How To Do Woodworking - Hot Tips To Ensure Success In Your First Woodworking Project

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Mike_D_Lee]Mike D Lee
If you are wondering whether it is possible to learn how to do woodworking successfully for your very first woodworking project, then you will be pleased to know you have come to the right place. It is possible so long as you follow a few useful tips which we will go through. It is very important to remember not to be disheartened if you start experiencing certain problems in the first days of getting started.  It is very common to encounter problems since woodworking is a tricky hobby. However, with more practice and by following guidelines, you should be able to end up with woodworking results that you will be proud of.
Assess Your Skill Level
For you to be able to do well in the overall process of learning how to do woodworking, you should get a clear idea of the different types of projects that you are capable of doing. Never ever take on a project that is too advanced for your skill level. Doing so will only lead you to disappointment, and it will only cause you to waste your materials. If you ensure that you match your current level of expertise to the woodworking plans you will be using, there is no doubt that you would be able to produce results that will be ultimately favorable.
Check Your Tools   
When you start to learn how to do woodworking, it is important to check you have the necessary tools to go through your project in the most efficient and effective manner. If you want to turn your woodworking hobby into a moneymaking activity, then you need to invest on the right tools that will help you do well in the job. Make sure that you pick tools that will not only help you perform the necessary steps but will also cover for any woodworking weakness you may have.
Create A Workshop
It will be very helpful if you allocate a certain area of your home for woodworking activities. To be able to learn how to do woodworking well, you will require a certain amount of space, which means that undertaking your projects in the middle of your sitting room, for example, will not be advisable. Your woodworking projects will only cause a big mess with all the extra pieces and parts of wood taken out, so you need to work in a space that none of your family members would need.
Get Hold Of The Best Plans
Finally, get your hands on the best woodworking plans that will serve as a step-by-step guide in providing the finished outcome that you want. There are lessons that can gear you with the necessary techniques of how to do woodworking, but you need to get your hands on woodworking plans that will guide you through the specific project that you want to get your hands on. As with other woodworking considerations, steer clear of project plans that are free since they are most likely to leave out important details and dimensions, causing frustration in your project and a high chance of not being able to complete it.
By following these tips, you should be able to learn how to do woodworking successfully even with your very first project.
Would you like to get started on learning   how to do woodworking today? Download 10,000 high quality, professional plans complete with colored diagrams, accurate dimensions and tool list suitable for woodworkers of all levels. Simply visit: http://www.tedswoodworkingreviewsite.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Do-Woodworking---Hot-Tips-To-Ensure-Success-In-Your-First-Woodworking-Project&id=6638565] How To Do Woodworking - Hot Tips To Ensure Success In Your First Woodworking Project

Great Tips for Woodworking

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephen_Bruce_Parish]Stephen Bruce Parish
Wood is one of the best renewable resources that nature offers. Apart from its other uses, it is primarily utilized for building houses and to shape furniture. Since time immemorial, man has showed great interest in woodworking, either as a hobby or for trade purposes. As time progressed, this unique wood art evolved into a wide range of hand skills and techniques that needs to be mastered. In case you are interested in woodworking as a leisure pursuit, then the beginner woodworking plans can be your best companion. This kit is specifically designed in such a manner that anyone can easily get started with woodworking. There are more than a hundred disciplines in woodworking to choose from. The DIY woodworker will enable you to become proficient in every discipline such as cabinetry, wood carving, etc.
The beginner woodworking plans are best sources of help for a fresher. These plans will not only tell you the requirements for a project, but also define the measurements of each material needed. The simple instructions will also roughly give you the amount of time needed for each project. Generally, these woodworking plans will label the projects as per the difficulties and complications involved in them. The easy-to-understand steps and viable sketch is the highlight of the woodworking plans. Complete detailed information about the various tools required is provided in these quality plans. Being a beginner, it is advised that you choose simple woodworking plans that does not involve many intricacies. Choose simple projects that require fewer tools and does not consume much time.
Today, many professionals have been working on the design plans to make woodworking a wonderful learning experience. These beginner woodworking plans are well-designed and can be used by anyone. You can find some of the best trustworthy woodworking plan collections online. Having more than thousand plans and accurate blueprints for your use is a great boon. This way you will not have to worry about the expenses as a single collection of plans can be used for multiple projects. In order to find a quality DIY woodworker, you need to do a little homework by researching on the various options available. The internet world is replete with great woodworking plans and you need to sift through the irrelevant information to find a complete woodworking package.
Once you learn the art of carving and chiseling, woodworking can be a fun activity. As a novice, you have a lot to learn and the beginner woodworking plans are sure to help you through the processes. Making informed decisions can save you from unwanted frustrations. Keep your task list simple and organize every work as per the priority list to keep any hassles at bay. You should decide on easy woodworking projects that interests you the most. It is advised not to get carried away with unrealistic expectations. When you settle for the one which is comfortable, then there are lesser chances of dropping out of the project midway. Learning step by step and being patient with self is the key to successfully master the art of woodworking.
Stephen Bruce Parish is the author of this article on [http://woodworkingscene.com/woodworking-plans-for-beginners/]beginner woodworking plans. Find more information, about [http://woodworkingscene.com/the-diy-woodworker/]DIY woodworker here.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Great-Tips-for-Woodworking&id=6636376] Great Tips for Woodworking

Woodworking Routers and Router Bits - The Right Tools for Modern Homeowners

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Doss]Ryan Doss
Do you sometimes wish you can create an artistic piece out of timber? Do you see yourself completing wooden item repairs with a little help? Have you often considered using machines to help you with these future tasks? If you answered "yes" to all, you should consider getting woodworking routers and bits soon.
What is a woodworking router?
It is a power tool used to create different forms and shapes in wood. Oftentimes, the machine is used to form shapes at the edge of wooden boards or is used to hollow out its centre.
The tool we see today is but a memory of what it used to be. Before electrical-powered machines became available, the router was but a simple hand tool made up of a wide-based wooden hand plane with a slim blade protruding from its base plate. This peculiar look earned it its sobriquet "Old Woman's Tooth" among workers and capitalists involved in the woodworking industry.
Patternmakers and staircase workers employed woodworking routers during these times. These were very useful since it can create basic to complex designs. The cabinet-making industry also preferred to work with these devices as it proved handy in the trade. Designs it executed showed careful artistry and in turn attracted many buyers to purchase cabinets and cupboards with intricate layouts.
This manual device continued to be popular even when electric powered equipment were already present on the market. Many workers and manufacturers alluded to its usefulness and continued to work with it until demands for more production came to place. This move eventually gave way to electric tool usage in the USA and other industrial countries.
What are the different types?
The tools available today come in two forms: (1) handheld and (2) table routers. Handheld ones have switch buttons often placed on the motor's body or at one of the handles. This device usually has two handles on each side and a working motor placed at the middle. This feature aids users when manipulating the machine. A person using it can easily glide and control the motions as it cuts or shapes wood.
Table routers are machines mounted on worktables. These are often useful for creating smaller pieces that need more design details. Various wood artists and aficionados often cite its usefulness in this aspect as it offers precision cutting. Novices can also enjoy working with it as the wood used is secured in place.
What are router bits?
Router bits are implements used when working with routers. These come in different shapes and sizes with specific functions. For instance, a straight bit is useful for making straight or vertical cuts. It's also useful for hollowing out wood. Several workers also state its efficiency in removing materials in increments when it is attached to a specialized router.
Why should I have these tools?
Purchasing is practical if you want to execute DIY wood projects. With the right materials and practice, you can also repair and restore wooden furniture, cabinets, and much more.
Buying woodworking routers and bits through the Internet is easy. Make sure to read customer and business reviews on which online suppliers offer quality equipment at reasonable prices.
Ryan Doss is a DIY enthusiast who bought [http://www.timbecon.com.au/]woodworking router and [http://www.timbecon.com.au/products/torquata-router-bit-sets-345_0.aspx]router bits recently to begin a cabinet-making job.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Woodworking-Routers-and-Router-Bits---The-Right-Tools-for-Modern-Homeowners&id=6647985] Woodworking Routers and Router Bits - The Right Tools for Modern Homeowners

Radial Arm Saw Techniques

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Melvin_G_Brown]Melvin G Brown
Lets talk about radial arm saws and what can be done with them. The radial arm saw gets a lot of bad press about how dangerous they are, and they can be. But anything that turns on and spins a cutting blade is dangerous. I don't know for sure but I would bet that there are just as many fingers laying on table saw tables as on radial arm saw tables.
So what is a radial arm saw, it is a saw motor that is mounted on a rail above the saw table. This motor can be moved along this rail or arm, thus giving it very good cross cutting ability. The arm can be swung right or left 45 degrees making it very easy to make miter cuts no matter how long your board is. Think about it, you have a 2x6 board 12 feet long and you have to cut a 45 degree miter and all you have is a table saw it ain't going to happen.
OK so now you want to cut shelf slots in that new book case your making, no problem. Just mount your dado blade on your radial arm saw, lower the arm until you have the depth you want and saw as many slots as you want. Once again, you only have a table saw. You have a 1x12 by 6 foot long board and you need to cut six shelf slots, what do you think is going to happen, nothing good. With a radial arm saw you cut these slots in five minutes no problem.
These radial arm saw techniques allow you to do all of these cuts with ease. Let us look at a few other cuts you can make with ease. OK you are building a new deck and you need to cut 4 inch by 6 inch beams, just lay your beam on the table, line up your mark and saw. Guess what, your 10 inch saw did not cut all the way through, no problem, just roll your beam over, line up your mark and pull your saw through, that's it, nice clean cut. Same thing with 4x4s or any other beam you need to cut.
I bet you think by now that I hate table saws, not true, I love a good table saw, I have a very good one in my shop. Table saws are great for ripping narrow boards from wider boards, everything else that you want to do is hard and very time consuming and down right dangerous. We use our radial arm saw five to one over our table saw, every day its faster and safer. Say you need to cut 100 2x6 bird blocking, you clamp a stop block to your fence, lay your 10 foot board on the table, slide it to the stop and cut time after time until you have your 100 blocks cut fast and easy.
Lets look at safety, when you're making repetitive cuts don't let speed get the best of your judgment, don't lay your thumbs over the back edge of your board because you can end up one thumb short.
I hope you like these radial arm saw techniques. In closing, if you are just starting wood working and don't have pockets full of cash and wondering what to buy, take a long hard look at the radial arm saw, it can do it all. Thanks for reading and I have much more on this topic and will do another article latter thank you.
Uncle Mel
I have been building and selling these wooden coin banks for over 25 years. I make a very good living and I am now selling the plans on how to make and sell these banks. If you like this article and think I tell it like it is then you owe it to yourself to take a look at my plans they are good and full size with nothing left out. Thank you from all us here at Uncle Mel's Wood Shop.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Radial-Arm-Saw-Techniques&id=6652816] Radial Arm Saw Techniques

Wood Is One of the Most Reusable of Materials

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Markfield]John Markfield
Information from Harvard University reports that more than 95 percent of the native forests in the United States have been cut down as of the early 21st century, so anyone using woodworking machines should take note not to waste this valuable resource.
More than two thirds of the timber we use in the UK is imported. In the UK we generate an estimated 5 million tonnes of waste wood each year. In 1996 less than 200,000 tonnes of waste wood was recycled. By 2010 the recycled tonnage had risen to almost 2.8 million.

Every man, woman and child in Great Britain consumes one tonne of wood a year. The UK currently consumes about 3% the world's wood consumption. The UK has only about 1% of the world's population, but has three times the world's average per capita consumption rate of wood.

Why should we use recycled wood? First of all it is a sustainable alternative to using virgin timber. Recycled wood has moisture content of around 20% compared to the 60-70% moisture in virgin wood; it lasts longer and utilizes less energy during processing.

Recycled wood is normally graded as follows:
Grade 1: timber good enough to sell back to the DIY/builders' market.
Grade 2: clean and sound but too short or small to be easily sold for DIY,
Grade 3: everything else
By recycling instead of landfilling, we are not paying the landfill tax on the majority of the waste we collect. Recycling will eventually save money as the cost of disposing through landfill rises. If wood is allowed to rot in landfill sites it contributes methane to greenhouse gas production. Methane is 23 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

Recycled wood has several identifiable characteristics. Since the trees often grew in old-growth forests, which led to slow growth which meant stronger, denser tree trunks.

The latest technology being used in wood recycling plants and woodworking machinery are increasing processing efficiency and economy. The emerging market for wood chip is as a renewable fuel for energy production. Major power generating companies are planning for a number of large scale power stations which will consume large tonnages of recycled wood chip.

Projects are in progress to heat schools, public buildings and nurseries from recycled wood. The Government is committed to producing 15% of the UK's energy needs from renewable sources by 2020. There are many companies or local social enterprise schemes set up for wood recycling, so if you are not currently wood recycling, it would be a good time to start.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Wood-Is-One-of-the-Most-Reusable-of-Materials&id=6653302] Wood Is One of the Most Reusable of Materials

Build A Simple Chicken Coop: The Benefits of Learning How

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=H._Riedi]H. Riedi
We are experiencing some rough times in our economy and one way to combat this is to do something to help make your life a bit easier and self-sustainable.
Building a simple chicken coop and raising chickens has many benefits. If you are a craftsman or even just have interest in this project then try it out. It is worthwhile using simple chicken coop plans that help you step by step whether it is for your own accomplishment, for living a greener lifestyle or for profit.
Chicken house kits
As an alternative, some people would rather buy chicken house kits. These kits usually include all the materials and instructions to build the design that you have purchased. It is an easy way to build your coop since you don't have to worry about getting all the supplies or purchasing the wrong amount and wasting material. These kits are great ideas for those people who would like to do a weekend project with your kids or with your spouse.
Build simple chicken coop yourself
If you are the craftsman type you most likely want to build a simple chicken coop yourself. These types of people would rather have plans with many designs to choose from to make their own coop. There are many examples of people building their own chicken houses. Some scouting groups are building coops as part of a community project. Many families are joining in on the fun by building their own coop as a family project and also as an effort to live a "greener" lifestyle.
Business idea to make extra cash
There are so many reasons why people want to learn how to build a simple chicken coop. I'm sure that the experience in building your own coop is a very rewarding accomplishment. Learning to build your own one has more benefits that you may think about. With this knowledge you will be able to build coops not only for yourself but for others as a business idea. You can use your craftsmanship to sell chicken coops to other people.
In the past, many people would never have considered raising chickens let alone building a chicken house. Our economy has changed and so have our view points. Building chicken houses and selling them were not even considered, but in today's economy it can prove to be a profitable side income. If you market yourself and your services it could turn out to be a full-time job. If this interests you, it is good to have a   rel=nofollow [http://www.squidoo.com/building-plans-for-chicken-coops]variety of plans  to offer your clients. Who knows, your clients may have side jobs for you as well!
Your knowledge of building simple chicken houses is always worth having. As mentioned, it might be for your own accomplishment, for living a greener lifestyle or for profit that you benefit from by building a simple chicken coop.
Build a simple chicken coop as a way of changing your lifestyle.
Don't miss reading more on this topic
1. [http://www.squidoo.com/building-plans-for-chicken-coops]Building plans REVIEW for chicken coops
2. Build inexpensive chicken houses as a business idea
3. Building plans for chicken houses for those who need extra help
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Build-A-Simple-Chicken-Coop:-The-Benefits-of-Learning-How&id=6655602] Build A Simple Chicken Coop: The Benefits of Learning How

How to Build a Canoe - Anyone Can Do It!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joseph_B_Wood]Joseph B Wood
One of my life dreams was to learn how to build a canoe from scratch. I finally did it and I found out it wasn't as difficult as I had anticipated it being. With a good instruction book and clear plans, I just followed the directions, step by step, until one day it was finally done! This article is designed to help you learn how to build a canoe.
I won't be able to teach you everything in this short article, but I will give you a few key pointers and tips I learned while building my canoe.
My canoe was what's called a wood strip canoe. It's made of 1/4" thick cedar wood strips glued together, edge to edge. The strips are laid against plywood templates which give the canoe its shape.
Looking back on my project, I see several small things I would have done differently. Neither one has anything to do with the structural integrity of the boat. They are mostly regarding the appearance.
The first technique I would have done differently is to align the dark cedar strips on one side of the canoe with dark cedar strips on the other side. Cedar can vary quite a bit in shade from very dark to almost white. Viewing the canoe from the bow or stern, you see lighter strips across from darker strips.
The second thing I would tell someone who's learning how to build a canoe, is to use wood filler the same color as the wood you're filling. The book I read said to use "Rock Hard" water putty. It's very light in color, which doesn't blend at all with the darker cedar wood. Fiberglass does not cover discrepancies like this. They show right through.
All in all, learning how to build a canoe was fun and educational. And I ended up with a beautiful canoe which draws tons of compliments when my wife and I take it out!
As I was nearing the end of the construction process, I was tempted to buy the seats and paddles, which is an option if you find yourself short of time. I chose to make my own caned seats and wood strip paddles. Building the paddles wasn't too difficult or time-consuming, but caning the seats! Wow! That was a project all by itself. It took quite a bit of time, patience, and determination. But I get a good feeling knowing I built EVERY part of my canoe myself.
Even though I had previous woodworking experience, I believe that anyone with even a small amount of skill can easily learn how to build a canoe. All that's required is a good plan, time, and patience.
If you are into the beauty and serenity of owning and paddling a wood strip canoe, I highly recommend that you build a canoe yourself. Like I said before, learning how to build a canoe isn't difficult. Give it a try. You'll be glad you did.
If you'd like to see photos of my beautiful canoe, visit my website, [http://www.howtobuildacanoe.net]How to Build a Canoe. Not only will you find more pointers for canoe building, there's also some recommendations for good canoe plans.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Build-a-Canoe---Anyone-Can-Do-It!&id=6650851] How to Build a Canoe - Anyone Can Do It!

A Beginners Guide To Easy Wood Projects

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=T_L_Kuhn]T L Kuhn
Much of life was different when your great-grandparents were young. The art of woodworking was seen as a masculine craft and something a father might teach to his son. Some even made a good living from the easy wood projects that they sold to others. Back then, if you had some spare time, it was likely spent by creating some woodworking projects of some kind.
It's certainly not the same in today's world. Very few people have the knowledge or the time to do their own easy wood projects, and end up purchasing the items that, years ago, were built by hand. Imagine all the money you could save by being able to make your own chairs, tables and beds. But, you just don't know where or how to start.
Learning how to create some easy wood projects can be fun.
The internet makes it so much easier to learn about anything today, and woodworking is no exception. It's a wonderful resource for finding out about this seemingly lost art. The key to getting good at woodworking is practice. You'll find yourself getting better with each of the easy wood projects you complete.
What will you need and just how can you get started?
To get you started with your do it yourself woodworking projects, you'll need some basic tools. Again, the internet is a great place to get all of the woodworking tools that you will need. The best thing to do is make a list of what you need to get you started. Make sure you shop around so you get the best price you can on just what you need. At this point, it's important that you stay within your budget. You don't need the added stress of spending too much money.
Just what tools to buy for your first set of easy wood projects is probably still a mystery at this point. You will be able to get all of the guidance you need from the many resources on the net. There are plenty of good, well thought out programs available to lead you down the right path when it comes to just about everything you need to know about creating easy wood projects yourself.
Woodworking is one of those great American pastimes that is enjoyed the year around by many people. It's a great hobby for anyone with an interest in creating something with their hands.
Once you begin producing some easy wood projects, who knows, you might be able to make some extra money by selling some of the pieces you create to some of your friends or relatives. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process.
For much more information on the art of woodworking and for some [http://easywoodprojects.org/]easy wood projects you can do, visit my website at: http://EasyWoodProjects.org
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Beginners-Guide-To-Easy-Wood-Projects&id=6663663] A Beginners Guide To Easy Wood Projects

Nail Down The Most Useful Home Improvement Tips

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jimmy_JJ]Jimmy JJ
If your family is growing or if you just want to make a more functional and comfortable space for your loved ones you may consider home improvement. The home improvement options available to you are varied to say the least.
This article will provide you with a few tips to help you make the best of your home improvement project.
Tables
A great way to add some life to your bookcases and end tables, is by adding some nice tablecloths. You can make your own by purchasing some nice higher end fabric and sewing in the ends to prevent fraying. Arrange your items in a visually pleasing manner, which is sure to be the new focal point of your room.
Chairs
If you have a kitchen and family room that run together, consider adding a breakfast bar. A breakfast bar will allow each room to have individuality and you will not have to compromise the space. An over-sized breakfast bar that includes chairs can be purchased for less than 1,000 dollars.
Buying used chairs with bad upholstery on the seat portion isn't all bad. A lot of times, you can easily remove the seat, take out the staples holding the stretched fabric across the cushion and switch it out. You can mix match any fabric of your choice, and staple it back to the bottom with a heavy-duty stapler.
Beds
If you need a new bed, consider buying a loft bed. You can now get loft beds with king sized mattresses and they can be just as comfortable as any traditional bed. The advantage of a loft bed is that it will increase the floor space in a small bedroom.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping option that homeowners in extremely dry climates should take advantage of. Xeriscaping replaces more typical lawns and shrubs with rock beds and plants from arid climates. These alternates require far less irrigation than traditional landscaping, and the exotic plants available for xeriscaping can be more beautiful and striking than common landscape standbys.
Doors
If you are interested in saving money on heating and cooling bills in your home one of the first steps you should take are stopping up drafts. It is said that up to 40% of the energy lost in your home is because of air leakages. Start with the doors of your home.
A great home improvement to make is to add French doors or sliding glass doors. Not only do these doors allow more light inside, but they really can open up an area and make it seem larger. The view from outdoors increases the apparent volume of the room and modern energy-efficient doors save on heating and cooling costs.
Now that you are armed with a few solid tips to guide you, making a sound decision regarding home improvement should seem less daunting.
Remember sound home improvements to your home will not only allow you to have a more desirable space but will also improve the overall value of your home.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Nail-Down-The-Most-Useful-Home-Improvement-Tips&id=6662470] Nail Down The Most Useful Home Improvement Tips

Woodworking Projects - From Furniture Repair to Garden Sheds

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Bruce]Thomas Bruce
My woodworking memories go way back to my grade school days, where I was fortunate to be able to hang out in my parents furniture repair shop, it was a great after school job and at 50 cents an hour, I could earn some extra pocket money.
It wasn't until I finished high school that I began to realize the abilities and skills I had picked up from my Dad in the "shop". We had most of the basic stationary tools like a table saw, radial arm saw, wood lathe, and also had various kinds of hand and power tools that I was able to use and learn on. If we needed to fix something, we could do it there.
As for the business, customers brought in anything and everything made of wood that needed repair, such as chairs, tables, desks, and with most of these pieces we did a whole re-finish job, starting with the stripping tank to remove the finish, then repair and re-glue, which many times involved making duplicate parts if some could not be re-used or were missing. After a piece was rebuilt, we picked a stain color and sprayed them with the appropriate finish. Polyurethane finish was not around much then, so clear lacquer was the finish of choice. The only part we did not do was upholstery, another business did that for us.
Where ever I was in my adult life, if I could have access to a wood shop, I would make many of the things I needed or wanted such as shelves, ball & bat racks for the kids, bird feeders, or even Christmas gifts. Many of you have done the same thing so what I have done here is nothing particularly unique.
These are the things that interest me and I am fortunate to have been exposed to it as it prepared me for a natural progression into home repair and construction which has been my life profession. My Dad is still with me and I still look to him for his knowledge and input, as he has always specialized in fixing some very "UN-fixable" things over the years. The education for all of us never stops if we are willing to learn or try something new.
The information online these days is truly amazing, so someone without extensive or much experience on any given subject can benefit from the experience and education of others.
As with a lot of "hands on" type of skills, most of us just need to be shown the basics of a procedure or task, with some clear direction and with a little time and practice, can get good at it, and if you have your own project idea in your head about what you want to do, the help is out there.
So the idea about a bird house, a doll house, or an all out garden type multipurpose storage shed, or even a remodel, the directions and instructions are available from those that have already done it.
There is a wealth of ready made plans for the aspiring small project woodworker and week-end carpenter, and if you take that big step to build your own tool shed, garden shed, kids play house, or any type of multifunctional shed, it will become a source of pride and a valuable asset to your yard and family for years to come.
From small woodworking projects to larger backyard garden or tool sheds you can do yourself, visit http://wood-shedplans.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Woodworking-Projects---From-Furniture-Repair-to-Garden-Sheds&id=6645106] Woodworking Projects - From Furniture Repair to Garden Sheds

Used Woodworking Equipment For Sale - Is It Worth the Investment?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Chett]David Chett
You've been creating wood projects for a while and now your hobby is getting serious. It's time to start setting up for your woodworking shop and we all know that this can be a not so fun proposition. We find a large number of woodworkers who never actually get started working on their dreams because they can't afford to buy the equipment that is needed. Along with this, there are hundreds of brands and makes out there and the question is always afoot, "which brand do I go with?" When you began outfitting your shop, understand that your dollars go farther when purchasing used woodworking equipment for sale. You will save time and you will let yourself see what works and what doesn't.
While considering where to buy such products, look to Craigslist or the classified ad section in your local newspaper to locate used woodworking equipment for sale in your local area. There are many instances where individuals sale their items without ever have used their items very much. You can also look to auctions that are announced in your local newspaper. If you have any workshops in the area, try to pay attention to which shops move or go out of business. Often, this makes for a cheap way to obtain really good equipment. You may also find that your local estate sales area is a good source for finding used woodworking equipment for sale. You may also find that you have a family member who is interested in getting some equipment out of their way. This would be a good consideration also.
If the above options are not successful for you, look to the Internet where you will find a variety of websites that advertise used woodworking equipment for sale. For example, Ex-Factory, sells used factory equipment which is sometimes larger and more powerful, but also more expansive that the average needs. If you do find that the industrial make suits your needs, then take advantage of the Ex-Factory websites and enjoy your high durable machine.
Some cities may have a retailer in the area that specialized in used woodworking equipment. In you're in the Pennsylvania area, Hermance Machine Company, which is a leading online distributor of both new and used equipment is present. Their stock has both industrial tools and smaller tools for the average hobbyist. In Maryland, we find that Cayce Company also sells new and used woodworking equipment. If neither of these companies is in your area, check your phone book for business listings.
While considering the above options, let's also discuss websites such as Kitmondo and Pre-Owned Woodworking which connect buyers and sellers of used woodworking equipment. If this still doesn't meet your needs, check out eBay.
When buying used woodworking equipment, you can find some really good deals. Be sure and check a couple of things before making a purchase though. You will want to make sure that the power tools work correctly unless you plan to fix it and re-sell it. When looking to purchase cutting tools, check your blades for the dullness or any chips. You want to make sure that you'll be getting what you pay for. Be sure and attempt to obtain a copy of the machine's maintenance record from the seller. Try have the equipment inspected by a professional also before purchasing.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Used-Woodworking-Equipment-For-Sale---Is-It-Worth-the-Investment?&id=6669662] Used Woodworking Equipment For Sale - Is It Worth the Investment?

Plans for Shed Building: What To Look For In a Set of Plans?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
You have made a decision to build a garden storage shed in your backyard. You know you'll need plans that you can submit to your local building department in order to obtain a permit. You might even need a set of plans you can submit to your Home Owner's Association for approval if you live in a planned community. To top that off, you are somewhat of a novice when it comes to carpentry and woodworking but, in these economic times, it seems appropriate to tackle the job on your own as a do-it-yourself construction project.
What to Look For in a Set of Plans
There are three important things to look for in a set of building plans no matter what your skill level might be:
1. The design itself...
2. The level of detail in the diagrams and blueprints...
3. The specifications and supporting directions...
The design itself must satisfy two basic criteria. First, is the exterior design aesthetically pleasing or will the design prove to be a complete eyesore in your neighborhood. It is important to consider how the design fits into your existing home design, your landscaping and the aesthetics of the neighborhood. Choosing a design that matches these aesthetic criteria means you may have to sift through many, many choices. In this sense, it pays to have the widest possible choice available to you.
The second factor that you must consider in the design itself is the size of the shed. This turns on how you intend to use the shed in the first place. Will the shed be limited to a single use, say garden tools and equipment or will it be used for storing other things like holiday decorations and firewood? Planning for size is important. Don't forget to build in about 25% to 30% more space than you think you'll need for expansion. Believe me, you'll need it.
The blueprints must contain almost a primer on construction of a shed. Details are important here. You want to choose a set of plans that assume nothing. If you think about it, if you have some skills, the detailed drawings are far less important than if you have no skills at all to speak of and can be skimmed or even skipped entirely. But if you have few skills, you are a true novice, then you can rely on the details as an important guide.
Of course, you want to have plans that include step-by-step instructions about how to put your project together. Again, the idea is to assume nothing and make these instructions as detailed as possible allowing those with some level of skills to scan or skip those instructions completely. In addition, a full material list along with advice about how to cut waste to a minimum is a welcome feature.
Not all programs have these features available to you. When you are making plans for shed building it is wise to look for a source that can fill each of these three needs. You'll be happy you did so in the long-run.
Don Koenig is a professional carpenter and has built houses, stores and sheds for over 25 years. He shares his knowledge with you at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds where he is offering a free set of plans for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/plans-for-shed-building/]basic 12 x 8 shed as a gift to you. Why not stop by and see what the fuss is all about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Plans-for-Shed-Building:-What-To-Look-For-In-a-Set-of-Plans?&id=6669230] Plans for Shed Building: What To Look For In a Set of Plans?

A Basic Guide to Build a Storage Building: The Roof

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
When you build storage building it is crucial to pay close attention to the roof. Look, not surprisingly, a shed is a building built to protect the things you decide to store in it. A garden shed stores garden tools and equipment. A simple storage shed may be home for holiday decorations for all seasons. Storage implies that the items you store in the shed are protected from the ravages of the elements. Rain and snow must be kept on the outside, not flowing into the inside. In truth, it all begins with a sturdy, waterproof roof.
Building a sturdy, durable roof is an investment well worth the initial coat. Remember, your shed roof is exposed directly to the weather. It must shed rain, protect from snow, keep out dust and dirt and generally act as the first line of defense against the elements. By building a sound roof means that you'll spend far less in roof repairs over the years saving you a ton of hard earned cash. You'll also provide powerful protection for the contents of the shed itself. Of course, building a strong roof means you'll need a well thought out plan for this aspect of the construction of your shed.
Here are just a few things to keep in mind when looking for the right approach to roof construction:
� Your roof design must have a built in slant. Even a flat roof has a 2 to 3 degree pitch to one side. A peaked roof relieves pressure, especially from the weight of wet, heavy snow and is better for colder climates.
� Make sure that your roof design complies with local building codes. Once the design is approved it may pay to have your roof trusses prefabricated for you. Many lumber yards will do this for a small fee.
� Once the walls of your shed are up and the trusses are fabricated, mark the top of the walls where the trusses will be placed. Remember to measure twice and cut but once.
� Place the trusses on their marks and nail them in place. If your design calls for a ridge board, install it now making sure that everything is plumb and sturdy.
� Now it is time to place the roof decking. Nail your decking in place. Your roof is now structurally sound.
� Install your roofing shingles according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place any underlayment material on the decking first and then apply the shingles. Be certain to have metal flashing in place where required.
Make certain you follow safety procedures. Working on a roof can be dangerous. It is best to have a helper when working on your roof in order to make the job go smoothly. As you build the storage building, it pays to focus your attention on the roof in order to assure your long-term investment.
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/build-storage-building]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Basic-Guide-to-Build-a-Storage-Building:-The-Roof&id=6670773] A Basic Guide to Build a Storage Building: The Roof

Sharpening Chisels And Plane Irons

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Kenneth_J_Ellis]Kenneth J Ellis
We've tried just about every system for sharpening there is. Here's how to get the best possible edge with the least amount of fuss.

When I took my first class in woodworking, the first thing the instructor showed us was his waterstone pond. For more than an hour he talked about secondary bevels, wire edges, and polishing the back of our edge tools. I kept looking at the rows of backsaws and chisels and wondering when he was going to get to the important part.

Within a week we all realized we should have paid more attention to the sharpening lecture. Soon there was only two sharp chisels in the shop and 10 students. I made it a point to learn to sharpen well. I've used a variety of methods including: oil stones, diamond stones, ceramic stones, sandpaper, and electric grinders. Each system has it's good and bad points. Some are simple, others don't make a mess. Most systems can pit a really good edge on tool steel. For me, the two most important qualities a sharpening system needs are that it must be fast and produce the keenest edge. I want a good edge in a hurry. That's because I'm more interested in woodworking than I am in the act if sharpening. I want to be done with it and get back to the good part.

The steps I'm about to show you will work with every sharpening and honing system I know of on the market. No matter what system you use, sharpening is about one thing: Grinding and polishing the two intersecting planes of a cutting edge to as fine a point as possible. Here are a few words af advice: Pick a sharpening system and stick with it for a good long time before you consider giving up. If you stick with one system, your edges will improve gradually as you get better and better at using your particular set of stones or sandpaper.
Second, buy a honing guide. These simple and inexpensive guides are quick to set up and ensure your edge will be perfect every time you sharpen. I use a $10 Eclipse-style guide for sharpening my chisels and most plane irons. I also use the Veritas honing guide. It's perfect at sharpening skew chisels and specialty plane irons that won't fit in the Eclipse guide, such as irons fit shoulder planes. Use the same guide over and over and your edges will come out the same every time.

There are three sharpening operations that must be performed on all plane irons and chisels. First you must polish the flat backside of the tool. Next you grind the cutting bevel. Finally hone and polish a small part of that cutting bevel. Keep in mind that these three steps are only for tools that you have newly acquired. Once you do these three things, maintaining an edge is easier. Most sharpening is just honing and polishing the cutting bevel.

Begin with the back side of the tool. It's one-half of your cutting edge so you need to get it right. Start sharpening by rubbing the backside back and forth across a medium-grit sharpening stone. You don't need to polish the entire back, just the area up by the cutting edge. I begin the process with a 1,000 grit Norton waterstone, then do the same thing with the 4,000 grit, and then the 8,000 grit stone. The backside should look like a mirror when you're finished.

The next step is to grind the cutting bevel of the tool. You can use an electric grinder that has a tool rest, or you can use a coarse sharpening stone. I grind using a diamond stone for three reasons. First, it will never destroy a tool due to over heating (which can happen with electric grinders). Second, I use the diamond stone to flatten the waterstones. And third, the diamond stone is great for touching up my router bits.

Put the tool in your honing guide and set it so the cutting bevel is dead flat against the stone. I use mineral spirits to lubricate my diamond stone. It evaporates slower than water and won't allow rust to build up on the stone. Rub the cutting edge against the diamond stone and check your progress. You want to grind the entire cutting bevel all the way across. If you set the tool properly in the jig, this should be about 5 to 10 minutes work. As you progress, you should make a burr on the back side of the tool. This is called a "wire edge", and you'll want to remove it by rubbing the backside on your finest-grit stone a couple of times.

Honing is the fun part. The first thing to do is reset the tool in your honing guide. Loosen the screw that clamps the tool and slide the tool back about 1/8". Retighten the screw. This will set the tool so that only a small part of the cutting bevel gets honed. Start honing with a 1,000-grit waterstone. Rub the tool back ants forth on the stone. Turn it over to check your progress. You should see a secondary bevel appear up at the cutting edge. Rub your thumb along the back side. You should feel a burr all the way across the cutting edge. Once you have the burr, remove it by rubbing the backside across your 8,000-grit stone.
Polishing is a little different. You want to polish the secondary bevel with the finest grit stone. I use an 8,000-grit Norton waterstone. Work the secondary bevel and the backside on the 8,000-grit stone and watch the scratches disappear. When they're gond, you're done. Enjoy your woodworking.
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Shed Design Plan: Preparation for Building a Shed

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
Many people consider building a backyard storage shed to be a minor project. It is more complex than building a table or stool and far less complicated than building an addition to your home but, no matter how easy or difficult the project may be it still requires a competent shed design plan to do the job right. There are a few essentials you need when you decide to build a storage shed in your backyard.
Motivation
The first thing to consider when deciding to undertake a small scale construction project like shed building is the motivation for building the structure in the first place. What needs storing that you cannot easily put in your garage, basement or attic? Will the shed help you organize the mess or will it just become another black hole for unwanted material possessions? Understanding your motivation for building is but the first step in the process.
Another thing to consider is how motivated your family is to helping you conceive of and complete the project. While much of the actual construction can be accomplished with your own two hands, an extra set of hands or two will come in quite handy. Is this a family project or a true do-it-yourself adventure?
Finally, are you motivated to build your shed from scratch or do you think you'll be better off simply assembling a shed kit you buy at your local home center. Building from scratch will save you a good deal of money but there are some basic skills required to do the job right. If you don't have a complete set of directions, especially for the detailed parts of the work required, you'll have a harder time building from scratch.
The Required Tools
I cannot emphasize this point enough, the most important tool you possess when building a shed (or anything else for that matter) is a shed design plan. Plans come in all shapes and sizes, contain enough detail to do the job or merely skim over the details assuming a professional's knowledge of the task at hand and contain detailed material lists or no material list at all. I always recommend that you buy plans that contain the greatest level of detail, from blow-up drawings of fine details to a complete set of instructions and lists of materials needed to do the job with few problems. Plans are available that meet these requirements online at quite affordable prices. Whatever you do, don't skimp on this requirement.
You'll need a saw, a hammer, wrenches, screw-drivers and pliers as well as a rule for measuring. If you don't have any tools you can rent power saws but I suggest that you purchase hand tools that accommodate to the home woodworker. They are not expensive and will be there later if you need them.
In addition to the hand tools mentioned above, you may need a plumb line, chalk line, level and a carpenter's square. Don't forget to protect your eyes with goggles.
You'll need a post-hole digger to assure that your shed has a solid foundation. Motorized post-hole diggers can be rented by the hour and manual post-hole diggers are inexpensive to buy. I strongly recommend that you dig your foundation holes mechanically rather than by hand because by hand it is a back breaking job.
Don't overlook paint or stain for the exterior of your shed. You'll also need paint rollers, buckets, brushes and extension poles to do the job right.
One more point, don't buy the cheapest materials you can buy. Using quality material may cost a bit more up-front but they will save you a bundle over the long-haul in repairs.
While this should go without saying, do not proceed without a proper shed design plan. If you do, you'll be screaming bloody murder before you are half-way through.
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/shed-design-plan]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Shed-Design-Plan:-Preparation-for-Building-a-Shed&id=6672977] Shed Design Plan: Preparation for Building a Shed

Is Using a Shed Kit a Good Idea As One Makes Plans for Shed Building?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
We live in an increasingly complex world and often it seems that it is to our advantage to make things as simple as possible. So I begin with this basic question: When making plans for shed building in your backyard, is it best to use a pre-fabricated shed building or building the shed from scratch? Like everything else in life, the truthful answer is that it depends on your goals, confidence and experience.
Making Plans
I assume that because you are reading this you are planning to build a shed but you are still in the process of making your decision. Look, if you are an experienced carpenter or handyman you would have already made that decision, putting all of your experience to use. As a novice or a home hobbyist woodworker, you must decide several things before you begin your project. Building from a set of blueprints, providing they are the right kind of plans, offers far more flexibility in both design and space possibilities but is only slightly more complex to assemble. Of course, if you have the wrong plans then the project is doomed to being a full-blown disaster.
When I talk about the right plans I mean getting them from a source that offers a full line of designs and sizes to meet any space requirement. Those plans should also have a detailed, step-by-step set of instructions that assume that you know absolutely nothing about how to approach the task. Finally, your plans must have a full material list, down to the last nail and screw so there is no guesswork in purchasing materials needed. If you use a source like that then building from scratch is the way to go.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Of course, pre-fabricated storage sheds offer some options and have many potential advantages:
- There is a wide choice of materials available...
- Many pre-fab sheds are fully insulated and that provides an advantage if you plan on heating the shed...
- Interlocking pre-fab shed designs offer you the advantage of align and snap construction making the job more like solving a jig-saw puzzle than constructing a building...
It is important to remember that whether or not you use a pre-fabricated shed, you still have to build a sturdy foundation to hold your shed in place during high winds and storms. You must also get a permit to build the shed in most jurisdictions and pass building inspections along the way. There is no advantage either way.
Finally, when you build from scratch you have more flexibility as to where to place things like windows and doors. You also have more choices in exterior finishes like paint or stain on wood siding, shingles for the roof, and the quality of the materials you buy overall.
In truth, the final decision whether or not a pre-fabricated shed is a practical plan for building a shed as opposed to building that shed from scratch is totally dependent on how you choose to approach your project. I believe, however, that the decision may turn on how much pride you will have after the successful completion of a shed built from raw materials.
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/plans-for-shed-building/]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-Using-a-Shed-Kit-a-Good-Idea-As-One-Makes-Plans-for-Shed-Building?&id=6674100] Is Using a Shed Kit a Good Idea As One Makes Plans for Shed Building?

The Different Types of Joinery Involved In Woodworking - Which Is Better for You?

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Chett]David Chett
Joinery woodworking refers to joining two pieces of wood together, mostly to form corners with wood. The appearance and the strength of a joint tell wonders about the overall skill of the woodworker. When dealing with joinery in woodworking, we find different types of joints, each specific to certain types of application. Learning and effectively apply these joints draw you closer to mastering the art of woodworking. Below are the different types of joints:
Basic Butt - The Basic Butt Join is the simplest type of joint. This type of joint is formed when two pieces of wood are put together to make a right angle. You often find this joint in construction but is not an attractive option when building furniture or fine woodworking.
Mitered Butt - Just as the name suggest; a Mitered Butt Joint is formed when a miter angle is completed. While not the strongest type of joint, it is very much aesthetically pleasing.
Mortise and Tenon - Like the Basic Butt Joint, the Mortise and Tenon Joint also connect two pieces of wood to form a right angle. This is completed by placing a piece of wood with a rectangular pin cut from its end (the tenon) and is inserted into another cutout slow (the mortise).
Tongue and Groove - The Tongue and Groove Joint is slightly stronger than the Basic Butt Joint and instead of using to form right angles, is used to piece together pieces end to end. It involves one piece of wood that has a protruding tab (known as the tongue) and is fitted with another piece of wood.
Dado - The Dado is highly similar to the Tongue and Groove Joint. You find a grooved slot created at the end of one board where another board fits into place. The Dado Joint is mostly found when working with plywood.
Rabbet - Like the Dado Joint, the Rabbet joint is also popular when working with plywood and cabinetry. The rabbet join connects to a back board with four side boards which forms a box.
Through Dovetail- When participating in woodworking, understand that the Through Dovetail Joint has become the preferred joinery technique. This is where a series of tabs along the edge of one board are fitted together to form slots. This forms an extremely strong joint and is often used with furniture.
Half-Blind Dovetail- This joint is similar to the Through Dovetail Joint in that this joint also uses a series of slots to connect the pieces of wood together. When working with the Half-Blind Dovetail, there is one side of wood which hides the joints.
Sliding Dovetail- This joint is commonly used when making a drawer assembly. It works in line with the Dado Joint but is more secure than the Dado Joint. Keep this in mind when dealing with both joints.
Biscuit- The Biscuit Joint, like the tongues and groove joint is used to connect wood end-to-end. With this joint, a crescent shaped hole is cut into the edges of both pieces of wood. After this is completed, an oval of compressed wood is then glued to the slots followed by clamping the joint. The glue will cause the biscuit to swell up which secures the joint.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Different-Types-of-Joinery-Involved-In-Woodworking---Which-Is-Better-for-You?&id=6672089] The Different Types of Joinery Involved In Woodworking - Which Is Better for You?

Shed Plan Designs: Building a Wooden Storage Shed

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
Let me ask you a serious question: Have you put off building a much needed garden storage shed because you were afraid you wouldn't be able to do the project right or for fear that you didn't have the extra cash lying around to have the shed build by a contractor or handyman? Well, let me dispel your fears once and for all. The simple truth is that if you secure the proper shed plan designs for your project, plans that include floor plans, blow-up detail drawings, and a complete step-by-step set of detailed instructions for planning and executing the work, your job will come off without a hitch.
The Power of The Plans
Experience proves over and over again that a detailed plan is the best defense against having a problem-filled project. In fact, with proper set of blueprints and specifications your project will proceed smoothly from the permit stage through final inspection.
Not only that, but a well-designed plan will save you money. If the design contains a materials list describing in detail just how much of everything from lumber to screws and nails, you'll be able to purchase just the right amount of materials and have almost no waste at all.
In addition, a detailed set of step-by-step instructions will help develop a time-line for completing your project. You'll know how much time you should allocate for each separate operation in order to make the job go smoothly.
Simple Steps for Before Building
Building a shed is more complicated than building a saw-horse and far less complex than building a house. That doesn't mean it is easy. There are any number of working parts that must be considered. There are two main things to consider when building your shed. First is where to put it and second, make sure that you get the proper permits to start building.
Choose a spot to build that is on level ground. Call your local utility company to mark the underground wires, pipes and cables before you ever start to dig for your foundation posts. Level ground will help you avoid a large excavation project and knowing where the wires and pipes are will certainly save you from cutting the supply of electricity or water to your home.
Knowing whether or not you need a permit for building is also critical. I know a fellow that thought he didn't need a permit and the local building inspector made him tear down his shed even though the shed met all the requirements of the building code. If you live in a planned development it may also be necessary to gain permission from the board of your home owner's association as they want to make sure that the shed you plan on building meets the aesthetic requirements of the development.
Once you do all of this it is time to start building your shed. Remember that shed plan designs are your starting point for any project. Just be sure not to look for plans that do not include step-by-step instructions and detailed plans for building..
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/shed-plan-designs]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Shed-Plan-Designs:-Building-a-Wooden-Storage-Shed&id=6676463] Shed Plan Designs: Building a Wooden Storage Shed

Plans for a Storage Shed: Tips On Pouring Your Shed Foundation

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
Your shed's foundation is the backbone for the durability and sturdiness of your shed. Build on a weak foundation and your shed is doomed to collapse or be blown away by a strong wind before you know it. Of course, planning for and executing a strong foundation is always the first step in building any building, even one as small as a shed. So, as you make plans for a storage shed make sure you pay close attention to the foundation.
The type of foundation you choose depends on the size and shape of your shed as well as what you plan to store inside. If you are planning to store heavy equipment than a concrete foundation may be the best choice. You can also choose to use posts anchored in concrete. You can also build a brick foundation on either a base of concrete or bricks below the frost line.
Building on bare earth is not recommended. The ground is prone to retain a good deal of moisture, even if you live in desert conditions. It is also quite difficult to level. If you do build on bare earth, place pea gravel to around 6 inches thick as a surface for building. Be sure to tamp it down completely, eliminating any air pockets from the gravel. Building on this foundation of gravel keeps the shed directly off the ground and you are less likely to have moisture damage as a result.
In most cases, a concrete slab used as a foundation is better than a foundation built on raw earth. In climates where the ground freezes, however this is not the best of choices. By placing footings below the frost line and then building short foundation walls extending to about 6 inches above the ground, you can better secure your shed to a sturdy foundation.
For smaller sheds, concrete piers poured to a level height with your floor anchored to the top of the piers is sufficient for holding your shed in place. You could also use a treated wood post system anchored in the ground with concrete to make the foundation sturdy for a small shed.
This is, of course, why you want to plan carefully when you are building a storage shed. Knowing the contour of the land, where you intend to place the shed, how water drains, and what type of foundation treatment is ideal for your project is critical to the ultimate success or failure of your building.
So when you make plans for a storage shed, be sure to keep in mind the importance of a foundation and if you do so you'll build a successful shed that will last for years and years to come.
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/plans-storage-shed]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Plans-for-a-Storage-Shed:-Tips-On-Pouring-Your-Shed-Foundation&id=6679477] Plans for a Storage Shed: Tips On Pouring Your Shed Foundation

Crafty Woodworks Made Possible With Plate Joiners

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ismael_Christian]Ismael Christian
Plate joiners, more commonly known as biscuit joiners, are tools used by woodcraft enthusiasts. It is used in making crescent shaped slots in between wood wherein another wood will be inserted to bind them together, usually with the application of a certain type of glue. The cut is made using a small circular blade that measures about 100mm or about 4" into two or more different woods that you intend to bind together. After that, another piece of wood or the biscuit is inserted into the slot made. This wood is usually called a beech, which will be covered by expanding glue thereby occupying or matching the shape of the slot. This action allows solid bondage between the woods enjoined.
This plate joiner may be used by experts in carpentry or even by simple people who are interested in woodcrafts. It is justifiably easy to use. The only trick here in getting that awesome look in your woodworks is your efficient alignment of the parts that will facilitate better enjoinment, the way you wish them to appear as finish product.
This brilliant tool was invented in the late 1950's by Herman Steiner, an owner of a carpentry shop and founder of the Lamello AG in Switzerand. It has evolved into different types, sizes and uses and has been produced by a numerous companies nowadays. These products are also manufactured in companies like Dewalt, Makita and Porter Cable.
Every workshop, whether it's professional or just a simple one at home, needs to have its own long lasting biscuit joiner. In choosing your own plate joiner, you need to consider several things. First is its feature. It should be suitable for the job that needs to be done. The sizes should match the measurement of your wood work for better finish of your product. Another thing is its power. You will have to check on the tool's RPM and motor. The faster the rotation of the blade, the more accurate and efficient results you will get. Lastly, you have to consider extras or bonuses included in your purchase, like its storage bag and so on. This may not have an impact on the tool's performance, but it will come in handy for the ease of its use.
This enormous and powerful wood tool may cost a fortune, however it may be considered as something worthy of your investment due to its endurance and functionality. As a matter of fact, this kind of tool is designed to never be replaced again. Furthermore, companies who sell this product offer usually a 5 year warranty for it. So what are you waiting for, go to your nearest hardware store and grab your own plate joiner for a crafty woodworks.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Crafty-Woodworks-Made-Possible-With-Plate-Joiners&id=6677109] Crafty Woodworks Made Possible With Plate Joiners

Plans for Shed Building: Building a Door That Lasts

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
Most people, when making plans for shed building, pay close attention to the foundation and the roof because they are the two components of the building that make a crucial difference in the stability and durability of your shed. The shed door is often overlooked as an important component but that is, as you will see, a serious mistake. While the foundation and roof are stationary components of your building designed to be rigid and provide strength to your building. The door, however, is the single most used component of the shed, opening and closing every time you go in and out of the building. So let's pay some attention to building the door.
Design Considerations
The first thing to consider is the size and type of door you require. The size of the opening must be large enough to accommodate the largest piece of equipment you intend to store in the shed. For most, that is a tractor mower. Build the door opening too small and you'll never get the tractor in the shed. Build it too big and you lose some wall space you could put to good use for storing rakes, shovels and other garden tools.
Once you determine the size, you must decide on the type of door to use. Will a single door swinging out be adequate or will you need a double door meeting in the center and swinging out. Shed doors generally swing out so as not to require a larger shed in length than is needed. If your doors swing in and you drive your tractor mower inside and park it will you be able to close the doors if they swing in. Some people like to put in Dutch doors where the top and bottom of the door swing independently of one another or they can be locked so that the top and bottom swing as a single unit.
Another decision you must make about door construction as you plan for shed building is to plan for repairs. Look, the shed is a working building. You are bound to bang into the doors from time to time. It is likely that over time the doors will become unhinged, will develop nicks and maybe even a hole that needs repair. Plan for easy removal of the door so that you can take it down, fix it or maybe even build a new one when needed.
Construction Considerations
When installing the door, I like to use strap hinges on the outside of the shed. This choice makes it easy to put up and take down when necessary. I will use a flat 2x4 between the wall studs at the place I intend to put the hinges on the wall side to add strength and stability to the hinge. Be sure to get hinges that are galvanized and are sized to support between 1.5 and 2 times the weight of the door as a safety measure. That way you'll be certain the doors will remain stable for the life of the shed unless you damage them in some way.
Make absolutely certain that the doors you build are square. Use a framing square to make certain of this. A door that isn't square poses a significant problem because it will be bumping into the frame and not fit in the square opening you created. It doesn't take much time or effort to make your door square but failing to do so will haunt you forever.
When choosing wood for your door construction, make absolutely certain that the wood is kiln dried. Doors should be made of wood that is at least one-inch thick. Some people prefer rough sawn planks as a way to give a rustic look to the building. Don't forget to brace your door using a 'Z' brace that requires three pieces of wood, two pieces for the top and bottom braces and a longer, diagonal piece running the length of the door from one top corner to the opposite bottom corner. I both nail and glue the braces in place for added strength.
When you make plans for shed building don't forget to pay close attention to the construction of your door. A good set of plans will spend a reasonable amount of time and energy showing you how, in a step-by-step manner, exactly how to go about the task of making the most secure door possible for your project.
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/plans-for-shed-building]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Plans-for-Shed-Building:-Building-a-Door-That-Lasts&id=6681012] Plans for Shed Building: Building a Door That Lasts

Where to Buy Wood for Woodworking - Your Local Shops Aren't Always the Answer

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Chett]David Chett
Whether you find yourself as a seasoned wood worker and just starting out, there's always the question of where to buy wood for woodworking projects. The more familiar stores such as Lowes or Home Depot carry lumber that is most commonly used but fails to carry most varieties often sought to be used. If this is the case, you can always look online for lumber liquidators also. While this is a good and positive source, you also have to deal with the added cost of shipping fees.
Before you decide to go out into the world of lumber purchasing, you need to understand a few things about the different types of wood. You will find (2) two main categories of wood; Softwoods and Hardwoods. When considering the softwoods categories, understand that this type of wood is generally used by construction industries with the purpose of framing and interior trimming. A few examples of softwoods include your cedar, redwoods, fir, and pines.
The hardwood is the more durable of the two and is often the preferred choice when building furniture, cabinets and flooring. In the hardwood category you'll find maples, birches, mahogany, cherry, oak, and walnut. Also, when consider hardwood and softwood; understand that these direct terms do not refer to the hardness of the wood. Hardwood trees have broad leaves and are deciduous. These types of trees usually lose their leaves in the winter. Softwoods keep their leaves year around and are evergreens.
The reason hardwood is preferred for furniture is because they offer a large range of textures and colors than the softwoods do. Hardwood has two types of classifications which are domestic (U.S. grown) and exotic (Trees from around the world.) You'll also want to consider the grade of the wood when deciding where to buy wood for woodworking. The grade is a rating that refers to the number of the defects found in the wood. If you're interested in building furniture building, look for either first or second grade wood. The defects in these grades are not very noticeable. In case you find yourself needing to purchase your lumber from the internet, below is a list that has been compiled and put together. It contains the best lumber companies that we have found:
Woodcraft Supply: This company is one of the oldest and also largest suppliers of wood and woodworking supplies in the U.S. Woodcraft Supply currently has more than (70) seventy retail stores in major areas and distributes approximately 2 million catalogs each year. This company, also establish in 1928 has never been in danger of being shut down. It also offers a good selection of domestic and exotic hardwoods as well as stock pieces and veneers for your projects.
Rockler: This Company actually began as a mail order business in 1954. In 1978, it started to open retail stores. Today, there are (30) thirty Rockley Woodworking and Hardware Stores located throughout the U.S. It also stocks many varieties of wood to help with your projects.
Woodworkers Source: Established in 1978, this family-run business has (3) three retail locations in Arizona. It currently offers more than 100 options of wood to choose from and you'll also find valuable information for any product you're considering. If that isn't enough, they also offer phone support.
Frank Paxton Lumber Company- This Company, established in 1914, offers a huge supply of wood for both domestic and exotic options. They have retail stores in Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Kansas City, and San Antonio and do a lot of work with businesses.
Visit my website at [http://www.answersforwoodworking.com]Answers for Woodworking for helpful tips and information on Woodworking
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Where-to-Buy-Wood-for-Woodworking---Your-Local-Shops-Arent-Always-the-Answer&id=6658838] Where to Buy Wood for Woodworking - Your Local Shops Aren't Always the Answer

What to Consider When Buying Wood for Woodworking - It's Important

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_Chett]David Chett
Okay, you've decided to man up and take on your own wood working project. You need wood for your project and not just any kind of wood but the perfect type of wood. You find yourself at the lumberyard and have absolutely no idea what to look for. No need to worry, this article covers what to look for and will help you when you consider buying wood for woodworking.
The first to note is choosing the correct type of wood is going to lead you to success. You see, wood has its own personality and each type acts differently. That's why you need to know what to look for. While keeping this in mind, know that that you don't need to be an expert to construct beautiful and luxury wood projects but you do need to be aware of a few key points. Let's take a look at some of these points below:
Grades of Wood- Every single type of wood has a grade that is assigned to it. When we refer to "grade," we mean the quality of the wood. For example, wood that contains knots and cracks in it will yield a lower grade of wood. For starters, find the type of wood with the fewest defects and don't find yourself relying on the grade of the wood. Inspect it yourself and don't let the price scare you off (you're making beautiful and luxury art work, remember?) If you plan to paint the wood, choosing a lower grade will be okay but remember that when the quality is lower, so is the over strength.
Milling - When we talk about how wood is milled, know that there (3) three ways that we can refer too: plain-saw (cutting the board on all sides starting from the outside and traveling to the center), through and through (this method is the easiest and most efficient way to cut a log), quarter-sawn (when buying wood for woodworking, this type of board is the least efficient route to take but the most attractive).
Choose the Correct Cut - While talking about the wood cuts, we refer to plain sawn which is the most common type of wood in the lumber yard. These types of boards also bend and warp easier than the other type of cuts due to the direction of the grain in the wood. Rift-sawn which are the middle of the line when speaking of price but have a straight pattern in the grain. Quarter-sawn are the most expensive of the three boards and could be considered better of the (3) three boards also. Consider all types when planning your project. There's no reason to rush into a decision.

While we could go farther into depth, the above will get you started without overwhelming you. Consider these the basics when you debate buying wood for woodworking. You'll need to learn all of these if you want to make a useful hobby from the woodworking and if you wish to be successful in your future projects. Give it a shot and remember to be patient. You need to walk before you run!
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-to-Consider-When-Buying-Wood-for-Woodworking---Its-Important&id=6682593] What to Consider When Buying Wood for Woodworking - It's Important

Build a Storage Building: A Five Step Guide for Building a Brick Shed

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
To build a storage shed in your backyard takes planning and creativity. Most sheds are constructed from wood when built from scratch, others are assembled from shed kits and are generally constructed with plywood or metal. Some sheds, however, are built using brick because the owner wants to match the construction of the house or because the owner believes he is adding strength to the structure.
Perhaps one remembers the story of the Three Little Pigs and fears the big bad wolf blowing down his outdoor shed. Nevertheless, a brick shed will outlast a more traditional wooden shed if neither structure is maintained.
Look, if you maintain your shed then either construction material is just fine. For this reason and this reason alone, I only recommend building a shed in from brick if, and only if, your decision is aesthetic and not structural. Any well-built shed will last several lifetimes if properly maintained.
That being said here is a brief five-step guide for building a brick storage building or shed in your backyard.
Step 1
The first step in any construction project is to determine the location of the shed. Make sure you choose a location that is relatively flat, has good drainage, is not directly on any property line, is not too close to trees which may cause problems for your shed roof or foundation (remember trees have a large root system below the surface). Also make certain that your shed foundation is not interfering with any electrical, cable or water lines. Overlook any one of these and you'll have a potentially costly problem on your hands.
One other thing to think about at this stage is to make absolutely certain that your shed design complies with local building codes and zoning ordinances. The best way to do this is to apply for a permit. In some cases, if you live in a planned community, you may need permission to build the shed from your Home Owner's Association. Don't make the mistake of not asking because the HOA has broad powers to make you comply with their decisions.
Step 2
Once all approvals and permits are obtained it is time to clean the area where your shed will be built. Remove any debris, roots, weeds, rocks, and other hindrances. Level the ground if necessary. Using a chalk line or stakes, draw an outline of the shed's footprint on the ground.
Step 3
Now it is time to start digging. Your task is to create a foundation for your shed. Building a strong foundation determines the strength and stability of your shed and is a step that must not be taken lightly. Depending on where you live, you'll need to dig to a depth that is just below the frost line. This will assure that your shed will not heave due to ground swells caused by expanding soil due to freezing. Your minimum depth for a solid foundation is eight inches and most areas require no more than thirty-six inches. It is best to check with your local building department to know the exact depth to dig. You can rent a small back hoe or trenching machine, or you can hire an experienced excavator to do this step for you. You want the bottom of your trench level all the way around.
The outside of the trench must be about one inch beyond the outline of your building and should be four to six inches wide. Now using 2x6 lumber and stakes, create a form extending above the level of the ground.
Step 4
It's time to pour concrete for your foundation. Pour the concrete to a level of about two to three inches above ground level. Unless you are a martyr call your local concrete supplier and order a truck with the right amount of yardage to fill the hole. Tell the company the dimensions and they'll tell you just what you need. Ask for advice about the mix needed for strength and permanence for your area. Make sure the top of the foundation is relatively level though it doesn't have to be perfectly smooth. Leave the concrete to set. In about 24 hours remove the forms but don't toss the material away. You can reuse it for door frames and other things like ceiling joists. Normally this is the time to call for your first inspection. Do so before you proceed.
Now you may want to pour a concrete slab for the shed floor. Again call your concrete supplier and tell him your dimensions. A 3 to 4 inch slab is sufficient for your purposes. You'll also want to buy some rebar or wire mesh to add strength and stability to the slab.
Step 5
Now mark the foundation walls for rough door openings making sure you account for the finished size of the opening and go wide enough to accommodate that size. Also, if you are adding windows make sure you know where to leave openings for the rough opening as well.
Spread your bricks on the ground and set a level string around each wall of the shed. Mix a batch of mortar (rent a mortar mixer from your local home center) and apply a layer of mortar to the foundation to accommodate around 5 to 7 bricks. Lay bricks one at a time making sure they are level. Use the string as a guideline. Repeat all around the foundation wall. As you build layers repeat the same idea but place your bricks so they are centered over the space between the two bricks below. Repeat until you have reached the height of your building.
At the door and window openings you'll need to place a header across the top of the opening so the bricks above will remain in place. You can use a thin steel header or a piece of 4x4 timber to act as a header. Don't overlook this step.
The final step is to build your roof. This is a common shed building activity so I won't go into that here. When you build a storage building from bricks you have to pay attention to the details of the construction process. Follow these steps and you'll build a strong brick shed.
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/build-storage-building]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Build-a-Storage-Building:-A-Five-Step-Guide-for-Building-a-Brick-Shed&id=6683786] Build a Storage Building: A Five Step Guide for Building a Brick Shed

Shed Design Plan: Building a Firewood Shed

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Don_Koenig]Don Koenig
Sheds come in all sizes and shapes and are built for many varied purposes. An often overlooked shed design plan is for building a firewood shed. I want to address that oversight right now.
Firewood, no matter whether you cut it yourself or buy it from a supplier, is a costly investment either in terms of labor or cold hard cash. It is important to keep your firewood dry and ready to go because if your wood gets wet it doesn't burn efficiently and you'll get a great deal of smoke and steam produced as the fire burns. If you live in a climate where there is a lot of rain and snow then building a firewood shed may just be the answer to the problem of keeping your firewood dry and ready for use no matter what the conditions might be.
As with any shed design, the location of your shed is of paramount importance and should not be taken lightly. You want to put the shed in an area where the ground drains well, is preferably higher than low points on your property and is likely to have more natural protection from rain and snowfall than other points in your yard. It should also be built close to the house so that in times of heavy rain or snow or when the temperature is blisteringly cold, you don't have so far to walk to collect firewood for burning. I like to build a firewood shed using one outside wall of the house as the back wall of my shed.
A simple roof, on that has a rather steep slant to it will assure that rain and snow easily slides off the roof and is directed away from the dry firewood being stored inside.
I also like to build the shed with an open front in order to make access to the wood easy for both initial storage and for retrieval when needed.
That's why most firewood sheds are built with only three sides. In addition to the access issue, the open front allows for air circulation which contributes to keeping the firewood completely dry. It is important to keep the open front facing away from the prevailing direction of the wind in your area. In the Northern Hemisphere that means that the front of the shed should face south.
In order to further protect your firewood from moisture, the floor of the shed should slant slightly toward the open front and you should line the floor with a strong plastic sheeting material.
Of course, most firewood sheds are actually quite small. As you stack wood in the shed, if you only stack a single row of cut firewood, your shed needs to be no more than 3 to 4 feet wide. This width will provide adequate protection from rain and snow. They don't have to be too tall either. If you are storing a cord of wood, then about 4 feet high and 6 feet long will be sufficient.
It should go without saying but, as with any construction project, obtaining the best shed design plan is crucial to the success of your project. Having the right plans will assure that your project proceeds without a hitch.
Don Koenig has been a professional carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. He offers tips and ideas for building sheds an other woodworking projects at [http://www.designsforsheds.com]Designs for Sheds. Right now he is offering a free gift of a 24 page basic shed plan for a [http://www.designsforsheds.com/shed-design-plan]12 x 8 Shed. Why not visit his site and see what all the fuss is about.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Shed-Design-Plan:-Building-a-Firewood-Shed&id=6687156] Shed Design Plan: Building a Firewood Shed

The Art of Hand-Making Cricket Bats

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=John_Markfield]John Markfield
The Art of Hand-Making Cricket bats
The art of hand-making cricket bats is known as podshaving. A cricket bat is traditionally made from willow wood, specifically from a variety of White Willow called Cricket Bat Willow. This wood is used as it is very tough and shock-resistant, while also being light in weight.
The stages of making a handmade cricket bat are as follows:
Select the timber, choosing mature trees (between 15-30 years old) & then cut the timber into rounds.
Using woodworking machinery, the cleft will undergo various machining processes to be cut into the basic blade shape. Each willow cleft is unique, so great skill is required to produce the basic shape. Once the blade has been correctly graded and machined, the next stage is the pressing.
In the woodworking pressing process, the fibres have to be compressed to strengthen the timber to withstand the impact of the ball. This process is a balance between strengthening, but still leaving the blade soft enough to play well.
The handle is secured using water resistant wood glue and is allowed to dry overnight.
The bat is next hand shaped by 'pulling off' the willow using a woodworking draw knife. Maximum wood will be kept in the driving area, whilst working the bat to establish the correct balance of the blade, during this action the balance will be tested as an ongoing process. The coarse cuts of the draw knife are smoothed using wooden planes. The toe end of the bat is shaped to an angle to allow for strength and protection.
The bat will then be both coarse and fine sanded.
The handle is bound using twine, then grips are fitted to the handle and labels are applied to the face, back and sides of the bat.
When first purchased most bats are not ready for immediate use and require knocking-in, to allow the soft fibres to strike a cricket ball without causing damage to the bat and allowing full power to be transferred to the shot. This involves striking the surface with an old cricket ball or a special hammer mallet. This compacts the soft fibres within the bat and reduces the risk of the bat snapping. It may also need linseed oil rubbed into the bat, this fills in the gaps in between the fibres.
A good bat correctly knocked in, ideally would last about 1000 runs including net use.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Art-of-Hand-Making-Cricket-Bats&id=6686500] The Art of Hand-Making Cricket Bats

The Power of the Sun and Rain Against Wood

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aigo_Shimonaka]Aigo Shimonaka
We know the power of the elements is astounding, but we may not practically realize just how destructive they can be. The sun, rain, high temperatures, low temperatures, and humidity all play a role in gradually wearing a given material down. Obviously, by keeping an object indoors, you can eliminate the rain and greatly reduce the damaging effects of the others as well.
This is why a structure or DIY project of any kind must be treated accordingly if they are to be permanently exposed outdoors. Wood in particular, depending on type, can be very weak to repeated attacks by the sun and rain. But even before it begins actually rotting and decomposing, it will change shape as it absorbs and desorbs moisture - often considerably.
This change-shape occurs due to a localized expansion or contraction of the wood, manifesting itself in various forms of wood-warping. It follows that if the entire piece would expand or contract in a uniform fashion, the board would only change in dimensions but wouldn't skew or warp. However, this particular scenario will never play out in the real world with boards of any substantial volume or length.
But depending on wood type and the direction of grain, the level of warping can be considerably different. Certain types of wood are simply more resistant to moisture and insects, and quarter-sawn boards - due to the direction of the grain - are more resistant to warping. You put these two qualities together and you get yourself some fairly high-grade boards with which to build outdoors.
An old Table Exhibiting Major Shape-change
Here's a first-hand example of what can happen to a piece of furniture that is left out in the sun and rain with absolutely no regard to its well-being. Granted, the table top isn't a solid piece of wood but a composite of smaller wooden segments, making it significantly weaker to the elements. However, although its time has clearly passed, I'm sure there was once a day when this table was a stunning piece of furniture in its own right.
On dry, sunny days, the   rel=nofollow [http://freeandhandy.com/handmade-homemade-rustic-dining-table/]table top curls up into the shape of a smile when viewed cross-sectionally. Why? Because the direct sunlight literally sucks the moisture out of the top surface of the table top causing it to contract. This contraction is what pulls the wood into the nice - but impractical - shape of a smile. The opposite occurs on a rainy day. The same top surface will expand, causing it to return to its original flat shape.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Power-of-the-Sun-and-Rain-Against-Wood&id=6691218] The Power of the Sun and Rain Against Wood

How to Notch Wood by Hand Easily and Quickly

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aigo_Shimonaka]Aigo Shimonaka
Incorporating notches in woodworking is something I recommended in a previous article called "Why Wood Notching - Tips and Benefits", but in this article I'm going to cover the step by step process you can use to actually do the job. There are several tools and methods you can choose from to accomplish this task, and I'll be listing them below for your reference:

Good ol' hammer and chisel. This method has been around for a very long time, but its presence has not diminished. When all is said and done, power tools can do many things faster, but there are just those times when the job still requires a hammer and chisel.
Router. By setting the depth on a plunge router to the desired depth, you can simply "plunge" down into the work-piece and quickly remove a uniform depth. But unless you have a template set up, you'll have to stop shy of the outer edge and finish it off by hand - aka hammer and chisel.
Circular saw. By setting the saw blade to the desired depth and slicing perpendicular to the grain, you can make a series of parallel cuts 2 or 3 millimeters apart. After making the required cuts, you simply "knock" and chisel the thin slices of wood out. Note that this method is only practical when slicing perpendicular to the grain (as cuts parallel to the grain would make the clean removal of remaining slices impractical), and when slicing straight across the board.
Power drill. This method is only practical when needing to notch out rather deep notches. Any notches under an inch in depth should be done with a router, as there's just more control that way. However, when needing to go deep, there may not be any other way than to use a drill.

All the above methods have one thing in common. That is that they all need a hammer and chisel to finish the job. Ideally, you'd try to set things up so the power tool can do the whole thing, and there are times when this is feasible. If you're notching the exact same profile repeatedly, you should probably think about rigging up a template of some kind so your router can rip through the entire notch.
But in cases where this isn't feasible, for any number of reasons, you should be prepared to pull out your good ol' hammer and chisel. Most carpenters will have several chisels of different sizes and depending on the size of your notch, you'll need to pick one out accordingly. And due to the fact that two bodies will be colliding rather forcefully (hammer hitting chisel), you should work on a table that can take the expected impact without too much "jump".

Start by measuring and cutting your lines on your work-piece with a cutter knife. That's right, cut your lines. You may already know this technique, but for those who don't, cutting your lines as opposed to drawing them, makes for far more accurate dimensioning. This is of course, limited to lines that will be cut so as to render the damage the cut line caused irrelevant. Pay particular attention when cutting along the grain - it's very easy to get pulled along the grain. The first few passes should be light, gradually increasing in pressure.
Now you can begin removing the material within the marked lines. My first choice for shallow notches - in the half-inch neighborhood - is the router. Take your router, set the depth, and slowly plunge down into the work-piece. Remove the material as close to the marked line as possible after which you can finish it with a hammer and chisel.
Being that you made your markings with a cutter knife, you simply place your chisel into the conveniently prepared cut line - another excellent reason for using a cutter knife for marking. This ensures that the outer boundaries of the notch are clean and straight - as that's the part people will be seeing. The base of the notch should be perfectly flat due to the precision of the router with only the edges slightly rough from the chiseling.

And there you have it! If you don't have the luxury of a   rel=nofollow [http://freeandhandy.com/router-basics-for-the-beginner/]router or any power tools, you can still incorporate the basic principles above. You'll just have to chisel the whole thing out by hand instead of relying on the amazingly fast and precise mechanical wonder called the router. Well hey, people have been using hammers and chisels for generations before the advent of power tools and they've gotten along just fine.
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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Notch-Wood-by-Hand-Easily-and-Quickly&id=6691228] How to Notch Wood by Hand Easily and Quickly