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Buying Useful Woodworking Tools
Author: Mohamed Rabea -
Woodworking may just be a hobby to some people but it can also become a money-earning hobby and a small business later on. Most entrepreneurs started their businesses as hobbies but are now full pledged business people.

The good thing about turning a hobby into a money-making venture is that it doesn't seem like work at all because you love doing what you do. When you love what you are doing, it makes things easier and more profitable financial and emotionally.

Woodworking is a hobby that can be turned into a business venture. Woodworking is the art of creating things that are decorative and functional using wood as a material. It is a very labor-intensive occupation but the use of modern techniques and equipment lighten the load a bit.

Creating cabinets and furniture through woodworking can be a possible money-earner because people love to have wooden items in their homes because it brings memories of country life and coziness. Those who are starting out in woodworking can take advantage of shops selling do it yourself wooden products. There are also shops selling woodworking kits which includes the pre-cut materials as well as step by step instructions on how to do the project.

You can start a woodworking hobby with simple projects that require simple and inexpensive hand tools. However, a woodworker who wants to do more complicated wooden projects and wants to move on to become a better woodworker should start buying woodworking tools. The search for woodworking tools shouldn't be that hard because there are vendors both on the internet and in actual shops who sell woodworking tools at reasonable prices.

You should be very careful and informed when choosing woodworking tools because you don't want to waste your money and effort on useless tools that aren't useful and important for the projects you will do. Talk to experienced woodworkers about the tools that are most useful in the industry, their present market value and their ability to carry out big projects.

You can go from hardware to other stores selling woodworking tools. However, an easy way to get these tools would be through the internet. Internet shops not only offer a list of available woodworking tools but they also offer some articles on the proper woodworking tools to buy especially for a beginner. There are also sites that give reviews on woodworking tools. Internet shops also offer different brands and prices of woodworking tools like saws and chisels.

You must take stock of what projects you will be doing in the future because it will give you an idea of what woodworking tools to buy. The belief that the more expensive the tool, the better its performance may be true but if you are new to woodworking and are just practicing, the best tools aren't a necessity. Of course, if you think you will do woodworking for a longer time and might consider this as a permanent hobby or business then you should buy quality tools at the best possible prices.

To start with, you need to have a drill which you can use for a number of projects. A cordless drill would be ideal but isn't recommended for those just starting in woodworking because it is expensive. You will also need a circular saw for basic cutting requirements. A driller and a good saw will enable you to do a variety of projects.

A wooden project will always require sanding so it is advisable to have a finishing sander which you can use to smooth surfaces as well as the edges of some wooden projects. It is also ideal to buy a quality table saw which can withstand the pressures of ripping wood. A common tool used by woodworkers for cutting the edge of a wood as well as molding is the router.

Wooden projects will require a lot of wooden pieces that need to be combined or joined. To be able to do this, you should also buy a biscuit joiner. This tool is important in hastening a project's assembly.

There are more tools that would be useful to you in the future, depending on the type of projects you will be doing. You should only buy the really important ones which can be used in different small or start-up projects. Remember that when buying woodworking tools for a beginner; just choose a few pieces that are inexpensive.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Mohamed Rabea - Online Tips and Resources! www.retractable-awning-guide.info www.retractableawning-now.info

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Finding Hand Tools For Wood Working
Author: Jack Blacksmith -
When you mention woodworking, the first thing that often comes to mind is power tools. However, you will also need a variety of hand tools for your workshop. For the beginner, it can be confusing and difficult to decide what to buy. Building a collection can be expensive and often small tools are overlooked. There are some ways to build your collection inexpensively.

Hand Tools for Shaping Wood

o Clamps: you will need a variety of types and sizes. Fortunately, these are generally inexpensive. Pick them up whenever you find them on sale for a good price. Clamps are sturdy and long lasting, so it's safe to pick these up used.

o Bench chisels: you will need about a half a dozen of these in a variety of sizes from ¼ to one inch.

o Stiff, wire brushes

o Saws: you will need a back saw, tenon and dovetail saws. These get used often in woodworking. If you buy these used, check out the teeth for damage. If in good condition, pick them up used. They will need to be sharpened.

o Planes are used for smoothing. Get a few different planes, at least a block plane and jointer to start with.

o Scrapers are needed for a variety of projects. Look for a paint scraper and a hand scraper to get started.

o Files: Get good size, sturdy files in a ten inch size. Look for smooth and bastard mill files to start with and add others later.

Other Hand Tools You'll Need

o Hammer: get a good quality hammer. A 16 ounce hammer is a good, versatile hammer.
o Mallet for driving chisels
o Allen wrenches in a variety of sizes
o Screwdrivers in Phillips and flat heads. Get a good set in several sizes of each
o T bevel
o Tape measure
o Steel rulers
o Level
o Squares
o Awls: marking and scratch
o Pliers: channel lock and needle nose
o Putty knife
o Utility knife
o Protractor

Finding Hand Tools at a Good Price

Setting up your own woodworking shop can be expensive. It is tempting to go out and buy the cheapest handtools you can find in an effort to save money. Don't do this. Cheaply made tools won't last long and you'll end up having to buy them again. Get good quality tools such as Armstrong tools, Stanley tools or snap on tools. Quality is important in the long run.

Used tools are a good choice, if they are in good condition. Antique hand tools and German hand tools are high quality and fairly easy to find. Hand tools tend to last longer, as there isn't as much that can go wrong as with power tools. The quality and craftsmanship in older tools are often much better than in cheaper new tools. When you purchase used tools, inspect them carefully to be sure they are in good shape.

Handtools are often sold at yard sales. You will have to visit many to find everything you need for your workshop. Check out a few each weekend while you are building your collection. Check your local paper on Friday and Saturday. Many people advertise their yard sales and often include information on the type of merchandise for sale. This can save you a lot of leg work.

Flea markets are an excellent resource for finding tools. You will find more in one place than you will by travelling from yard sale to yard sale. You can often negotiate at a flea market to get a lower price. Don't be afraid to negotiate. Many dealers set their prices a bit higher in anticipation of people haggling with them. If you pay full price in this case, you may be paying a slightly inflated price.

One way to get a better deal is to shop toward the end of the day. Often, people are willing to cut the price just to get rid of the tools. Another option is to buy several tools from the same person. You may be able to get an additional discount for buying several items.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Jack Blacksmith is a contributing author for www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The writer is publishing about hand tools and other areas in this field.

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Woodworking – Creative, Relaxing and Timeless
Author: Kent Walters

The title reflects Woodworking as a hobby, not as a vocation. Vocational woodworking is pretty much the opposite of the adjectives in the title because of the intense pressure to produce quickly in order to make it pay the bills. So we'll stick with the hobby orientation for purposes of this article.

Many people start a project with very little thought. This is okay if you are working from plans, material lists and cutting lists in a woodworking magazine, but when you strike out on your own, this lack of planning often results in a project that becomes very difficult to manage somewhere in the middle, when more wood needs to be added, or, more often, the final piece has to shrink just a little to make do. The project gets less fun as measurement adjustments keep being made to the original plan to keep the modified parts fitting with each other. It's kind of like playing chess with a saw, anticipating three moves ahead what the measurements are going to have to be because of the one deviation you made three steps ago.

What I would like to accomplish here is to lay out a sequence of events that need to take place as you migrate from the canned projects in the woodworking books and magazines to your own project planning.

Recreational woodworking starts with an idea of something functional (a shelf, a table, a bench, a box, a desk) or something meaningful (a toy, a piece of art, a frame), or a combination of the two. This idea can be born of inspiration from looking through woodworking magazines, seeing something in a model home, or a need that exists in your own home.

Most often the concept is sketched out. Traditionally, this is done on the back of an envelope or a partially used napkin, so be sure to have some of those lying around. Once you have the sketch, you have to decide how big you want this thing to be. Often, this is determined by available space or intended function. Staying true to our adage, "measure twice, cut once", a rough dimensioned drawing is created. If this is to be a functional piece (desk, cabinet, etc.), be sure to stay reasonably close to standard measurements for desk heights, knee-hole allowances, kick spaces, cabinet heights, rail and stile widths, file drawer dimensions, etc. You'll be glad you did.

By now, the concept has evolved enough that the desired finish (paint, stain, varnish, oil) has been narrowed down, and a type of wood has been selected that is appropriate for the project, budget and finish. With so many choices of wood and finish conveniently available today, this can be quite an exercise.

Now that the type of wood and finish have been determined, it is time to decide what kinds of joints you are going to make (assuming you are not making a boomerang or hollowed-out canoe or some other one-piece thing). Considerations are strength, the look you are trying to achieve, your equipment and capabilities, and the amount of time you can invest. This can be one of the more strenuous mental exercises because of the range of choices. The look of a bung or button, the clean lines of hidden biscuit or dowel joints, the strength and intricacy of the dovetail, the simplicity of nails and glue. All have their place, and you have to decide.

Along with the joints, hardware has to be planned. Based on the hardware, you have to adjust your dimensioned drawing to accommodate clearances for drawer rails, those extra half inches for lap and dado joints, hidden hinge overlaps, insert depths for frame-and-panel door panels, etc. You also have to consider depth of relieves and radii of router profiles to make sure your stock is thick enough to allow your concept to mature as planned.

A final dimensioned drawing is created, allowing for all joint and hardware considerations, and a cutting list is prepared from this drawing. Note: This drawing does not have to be to scale, or look professional in any way. It helps the visualization process if it is proportional, but the real important aspect of this drawing is documenting the measurements. Don't be concerned about the appearance of the drawing - that is not what you will be displaying.

Now, finally, we can go to our lumber supplier and select the actual wood we will be working with. This is not where you want to save time. For the parts of the project that will show, especially for projects where the natural wood is intended to be a design feature, extra care should be taken to select the grains and natural attributes that will best fit your concept. If you are saving money intending to plane "three-sides-good" lumber, make sure the width runs far enough on the pieces selected with enough margin to get the length needed for each piece AFTER PLANING. Measure the finished surface to the beginning of the raw edge. For framework, cleats and carcasses look for straight, unknotted pieces. Warps and twists can be overcome, but they make the whole project less fun.

With this level of preparation and with sharp tools, the project will proceed nicely and the finished piece will bring you satisfaction, many years of service, and can sometimes even become a treasured family heirloom. Note: The heirloom status is often true of a desk, a well-made toy or a rocking chair. Don't set your expectations too high for laundry shelves.

Kent Walters is currently an amateur woodworker in Houston, Texas. His entrance to the craft was similar to many - woodshop in school. He continued the craft some time later as a toymaker on a drill press, sander and spray booth. He was a furniture maker at one time, building mostly desks, book cases, wall units, display cases and cabinets.

As time moves on, he is "downsizing" to intarsia and toys – panels are getting too heavy to lift, and heirlooms are becoming more important than they once were. For more articles, resources and a woodworker's website directory, see http://www.woodworkingcenter.com " http://www.woodworkingcenter.com.

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Painting woodwork in and around your home
Author: Roger King
There is no rule which says you must paint woodwork white, or strip it, or color it to merge with the walls. In a room whose walls, window frames and doors are in the same neutral color, you could paint the skirting board a clear contrasting color. This will define the line between the floor and walls. Trim colors that contrast with walls and ceilings might suit your style in one room, while a more subtle color change might be right somewhere else in the house.

You can liven up plain, flat walls by adding moldings so as to create panels around the room. For best results, make sure you keep your working area within the proper temperature range recommended for the paint. All interior woodwork that has been stripped, from baseboard to dining room tables, needs to be primed with either a standard acrylic wood primer. After that you can paint on it with oil-based flat eggshell, gloss, or acrylic paints.

Most interior woodwork looks best in an eggshell finish, as high-gloss paint can have a rather bleak, deadening effect. If your plan is to paint walls, ceiling, and trim, then it's best to get the trim painted first, along with the room's windows and doors. Paint woodwork in small sections. Keeping a wet edge to avoid lap marks.

A wide range of broken- color effects work well on woodwork, but ideally you should use oil-based paints as latex has little durability on wood. Stains add color to wood while allowing its natural grain pattern to show through. Varnishes are clear finishes that form a tough coating over stain. They are available in a range of finish sheens from satin to high gloss. At the end of a project, combine all of the leftover paint of the same color into as few cans as possible.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

About The Author: Roger King has been involved in home interior painting for several years, and has been helping people find and review the best value for interior painting solutions. Visit his Web site www.decorativeinteriorpainting.com to learn more about this service.

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Woodworking Tools - A Detailed Guide
Author: Ciara McNamara -
Woodworking is a popular and relaxing hobby. When you get started, you will need a variety of woodworking tools. You don't need to spend a fortune to get started. By purchasing what you can used and shopping for discount tools you can build your collection without spending a fortune.

Chisels: Look for high quality, durable chisels, as these will get a lot of use. Rockler woodworking chisels are durable and affordable. You will need a variety of chisels in sizes from ¼ to 2 inches wide, depending on the project. Chisels can be used by hand or you can tap them with a wood mallet.

Clamps are needed for gluing projects together. A wide variety of sizes are available. These are generally inexpensive, so pick them up whenever you find them. These can often be found used in good condition. Pick them up whenever you find them cheap to build your collection.

Squares are important for accurate measuring. You will need a framing square or a carpenter square. A try square is often used in furniture making. These come in sizes from three to twelve inches. Look for squares that are marked in inches and metric. A combination square has two pieces: a head on a steel blade. These are a great tool for measuring 45 or 90 degree angles.

Drills come in corded or cordless models. Corded drills work well and are less expensive. Great features to look for include reverse, variable speed controls and attachments for a drill press. If you want a cordless drill, look for high voltage batteries to be sure it will have adequate power. Look for a model with two batteries, so one can be charging while you work with the other. You will need a variety of drill bits for woodworking projects.

Hand planes are made of steel or wood and are used for a variety of purposes. A jack plane is used for rough shaping and comes in twelve to fifteen inch sizes. A block plane is used for trimming. Smoothing planes are good for fine cuts and are eight or nine inches long.

Other tools you will need include:

o 16 ounce claw hammer
o wrenches
o screwdrivers
o tape measure
o safety glasses
o sand paper
o level
o hack saw
o pliers
o hand saw

Finding Woodworking Tools

Don't rush out to buy the cheapest tools you can find to supply your workshop. Wait until you can afford quality items that will last. Buying cheap tools is a decision you could well live to regret. A good set will last for years, unlike cheap tools which will have to be replaced many times over the same time period.

The internet is a good place to search for discount woodworking tools. Look for well known names, such as Rockwell tools, Sears tools, Hitachi tools and Ridgid tools. Rockler woodworking tools are well known for quality. By purchasing major brands that are known for quality, you are more likely to end up with a product that will give you years of dependable use.

One way to find quality tools at an affordable price is to buy them used. These can be found at flea markets, yard sales, antique auctions or your local classifieds. Tools are often in good shape, particularly if they got little use. Hand tools are almost always a good bet when purchased used.

Be careful when purchasing used power tools. They are generally good if they were gently or rarely used. Check them out thoroughly and try them to be sure they are in good condition. Ask about how often they were used and when they were first purchased to get a better idea of the overall condition.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Ciara McNamara publishes many articles for www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The writer is specializing in subjects like woodworking tools .

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A Diy Guide On Woodworking Jigs
Author: Ken Morris -
Woodworking jigs are a necessary part of any woodworking shop. They are great for repetitive tasks in many wood working projects. They make complex projects easier to manage and faster. You can purchase pre made jigs or make your own. Although they are inexpensive, making your own from scrap wood is even cheaper. Depending on the type of projects you like to do, you will need a variety of different jigs.

Types of Woodworking Jigs

Dovetail jigs are great for making dovetail joints accurately. These can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Another option is to make your own dovetail jig. You can find templates for making your own jigs on the internet or in most stores that sell wood working supplies. Many of these templates allow you to make up to twelve different size jigs.

You may want to puck up a dovetail bit for your router and a dovetail saw. These are great tools if you intend to make your own jigs. Templates allow you to make variable spaced or fixed dovetails for a variety of projects, including cabinets, drawers and small boxes. Some systems come with bits and templates together in one kit. These save money compared to purchasing the components separately.

Dovetail saws are used to cut not only dovetails, but other fine joints for projects. The blades on these saws are thinker than other saws. This allows for greater accuracy. It's important to purchase a good quality tool for making tight joints and professional looking projects. Look for about fourteen to seventeen points per inch in a good quality saw.

A dowel jig is used for making quality, consistent dowels. If you are using a thick timber, get a self centering jig for better accuracy. There are a variety of sizes from a quarter to one half inch. Complete kits are available that include the dowel jig with several hundred dowels in a variety of sizes. Glue is sometimes included in these kits.

A kreg jig is great for cabinet making. Perfectly positioned slides are necessary if the movement in the drawer is to be smooth. Using kreg jigs save time because you won't need to measure and mark the spaces for drawer slides. These make it easier to mount metal drawer slides. They can be used for center, bottom or extension mounted drawers. This is an inexpensive, yet versatile piece of equipment.

Making Woodworking Jigs Yourself

Making your own woodworking jigs saves money in supplies. Use inexpensive materials and scrap pieces of plywood for making your own jig. Since you use the jigs for one project only, you don't want to spend much on materials. If you plan to re use your jigs, use a stronger hardwood to make them.

You can find instructions for making your own jigs in woodworking books or magazines. Instructions are also available on the internet. You can print these out for future reference. Consider getting a good binder to keep your jig making instructions organized in your workshop. Using plastic page covers will protect the instructions from getting dirty, ripped or damaged.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Ken Morris contributes to www.insidewoodworking.com a website with resources. He mainly writes about DIY related topics for the woodworker, especially on woodworking jigs and safety.

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A Guide To Woodworking Plans
Author: Peter Wilson -
Woodworking plans are an essential component of any project. Wood working patterns and scroll saw patterns are needed to plan a project and create accents in your piece. Good plans give step by step instructions, diagrams and illustrations to guide you through from start to finish. You can buy plans, find them for free on the internet or make your own plan.

Finding Woodworking Plans

Free woodworking patterns can be found on the internet. Many are free, but others need to be purchased. You can search for general plans or for specific projects. Patterns are available for everything from a simple box or bird feeder to elaborate furniture projects. Several websites offer plans for making children's toys and decorative items. Enter the project you are looking for in your favourite search engine or just enter free woodworking plans.

There are books available that are devoted to wood working patterns. You can find these at book stores, on the internet or in your local library. Often, woodworking magazines will contain plans for a wide variety of projects. Purchase a few of these at your local news stand. After you have found one you like best, you may decide to subscribe and receive new plans month after month.

If you are new to woodworking, it's best to start of with a simple pattern. This will help you learn to read and follow the plans. As your skills increase, you can move on to more difficult projects. Start off with a simple toy or bird feeder before attempting to make a dining room set. Look for detailed and thorough plans to help you create your project.

Good plans include detailed instructions. The instructions should take you step by step through the entire project. Look for plans that have detailed diagrams as well as illustrations of the project at each stage. Print out your plans and keep them in a binder. This will help keep you organized and prevent pages from getting lost or damaged.

You can follow the plan step by step or you may decide to make a few changes to the plan. Changing a few details is a great way to make a generic plan more personal and original. For example, you can change certain designs or accent pieces and give the project a whole new look. Another option is to paint the finished product, rather than staining.

Creating Woodworking Plans

Once you become more experienced, you may decide to try to create your own plan. Start by sketching how you want the finished product to look. The first sketch doesn't need to be too technical or detailed. You will add the details and dimensions later. Once you have made your original sketch, determine the dimensions of the total finished product.

Determine what type of wood you will use in your project and how much wood you will need. It's important to use accurate measurements when ordering the wood to avoid running out before the project is finished. Determine what other materials you will need to complete the project. This will help you estimate the total cost.

Create a detailed list of all materials needed and the quantity of each material. Include items such as paint, stain or polyurethane. Consider the tools that will be needed to complete the project. Do you have all that you need? With this information, you can then determine the overall cost. Take this list with you when you go out to purchase supplies.

You will then draw a more detailed sketch of your design. Create diagrams like those found in woodworking plans on the internet. Draw each stage of the process in detail. Write out detailed instructions that will take you step by step through the project. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't skip any essential steps along the way.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Peter Wilson writes articles for www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. He is featuring woodworking plans and various articles in the field.

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Choosing The Right Material For Your Deck
Author: Trevor Russell
Looking to add a deck to your home? If so, the toughest part of the project may not be deciding what size or where to put your deck, but what material to use. Until recently, pressure-treated lumber has been the standard material for deck builders. Wood has always been relatively easy to repair and work with, but now more than ever, homeowners have a growing choice when they visit their local home center.

The decking materials that have seen the most rapid growth in sales among consumers are composites. Composites are a combination of polymer resins and premium recycled wood fibers that offer the best of both materials. The resins shield the wood from insect and moisture damage, while the wood protects the resin from UV damage and adds stability and traction.

Maintenance is another key factor in the decking material decision. Some homeowners may opt for pressure-treated wood that they can stain a color to their liking and seal. Homeowners who choose composites can choose from several different colors but never have to stain, seal or treat. For both options, a good pressure-washing at least two times per year is a good habit to get into.

Veranda is a leader in composite decking and railing systems that offer all the beauty of wood without time-consuming upkeep. By minimizing maintenance, it gives you more time to enjoy the season. The composite looks, installs and works like wood, with added protection against shrinking, rotting, decaying, splintering and termite damage. No special tools are needed for installation; conventional woodworking tools will do the job.

If you do choose to go with a composite decking material, experts recommend purchasing all the material at one time, as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colors. Like most composites, individual Veranda deck boards will have slight color variations from piece to piece. This is due to the natural variations in wood fibers and polymers.

Most importantly, whatever type of deck you build, be sure to get out and use it with family and friends; that's when all the hard work you put in really shows.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on the entire line of Veranda composites, visit www.verandainfo.com. When choosing material for a new deck, composites are a low-maintenance option that looks, installs and works like wood.

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The Basics of the Murphy Bed Plan
Author: Eddie Tobey
As living space becomes more efficient, two social trends have converged to foster the Murphy bed's regained popularity. First, because housing is more expensive, every available area needs to be used in as many ways as possible. Multi-use rooms are an extremely effective way to expand that space. Second, the "do-it-yourself" boom is still in full swing, as people choose to economize where they can by providing their own labor. Thus, turning a bedroom or study into a multipurpose guest room/work room by building one's own Murphy bed is an increasingly popular project.
Murphy bed plans and kits are available at a variety of sources. Manufacturers and retailers of Murphy beds often offer suggestions and technical support for this project. Many of these manufactures also sell a Murphy bed Plan. Other resources are the fashionable home improvement shows and home make-over shows. Often, a video of one of these instructional programs will be available to guide the home carpenter. Carpentry books are also a good resource.
The project itself is fairly simple, involving a box that fits within another box, and that has legs that rotate in or out, depending on the position of the bed. The cabinetry that surrounds the bed can be as simple or ornate as the homeowner would like.
A place to start looking for a Murphy bed plan is the manufacturer of the special mechanism that the homeowner will need to purchase. These patented mechanisms are what allow the Murphy bed to be opened out or shut away with a minimum of effort. These businesses are also a source of technical support. It is in their interests for your project to be successful.
Simple shop tools and an intermediate level of comfort with wood-working projects will allow the home carpenter to build a custom Murphy bed for his home. Building one's own bed will allow choosing the exact woods and trims to compliment the home and match existing woodwork, for a truly built-in look.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Murphy Bed Hardware provides detailed information on Murphy Bed, Murphy Bed Plan, Murphy Bed Hardware, Murphy Bed Mechanism and more. Murphy Bed Hardware is affiliated with Futon Bunk Beds .

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A Guide to Platform Bed Plans
Author: Elizabeth Morgan
Do you want to try your hand at building a platform bed? For those of you who don't yet know what a platform bed is, it's an exciting, old way of sleeping that incorporates a simple, elegant frame and a single mattress. Its lines have been used in Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Platform beds can be made of wood or metal. If you're looking to build a platform bed, you're probably thinking about wood.
Platform beds can be extremely simple. The extremely simple platform beds have no headboard or footboard, and certainly no canopy. They incorporate slats, which, in effect, replace the need for a box spring, since, because they are sturdy yet somehow slightly flexible, support the single mattress on top. The result is that you get a good night's sleep, are very comfortable, and yet don't end up with back pains or numb muscles in the morning.
It's ever better for your back than sleeping on the floor. And now, with the rapid proliferation of memory foam, your platform bed can be even more comfortable and healthy. Memory foam is a gel-like polymer that accepts your shapes and bones, but supports it fully. (It was first used in hospitals, and is now a popular mattress and pillow material.)
Platform bed plans can be more complex too; you can add headboards, footboards, canopies, even extra flourishes and storage units. You can build the storage units as one with the bed frame, or you can create rolling drawers supported by castors, so that the drawers are modifiable and easily maneuverable throughout your bedroom.
It's not the most difficult job in the world for a handyperson. If you want to build a platform bed, you can order platform bed plans from any of a number of plans retailers. Woodworking clubs, furniture enthusiast groups, and other organizations can give or sell you plans. You can also buy plans online.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Platform Bed Frames provides detailed information on Platform Beds, Platform Bed Frames, Contemporary Platform Beds, Wood Platform Beds and more. Platform Bed Frames is affiliated with Full Loft Beds .

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Woodworking
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A Guide to Platform Bed Plans
Author: Elizabeth Morgan
Do you want to try your hand at building a platform bed? For those of you who don't yet know what a platform bed is, it's an exciting, old way of sleeping that incorporates a simple, elegant frame and a single mattress. Its lines have been used in Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Platform beds can be made of wood or metal. If you're looking to build a platform bed, you're probably thinking about wood.
Platform beds can be extremely simple. The extremely simple platform beds have no headboard or footboard, and certainly no canopy. They incorporate slats, which, in effect, replace the need for a box spring, since, because they are sturdy yet somehow slightly flexible, support the single mattress on top. The result is that you get a good night's sleep, are very comfortable, and yet don't end up with back pains or numb muscles in the morning.
It's ever better for your back than sleeping on the floor. And now, with the rapid proliferation of memory foam, your platform bed can be even more comfortable and healthy. Memory foam is a gel-like polymer that accepts your shapes and bones, but supports it fully. (It was first used in hospitals, and is now a popular mattress and pillow material.)
Platform bed plans can be more complex too; you can add headboards, footboards, canopies, even extra flourishes and storage units. You can build the storage units as one with the bed frame, or you can create rolling drawers supported by castors, so that the drawers are modifiable and easily maneuverable throughout your bedroom.
It's not the most difficult job in the world for a handyperson. If you want to build a platform bed, you can order platform bed plans from any of a number of plans retailers. Woodworking clubs, furniture enthusiast groups, and other organizations can give or sell you plans. You can also buy plans online.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Platform Bed Frames provides detailed information on Platform Beds, Platform Bed Frames, Contemporary Platform Beds, Wood Platform Beds and more. Platform Bed Frames is affiliated with Full Loft Beds .

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Make Woodworking More Enjoyable With Quality Tools
Author: Philip Humfrey -
People everywhere are discovering the joy of woodworking. Today, when furniture and other types of wood-based manufacturing is moving overseas, getting old-fashioned quality is often next to impossible.

And of course, the high price of fine already-made wood products can also be prohibitively high. The good news is more and more people are either getting into woodworking or are expanding their skills and shops.

As a leading manufacturer of woodworking tools, our customers range from the weekend hobbyist with a set-up in the garage, to shops that turn out growing quantities of quality wood products.

One thing that will make your woodworking efforts far more productive and enjoyable is having the proper tools. Often we point to a professional's skills as what separates him or her from the amateur, but skill isn't the only factor. A pro usually has a well-developed collection of quality tools, with the right tool for every job.

And that's a BIG advantage. Just about any job goes faster and gets better results when you have the RIGHT tool for the situation.

One constant challenge for woodworking shops is to keep dust under control. Super-fine saw dust can accumulate on floors, walls, in air conditioning, clog up tools, and even serve as fuel for fires. Worst of all, breathing saw dust can have a serious effect on your health. Most cities now have requirements that all commercial woodworking shops have dust gathering and removal systems.

An over-arm blade cover with dust collection for your table saw can be just what you need to control dust. Coupled to an appropriate dust collection system the blade cover will collect the dust as it flies off the revolving saw blade, keeping your shop and the air you breathe clean.

A sliding table will be a definite asset to your woodworking shop. Available in four sizes and designed to fit most table saws, sliding tables make it easy and safer for one person to cut large, heavy panels or long stock accurately. Plus, each sliding table has a two-part quick release-mounting bracket. With this you can quickly remove the sliding table from your table saw and attach it to your spindle shaper, router table or band saw.

If you're serious about woodworking, don't be afraid to spend the money to get really good quality professional tools. The price is often very affordable, and you'll get years of enjoyment and productivity from your arsenal of well-chosen tools.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Philip Humfrey is president of EXAKTOR Tools. Win EXAKTOR's popular woodworking tools each month in their continuing Monthly Sweepstakes. Register to win now at www.exaktortools.com Reach Philip at p.humfrey@exaktortools.com.

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What Types Of Industrial Power Tools Are Available?
Author: Robert Marcus
Electric Sander
This device operates with a belt driven sander making short work of the most demanding sanding tasks. Buffing down an old wooden dresser ready for a fresh coat of paint or taking the knots out of the decking are but two possible uses for this power tool.

Drill
The common drill is probably one of the most often purchased power tool, using various sized drill bits to bore and auger holes in wood, plastic, metal and plaster for picture and shelf hanging and many other uses.

Saw
This is a industrial power tool for cutting wood or other material, consisting of a serrated blade (a blade with the cutting edge toothed) and worked either by hand or by steam, water, electric or other power source.

Lathe
In woodturning, metalworking, metal spinning, and glass working, a lathe is a machine power tool which spins a block of material so that when abrasive, cutting, or deformation tools are applied to the block, it can be shaped to produce an object which has rotational symmetry about an axis of rotation. Examples of objects that can be produced on a lathe include candlestick holders, table legs, bowls, baseball bats, crankshafts or camshafts.

The material is held in place by either one or two centers, at least one of which can be moved horizontally to accommodate varying material lengths. In a woodworking lathe, an adjustable horizontal metal rail between the material and the operator accommodates the positioning of shaping tools, which are usually hand-held. With wood, it is common practice to press and slide sandpaper against the still-spinning object after shaping.

Crushers
Crushers are commonly classified by the degree to which they fragment the starting material, with coarse crushers not reducing it by much, intermediate crushers fragmenting it much more significantly, and grinders reducing it to a fine powder.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Robert Is A Freelance Writer For ToughToolz.com. They Specialize In Information About power tool s. If You Need To Know What Is The Best Hand And Power Tool on the market, Or Something More Specific Like Delta Power Tool s You Can Find Out More Here.

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Building A Better Toolbox
Author: Stacey Moore
Whether you've built a reputation as a handyman or you're new to the do-it-yourself world, the right tools can keep small jobs from turning into big projects. But what kind of tools are best for you? It depends on the work you plan to do. Here's a guide to filling your toolbox:

The High-Tech Handyman

Laser-guided levels, tape measures that "remember" lengths, and hands-free, self-powering flashlights can keep your toolbox high-tech, easy to use and useful. These new tool types are great for small, around-the-house projects such as hanging shelves, cutting blinds and hanging pictures. Some new types of laser-guided levels even attach to the wall and provide accurate multi-point measurements, meaning you can use the levels to hang a number of different items at an equal distance from one another and in a straight line.

Power Up

You don't need to be a serious do-it-yourselfer to have a use for power tools. For instance, a power drill with a screwdriver bit can be used to set up entertainment centers, to fix fences or for woodworking projects. Of course, power tools have more serious uses as well-from deck building to fastening Sheetrock. If you plan to use your power tools for some heavy-duty projects, do a little research first. For instance, you may not know that a power drill with high torque does not necessarily provide higher drilling speeds, only more turning power. If speed is what you need, check out drills with multiple-speed settings.

Toolbox Staples

It's important not to skimp on quality when shopping for your toolbox staples. For instance, Great Neck Saw Manufacturers' new Heritage brand pays tribute to classic tools such as the hammer, screwdriver, level and multitool by offering them with premium finishes. The collectable (and usable) tools feature hardwood with brass trim for an historical, antique look. But they're designed using today's high-performance standards. These tools are a great way to add utility to your toolbox-and value to your tool collection.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information, visit www.heritage-tools.com. Collectable-and usable-tools can complete a toolbox.

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Garden Shed - Using It as a Workshop or Craft Room
Author: Jerry M Smith
There are many ways to use your garden shed other than for gardening. You could use it as a workshop for building small pieces of furniture. Or, you could use it as a craft room for creating all of those wonderful things that are fun to make, but make too big a mess in the house.

Some of the garden sheds are come very simple and basic. They have a door a few windows for light and little else. You get to fill up the walls and floor however you like. Some come in fancier designs with tables, shelves and cabinets, so there is plenty of workspace and storage space.

The key to getting the right garden shed is to figure out what you will be using it for. Are you an artist who needs a place to draw, paint or sculpt? Are you a woodworker making small furniture and birdhouses? Are you a craftsperson who makes jewelry or small knickknacks? The answers to these questions will help you figure just what you want and need as far as size and design of your garden shed.

Do you already have a garden shed that you want to convert into a small workshop or craft room? With a little bit of creativity and hard work you can do that. Just clean it out and scrub it down. Put in any tables or shelves might you want and maybe a few chairs and you are ready to start using your new room.

You want the appearance your shed to reflect something of your personality and what you are all about but, you should always check with your local government offices to make sure your garden shed will be in compliance with the building and zoning laws of your community.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Buying Garden Sheds Online His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information.

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Keeping Hard Wood Flooring Looking Its Best
Author: Rob Carlton -
Hard wood flooring remains a popular choice in home decorating. The warmth and beauty of hardwood adds to the value of your home. You have a variety of choices in colors and styles of wood. There is an option for every home from traditional to contemporary.

Choosing Hard Wood Flooring

You have several choices in styles for the overall look of your hardwood floor.

o Plank style flooring material is wide and resembles several strips of wood together in one plank. The planks are between three and six inches wide. The benefit of planks is the installation is a bit faster, since the planks cover a wider area than individual strips.

o Strips are smaller, up to three inches wide at most. These are beneficial for making the room appear larger.

o Solid flooring is one large piece of wood. These vary in thickness and are a custom made floor. They can be refinished many times over the life of the floor.

o Parquet floors are squares of hardwood that resemble ceramic tiles in size. Some are glued and others are nailed down. The squares can be arranged in a geometric design for a unique look.

Your other major choice in hardwood flooring is to get one that is unfinished or come pre finished. Pre finished floors come with a factory finish. These are very popular and easier to install. However, they are more expensive. Many find the additional price worth the money, as it saves time in staining and sanding.

Unfinished flooring must be finished after the floor is installed. You stain and coat the wood with urethane to protect the finish. The sanding and finishing process takes several days. You need to allow sufficient time for the surface to cure at each stage in the process before sanding. The floor must be sanded after each stage of the finishing process. Floor sanders can be used for this process.

Installing Hard Wood Flooring

Proper measurement is essential when ordering materials for your room. You will need a saw to cut the planks of wood to fit around corners and through doorways. For a more professional look, remove all the baseboards and trim before you start. Replace these after the installation is complete. The seams should be staggered as the planks are laid.

Before the installation process is started, be sure the subfloor is level. This should be done for any floor including hardwood, bamboo flooring, cork flooring or pergo flooring. If the floor isn't level, use asphalt tiles to level it prior to beginning the installation.

Special paper can be used under the hardwood to avoid squeaking sounds when you walk on the floor. The planks should be nailed through the subfloor and into the joists for a stable floor that won't move. Start the installation in the center of the room and move outward for the best, most even look.

Once the floor is laid, it needs to be sanded. Floor sanders can be rented through home improvement centers or any store that rents tools. Sand the floor evenly and don't stay too long in any one area of the room. This can cause uneven spots.

Keeping Hard Wood Flooring Looking its Best

The care needed depends on the finish on your particular floor. Refer to the manufacturer's directions regarding the care of pre finished floors. If your floor is finished with urethane, sweep a few times each week to remove dirt and dust. Wipe spills with a damp towel, but don't use a very wet mop. This can damage the floor.

If the floors are waxed, you will need to buff occasionally and wax the floor. Using area rugs and door mats can help keep the floor from becoming very dirty. Protect the wood with pads on the legs of all your furniture. This will help prevent scratches and damage to the wood.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Rob Carlton is a freelance writer for www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The author is publishing about hard wood flooring and other areas.

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Installing Discount Laminate Flooring
Author: Clinton Maxwell -
Discount laminate flooring is an inexpensive alternative to costly hardwood floors. A variety of tones and styles are available to fit every décor and budget. Although less expensive, these floors have the look of natural hardwood flooring. Major manufacturers such as Mohawk flooring and Shaw Laminate flooring make good quality floor materials.

You have many choices in discount wood flooring. There is something for every room in your home and every style of interior design. You will find a wide selection of colors and textures to fit everything from a rustic Early American style home to an ultra modern contemporary and every style in between.

Although most laminate is made to resemble wood, you have many more options. Other options include ceramic tile, stone and marble tile laminate designs. You may choose ceramic tile in the kitchen, marble in the living room and wood in the family room. With today's laminates, the possibilities are endless.

Finding the Best Price for Discount Laminate Flooring

Before you start shopping around for the best price, you need to know how much you need. Take accurate measurements for the area where the floor will be installed. Add an additional ten percent to the measurements of the room to allow for cutting and mistakes in the installation process. Add a bit more if you will be laying the planks in a distinctive pattern.

The internet is a great source for discount floor materials. Most sites offer good pictures to give you an idea of what you are ordering. Make sure all materials are from the same lot number when you order. The color variations can be significant and very noticeable once the floor is laid, if they are from different lot numbers. In addition, the finish and texture can vary.

When your flooring arrives, check it carefully for damage. Check the edges and corners for chipping or other damage. Small chips may not be noticed, but large ones will be seen when the floor is down. If the damage is bad, you may need to exchange it. If only a few pieces are damaged on the ends, you may be able to use these on as pieces that would need to be trimmed anyway.

Installing Flooring

Installing laminate flooring is fairly easy. It's a good DIY project for the handy homeowner. There isn't much preparation needed. It can be installed right over your existing vinyl or hardwood floor. You can install it over either a wood or concrete subfloor. It can be installed over concrete for basement flooring.

The pieces fit together easily in a tongue and groove fashion. The floor is not glued or nailed in place, as is done with hardwood floor installation. The tongue and groove slots are held together with a special adhesive that is made for laminate flooring. This type of floor is also known as a floating floor. The job can be easily done in a day or two for an average size room. If only doing one room, this is a good weekend job.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Clinton Maxwell is writer at www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The publisher is also specializing on discount laminate flooring .

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Care And Maintenance Of Cork Flooring
Author: Clinton Maxwell -
Many people think of a bulletin board when they think of cork flooring. This is not the case at all. This material is beautiful and available in a wide variety of colors and shades, from very light to dark. There is a cork floor to match any home décor. It also comes in a wide variety of textures and patterns, including marble and wood grain patterns that resemble pergo flooring.

Benefits of Cork Flooring

Cork is a great insulating material. It keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The energy efficiency aids in cutting energy bills in the winter. It is much more energy efficient than either Armstrong laminate flooring or discount wood flooring. Cork is also good for sound insulation. It helps cut down noise from another room, or another floor.

This material is softer on your feet than ceramic tile, bellawood or any other wood or stone flooring material. This is more comfortable in the kitchen, when you may spend a lot of time on your feet. In addition, if you drop a dish, it won't break as easily as it would on a tile or stone floor. Another benefit, cork is naturally fire retardant.

Cork is also good for the environment. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree. These trees grow primarily in Spain and Portugal. The trees are not cut down. The bark is stripped away, without killing the tree. It immediately begins to grow back and can be peeled again about every nine years. This flooring does not contribute to deforestation, which is considered a big problem on our planet today.

Installing Cork Flooring

Installation is done by either nailing or gluing down the material. It can be installed over wood or concrete. It's important to be sure the subfloor is completely dry. Applying a sealer before installing the floor helps prepare the surface and controls moisture. Peel and stick cork tiles are also available for easy installation.

Spread the adhesive on the subfloor with a paint roller. Once the tiles are laid, you will hardly see the seams. A razor knife can be used to cut tiles to fit around corners or angles in the room. Once the tiles are laid, you will need to roll the floor with a 100 pound floor roller. These can be rented from most places where other tools are rented. A clear urethane can be applied over the floor for added protection.

Cork is fairly easy to clean and maintain. Sweep with a broom to remove debris. You can mop the floor with a damp mop as needed. The finish may begin to wear off after several years. Floor sanders can be used to sand the floor lightly. Reapply a coat of urethane after sanding to protect the floor. You can apply several coats, sanding lightly between each coat, for added protection. Several coats of clear urethane will make the floor more water resistant.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Clinton Maxwell is author and designer of www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The writer is specializing in tips on cork flooring .

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Building Your Own Kitchen Cabinets
Author: Chet Holcomb
If you have ever considered building your own kitchen cabinets and aborted the idea by convincing yourself that you have no woodworking
tools, or I know nothing about wood staining and finishing, or
little about cabinet making in general, then read on and believe me when I say it can be done with minimal tools.

With the rising price of lumber and plywood on the market today a set of kitchen cabinets bought pre made, or custom made is becoming an unreality for some home owners.

Now it would be nice to have a complete woodworking shop all ready to just punch out a set of kitchen cabinets on demand, but that is probably not the case and here is the alternative to the solution.

You can measure and layout on paper the design of your kitchen using the existing kitchen as a example of how things are constructed then break it down into a parts list forgetting any doors, drawers, or hardware for the time being. Just concentrate on the shell.

When you have your parts list ready you can buy the materials and hire a cabinet shop to cut and mill the parts for the boxes and what your left with is assembling the boxes. This is not uncommon practice in cabinetry now days as more cabinet manufactures are farming out there work so they can produce more. The cabinet shop will package the order for each box making it easier to identify the cabinet and understand the assembly.

When your kitchen cabinets are assembled you measure the door and drawer opening and take your list to a company that specializes in building just doors and drawers.

Once the cabinets are assembled and the drawer slides installed to cabinet box and drawer it is a good idea to dry fit all parts before installing your kitchen cabinets.

At this point you need to decide what type finish and top coat you want to use on your kitchen cabinets and how it should be done.
We are not going to discuss in detail how to finish your cabinets in this how to because it is a separate issue altogether, but suggest you install the cabinets and hire a professional painter to do the final step.

Another alternative to save money, labor and error factors is to buy
Ready to Assemble cabinets from companies that specialize in this area. The savings may not be as great as doing it all yourself, but Ready to Assemble cabinets cost less to ship than pre-made kitchen cabinets and usually provide professional assistance in design.

You can read more detailed information on Building Your Own Kitchen Cabinets at my website.

Chet Holcomb of Home Improvement Handyman is a experienced carpenter and contractor with many years doing home repair and specializing in cabinetry and considered an expert to other home owners home improvement advice.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

About The Author Chet Holcomb of Home Improvement Handyman is an accomplished carpenter, cabinet maker and building contractor and provides the public with home improvement tips, ideas for the home owner handyman. You may reprint this article freely if the content is not altered and the authors resource box is displayed.

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A Guide To Wood Flooring
Author: Erica Bosworth -
Wood flooring is beautiful and increases the value of your home. They continue to be loved more than stone flooring or slate flooring. Wood has depth and warmth that looks great and gives your home a warm feeling.

A variety of choices are available in both hard woods and other wood types. The type of wood you will choose depends on your personal preference and the décor of your home. Wood is suitable for nearly every room in your home. It may not be best in kitchens and bathrooms due to the amount of moisture found in these areas.

Choices in Wood Flooring

Hardwood remains a popular choice in wood floors. You have the choice of several different hardwoods. Popular choices include oak, cherry, hickory, maple, walnut and bellawood. These can be stained a variety of shades and tones. Consider leaving the wood in its natural color. Some hardwoods, such as walnut and cherry have a rich tone without the need for staining.

Once you have chosen the material, consider your finishing options. You may decide to purchase pre finished wood. This is already stained and protected with a clear coating. Pre finished is generally more expensive, but saves a significant amount of time.

Another option is to install the floor and then finish the wood. You will need to sand, stain and urethane the floor. After each coat, the floor will need to be sanded. This process takes several days to complete. The more coats of urethane you need the better protected the surface.

Another option is distressed or reclaimed flooring. These floors don't have a smooth texture. However, they are beautiful and have character unlike other finishes. Another major benefit of these is they won't show scratches as easily as urethane floors.

You have some choices other than traditional hardwood. Laminate flooring offers a choice in flooring. These are made to resemble real hardwood at a lower price. With good quality laminates, it can be difficult to tell the difference between this and real hard wood. Companies such as Armstrong flooring make high quality laminates. Other choices include cork flooring or bamboo floors.

Caring for Wood Flooring

Proper care will ensure your wood flooring has a good, long life. Whether you choose hardwood, laminate or other options, the care is basically the same.

o Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep dirt and dust to a minimum. Dirt and grit on the floor wear away the surface and leave scratches in your floor.

o Use mats at the entrances to your home. This way feet can be wiped, preventing much of this dirt from entering your home in the first place.

o Lightly clean the floor when needed. If occasional mopping is needed, use a nearly dry mop. Too much water can seep between the slats and damage your floor. This can cause warping, damage the surface or cause water to become trapped under the floor. This can result in damage to the backing and mold can grow under the floor.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Erica Bosworth is a contributing designer for www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The writer is publishing about wood flooring .

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A Guide To Wood Flooring
Author: Erica Bosworth -
Wood flooring is beautiful and increases the value of your home. They continue to be loved more than stone flooring or slate flooring. Wood has depth and warmth that looks great and gives your home a warm feeling.

A variety of choices are available in both hard woods and other wood types. The type of wood you will choose depends on your personal preference and the décor of your home. Wood is suitable for nearly every room in your home. It may not be best in kitchens and bathrooms due to the amount of moisture found in these areas.

Choices in Wood Flooring

Hardwood remains a popular choice in wood floors. You have the choice of several different hardwoods. Popular choices include oak, cherry, hickory, maple, walnut and bellawood. These can be stained a variety of shades and tones. Consider leaving the wood in its natural color. Some hardwoods, such as walnut and cherry have a rich tone without the need for staining.

Once you have chosen the material, consider your finishing options. You may decide to purchase pre finished wood. This is already stained and protected with a clear coating. Pre finished is generally more expensive, but saves a significant amount of time.

Another option is to install the floor and then finish the wood. You will need to sand, stain and urethane the floor. After each coat, the floor will need to be sanded. This process takes several days to complete. The more coats of urethane you need the better protected the surface.

Another option is distressed or reclaimed flooring. These floors don't have a smooth texture. However, they are beautiful and have character unlike other finishes. Another major benefit of these is they won't show scratches as easily as urethane floors.

You have some choices other than traditional hardwood. Laminate flooring offers a choice in flooring. These are made to resemble real hardwood at a lower price. With good quality laminates, it can be difficult to tell the difference between this and real hard wood. Companies such as Armstrong flooring make high quality laminates. Other choices include cork flooring or bamboo floors.

Caring for Wood Flooring

Proper care will ensure your wood flooring has a good, long life. Whether you choose hardwood, laminate or other options, the care is basically the same.

o Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to keep dirt and dust to a minimum. Dirt and grit on the floor wear away the surface and leave scratches in your floor.

o Use mats at the entrances to your home. This way feet can be wiped, preventing much of this dirt from entering your home in the first place.

o Lightly clean the floor when needed. If occasional mopping is needed, use a nearly dry mop. Too much water can seep between the slats and damage your floor. This can cause warping, damage the surface or cause water to become trapped under the floor. This can result in damage to the backing and mold can grow under the floor.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Erica Bosworth is a contributing designer for www.inside-woodworking.com a website with resources. The writer is publishing about wood flooring .

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Learn Some Techniques In Designing Woodwork
Author: Mohamed Rabea -
Designing woodwork can be an intricate process. After all, it's never easy to miss a single detail, or else, your work of art is flawed. It takes careful planning, appropriate tools, and the right dose of technical knowledge to get the job done right. Below are some practical tips and advice for an effective woodwork design:

1. It is a basic requirement that before you even start laying the foundation of your brand-new house or striking that first nail in your future furniture, you already have a clear-cut idea of how it will look after it's finished. You already have a concept of how many rooms you want or how big they might be, or the sizes of the picnic tables you want to place in your backyard or front lawn. So perhaps to avoid forgetting all of them, you may start making your own list. If you're having difficulty conceiving those brilliant concepts, you can drive around your neighborhood and check out some of their woodwork. Remember the key here is not to exactly copy your favorites but just to provide yourself an inkling of your desired finishes, types of materials to be used, and other pertinent details.

2. If you crave more ideas, then you better stand up from your couch and go for a stroll in your favorite stores. Surely, one or two of them sell some home building magazines and books. You really don't have to buy them if you don't want to, though they can be quick references in dire needs. All you have to do is skim through them, possibly read some articles and tips. It is a great advantage if photos are available.

3. Luckily, you are blessed with good technology. There are many woodworking and architectural software sold online or in computer shops. Since they are created to be user-friendly, they are easy to install and use. The good thing about them is you basically don't have to start from the very beginning. They have a wide range of built-in templates that you can choose from. Most of the time, only slight modifications are needed, and changes are easy to implement.

4. Should you be someone who's not fond of computers or you don't own one, you can start everything from scratch—literally. Since you are vulnerable to mistakes, it is recommended that you draw your plan using a pencil on a clean blank paper.

5. Learn the essence of complement. Your woodworking plans, like the furniture, should blend together to produce the most unique and comfortable home and office.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Mohamed Rabea - Online Tips and Resources! www.pallet-rack-now.info www.palletrack-guide.info

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Setting Up A Home Woodwork Or Model Shop - A Step By Step Guide
Author: Loreno Lepe -
Planning is the secret to a successful home workshop. More and more people are setting up a woodworking or model engineering shop, either in their basement or garage.

The first step is to make sure your location is dry. You may need to make repairs to your garage roof, windows or door. If you are planning on using your basement then you will need to waterproof it, so that damp and the corrosion and rot it causes do not become issues.

Your next step is to provide water and electricity supplies. You need to have hand washing facilities if you are going to keep your job clean. An electricity supply suitable for running your machine tools is essential. These tools will be permanently wired in. You will also need lots of switched electric sockets about three feet from the floor. These will be used for plug in tools.

The number of lights will need to be increased. Three fluorescent fittings will be enough for most home workshops. The glare free ones are better, but you may need to fit four of these. Be sure to fit them above your drill, saw and lathe.

You will need to consider the location for your machine tools. These need to be away from the door and back onto a wall. This reduces the possibility of someone walking round the back and being hurt.

You need to install a dust extraction system, especially for wood and plastic work. This will remove potentially harmful sawdust from your machining areas and collect it for disposal.

Choosing your tools and workbench are the final issues.

A few solid wood traditional woodworking benches are the best choice. These will last for years and are solidly built to last for years.

A lathe is the absolutely essential tool for home model makers and woodworking businesses.

It is essentially a device for reshaping square cross-section timber, metal or plastic into a circular cross-section piece of finished material. This is achieved by holding the material to be worked between 2 plates and spinning it. As the material spins someone holds a sharp tool against it, shaving off some of the material. Round table and chair legs are produced using lathes.

Lathes come in different specifications, designed for different intensities of use. The home model maker will clearly need a much lower spec lathe than the timber company making tables. Specification differences include the output of the motor, the distance between centers (the clamping plates), stands and chuck size.

It is possible to buy second-hand lathes without too much difficulty and someone starting out, either in home model making or in a home-based business should probably consider this option first.

The band saw has become the preferred power saw for most woodworkers. It has a long band of steel as the blade that travels around two or three wheels. The band comes in various widths and it is possible to use a narrow width band saw blade for scroll-work and irregular shapes.

Timber mills use very large band saws for ripping lumber; they are preferred over circular saws for ripping because they result in less waste.

Resaws are large band saws that are optimized for a narrow kerf, and therefore low waste. The blade is wide usually between 2 and 3 inches. They are primarily used for cutting wood along its thickness, to produce a veneer.

Home woodworkers can purchase a range of band saws suitable for use in the basement or garage workshop.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Loreno Lepe is a construction engineer. He built his own model shop in his basement 2 years ago. To read more articles click here. For more help visit Band Saws and Lathes.

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Choosing The Best Woodworking Saws
Author: Ken Morris
You will eventually need more than one saw in your woodworking shop. Table saws and miter saws are often the first purchases made by beginning woodworkers. Knowing what to look for in a quality saw is the best way to be sure you are getting tools that will serve your needs as you grow in experience. Woodworking shows and stores that sell discount woodworking tools are a great source of information and inspiration.

Choosing Woodworking Saws

Table saws are an important piece of equipment and often the first power tool purchased for a workshop. Saws come in either 120 or 240 voltage. If the saw is 120, it will run on normal household current. If it is 240, you will need a dedicated circuit. An electrician can run a dedicated line for the tool. For most home workshops, 120 is plenty of power. Professionals generally use 240, which stands up better to regular use.

Things to Consider:

o Power of the motor
o Direction of the tilt, left or right
o Dust collection, these saws tend to create a lot of dust, which is messy to clean and can be a health hazard
o Accuracy of the fence; look for a fence that is adjustable and easy to use.

Miter Saws for Woodworking

Miter saws are an important piece of equipment when working with wood. They cut angles quickly and precisely. The choices can be daunting, as there are literally hundreds on the market. Reading reviews is a good source of information when narrowing down your options.

Miter saws are great for big jobs, like replacing the trim in your entire house or furniture making projects. A tight miter makes a big difference in the overall appearance. Miter saws can either be used on a stand or the ground. A stand is best when you have a lot of wood to cut.

Woodworking Jigs

Woodworking jigs are an essential part of a variety of different projects. They save time and increase accuracy. Using jigs is much faster when you need to create several pieces. All pieces will come out identical with a jig. The results are more consistent and professional. The jigs ( http://www.inside-woodworking.com/jigs/index.html ) you need depend on the projects you are creating and the results you hope to achieve.

You can purchase jigs in any store that sells wood working supplies. They can also be found inexpensively on the internet. To save even more money, you may consider making your own jigs. Using scrap pieces of plywood is a cheap way to make jigs. Since they are typically used only once, you don't want to use expensive wood to make them.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Ken Morris distributes many news and information to www.inside-woodworking.com an internet site specialising in woodworking information. Ken is reviews the latest tools and machinery.

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Build Your Own Garage Workbench
Author: Jack Blacksmith
A garage workbench is an essential piece of equipment in any home workshop. A workbench will allow you to complete projects easily and with greater accuracy. A variety of pre made workbenches are available to fit your needs. If you prefer, you can make your own workbench, either with a kit or from a plan.

Choosing a garage workbench

Workbenches are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Benches are great for woodworking, crafts and other household projects. You can purchase a bench at most home improvement stores. Another option is to build your own bench. You can find plans in books and on the internet with instructions to create the perfect bench to suit your needs.

A table style workbench is made of heavy duty materials to stand up to regular use. Most models have a hardwood top with metal legs. Table tops can also be made of steel. These resemble a typical table shape with nothing underneath.

Cabinet style benches have drawers or cabinets in the space under the table top. This is great for utilizing otherwise wasted space. This method allows for additional storage space. Some have a pegboard backing that is perfect for hanging hand tools. You won't need to dig through drawers or a tool box to find what you need.

A power strip bench is a good choice if you use power tools often. These come with up to nine outlets in a strip with a heavy duty power cord. They also have current protection to prevent overload. These can be either six or eight foot benches. Some have a tool caddy to hold smaller tools.

Build Your Own Workbench

Consider building your own bench to get exactly what you want. Kits are available with everything you need to create your bench. Instructions and materials are included with the kit. With this method, you will be limited to the kit's design. The benefit is that all pieces are pre cut. You won't need to worry about uneven cuts.

You can build your own bench and purchase all the materials. This method is a bit more complicated, but you have more control about the final outcome. Free workbench plans are available on the internet with detailed instructions for you to follow. Cut the plywood according to the directions and be sure to make your cuts straight.

For best results, choose good quality wood, oak or a hardwood plywood is an excellent choice. Use several coats of polyurethane to protect the top of the bench. Be sure to sand between each coat. A good urethane coating makes messes easier to clean up when working on projects later.

Organizing and Making Room in your Garage

You will need to organize your garage and create storage space to make room for workbenches. Determine what you need to store. Start with a good clean out and get rid of things you don't need. Throw away old paint and other junk. Give away or donate old items, tools or other things that are too good to throw away, but that you don't need any more.

The walls of your garage offer great opportunities for storage space. Cabinets are great for organizing clutter. High cabinets are good for storing chemicals and paints. Sharp items can be put up high to keep them away from children. Consider locks if you have young children. Locker cabinets are perfect for larger items. Drawers are good for organizing tools, fishing equipment and other small items.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Jack Blacksmith writes for www.inside-woodworking.com . He helps people on topics from a simple garage workbench to entire workshop organisation.

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The Migration of the Craft Business to Online Marketing
Author: Russell Pool
It might seem like an oxymoron—being one of the nation's premier handcrafters of wooden jewelry boxes, as well as an online entrepreneur who e-tails the majority of my products. The evolution of the handcrafting world and its migration to online marketing may sound like a strange juxtaposition, but in fact, has become a significant contributing factor to the sustainability of the craft industry in the US. I should know; my business wouldn't be here today if I had not made the transition. If you are in the craft business and have not created an online presence, read on.

A little background may be helpful, as my career path was somewhat unique. In the mid-80's I dropped out of law school and moved to a monastery in the northeast. Lucky for me, it had an incredibly well-equipped woodshop. What began as a contemplative hobby quickly evolved into a vehicle for me to explore and express my connection to spirit. As I entered into a quiet and meditative state, details that might escape others' notice became prominent and called for my attention. My love for the spiritual qualities of balance, beauty, and getting things "naturally right" helped me through the difficult years of mastering the disciplines of woodworking.
My passion for woodworking soon found an outlet when I was asked to create some designs for jewelry boxes for a friend. As I experimented with various design features for the jewelry boxes, I began thinking about the possibility of making a living by building containers for precious objects. A vision of making outrageously beautiful pieces that would that would touch people's hearts and remind them of their interior lives began to take hold in my mind. In 1994 I moved to Durango, Colorado and started my business, Russell Pool Fine Woodworking. My prototypes for jewelry boxes quickly became popular as I began to wholesale them to high end craft galleries and museums around the United States.

In order to reach as many galleries as possible, I attended numerous juried wholesale shows, such as the Rosen Group in Philadelphia and the American Craft Association show in Baltimore. I also attended some local retail shows in the southwest. While I was successful in attaining my goal of having my boxes sold in the very best galleries in the country, I found that despite hard work, long hours, and outstanding product, it was difficult to make ends meet and to justify the amount of personal and financial investment.

In 1999 the world wide web, as it was called then, was just beginning to be taken seriously as a marketing tool. I began to imagine what it might be like to sell directly to the customer instead of through galleries. While it concerned me to give up the security of the standing orders each show generated, the business to business marketing model and accompanying margins simply were not sustainable. I decided to create a web site and my wife and I worked together to design, write copy and create product photographs. I felt a bit like an explorer in the New World, not a lot of maps and no one in my situation to ask for advice from. But the business case for the site was compelling—selling my products directly to customers at twice their wholesale price made the margins a lot more workable. The site went live that fall and I spent most of the Christmas season on the phone selling product—my site delivered solid financial results. And the rest is history.

Here in Durango I still spend a lot of time focused on the work I love best—making stunning wooden products, getting the details right, and talking to customers who are looking for something more than the drab, machine manufactured designs that populate most of the web. I have also had to learn a lot—about search engine optimization, for example, and how to work with web designers and other marketing experts who can ensure that I continue to use cutting edge technology in service of the enduring legacy of handcrafting. Handcrafting and online e-tailing—it is an odd juxtaposition and yet without it, my work as a handcrafter would have been curtailed many years ago.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Russell Pool has been perfecting the art of quality wooden box creation for over two decades. Each piece he creates reflects his passion for quality and his love for the spiritual qualities of balance, beauty, and getting things "naturally right." To learn more about his work, visit Russell Pool Fine Woodworking .

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The Migration of the Craft Business to Online Marketing
Author: Russell Pool
It might seem like an oxymoron—being one of the nation's premier handcrafters of wooden jewelry boxes, as well as an online entrepreneur who e-tails the majority of my products. The evolution of the handcrafting world and its migration to online marketing may sound like a strange juxtaposition, but in fact, has become a significant contributing factor to the sustainability of the craft industry in the US. I should know; my business wouldn't be here today if I had not made the transition. If you are in the craft business and have not created an online presence, read on.

A little background may be helpful, as my career path was somewhat unique. In the mid-80's I dropped out of law school and moved to a monastery in the northeast. Lucky for me, it had an incredibly well-equipped woodshop. What began as a contemplative hobby quickly evolved into a vehicle for me to explore and express my connection to spirit. As I entered into a quiet and meditative state, details that might escape others' notice became prominent and called for my attention. My love for the spiritual qualities of balance, beauty, and getting things "naturally right" helped me through the difficult years of mastering the disciplines of woodworking.
My passion for woodworking soon found an outlet when I was asked to create some designs for jewelry boxes for a friend. As I experimented with various design features for the jewelry boxes, I began thinking about the possibility of making a living by building containers for precious objects. A vision of making outrageously beautiful pieces that would that would touch people's hearts and remind them of their interior lives began to take hold in my mind. In 1994 I moved to Durango, Colorado and started my business, Russell Pool Fine Woodworking. My prototypes for jewelry boxes quickly became popular as I began to wholesale them to high end craft galleries and museums around the United States.

In order to reach as many galleries as possible, I attended numerous juried wholesale shows, such as the Rosen Group in Philadelphia and the American Craft Association show in Baltimore. I also attended some local retail shows in the southwest. While I was successful in attaining my goal of having my boxes sold in the very best galleries in the country, I found that despite hard work, long hours, and outstanding product, it was difficult to make ends meet and to justify the amount of personal and financial investment.

In 1999 the world wide web, as it was called then, was just beginning to be taken seriously as a marketing tool. I began to imagine what it might be like to sell directly to the customer instead of through galleries. While it concerned me to give up the security of the standing orders each show generated, the business to business marketing model and accompanying margins simply were not sustainable. I decided to create a web site and my wife and I worked together to design, write copy and create product photographs. I felt a bit like an explorer in the New World, not a lot of maps and no one in my situation to ask for advice from. But the business case for the site was compelling—selling my products directly to customers at twice their wholesale price made the margins a lot more workable. The site went live that fall and I spent most of the Christmas season on the phone selling product—my site delivered solid financial results. And the rest is history.

Here in Durango I still spend a lot of time focused on the work I love best—making stunning wooden products, getting the details right, and talking to customers who are looking for something more than the drab, machine manufactured designs that populate most of the web. I have also had to learn a lot—about search engine optimization, for example, and how to work with web designers and other marketing experts who can ensure that I continue to use cutting edge technology in service of the enduring legacy of handcrafting. Handcrafting and online e-tailing—it is an odd juxtaposition and yet without it, my work as a handcrafter would have been curtailed many years ago.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Russell Pool has been perfecting the art of quality wooden box creation for over two decades. Each piece he creates reflects his passion for quality and his love for the spiritual qualities of balance, beauty, and getting things "naturally right." To learn more about his work, visit Russell Pool Fine Woodworking .

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How To Select Laminate Wood Flooring
Author: Peter J. Mason -
Laminate wood flooring is a fairly new alternative in home flooring options. It is made to resemble natural hardwood floors. The quality has improved in recent years and today's materials are very durable and beautiful. It can be difficult to tell them apart from real hardwood. Most major manufacturers make these floors including Armstrong laminate flooring, Mannington flooring, Shaw laminate flooring and Bruce flooring.

Selecting Laminate Wood Flooring

You have a wide variety of choices in both style and color for laminate floors. Styles are available that mimic natural hardwood or ceramic tile. Wood styles come in every tone from very light to darker tones. Choose darker tones for a formal environment. Keep in mind that dark colors tend to make a room look smaller, while lighter colors make the space appear larger.

Laminate flooring can be found in most flooring stores and home improvement centers. Discount flooring can be found in stores or on the internet. Once you have decided on the color and style of the floor material you want, you can start shopping around for the best price. If you are doing a very small room, look for left over materials. Sometimes these are available in smaller amounts at an affordable price.

Installing the Floor

Laminates are not attached to the floor below. These are also called floating floors. The slats have tongue and groove designs. Slats are attached by slipping the tongue inside the groove. They are held in place with special adhesives that are made for laminate flooring.

These floors can be installed right over your old wood, tile or vinyl flooring. You will need to remove carpeting and padding prior to installation. Once removed, make sure the concrete or wood subfloor is level before you start the installation.

You can hire a professional to install the floor for you, or you can do the job yourself. Installation is fairly simple and an average size room can be finished over a weekend. For larger areas, you may want to save the job for when you take some vacation time. Your floor will cost more if you opt for professional installation. However, if you aren't handy around the house or don't have the time, you may find this extra expense worth the money.

Read the instructions from the manufacturer before cleaning your new floor. To remove dirt and debris, use a broom or vacuum. If the floor becomes very dirty, you can clean it with a slightly damp mop. Other than this, very little care is needed. Due to the laminate finish, the floor won't need any waxing.

Use only very little water. Excessive water can damage the laminate coating on the surface of the floor. Soaking the floor can damage the paper backing. Moisture can get trapped under the laminate and damage the floor or cause the growth of mold, which is not healthy. For this reason, these floors aren't the best choice for use in a bathroom. Moisture tends to build up in this room and will damage the floor over the long term.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Peter Mason publishes very often to www.inside-woodworking.com an online internet site. The author is featuring laminate flooring and articles on woodworking.

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