Whether you’re just looking for a great way to relax or you’re ready to step up your DIY abilities, woodworking can be a great skill set to have. With the right tools and materials, you can build everything from furniture to decor to functioning canoes!
At the same time, everyone has to start from somewhere, and woodworking can be quite intimidating if you don’t know what you’re doing.
To help you along your journey, we’ve put together a few practical woodworking hacks that are sure to elevate your game. So make sure to keep reading!
Table of Contents
Safety First
Here’s a not-so-fun fact about woodworking that you might not know: Each year, woodworking projects are responsible for an estimated 720,000 injuries. What’s more, the overwhelming majority of those accidents happened to, you guessed it, amateur woodworkers.
While the above figure is certainly frightening, it’s also frustrating. Most woodworking accidents are entirely preventable.
Please, for the sake of yourself and your fingers, invest in the proper safety equipment. Make sure you’re wearing safety goggles and gloves, as well as ear muffs when you’re using large tools like table saws.
We also suggest going above and beyond by making sure someone knows when you’re in your workshop. Let them know that you’re practicing DIY woodworking hacks and have them check on you if they don’t hear from you after a while.
Measure Twice and Cut Once
If you were to ask an experienced woodworker for their woodworking life hacks, they’d tell you to double-check your measurements before cutting.
While the saying ‘measure twice and cut once’ seems like a cliche, it’s a long-lasting adage for a reason.
Mistakes are going to happen, particularly as you’re just starting out. However, you can minimize simple errors just by double-checking your work.
Trust us, it’s worth the extra time.
Keep Your Tools Sharp
Whether you’re working with hand tools or a table saw, you’ll want to make sure your tools are in working order before each woodworking session.
The easiest way to keep your tools in top shape is by investing in either whetstone, commonly referred to as a sharpening stone. You can pick up a sharpening stone at just about any hardware store for around $10 to $20.
The right stone can extend the life of your tools by months, if not years, by providing exceptional sharpness.
Speaking of tools, make sure to invest in some quality woodworking tape. The right tape makes just about any job easier by providing a scissor-free marking tool that you can use repeatedly.
The Best Woodworking Hacks for Beginners
If you take nothing else away from this article, remember this: Work safe, work slow.
The right materials and safety equipment will make a world of difference and prevent mistakes. Take your time and enjoy the learning process. You’ll become a woodworking pro before you know it!
For more DIY tips and woodworking hacks, make sure to stay posted to our blog. We have tons of additional content aimed at helping you become the DIY-er you’ve always wanted to be!
