For those in search of a great hobby working with wood has always been an attractive option. Woodwork projects range from those suitable for beginners to more advanced projects that offer a a steeper learning curve. but also result in some fantastic additions to the home in terms of new furnishing and decoration.
The challenge is to find the correct raw materials and the tools required to successfully complete your chosen project.
A basic tool set is required to complete most woodwork projects. Some of the essential pieces of equipment include:
#1 A Power Jointer or Thickness Sander for smoothing is essential if you are going to be using rough timber or reclaimed wood.
#2 A router and two essential bits. A router is extremely useful for getting the correct width on boards and straightening edges. The two most essential bits are a straight cut bit and a flush trimming unit.
#3 A circular saw for getting wood lengths into a rough shape ready for more detailed finishing.
#4 A jigsaw is absolutely essential for cutting curved shapes.
#5 An electrical drill and a wide assortment of woodworking bits is a great addition to any woodworking workshop.
Other items that definitely should be in the toolkit are a tape measure and spirit level, handheld chisels and a wooden mallet, a set of clamps and a woodworking bench and the ever useful hammer and a set of screwdrivers (with screws that are suitable for woodworking). If you want to give your work that personal touch a set of hand planers is a great addition to your set of tools.
Once you have these tools in hand then you'll be ready to choose exactly what type of wood you'll need to complete your chosen woodwork projects.
Here are some of the most popular types of wood that each woodworker should be familiar with.
#1 Ash.
Weighty and very strong Ash is also extremely attractive. With a brownish grey color and a very visible grain Ash makes a great wood for furniture as well as for objects that will see heavy use such as sporting equipment.
#2 Butternut.
Butternut is a favorite for those who want to build kitchen cabinets or cooking utensils. This is a softer wood with a light brown to pale color. It's easy to work making it ideal for projects that require finished curves.
#3 Cherry.
Extremely attractive and moderately hard Cherry is the perfect wood to use for flooring and furniture. Varnishing will bring out its rich reddish brown color. With a moderate grain this is a woodworking favorite.
#4 Maple.
Another favorite for woodworkers who are looking for the ideal wood for kitchen products. It's moderately hard and has a fabulous, rich red / brown color. It's a great wood to use for butcher's blocks and kitchen cabinets, as well as other furniture.
#5 Mahogany.
This is one of the most popular woods for making fine furniture and is also used for flooring and stairways. Mahogany is tremendously attractive and color varies from light to darker brownish red. It takes varnish very well. The interlocking grain also gives a classic look to any finished piece.
#6 Pine.
Pine is extremely easy to work being one of the softer woods available. It is also very popular due to low cost. It's ideal for kitchen cabinets, paneling and doors. The light yellowish brown color is attractive and brings a lightness to any finished piece.
Whatever your choice of wood a woodworking project is the ideal way of expressing your commitment to a hobby that brings both pride and joy to any home.
