15 woodworking basics you should know

Summary

This video shares 15 essential woodworking tips for beginners and seasoned woodworkers alike. It covers common issues like wood warping, joint techniques, and the importance of proper wood finishing. Viewers will also learn how to calculate board feet, handle different wood types, and use tools safely. Additionally, the video provides practical advice on measuring, cutting, and sanding techniques, as well as how to avoid costly mistakes with tips like drilling pilot holes and managing saw blade kerf. These woodworking basics aim to improve project quality and craftsmanship.

Takeaways

• 🪵 Wood naturally reacts to environmental changes, expanding in heat and humidity and contracting in cold and dry conditions. Allow for this movement in your builds using z-clips or figure-eight fasteners.
• 🛠️ Finishing all sides of a project helps stabilize wood by minimizing moisture exchange with the air, reducing the chance of warping or cracking.
• 🔩 Butt joints are weak and should be reinforced with mechanical fasteners like screws or dowels. Glue alone works well for edge-to-edge joints but not for end-to-face grain.
• 📏 Nominal lumber dimensions (e.g., 2x4) are smaller than their names suggest due to the planing process. Keep this in mind when planning projects.
• 📐 Calculate board feet by multiplying the board's length, width, and thickness in inches, then dividing by 144. For example, a 36x8x1 inch board equals 2 board feet.
• 🧑‍🔧 Safety is paramount in woodworking. Always wear ear protection, safety glasses, and a dust mask, and avoid gloves when using spinning tools like table saws.
• ⚠️ Avoid cross-cutting against the fence on a table saw to prevent kickback. Instead, use a miter gauge, cross-cut sled, or a miter saw.
• ✂️ Measure twice, cut once. Always account for the saw blade's kerf (thickness) by cutting on the correct side of the line to get precise measurements.
• 🔄 For routers, move counterclockwise around the outside of a board and clockwise around inside edges to ensure proper feed direction and safety.
• 🌳 Use closed grain hardwoods (like maple or walnut) for kitchen items like cutting boards to avoid moisture retention and bacterial growth, avoiding open grain woods like oak.

Q & A

Why does wood warp after being brought home from the store?

Wood reacts to changes in its environment, such as humidity and temperature. It swells when it's hot and humid and contracts when it's cold and dry, leading to warping over time.

What are z-clips or figure-eight fasteners used for in woodworking?

Z-clips or figure-eight fasteners allow tabletops to expand and contract without restriction, preventing the wood from cracking due to seasonal movement.

Why should you finish all sides of a woodworking project, even the ones no one will see?

Applying a finish to all sides helps minimize moisture exchange with the ambient air, stabilizing the wood and reducing the likelihood of warping or cracking.

Why are butt joints considered weak in woodworking?

Butt joints, especially when gluing end grain to face grain, are weak because the glue bond isn't strong enough. Mechanical fasteners like pocket screws, dowels, or biscuits are often needed to strengthen the joint.

Why is a 2x4 not actually 2 inches by 4 inches?

The nominal dimensions of a 2x4 refer to the rough size of the board before it’s planed and smoothed down. After processing, its actual size is smaller, typically 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

How do you calculate board feet for rough hardwood lumber?

To calculate board feet, convert all dimensions to inches, multiply them together (length x width x thickness), and then divide by 144. For example, a 36-inch long, 8-inch wide, and 1-inch thick board would be 2 board feet.

What safety precautions should you take when woodworking?

Woodworkers should wear protective gear like ear protection, safety glasses, and a dust mask. Additionally, avoid loose clothing or jewelry around spinning tools and never wear gloves when using large machinery with blades.

Why should you never make cross-cuts using the fence on a table saw?

Cross-cutting against the fence can cause the wood to twist and bind, leading to kickback where the offcut may shoot back or cause injury. A miter gauge or cross-cut sled should be used instead.

What is the importance of measuring twice and cutting once in woodworking?

Measuring twice and cutting once helps avoid costly mistakes, especially with expensive hardwoods. It ensures the correct dimensions are met before making a cut, reducing waste and errors.

Why is it important to understand the difference between open and closed grain woods for kitchen items?

Open grain woods like oak absorb moisture easily and can harbor bacteria, making them unsuitable for kitchen items like cutting boards. Closed grain woods such as maple or walnut are better options as they resist moisture absorption.