While woodworking is fun and can be as simple as you want it to be, there will come a time when you’re faced with a woodworking problem. Common woodworking problems can mean the difference between a successfully finished project and something you give up halfway. That’s why it is essential to know how to deal with woodworking issues when they occur.
Every type of wood is different, and every wood project is different. The trick is to anticipate the type of problems that could occur with your type of wood and learn how to get around them. Here are a few tips and tricks for managing woodwork quirks so you can get the best out of your wood projects.
Smelly Wood
Odors in wood are an all-too-common problem. Wood, unfortunately, absorbs many odors from the outside world, and it can be difficult to prevent this. There are many ways to remove odors, however, and leave the furniture smelling better. You can also use these techniques to remove mold and make sure the furniture is well-sealed and strong.
Glue Run-Out
There are few things more frustrating than glue running out from a joint. This is a problem when you apply too much fixative to the joint, and you can anticipate this and prevent it with more careful application. There are also techniques to fix a joint more securely without the need for excessive amounts of glue.
Closing an Open Mitered Corner
Do you have a mitered corner that has not lined up in the way it should? This is a common occurrence. It is common because wood adjusts when it has been cut and is in the open air. There may be imperfections within the wood that cause the halves of the corner to miss each other. There are many ways to align mitered corners that leave you with a better finish to your project.
Saw Blade Burns
Burns from a table saw blade can affect the look and finish and make it less desirable. You can try to scrape off the burnt or cut the wood, but this may be difficult, and it may not leave a satisfactory result. It is better to try and prevent the burns from occurring in the first place by making some adjustments to your saw before you start working with it.
Squaring on a Table Saw
Check out the best methods you have for making sure your wood is square on the saw. This will help you achieve a neater and more attractive finish to the project and prevent wasting wood.
Weak Shelves
Some shelves seem too weak to use. Prevent this problem from occurring with some planning. With some adjustments to your plans, you can build strong shelves that will withstand whatever you want to put on them.
Sticky Drawers on Furniture
Your drawers may not always be sticky. They are more likely to stick in wet weather or the wintertime. Changes in the climate cause the wood to swell or shrink. Use techniques to keep the drawers to the right size and enable them to slide in and out without pressure or effort.
Drilling Clean Holes
Learning how to drill clean holes is one of the solutions to common woodworking problems, and it can make a big difference to the finish of your work. Adjust your drilling technique to accommodate your need for high-quality holes, and your projects will be much more successful. As with all woodworking issues, you will find much more success when you practice and hone your technique over time.
