How to make a food scoop on the bandsaw. Quick and EASY woodworking project!

One of the first things a woodturner needs to learn is how to sharpen woodturning tools. This is different than the sharpening of most other tools in the workshop but it is neither difficult nor expensive to setup and learn.

Seasoned woodworkers who have gotten a wood lathe are often confused at what to do with it after they get it. After all, most woodworking confines itself to flat work with the occasional decorative curve. The wood lathe operates somewhat like a potter’s wheel on it side, demanding thought in circles and spheres. The transition can be a freeing moment and a dramatic turn in the enjoyment of working with wood.

While a lot of the trends in woodturning move toward larger items, many woodturners are making smaller items. The satisfaction of making good, clean cuts in smaller spaces can be helped with appropriate tools. Of course the lathe concerned is the first item to be looked at.

Woodworking is a crafty job of imagination, planning, detailing, precision and presentation. A well prepared wood structure could be extremely appealing, strong and be constructed in a considerably short time. Simple woodwork, such as building sheds, arbors, gazebos in the garden, can be done by almost anyone and can be quite interesting and entertaining. To undertake this task, one must first arrange all the resources, which includes, having a well designed work shop, conditioned work tools, safety gear and of course, the raw material.

Think global and go local is a phrase that is often used by people considering the food they buy but it also one that can and often does work of woodturners as well. What we put on a wood lathe can travel a short distance from home or come literally from around the world. In addition it may be from endangered areas or from sustainable forests.

Many people are first exposed to woodworking during school. This gives them an idea of what the basics are. If they decide to pursue it further they’ll find it to be extremely rewarding. This is partly because it can add to both the decorative and the functional parts of your home. The ones who really find it rewarding can even turn it into something profitable. But even just as a hobby, it brings pleasure and fulfillment, and the relaxing element is great for stress.

Circular saws are not only handy for woodworkers but great tools for the average homeowner as well. If you’ve ever sawed a sheet of plywood in half with a handsaw you know what I mean. You may not use it every day but when you need it — it’s indispensable.

What’s a board foot? It’s simply a board that is 12 inches wide by 1 inch thick by 1 foot long. A 1-inch thick piece of wood is called 4/4 which refers to the number of quarter inches in an inch. By comparison, a half-inch board would be 2/4. Got it? It’s not hard. But when it comes to knowing how to make a board foot calculation – that’s another matter entirely.

If you don’t have a band saw, a jigsaw works great for cutting curves. Jigsaw blades are cheap and come in a variety of tooth patterns which allow you to cut through plastic, wood, metal and ceramic. It’s a good idea to keep a variety of blades on hand for those special projects.

Working with wood requires tools; that’s a no-brainer. But choosing the right tools is an entirely different matter. If you’re a beginning woodworker, the first thing you need to do is determine your goals. This will give you a good idea of the kind of tools you need based on your style, budget and the type of woodworking you intend to do.