It doesn't matter what you are going to build, choosing craft wood is a necessary step. There are many things to consider when buying wood for your project. This step is just as important as having a set of plans. By choosing craft wood before getting started you can avoid making costly errors or it can prevent you from using expensive stock where a secondary wood will be sufficient.
By using the points below you can be sure you will be prepared to select lumber that will not only protect your budget but will be exactly what you need and want to complete your project.
The first thing to consider is where your project is going to be used. An indoor project is going to require different craft wood then one meant for the yard. Moisture is a big killer of wood. Any project that is being planned for the outdoors needs to be built using craft wood that will resist moisture. A good finish will go a long way to protect the wood but using a species like cedar or teak is a wise choice. The natural oils and resins help resist moisture and decay.
Insects and UV are also enemies of any outdoor project. If your project isn't going to be in contact with food then pressure treated wood may be appropriate. When choosing craft wood for an indoor project this first point isn't as important but if you are building something for the outdoors consider using a species of wood with natural resistance like cedar, cypress or teak.
The second thing to consider is how the wood is to be finished. Some craft woods take a finish better then others. If you intend to use paint it is unlikely that oak will be your first choice of lumber. Poplar or spruce would be sufficient and the cost is a lot less then a more visually pleasing wood like oak. Alternatively, poplar or spruce may be a poor choice if you are planning to use a stain or clear finish. These craft woods tend to blotch and don't finish as well as oak would.
Knowing what size of lumber you need is obvious, but you need to consider if you can use craft wood that is finished size or do you need lumber that is rough size? For example: if the project you are working on calls for 3/4 inch stock then you will need to go with 1 inch rough stock. After machining the 3/4 inch piece would be too thin. Tools you have available
Buying rough craft wood is fine when you have he tools to properly machine the stock. If you don't have a jointer or thickness planer then you need to consider using finished stock for your project.
It is obvious the you want the most desirable craft wood for the most visible parts of your project. However if the component is not visible on the finished product then it doesn't make much sense to use premium stock for it. Using this technique you can save your budget for craft wood that will be visible when finished.
There is no hard and fast rule about which craft wood to use for your project. You can use an expensive hardwood for any project but for most people your budget simply won't allow it. A budget will usually dictate exactly which craft wood you are able to use. By employing techniques like using lessor wood for non-visible components you can still get the look you desire without spending more money then you have planned for.
Choosing craft wood is really about knowing the project you are starting. Only this way will you know when a lessor wood will be sufficient, or when you should choose the best exotic hardwood. By knowing all components of your project you will be able to determine what materials to use where.
One of the most important things for the novice wood worker who wants to make this a permanent hobby, is to keep your tools clean and in good repair. If you use dull or rusted tools, you work will turn out sloppy and you will most likely not want to continue to fine tune your skills. Orderliness and carefulness, with knowledge and patience, are sure to bring good results, just as a lack of them will bring failure.
Good workers take pride in keeping their workbenches in good order as well. Tools that are not in immediate use should be placed in their racks so they will not be damaged or cause injury to the worker. If the business end of the tool is touched, it should be wiped off to prevent corrosion.
Now that you know how to take care of your tools, let`s put them to work. But what should you make? A custom picture frame is a good thing for the beginning woodworker and will also make a nice gift for that special someone.
The first thing is to determine what size you want your woodworking project to be. Be sure that the inside or a hole` is the size of the picture. If you plan on putting a picture in the frame, the outside edges need to be bigger than that.
Now, for the material to be used in your woodworking project. Since you are doing a picture frame, you can use just about any wood you would like, whether it is picture frame molding that can be bought at local craft stores, builders molding or even just lumber from the lumber yard. The latter you can pick up at your favorite home improvement store. For the beginner or the more advanced woodworker, picture frame molding may be the best choice as it comes with the grove for the glass already cut. With the other two options, you will have to do this groove yourself with a router.
After you have your material and sharp, clean tools, you are ready to start your woodworking project. Now, using a hand saw, cut the material four lengths, one for each side. Cut the edges at a forty five degree angle be sure you measure for this when cutting. Now, lay them on a flat surface and arrange the pieces so they form the shape of the frame that you want. Now, join the corners using wood glue and corner clamps. This is done easily by applying the wood glue to the cut edges, then using the corner clamps to keep them tight while the glue is drying.
The next step is to turn the woodworking project over so it is upside down and put two V nails through the glued joints. This will give the frame more sturdiness for longer a longer shelf life.
Now, just let it finish drying overnight. In the morning, you can do any sanding and staining that you want.
Of course, this is an example of a basic woodworking project. With time and practice, you will get to the level of making chairs, coffee tables, beds and dressers.
Both Frederic Lampard & Jimmy Cox are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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