It’s safe to say that woodworking is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable hobbies you could ever undertake, but developing a firm understanding of the basic woodworking techniques is an absolute prerequisite if you want to take this hobby into the intermediate and advanced stages. We’re going to highlight a few of the most fundamental and important woodworking skills that you need to master as a rookie, so let’s get straight to it.
First of all, knowing how to use a hand plane effectively is something that any beginner will need to master in the early days, because the humble hand plane is an essential aspect of many woodworking projects but it’s not always intuitive to use. In fact, many woodworking experts agree that using a hand plane is somewhat of an art, but taking the time to learn the correct motion and movement will go a long way towards giving you a professional finish on any project you are working on.
Another key technique you will want to master in the early stages will be dovetail joints, as these often feature prominently in a variety of beginner to intermediate woodworking projects. Of course, while this form of joint has mystified many people over the years, it is actually surprisingly straightforward once you understand the basic technique that is required. Now, while these joints are often hidden behind any painting or veneer you will be adding as a final finish, there’s no denying the importance of mastering this technique to make sure your project work well at the technical level.
And speaking of finishing, learning how to apply a beautiful varnish to your project is another area that requires a great deal of practice, and it truly separates the beginners from the professionals. Fortunately, it doesn’t take too long to learn the skill of finishing, and if you take your time and do not rush the process, you will often be able to finish most projects over a single weekend. Learning how to hand apply your finish is always a great place to begin, and investing in a quality varnish brush will also go a long way towards giving you a beautiful finish that will stand the test of time.
Perhaps a rather underrated, but nonetheless important, aspect of woodworking is knowing how to maintain your planes, saws, and chisels. For the vast majority of woodworking projects, you will need to have sharp tools at your disposal, and letting any of these crucial tools go blunt can have a detrimental impact on the project you’re working on.
While you will certainly need to purchase high-quality woodworking tools to begin with, it’s wise to invest some time in learning how to sharpen them correctly in order to make your life much easier when you are cutting and shaping the wood. Furthermore, a blunt blade is often a far more dangerous implement then a sharp one, so this is an important thing to consider for your safety as well.
At the end of the day, learning these fundamental woodworking techniques is crucial for any woodworker who is looking to advance their skills and undertake more complicated projects.