How to Start Your Wood Furniture Design Journey?

by Keith | Feb 9, 2021 | Feature

Wood furniture design is an ideal job to do either as your main source of income or as a part-time activity. Additionally, it is fulfilling to design and make something with your hands and like in any other field, trying out wood furniture design for the first time is tricky. Mainly because you do not know how to start the journey towards becoming one of the best furniture designers. However, before you lose hope of ever starting the business, remember that even the best furniture designers you know started somewhere.

The baby steps that you make in the wood design journey will help you avoid mistakes that could make your dreams of becoming an amazing furniture designer fail to come true. Here is comprehensive guide on how to start your wood furniture design journey and eventually make the furniture you feel proud of.

Know The Different Types of Wood

Wood is the backbone of any furniture design. Different types of wood are used for different projects. For this reason, the first thing you should do as a beginner in the wood furniture design field is to learn the different types of wood. Learn how different types of wood behave and why they are ideal for a specific project.

It is also important that you know how the different types of wood behave when under certain conditions. For instance, if a certain type of wood shrinks and expands based on the temperature, it is not ideal for outdoor furniture. Starting any project without first figuring out where or not you are using the right type of wood will lead you to make expensive and time-consuming mistakes.

Find Out More About Tools

It is impossible to talk about furniture design without talking about tools. There are innumerable tools used in this field, all with different purposes. For this reason, learning more about tools is among the first things that you should do when starting your wood furniture journey. Get an expert in the field and ask them to help you familiarize yourself with as many tools as possible.

Understand the specific use of each of these tools and what projects to use them in. Additionally, before you start on any project, learn how to use the tools safely. Woodworking is an activity that could lead you to future regrets if you are not cautious. Therefore, know how to use these tools without causing any accidents and safely storing the tools to make them last longer.

Set Up a Working Space

Woodwork is not among the jobs that you can handle without a specific working space. On one hand, tools need proper storage for safety. On the other hand, furniture design messes up the working area. For this reason, if you do not have a specific working space, you are likely to cause more harm than good with your furniture design job. Therefore, set aside a working space where you can comfortably handle all your projects. Ensure that this working space is big enough, especially if you plan to work on bulky items that may occupy a large space.

In the working space, set aside a part that you will use to store your tools. Keep these tools organized to make it easier for you to get one when you need to use it. This will also make the tools last longer and reduce the chances of possible accidents.

Figure Out Your Niche and Start with A Small Project

The wood furniture design field is wide. To make you a recommendable furniture designer, specialize in one piece of furniture at a time. Trying to design many things simultaneously will make you lack even one piece of furniture that you can comfortably design on your own.

Additionally, for your first project, do not start with something too complicated. Instead, look for a project that you can comfortably handle even with little guidance from a woodwork guide or guru. You can then progress to more complicated projects and eventually become one of the best designers.

Understand The Woodworking Process

Every project has a process, and woodwork projects are of no exemption. Following this process is the safest way to help you ensure that you come up with something that will not lead you to frustrations. The first thing to do in the woodworking process is to choose the project and gather the right materials for the specific project. Measure and cut the wood based on the size of the furniture that you need.

Use the right tools to assemble the wood well to avoid failure of the furniture. Apply finishing or any other painting on the furniture to give it the look you desire. If you have a problem with any of the woodworking processes, ask an expert to help you practice more in it before you handle your project. This will help you come up with something you will love right from your first project.

Learn How to Finish the Furniture

Furniture is not yet ready until you do the finishing. Unfortunately, this is the trickiest part for most people, especially for beginners. Working so hard on furniture but failing to give it the right finishing will make every other effort you have made useless. After all, the finishing attracts anybody who sees the furniture, especially if you are making it for sale.

Therefore, learn the basics of how to sand and finish your projects. Know the right materials and tools to use for this part and how to use them well. Good finishing not only makes your wood look good but also helps it last longer.

Conclusion

It is daunting to be a newbie in the woodworking field. The process you follow now that you are new determines how successful you will be in the field in the long run. Luckily, by learning the right process and mistakes to avoid, you can make incredible wood furniture designs within a short time.

What is the Best Wood To Use When Building an Office Desk?

by Keith | Feb 3, 2021 | Feature

Desks vary in shapes and sizes, but finding the right desk for you can be a challenging and tiresome task. And it is because of this reason that many homeowners prefer making their desks.

When you build your office desk, you can choose the type of wood, design style, storage capacity, and if you want the wood stained or not. Besides that, you can make your desk at any cost, whereas buying a ready-made desk can be costly.

What is the best Wood for an Office Desk?

For an office desk to be perfect, it must withstand a decent amount of weight and march the color of your home or office. Quality hardwoods are the best lumbers to use when constructing an office desk since they play a significant role in producing fine furniture.

Furthermore, people across the state prize hardwoods for their grain and beauty, making them the best office desk choice. To help you determine the best wood to use when building your office desk, we have come up with a list of woods considering their workability, aesthetics, and technical performance.

Oak

Most offices in the United States have office desks built with oak. Oak is a perennial classic since it is durable and hard. Oak also has a beautiful trait, making it the best wood for your office desk. An oak such as European Oak comes with a medium to golden brown color, while the American White Oak boasts gorgeous pale cream sapwood. And since oak has an excellent finishing property, you can stain it to march any home office style.

You will appreciate how oak works perfectly while drilling nails, screws, and sawing if you are building your office desk with this wood. When it comes to cost, oak is a bit expensive. However, when you purchase oak, you will appreciate the beauty and reliability oak has to offer.

Walnut

People across the country love using this wood because of its pattern, color, and grain. The American Black Walnut comes with chocolate brown to creamy brown hues, making it perfect for a darker home with a sleek office setup.

This outstanding attractive appearance merges with excellent performance properties, giving your desk a stable trait. However, it is good to note that Walnut’s ornate appearance, rarity, grand, and demand, make its price go high compared to other species.

Cherry

Since the middle ages, people preferred to use cherry wood because of its unique appeal. If you want to improve your office look and value, consider looking at American Cherry species. It comes with a reddish-brown or light brown color that deepens over time. It also comes with a perfect machine tool and hand workability and impeccable nailing, gluing, polishing, and screwing properties.

African Hardwoods

If you want to improve your office’s appearance, consider looking at some of these unique and stylish African Hardwoods such as Sapele, Iroko, Zebrano, and Utile. They offer a plethora of exciting textures, grains, and colors, enabling you to create an office desk that is unique and outstanding.

For instance, most people consider Utile as the most satisfactory substitute for mahogany. It comes with purplish and reddish-brown hues that give it a classy look. It also boasts excellent durability traits that derive from its slow-growing nature. This species also boasts outstanding gluing properties and good machining.

Maple

If you are on a tight budget, maple is your go-to choice for an office desk. It contains a plethora of winning properties, such as durability and attractiveness. The wood has a pinkish-brown tinge and creamy white sapwood that makes it a stylish, attractive, and affordable choice. However, it would be best to take some precautions when working with maple since it can be slightly challenging to work with.

Ash Wood

It is a light-colored wood that is durable, easy to machine, and strong. It blends easily with the office outlook since the final result gives a modern and clean look.

Why Wood for My Home Office Desk

Sometimes you might ask yourself why wood is superior to other building materials such as laminate, metal, or wood. Well, wood comes with a natural aesthetic feature that makes it unique. Besides that, it performs flawlessly, it is durable, and it is beautiful.

Compelling evidence shows that natural surfaces such as wood improve our emotional state and reduce stress and blood pressure levels. This is because humans tend to have a distinctive attraction to natural surfaces, including wood.

Finishes for your Home Office Desk

Wooden desks get much better as they age since they attain lovely patinas in the grain. You should always apply a finish to your wood to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. If you want to ensure that your office desk stays at the top for the longest time possible, apply either a transparent, paint, or wood stain finish.

Oak, Walnut, and cherry are particular types of hardwoods that can help elevate your office’s appearance. Nevertheless, the best kind of wood for your office desk is one that you can afford and that with a perfect combination of durability, aesthetics, and water resistance traits.

Safety Considerations For A Woodworking Shop

by Keith | Feb 3, 2021 | Feature

Working with wood can be a fulfilling craft that takes a lifetime to master. By being safe in the shop, you can hone your skills and expand your knowledge for years to come. In this article, we’ll examine common safety hazards for both the home shop and the workplace, and what can be done to reduce the risks.

Attention & Attire

Inattention, inadequate training and lack of adherence to general safety guidelines can contribute to many instances of injury and damage in the woodworking shop. Workers should be rested, awake, sober, and focused on the job at hand; distractions, horseplay, fatigue and intoxication can all have disastrous results.

Wear shoes with closed toes and heels; long hair or beards, jewelry, loose clothing and headphones should all be secured. Have all tools at hand, and the workstation clear. Wear hearing protection, safety glasses, and gloves or a respirator where appropriate. Check the guards and safety features on each piece of equipment every time before starting.

When learning about and using a tool, keep in mind: How does it move? Are there places where it’s possible to snag, catch, nip or pinch? What are the guards in place to protect against? Use push sticks and push blocks for feeding short or small pieces of stock into your machinery to keep hands and clothing safely clear. Keep eyes on the task and hands away from the line of cut or point of contact.

Electricity

Unless working exclusively with manual tools, many critical parts of the woodworking shop are powered by electricity. Inspect all power cords regularly and replace any that show signs of damage.

Take care to route cords away from walkways to avoid tangles or falls, don’t overload surge protectors and be sure to use an extension cord rated for your shop environment. Always turn off and unplug any equipment being cleaned or serviced.

Machine Malfunction

Tools are safest when clean, properly maintained and used correctly. Thoroughly read any manuals accompanying your equipment, and be sure to have them serviced and parts replaced at the recommended intervals.

Bladed tools are particularly unpredictable when dull; a sharper blade is a safer one. Use a brush or stick to remove debris or dust from a bladed tool, and never attempt to clean or clear a jammed tool while it is running.

Always follow manufacturer directions for setup, use, cleanup and storage to avoid injury or damage to your tools; consider taking a class or consulting an expert for unfamiliar equipment. If safety guards are in place, do not attempt to remove or defeat them; consult the manufacturer if machine guards are malfunctioning or not present.

Noise & Vibration

Hearing is damaged by prolonged exposure to sounds over 85 decibels; comparable to the noise of a busy highway, this level is lower than the volume of the average drill press, drum sander or shop vacuum.

Always wear hearing protection when using loud tools and while working in a noisy environment; damaging levels of sound are not painful or even uncomfortable to most people in small amounts, allowing cumulative hearing loss to go unnoticed until it’s too late. Beyond being physically damaging, distracting noises in the shop can be their own source of trouble to the focused craftsperson using heavy machinery and should be avoided wherever possible.

Similarly, unnecessary vibration can result in inaccurate cuts or finishing, increased fatigue or distraction, and more frequent need for tool maintenance. Minimize vibration by ensuring that mounted tools are installed properly and table-based tools are on a flat, level surface without touching each other or the walls; consider vibration-dampening materials for surfaces that resonate or echo. Maintain proper lubrication, bolt torque and belt tension on all equipment for smoothest possible operation.

Dust & Debris

Eye protection should be worn at all times when working with wood or chemicals; opt for as much side coverage as possible to prevent injury from splashing stain, dropped buckets or unexpected splinters. Invest in goggles or a face shield for projects with noxious fumes or fine debris.

Dust can have a negative effect on air quality; sawdust is a Group A carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Wear a respirator when using equipment that creates dust. Make a plan for adequate ventilation; opening doors or windows and vacuuming the work area regularly will make the air safer and more comfortable to work in. Sawdust in particular should be disposed of regularly in order to minimize the next serious risk: fire.

Fire

Fire can be one of the deadliest hazards to the woodworking shop, but prevention is possible with regular effort and attention. The most important step is to take action against spontaneous combustion: the biggest culprits are often rags, solvents and sawdust.

• First, spread rags used with solvents flat to dry away from flammable materials, or dispose of them in a covered bucket full of water.
• Secondly, control your dust: use equipment with bags to collect sawdust where possible and vacuum the area regularly during large projects. If the belt sander has a bag, empty it when it becomes half full. Never overfill bags or leave bags of sawdust in the car, garage, job site or shop.
• Finally, store solvents, stains and other chemicals in their original containers, in an area that is cleared of clutter and away from rags. Clean up spills quickly and thoroughly.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, a safe and healthy woodworking shop can be reasonably obtained and easily kept by any craftsman with a bit of regular attention.

How To Properly Care For A Craftsman’s Saw

by Keith | Feb 3, 2021 | Feature

A saw can either be a power tool or a hand tool. It is a tool used to cut wood, and it usually has a disk, a blade or a jagged cutting edge. There are various types of saws. These include mitre saw, band saw, chain saw, hacksaw, jigsaw, and table saw.

It is essential to maintain your saw as doing so increases the saw’s blade life and ensures the saw works efficiently, which increases work productivity. Discussed are tips on how one can properly care for different types of craftsman saw.

Table Saw

A table saw is also known as a bench saw. Table saws can either have a rip blade, a crosscut blade, combination blades and carbide-tipped blade. It primarily cuts human-made boards and solid wood. It is efficient, quick and safe to use. A table saw is used for ripping, crosscutting, bevel cuts, cutting grooves, and robbets, cutting joints, and kerfing.

For your safety and for a table saw to stay in good condition, you need to maintain it frequently. Listed below is how you can properly maintain your table saw to make your work easy and ensure you can make precise cuts.

• Always use warm water and a mild detergent like dish-washing liquid, to clean the plastic bits. Avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the saw.
• When cleaning the tabletop, use a ball of fine steel wool and oil-based light lubricant as they will get rid of the gum buildup.
• For the adjustment mechanisms to operate smoothly, lubricate the pivot points and gears using a drying spray lubricant.
• Use a gum and pitch remover to clean the cutting blades.
• Clean the sawdust accumulated in the adjustment controls, saw cabinet, motor, and gears.
• Use paste wax or automotive wax to polish the front fence, tabletop, and rip fence guide.

Mitre Saw

One can make cuts from various angles when using a mitre saw. A mitre saw can be used to make cuts for picture frames, window casings, crown moulding, and door frames. It can make angled cuts, regular crosscuts, and bevel and compound angle cuts. A mitre saw is also convenient for use in DIY projects. It is easy to use, efficient and makes precise cuts.

If you are a craftsman, then a mitre saw is probably one of your favourite tools. For a mitre saw to last longer and make quality cuts, it needs regular maintenance. Luckily maintaining a mitre saw is a simple task. Listed below are tips on properly caring for your mitre saw.

• Sharpen and clean the blades as they enhance your saw’s functionality. Put on thick gloves or use a brush to clean the blades’ debris to ensure you do not hurt yourself. Always use the appropriate tools to sharpen your blades to prevent them from getting damaged.
• Inspect cracks, chipping, breakages, and crumbling on the brushes. Ensure there are no cuts or cracks on the power cord and replace any worn out parts.
• Lubricate the moving parts of your mitre saw to reduce friction and improve their functionality. Doing this will enhance the parts’ longevity.
• Clean the mitre saw fence and cutting table using a sponge. While at it, make sure you remove any dust particles that could be on the surface.
• Please get rid of the dust particles and debris by using compressed air to blow them off the surface. Use a rag to clean the miter saw to give it that new look.

Band Saw

A band saw is quite versatile. It can be used to cut curves, cut irregular shapes, and resawing lumber into thinner slabs. With the right blade, a band saw can cut materials like metal. A band saw makes smooth cuts. Band saws have a variety of options when it comes to the types of blades.

One can choose a blade depending on the task they have at hand. Hook tooth blades are best for hardwood, plastics, and harder non-ferrous metals. Skip tooth blades are best used with soft non-ferrous metals. Raker-set and wavy tooth blades are best for cutting ferrous metal.
To keep your band saw in good condition, you can employ the following listed tips.

• Unplug your band saw, then use an air compressor to blow off debris and sawdust from the band saw.
• Get rid of rust from your band saw using steel wool, which has been dipped in liquid rust remover, to rub the tabletop. Always use a clean cloth to clean carbon dust and dirt from the table. Avoid using solvents as they can potentially damage your band saw.
• Clean your blade using a liquid rust remover.
• Take the blade off and clean the parts that hold it like the band’s pitch and wheels saw.

Chainsaw

Chainsaws are used by different people like firefighters, construction workers, and homeowners. Chainsaws can be used for more than just cutting wood. A chainsaw can be used with wood for tree felling, limbing, bucking, pruning, and firebreaks. Chainsaws can also be used in cutting bricks, metal pipes, diamonds, and concrete. There are different chainsaws for different tasks. For instance, a regular chainsaw cannot be used to cut diamonds. A special chainsaw is used to cut diamonds.

Like every other kind of saw, one needs to regularly maintain their chainsaw to ensure that it stays in the right working conditions and lasts longer. Listed below are maintenance tips for your chainsaw.

• Always monitor the safety features such as the chain brake, ensure that it is still clean and that the chain catcher has no damage. If the chain catcher is damaged, make sure you immediately replace it.
• Ensure that your chainsaw’s air filter is clean and dry before using it. Make sure you replace it if it is excessively dirty or damaged.
• Have your starter serviced in case of damage, and always the recoil spring functions correctly.
• Lubricating your clutch will enhance your chainsaw’s performance and prolong its life.
• Check your anti-vibration to ensure they are not torn or getting too soft.
• Cleaning the chainsaw’s cooling fins ensures there is proper cooling and heat distribution.
• Clean the outside of the carburetor and ensure the fuel filter is clean. Clean the inside of the fuel tank to get rid of any gunky residue. Get a replacement if one is necessary.
• Always inspect all your plugs, wiring, and cables to ensure everything is well connected.

Hacksaw

Hacksaws were primarily made to cut metals. They can, however, be used to cut other materials such as wood and plastics. Different types of hacksaws use different kinds of blades, a regular, raker, or wavy blade. Hacksaws have either an adjustable or fixed frame. A hacksaw is best used to cut thin materials and is mostly used for either industry or household work purposes. Electricians and plumbers tend to use hacksaws the most to help them cut plastic conduit and plastic pipes.

Hacksaws are generally easy to use and maintain. Listed below are tips for maintaining a hacksaw.

• Before using your hacksaw, always ensure that the blade is clean. You can apply light oil to the blade to restrain the blade from overheating or getting damaged.
• Use the blade to cut appropriate materials to avoid damaging it.
• Make sure the frame is aligned correctly, and the blade is kept rigid and firm.
• When cutting materials, use slow, steady, and strong strokes and ensure that they are not directed towards you.
• Replace blades when the tooth wears off.
• Store in the right place after using.
• Use the appropriate type of blade.

Jigsaw

Jigsaws are best used to cut complex shapes and curves. They are not appropriate to use if you intend to make long, straight, and fast cuts. Jigsaws can also be used in cutting steel, drywall, and fiberglass.
They are portable power tools, making them convenient to have if one intends to get their work done fast. It is easy to change the blades on a jigsaw.

Jigsaws can also be cordless and are quite slim and lightweight, which makes them convenient to use. It is essential to care for your jigsaw correctly. You can employ the following tips to care for your jigsaw to ensure it works efficiently and stays accurate.

• If your jigsaw is electric-powered, always check the power cord condition before using it. Do not use it if the cord is frayed as it is unsafe.
• Ensure you do not drop your jigsaw as this may affect how it works should the baseplate be damaged or bent. In case you drop it by accident, ensure you replace the shoe if it is misshapen severely or flatten it if the damage is minor.
• Regularly lubricate the blade roller guide using oil to ensure it does not get jammed when operating it.
• To prevent your jigsaw from overheating while using it, ensure that its ventilation slots are free from debris and dust.
• Ensure that the handle is always dry, clean, and free of grease or oil before and after using your jigsaw.
• Use mild soap and damp cloth to get rid of any dirt on the jigsaw’s body.
• Ensure that the blade guide is free and clean from dust-build up.
• Use a brush to get rid of the grime as it can affect the jigsaw’s accuracy.
• Store your jigsaw in a safe place away from moisture.
• Replace the carbon brushes in your jigsaw as they get worn out over time.
• Recharge your battery.

Various saws require different maintenance tips. The above listed are a few types of saw and how they can be appropriately cared for. Ensure you read the manual that comes with your saw to ensure that you properly care for it to enhance its longevity and functionality.

3 Easy Ideas for a Woodworking Beginner

by Keith | Feb 3, 2021 | Feature