making sure that electrical tools are well grounded or are doubly insulated will prevent electrical injuries or worse, fire accident. Make sure blades are properly attached. Check all the parts before turning on the machine, especially the locks of the blades. Ensure that the guards for saws are in place. Saws are very dangerous if not handled properly. Make sure that the guards are on before sawing anything.   Designing in Wood - The Fine Points Why Choose Wood and How to Do it Wood provides lumber that is used for building homes. However, that is not the only use. Hobbies such as sculpting and making furniture provide hours of relaxation and enjoyment for those who have discovered the art of designing in wood. Techniques involving with woodworking as an art are carving, sawing, sanding, painting, laminating and finishing. So why choose wood? Lumber is readily available and it's a replaceable resource which can figure into plenty of resale value. This material never goes out of style. Some materials like vinyl may be pretty and are prominent on the market; however it is costly and lacks artistic detail. Using metal would mean having lack of strength causing it to dent, and in time it may rust. Wood, as a choice, offers a sophisticated and personal look. Each section is as exclusive as ones fingerprints. Each variety has a diverse feel and a clear-cut personality. From an entirely aesthetic point of view, nothing matches the elegance and appeal that wood offers. Synthetic materials mimic wood, but they can only try. How can the quality, intensity and beauty be captured? Unprocessed, untreated, natural or organic wood has massive ecological benefits against building materials that exist today. Wood is a hundred percent biodegradable, it functions as an excellent insulator; it is easier to process and uses a reduced amount of energy than steel, aluminum, concrete or plastic. Many high class efficient construction techniques exist today. Conventionally, the use of wood framing isn't the most efficient in house production. Although it is undeniable that it has certain advantages. Constructing homes using wood is also inexpensive and cost-effective. For instance, in choosing the right flooring for a house, would you rather choose carpet, tile or wood? What are the advantages of having carpet? Sure it is slip resistant, comes in beautiful colors, and has a nice feel on the toes. Carpet may be all that but it can cause allergies especially with children. Given its texture, it traps in bacteria, dust and mold. Tile is easy to clean, but it can have a cold feel when walking barefoot. Hardwood is pretty easy to maintain and can cut down the number of allergy causing particles inside the home. Stepping on to any flooring made out of wood will make you appreciate the welcoming tones and shades. A most important decision is how to choose the material carefully for the purpose of protecting it from termites and from rotting. Outdoor decks used for landscaping are mostly unprotected and are housed by termites and may decay unless treated. However, there are types of woods that are naturally resistant. These types include the cedar, cyprus and redwood. A problem with pest infestation is the result of a wood with soil contact. As we discussed earlier, treated wood made of composite materials is advisable when constructing wooden decks or porches or anything that may come in contact with soil. There are lumbers that are pressure-treated and are very much resistant to termites, other insects and rotting. They are processed with a sequence of pressure cycles forcing the wood preservative deep into the pores of the wood, therefore developing a chemical barricade against insects and decay. Treated wood has been proven to be successful with its performance. Its durability depends on its location and its use. The use of treated wood is determined by the retention of the wood, or the quantity of wood preservative placed. The lowest retention property (0.15 plus water repellant) mostly are used for gazebos, fence boards, hand rails, trellises, and decks. Retention property of 0.25 is used for trim and fascia, framing, flooring and sill plates. A retention property of 0.40 is mostly used with deck fence posts, deck support posts, and landscaping. Lastly, retention property of 0.60 is used for making permanent wood foundation and building poles. What Are Veneers Why use veneers? Some believe that increasing human population has led to scarcity of important natural resources. As the population grows every year, more and more people are in search of free or affordable materials with which to build their dwellings. With the decreasing number of valuable logs used as building materials came the rising popularity of veneering for building furniture and other household and office materials. Veneering is more popularly known as a decorative way of building furniture. This decorative process has been used as early as the Egyptians who were known for their opulent taste especially in their caskets and tombs. . Veneering was also popularly used during the 18th century when the Rococo style became the "in thing." A quick tour of famous museums like the Louvre and the Getty Museum will show a collection of veneered furniture pieces. Veneering is also used in most furniture products of famous furniture maker Chippendale. Aside from being used as a decorative furniture art, veneer was also used to cover workmanship defects in furniture that was mass produced. Veneered furniture is said to be sturdy since the panels don't easily crack and other damage due to humidity changes. The scarcity of good quality logs for furniture seems to be a blessing in disguise for veneering because it became the top choice for furniture makers who found put that veneering allowed them more leeway in furniture manufacturing and design. In fact, veneered furniture can be easily matched with a specific design for any venue. Furniture made of veneered panels proved to be more economical and environment friendly than lumber. More people also agree that veneered furniture is more stable than furniture solely made of lumber. Among the veneers that are highly in demand are those made of burl, crotch and fiddle back. The more common wood species used as veneers are maple and cherry as well as birch and oak trees. Veneer manufacturers use different methods in veneering including slicing the logs and peeling. In the olden times, veneers were sold with a standard thickness of ¼ inch. Nowadays, veneer is manufactured not manually by hand sawing but through a more modern, mechanized way. Through this process, modern veneers are now sold in the standard thickness of 1/50 inches, 1/46 inches, 1/42 inches and 1/39 inches. When stocking up on veneers, always make sure to store it horizontally and covered with plywood in between veneer sheets to prevent moisture changes. A buckled veneer can be brought back to its original flat state by using a veneer softener. However, if you are starting a furniture project, you can opt for the commercially available veneer plywood that is ready for furniture making. Veneered furniture is also easier to move around than furniture made of heavy and pure lumber. Veneer offers people with more furniture choices, at an affordable cost. Veneer furniture is also more practical and its use can promote a more sustainable logging industry. But veneer is not always used specifically for furniture. Veneers are used in paneling and as cabinet facings. Veneers used for cabinet facings come in a huge variety of styles and finishes. What Are Man-made Woods What are man-made woods? The increasing demand for shelter and furniture materials have resulted in a rise in the price of solid and quality wood that is usually preferred by woodworkers particularly for use in furniture making. This has forced those in the woodworking industry to look for alternative sources of wooden products. One of the top alternatives to real and solid wood is what they call processed wood resulting in man-made wood. Majority of the mass produced furniture today are made of man made wood or what they call sheet materials. These types of materials are made from real wood although they aren't as solid as the original wood from which it was made. Furniture manufacturers now prefer man-made wood as their top material from mass produced furniture not only because it can be easily sourced and produced but it is also cheaper than real wood. Sheets or man-made woods are also sturdier as they don't easily distort out of shape, making them ideal for the mass production of furniture and other items. Man-made boards are of different kinds and the most common sheet is the medium density fiber board or the MDF. This type of sheet is made of sawdust combined with glue and then formed into sheets. This sheet is preferred by woodworkers because it is inexpensive, versatile and very decorative depending on the maker. Particle board or chipboard is a man-made wood that is processed just like the MDF although its texture is much rougher. It isn't suitable for outside use because it absorbs water like a sponge and it easily breaks down. Another common type of man-made wood is plywood which is made up of different layers of wood that has been coated together into a sheet. Plywood is very popular because of its many uses including furniture, homes and even boats. Almost all construction uses plywood, which is a mixture of softwood and hardwood veneer. The oriented standard board is used both in the construction industry and the shipping industry because of its ability to withstand weather changes. Rigid boats used in kayaking are made of several layers of this type of sheet. People used to prefer hard wood for their home constructions like flooring and walling. Usually, the accompanying furniture and cabinets are also made of hard wood. However, the decline in the production of quality hardwood due to high demand has turned the attention of woodworkers and even homeowners to other choices of materials like man-made wood or sheets. Today, more homeowners and woodworkers are looking at the possibility of using man-made wood for their furniture, cabinets and other home accessories. Aside form being very affordable, the use of man-made wood is also a means of sustaining the forests. Woodworkers are also using man-made wood for their projects because the material can be easily manipulated and decorated. It can be classy once veneered. It is also studier and lighter compared to real wood which is heavy. If you were made to choose between a cabinet made of hard wood which would require several people to transfer from one location another, and a cabinet made of man-made wood which is cheaper and can be pushed around even by one person, what would be your choice? Actually, the term "man-made" is a misnomer because in reality, they are still wood products and by-products just re-manufactured in a less costly and more efficient method. Woodworking Terminology Knowing your woodworking terms Woodworking is responsible for much of the furniture, houses and other wooden materials used in homes and offices. Simply defined, woodworking is the art or craft of creating things out of wood. Woodworking is usually done by a carpenter. Woodworking is an art and while it may come easy for carpenters to build other people’s construction requirements, most people have a hard time building even a simple box-type cabinet. Woodworking is a skill and most carpenters learned the skill early on in life. Being able to create quality and decorative woodworks is really a gift which not all people possess. The art of woodworking used to be done manually by skilled carpenters. However, new technological inventions have made possible the discovery of new machines that have made woodworking less tiresome, more modern and more creative and efficient. Instead of shaping wood materials in man’s creative hands, the woodworkers now make use several machines to shape the wooden product they want to make. The modernization of woodworking has lifted the woodworking art to a new level. Modern woodworking tools and equipment led to the mushrooming of do it yourself shops that offer wooden materials, project designs for specific woodwork and the corresponding tools and equipment that can be used by the aspiring woodworker. A beginning woodworker should have the necessary tools and supplies even if he is just starting out in his craft. Woodworking power tools can be quite tempting but those who don't have the budget for such gadgets should stick with the hand woodworking tools. Both aspiring and expert woodworkers should be aware of the important terminologies used in woodworking. One often-used term is milling, which is the use of a mill for grinding a board. Woodworkers should know that board-feet isn't a kind of furniture but it is a standard measurement when selling rough lumber in the United States. On the other hand, yield doesn't refer to harvest of agricultural products but it is the term given to denote the efficiency of milling unprocessed lumber. Waste is a common result when milling rough wood so when you are said to have accomplished a hundred percent yield, it means you have milled the rough lumber without producing any waste at all. Woodworking is also synonymous with joints so you should know the different kinds of joints. A dovetail joint is a stable and sturdy joint for a woodworking project. Dovetail joints can be done with the use of a scroll saw or even by hand. What matters is you know the technique of creating dovetails and you are patient and skillful. Another type of joint is the mortise and tenon joint, a kind of woodworking joint popularly used in ships. It is also a sturdy joint and a project using this kind of joint will definitely be a showcase of your woodworking prowess. When starting out, choose a workbench that fits the place where you do your woodworking projects. A workbench with a wood top would be ideal. The size of the workbench also depends on the type of woodworking projects you intend to do in the future. If it is just for crafting toys then a small bench would be ideal. You will find instructions for creating your own workbench in a preceding chapter. There are several terms used in woodworking which every woodworker should know. If you aren't aware of them then you must do some research or talk to expert woodworkers as you may learn a lot from them. Start Small Start small and work up to larger projects. Hobbies can sometimes be turned into a money-making business. People who would like to earn more during their free time or while staying in the comforts of their homes can start their venture with a meager capital. One such hobby that can be a potential money-earner is woodworking. Again, woodworking is the art of creating useful and decorative items using wood. Woodworking requires basic carpentry skills so if you want to go into woodworking, you better beef up on your carpentry skills. People who have a background in construction will have an advantage since they already know the basics of carpentry. However, lack of experience in woodworking can be compensated by extensive reading and practice. Woodworking makes use of hand tools and/or modern equipment. It also makes use of any wooden materials like hardwood or even man-made wood or sheets. This hobby can be quite labor intensive and it produces waste so it should be done in a place especially earmarked for woodworking like the garage or any vacant area not frequented by children. Those who would like to try woodworking should make sure they brush up on the basic safety tips. Some tools used in woodworking can be powerful enough to cut your fingers off so make sure to concentrate on what you are doing especially when cutting wood. Always keep the work areas clean to avoid accidents involving you and other family members who may trip on tools or uncut wood. Also review the chapter on safety! The work area should specifically be for working purposes only so it is a bad move to put up a television set as this can disturb your concentration. Always keep a relaxed mind and avoid rushing things as it can result in serious mistakes. As discussed in the chapter on safety, it is also advisable to use goggles and protection for the ears when working. If you are just starting out in woodworking you should try your hand at small and simple projects that are easy to finish and are uncomplicated. By concentrating on small projects first, you'll have the chance to hone your skills while producing small products that can be sold. This is also more practical especially if you only have hand tools. Woodworking gadgets can be expensive and it is impractical to buy them when you are still unskilled and aren't sure whether or not you would like to proceed with this venture. Focusing on small projects can be fun and educational for a starting woodworker. There are several projects that can be done using simple woodworking tools. Such projects don't cost much in terms of capital but if you choose functional wood projects then there is a possibility of being able to sell or gift them to your friends or neighbors. Birds are a common house fixture because they are small and require minimum maintenance. A beginner can start building bird houses and can be done in a day depending on how you work. If you aren't sure on how to start with bird houses, there are websites that provide free plans for small woodworking projects. Surf the internet and look for bird house plans that you can easily implement. You can also look for sites that sell woodworking kits which includes parts that have been pre-cut for you. This can be a good start for someone looking for small projects. A bluebird house can be an attractive project considering that these birds are commonly found in the United States. A wooden children’s chair for both father and son can also be an attractive project that you can easily create and sell in the neighborhood. A simple napkin holder can be an easy project which can be used in your own home. A napkin holder is so simple it can be built using a few parts. Once finished and you have mastered the process of building the napkin holder, you can create as many as you want and use your creativity in making different designs and colors. Another small woodworking project good for a beginner is a flower trellis that can handle climbing plants. A trellis is easy to construct because it's just a box frame with decorative and functional overlapping lattice. If you are really serious in becoming a woodworker, then you must be disciplined enough to accept your limitations and start on the easy projects first before moving on to larger and more difficult ones. Where to Shop For Good Tools Buying useful woodworking tools Woodworking may just be a hobby to some people but it can also become a money-earning hobby and a small business later on. Most entrepreneurs started their businesses as hobbies but are now full pledged business people. The good thing about turning a hobby into a money-making venture is that it doesn't seem like work at all because you love doing what you do. When you love what you are doing, it makes things easier and more profitable financial and emotionally. Woodworking is a hobby that can be turned into a business venture. Woodworking is the art of creating things that are decorative and functional using wood as a material. It is a very labor-intensive occupation but the use of modern techniques and equipment lighten the load. Creating cabinets and furniture through woodworking can be a possible money-earner because people love to have wooden items in their homes. Those who are starting out in woodworking can take advantage of shops selling do it yourself wooden products. There are also shops selling woodworking kits which includes the pre-cut materials as well as step by step instructions on how to do the project. You can start a woodworking hobby with simple projects that require simple and inexpensive hand tools. However, a woodworker who wants to do more complicated wooden projects and wants to move on to become a better woodworker should start buying woodworking tools. The search for woodworking tools shouldn't be that hard because there are vendors both on the internet and in actual shops who sell woodworking tools at reasonable prices. You should be very careful and informed when choosing woodworking tools because you don't want to waste your money and effort on useless tools that aren't useful and important for the projects you will do. Talk to experienced woodworkers about the tools that are most useful in the industry, their present market value and their ability to carry out big projects. You can go from hardware to other stores selling woodworking tools. However, an easy way to get these tools would be through the internet. Internet shops not only offer a list of available woodworking tools but they also offer some articles on the proper woodworking tools to buy especially for a beginner. There are also sites that give reviews on woodworking tools. Internet shops also offer different brands and prices of woodworking tools like saws and chisels. You must take stock of what projects you will be doing in the future because it will give you an idea of what woodworking tools to buy. Some believe that the more expensive the tool, the better its performance. That may be true but if you are new to woodworking and are just practicing, the best tools aren't a necessity. Of course, if you think you will do woodworking for a longer time and might consider this as a permanent hobby or business then you should buy quality tools at the best possible prices. To start with, you need to have a drill which you can use for a number of projects. A cordless drill would be ideal but isn't recommended for those just starting in woodworking because it is expensive. You will also need a circular saw for basic cutting requirements. A drill and a good saw will enable you to do a variety of projects. A wooden project will always require sanding so it is advisable to have a finishing sander which you can use to smooth surfaces as well as the edges of some wooden projects. It is also ideal to buy a quality table saw which can withstand the pressures of ripping wood. A common tool used by woodworkers for cutting the edge of a wood as well as molding is the router. Wooden projects will require a lot of wooden pieces that need to be combined or joined. To be able to do this, you should also buy a biscuit joiner. This tool is important in hastening a project’s assembly. There are more tools that would be useful to you in the future, depending on the type of projects you will be doing. You should only buy the really important ones which can be used in different small or start-up projects. Remember that when buying woodworking tools for a beginner; just choose a few pieces that are inexpensive. The Finishing Touch Choosing an appropriate wood finish for your project You have finally managed to complete a wooden birdhouse. The problem is what kind of finish should you give that wooden project? Finish refers to a chemical, which when applied to the wooden project, will give it a protective coating. Finish is just one of the three kinds of treatments for wood that serves as the wood’s final coating. The final coating primarily aims to give the wood protection but more often, the protective coating also gives the wood its final touch or that desired look. Other woodworkers treat wooden projects by staining or tinting the wood. Others use paint. However, other woodworkers prefer to use a wood finishing without any pigment at all. The type of wood finish will give it that final look you desire. Thus, choosing the right finish for your wooden project is a very important decision you have to make. There are many choices of wood finishes but the most common are lacquer, shellac, oil, water-based finishes and varnish. Since the finish is just the final touch in a woodworking project, the application of a finish doesn't require complicated tools except perhaps a spray gun, brushes and rags for wiping. Other woodworkers just use a brush to apply the finish but professional woodworkers prefer using spray guns as it creates a more even coat. Remember that the finish is intentionally applied to the wood for protection and not for anything else. Thus, whatever finish you choose to apply on your project, it must be able to offer a protective coating to the wood, it must be able to stay onto where it will be applied and the application is easy. There are several finishing types to choose from like varnish, oil, polyurethane or water based finished. Varnish is commonly used by woodworkers because of the ease in application. Shellac is another favorite finish because it is alcohol based and dries fast, thereby eliminating the chances of dust attaching to the wood. Lacquer is the practical choice for furniture makers because it dries fast although its fumes can pose a health hazard to unprotected workers. The growing concern for the environment has however discouraged people from using alcohol based finishes. They have turned to water-based finishes despite the fact that they are less sturdy than the other types. Some manufacturers claim varnish or polyurethane finishes are water based but this isn't true because these are solvents. It is important to note that a finish should have a high resistance to humidity or vapor changes. This can be made possible by applying a finish thickly although it isn't advisable when using polyurethane as it can crack when applying more than three coats. Varnish would be more ideal for several coatings while a polyurethane single coating should be preferred over several coats of a finish that is water based. The ease with which the finish is applied should also be a consideration when choosing the type finish for a wooden project. Varnish is easy to apply and it can be done by using a brush. However, it is slow dying which allows dust to stick to the wood and leave unsightly spots. Using one that is quick drying would be difficult when applied with a brush but it would be easy when done with a spray gun. An oil finish like Tung Oil or even Linseed Oil is easier to handle and can cover up minor damages in the wood. No matter what type of finish you choose for your wooden project, it is advisable to sand between coatings of finish to make the surface smooth and free of bumps. To make sure your finish is appropriate for your project, try it on a scrap of wood before applying it to your project. A wooden chair or a birdhouse will definitely look more attractive and pleasant to the eyes when it is varnished or applied with any kind of finish. However, bear in mind that you must always examine the type of finish you are using and make sure that it can provide the necessary protection for your wooden project.