Archive for: October 2009

Most wooden structures have joints, whether they are simple edge to edge rubbed joints for making up wide panels from narrow boards, nailed and glued buttjoints or mechanically strong mortice and tenons.  With the increased use of manufactured boards and the revolution in power tool woodworking, jointing methods such as biscuit joining are being widely used. Further, given the growing range of fast fixings the contemporary woodworker has an ample choice of wood connection methods to choose from.

The most common types of wood connections are solid wood joints. These are traditional joints and are used for structural and …

Veneering is a complex art and relies on a woodworker’s experience and willingness to experiment. In traditional veneering surface decoration tends to follow certain conventions in the use of inlays, cross bandings and motifs. The modern woodworker is more likely to be interested in enhancing or complementing the general line of an object is subtle detail.

Unless a woodworker wishes to merely prove he is technically skilled at this technique there is a great risk of overstating an object and killing the wood for craftsmanship. A straight-lined rectangular tabletop can look expensive if veneered in matching veneers …

When assembling any item of woodwork, whether it’s a cabinet, door or window frame it is important to ensure that the piece is held together square while the glue dries. Clamps are used for this purpose and it is necessary to understand the right way to clamping, otherwise it is possible to pull the work out of square and ruin a perfectly good job.

There are several types of clamp available for woodworkers, the G-clamp and the sash clamp being the two most common ones being used. Both of these will mark the wood if some kind …

Rounding edges in woodworking is usually done using flat cutters like a plane, spokeshave or chisel. As a result the edge will require more sanding than a flat surface as the curve is really a series of narrow flatsthe ridges of which will have to be sanded.

The difficulty woodworkers sometimes encounter is to have a corner with a large outside radius, when the thickness of the material is limited. The method of achieving this result will depend on the radius of the curve required and whether the interior is also required to be curved. Very large curves cannot …

Sometimes referred to as squaring timber, the preparation of timber is an essential prerequisite to all woodworking projects. When timber is purchased it is both rough-sawn and irregular or is planed in the case of softwoods. Chances are the wood will be cupped or twisted slightly and need to be and accurately redressed before it can be worked on.

Preparing timber to accurate dimensions for a woodworking project can be achieved manually or mechanically. The manual method works best when the wood is very small or when the grain is particularly difficult to work – although in some cases …

Cutting tight joints may appear daunting at first to woodworkers, but following the right steps can make the task very simple. What’s also important is to have a keen eye, a steady hand and plenty of practice. There is no shortcut to practice at the bench, but it is all too easy to use the wrong methods from the start.

While the woodworking skills of marking, sawing and chiseling are paramount to hand-cut joints, a systematic approach is required in the application of those skills and in combining them with the appropriate machine methods. Cutting joints off the saw …

Finding larger sizes of figured veneers is becoming harder for woodworkers and you may find yourself joining two veneer pieces or more together to get a larger panel. These methods can provide some great results that can only be obtained using veneer. Even the most ordinary veneer can offer amazing results using the method described.

The first step involves preparation of the veneers for joining of edges, which requires trimming of the edges. There are many methods you can use for preparation of the veneers for joining depending on the veneer thickness and seam size.

Clamp the veneers between two flat …

Custom-made picture frames are a great woodworking project. They are also great giveaways for family and friends, especially those who are difficult to please. Most people have a special photo they they’ve been meaning to have framed, but just don’t have the time to get to a framing shop, and you can save them the trouble. The best part is that this is one of those easy woodworking projects where you don’t really have to spend a lot of time, and still get plenty of appreciation.

If at all possible, try and mat the photograph before any stock is …

Like many other industries, the woodworking industry has been hit hard by the current economic downturn. While some have resorted to laying off employees and cutting costs, others have been innovative and have countered tough economic conditions by embracing technology to improve their manufacturing process together with effective business practices.  

Productivity gains through better processes

In keeping with their business growth objectives, manufacturers are looking closely at improved productivity and reduced costs through improved manufacturing processes. For this to happen operating systems are being developed so that they can accommodate a larger scale of operations. Software systems that …