Everyone nowadays is opting to work smart using any possible shortcuts than working harder. Any woodwork project is delicate; that is why you need to be very careful while working on them. Below are several tips that will help boost your efficiency: you’ll be able to work in a planned manner and in a productive way.
1. Measure the moisture content of your wood.
As you build the wood, measure the wood’s moisture content correctly to avoid disappointment. If you find your wood to dry, your finished product will swell or even crack. If then your wood is too moist, the end product will shrink or even warp. Therefore, it is essential to measure the wood’s moisture content before you start using it.
The only fail-safe way to prevent ruining your work is to make sure you measure your moisture content correctly using a moisture meter. You can use a Wagner meter that will provide very high accurate measures for both professionals and hobbyists. The meter will also help you troubleshoot any moisture problem and also help you access a lot of helpful resources.
2. Accurate measurement matters
It is always advisable to use a drafting square to come up with accurate measurements. This helps you in coming up with an accurate layout plan. You are required to have a 2-3 feet square range. A drafting square is way better compared to a drywall square while measuring the accuracy.
In case you are looking for the best drafting square to help you boost your efficiency, cozydownhome.com will help you choose the best you can get and answer all your questions if something is unclear.
3. Clean workspace
It is essential to keep your workplace clean at all times. Whatever your work is, whether it is your office work or kitchen work, it is vital to keep your work area clean. A filthy workplace can cause an inconvenience in your end results.
Arrange your regularly used items at the front where you can access them quickly while keeping the rest in a proper place in an arranged manner so that you’ll be able to access them when need be.
4. Use sharp blades
To provide a clean or a sharp cut, all you need to do is use a sharp blade. They will give you a professional look in your end results. If you are using a grinder or a belt sander in tools that tend to chip, dip it in cold water if it gets too hot. This will help you reduce some unwanted problems. After you are done with grinding, refine your woods by using a wet stone or an oil stone.
Wet stone is mostly preferred when a perfect woodworking project. Polish your final product by using a sharp blade that will give you a smooth product. Using dull tools will tear the woods fiber giving your wood an uneven, fuzzy, and unprofessional product.
5. No drywall screws
Rather than using drywall screws to lock up two pieces of woods, conventional wood screws are way better since they will bring out the best results you’ll be looking for. The main reason why drywall screws are discouraged is that, while fitting the woods, the fragile steel shank in the drywall screw will break easily, mostly if the wood used is hard.
Another reason to evade the drywall screws is when they are threaded in full length, its top thread has the tendency of gripping the first wood it enters, this will result in the two pieces of boards falling apart slightly since they both have threads. On the other hand, the top of a conventional wood screw has a smooth shank that will prevent the gripping of the first board.
Wood screws are mainly made of very soft and thick metals that make them hard to break, they will, however, require you to drill a pilot hole that the threads will fit in, countersink hole that will help you set the head and a wider counterbore hole that has the length of a non-threaded shaft.
6. Sanding made it easier.
Sanding your work by the use of your hands can be very tiring. However, if you have special tools and good quality sandpaper, producing excellent results can be very easy than even using a power sander. Also, it does not create any noise, and you’ll be able to get to places the power sander can not.
The sanding block will also help you smoothen and flatten your product, thus giving you more efficient results. The sanding pressure is evenly distributed to provide you with a flatter surface than just folding the sandpaper. Don’t forget to change the sandpaper for more efficient results.
7. Avoid glue stains.
While using glue to join the woods, some of it can drip and stain your wood. To prevent this from happening, tighten the pieces first without using the glue, then use tape and slice them by using a sharp blade.
As you hold the two pieces together tightly, apply the glue. You will notice that the tape will get the stain and not the wood. Remove the tape before the glue gets dried completely.
8. Keep a well-lit shop.
You should be able to work from any angle at your workshop without casting any shadow. Make arrangements for lighting your work areas so that you can have excellent and efficient results. To be productive and also safe in your work area, lighting every corner of your room will help you achieve that.
Don’t forget to consider the overhead lighting, focused lighting, and on-tool lights. To also diffuse your light, consider painting your walls and even your ceiling white.
Conclusion
For you to be efficient in your work, you’ll be not only productive and faster but also be able to achieve satisfaction and accomplish what you do very quickly. By adhering to the tips explained above, you will be able to work smarter and not harder, as the adage says.
The strategies outlined above will help you provide an important framework while organizing the workshop. Every person will work in their way to boost their efficiency in that you will give your project a more satisfying condition.
