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Fine Woodworking - Creating Beautiful and Durable Furniture

In most woodwork planning, there is fine woodworking for projects in creating furniture. The main idea is to get a top quality plan for your furniture which should include the design, material and the cost. Wood is undoubtedly the most beautiful material when making furniture for fine woodworking. It is solid, good to touch and has an earthy feel and smell to it. Fine woodworking in creating furniture is an art and you can make sturdy and long lasting and can be created into any shapes to suit the surroundings. Wood is used mostly in home furniture and decors. Because of its multipurpose use, most people find it very convenient to use. It is not difficult to create fine woodworking for furniture, as carpenters are skilled at making any kinds of designed furniture for your specific needs. Planning a woodworking project is necessary when you are making furniture. You can make great plans for indoor as well as outdoor furniture. You will find many kinds of woodwork plans online for fixtures, fittings, designs and drawings for your woodwork project. There are some websites which offer free, affordable, expensive and superior quality designs for your fine woodworking plans. Outdoor furniture Whoever possesses a big or small backyard or a lawn in the front of their houses, know the value of quality furniture. Creating outdoor furniture can be an enjoyable hobby for those who are interested in woodworking. You will be able to make good quality furniture in a less expensive way. You can create outdoor fine woodworking for furniture like, a picnic table, benches, comfortable armchairs and barbeque caddies. The plans for outdoor furniture can be found online which can easily guide new carpenters. After creating your garden furniture with fine woodworking, you should paint them with coats for weather protection and place them in a shaded place. Indoor furniture Most fine woodworking for furniture is done with softwood because it is light and easy to work on. Furniture is made from a variety of woods and depends on the nature of the furniture piece. For instance, if you are planning on woodworking for bookshelves and chairs, you would need a strong kind of wood, while decorative pieces or side tables can be created with woods which are lightweight. When making furniture from hardwoods which are obtained from trees like teak, oak, mahogany, ash, walnut and birch, make the most attractive and highest quality furniture. These are also used for flooring, making doors and windows because of their durability. You should buy high quality software for woodworking plans which are quite expensive, but will provide you with efficient plans for your woodworking projects. These are an easy alternative and give you proper guidance for fine woodworking when you are on woodworking projects. This software is compilation of the works of experienced and expert woodworkers, so you will get a plenty of designs and plans for woodworking to help you succeed. However, before purchasing woodworking plans software, ensure that the plans offered in them provide total information about fine woodworking and the instructions for helping make great furniture. Source by Ethan Drown Read the full article

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Where Can I Find Easy to Use Woodworking Plans for Beginners?

You want to learn woodworking skills, but you don't know where to start. Well, you've come to the right place. This article will tell you where to look for easy to understand woodworking plans that are perfect for beginners. You'll be able to find step-by-step instructions that are immediately downloadable at an affordable price. Creating a woodworking project takes a little ingenuity and some effort, but it's fun. When you hold the finished object in your hand, you'll know that the effort was truly worth it. And the more you practice the better your work will become. It's possible to learn how to make things out of wood by just having an idea and starting; it's much easier though if you can get some guidance. Some people get this guidance by taking a class at the local community college. Others are more independent and look for professionally designed plans that they can work on individually at their own pace. There are a number of these professionally designed plans available on the internet. Search for woodworking plans for beginners. The Internet is a great place to search for woodworking information. You'll be able to read all kinds of "how-to" information. Be careful when choosing plans for your project, however. You should choose plans that are complete in that they tell you exactly what tools and supplies you'll need to complete the project. They also need to be easy to understand and accurate as this will make it easier for you to succeed. Creating something is also more fun when you can see how to do the various steps. Another good place to look for woodworking information is YouTube. There are quite a few "how-to" videos showing you exactly how professionals do various woodworking tasks. You can learn a lot just by watching somebody else do something. It's important for you as a beginner to choose simple do-it-yourself woodworking projects that can be completed using simple hand tools. You need to learn how to handle hand tools before trying your hand with the electric versions. Saws and drills can be quite dangerous if you're not accustomed to how quickly they can bite you. For your own safety, start with the hand tools. Some beginners choose to look for woodworking plans in magazines. There are a number of good woodworking magazines out there, but I think you'll have better luck and save some money by going straight to the Internet. You'll probably be able to find a good woodworking guidebook for beginners. You may also be able to find some quality hand tools. That's really all you need to get started. In no time at all you'll be creating beautiful intricate projects just like a pro. Source by Joyce Zborower Read the full article

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Setting Up The Wood Lathe: Getting The Height Right

While many wood lathes these days are sold as portable models, most are considered to be stationary machines. As such they are mounted on benches and stands and left for in the same spot for long periods of time. In order for work to be performed well, comfortably, and without injury, the lathe needs to be at a proper height for long term usage. As a general rule of thumb, start to determine the height of the lathe by standing comfortably with your hands by your sides and feet about shoulder width apart. Measure from the bend of your elbow to the floor. This is the height to make the center line of the lathe. Now measure from the tip of the spur center to the bottom of the lathe itself, not the stand if it is on one. Subtract this from your elbow height and you have the desired height of the stand. This is of course, a compromise. Every turner is a bit different with different heights and body types. However, over the years this has been a good starting point for wood lathe setup. It can easily be upset by manufacturers who supply stands with their lathes. A good idea is to stand at a lathe on its stand in the store and actually hold a tool over the tool rest to find out if that is comfortable and then ask yourself if it would still feel good an hour later after wrestling with a piece of wood. It may be that the best avenue is not to get a supplied stand but rather to make your own. However this is not always possible or reasonable. Sometimes the lathe you want is only available with the stand, the manufacturer's stand may be far superior to one you can build, the lathe and stand were a gift, the lathe and stand are integral or something else get sin the way. There are two simple solutions depending on circumstance and these solutions are also usable if more than one person is going to use the lathe. The first is to raise the lathe by using pads under the feet of the stand or by adding support pads to the stand under the lathe so as to add height. While the height may be lowered by cutting down the stand this may be seen as a drastic measure and it is often easier and better to raise the floor area around the lathe with a low, wide and very stable box on which to stand. Above all, make sure the footing for both lathe and person is safe and secure. Following these simple guidelines will give a goos start to lathe height. With experience do not fail to remember that persons and preferences differ and your preferred height of your preferred lathe may be different than someone else's. The idea is to find what works for maximum health, safety and enjoyment. Source by Darrell Feltmate Read the full article

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A Kitchen Cart to Spruce Up Any Kitchen

Get more info about Kitchen Cart. Contrary to popular belief, the addition of a center island to your kitchen does not have to be permanent or a huge investment. By using portable carts or kitchen islands, you can achieve the sophisticated look that is associated with a center island without having to do a major remodel or take out a loan. In kitchens of yesterday, the kitchen table served as the center of activity in the kitchen. This is where people prepared the evening meal, socialized and dined. Today that trend has shifted to the use of a cart or kitchen island. In addition to providing extra workspace, today's kitchen carts and islands offer practical solutions to storage and design issues. They can be either small or large, and can range in design from simple to elaborate. Use them to prepare foods, serve buffet style dinners, or to provide extra cupboard space. Need extra counter space? These arts are available in a wide range of sizes to give you that added space you need.

Kitchen Cart

The design options associated with portable carts and center kitchen islands are endless, which means that kitchen carts can be incorporated into any style of kitchen. Whether your style is contemporary, country or formal, you can find the perfect kitchen cart to complement your particular sense of style. Even if you are looking to capture the look of a specific decorating style, you will most likely find that those styles have been incorporated into kitchen islands and kitchen carts. Take for instance the Tuscan, Provence and cottage styles, these are just a few of the styles that you can choose from when selecting your kitchen cart or island. Some of these styles even feature elaborate pieces that have been adorned with intricate hand painted or hand carved designs, which will serve to make your new addition not only a very practical one, but a very beautiful one as well. Kitchen carts and islands come in wide array of finishes that can be handpicked to look as if they were custom made for your kitchen. There is also a large variety of work surfaces to choose from including wood, stainless steel, granite and butchers block. The bottom line is: no matter what your style is or how much space you have to work with, you can find the perfect cart or island to customize your space without having to hire a contractor or invest in expensive cabinetry. And they are very affordable. The pricing for carts and islands starts at a couple of hundred dollars. Of course, the price goes up from there and can get a high as $1,000 or more. It really just depends on what you choose. For example: A high-end kitchen cart may have intricate hand carved woodwork, plenty of work and storage space, a wine rack and a granite work surface. Whereas a lower-end kitchen cart may consist of simple elegant lines, a cabinet or two, and a wooden work surface. So before you go all out for a kitchen remodel, why not take some time to see how a portable cart or island would complement your space. Source by Jennifer Akre Read the full article

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Go Green With Solar Power at Home - Easy DIY Project

Trapping Solar Power for your living space Alternate and renewable energy is the call of the hour! Today, across the world, irrespective of latitude, people are opting for the use of solar power and energy. Among the forces o nature that are now being experimented upon and harnessed for energy, this is one of the most pivotal components the endeavor. Rising utility bills, depletion of the ozone, unhealthy environments and realization o the fact that the plane is our only home, has raised many an attention towards the sun- as a clean source of energy! You can also check our other articles Nature - the best resource at home! Using solar power at home is now commonplace indulgence today. The several technological advancements already in place and consistent investments in new technology have bought the potential of solar energy to the threshold. Not only is the light and heat from the sun the best forms of renewable energy, but it is also the cleanest alternatives to the LPG used and of course the one residential component we cannot live without - electricity. Solar power can be trapped at home during the day, for use at night too! The use of photovoltaic panels on any open surface enables you to store the energy from the sun through the course of the day for after use. Residential solar systems are very easily accessible both online and offline. Get more info about woodworking. There are DIY or Do-it-Yourself kits as well as a number of professionals who step in for installation. These panels can be used very safely in your home. Installing residential Systems for a cleaner environment You can now source and install the solar power panels and kits according to the amount of energy the home needs at dusk and through the night. Accordingly the panel and placement can be chosen. Even in very cold regions, sufficient storage of solar energy though the summer months and the winter days, is possible. The calculations are on the basis of: • the amount of light required to light up your home • capacity of the solar panel • amount of sunlight available • open areas around the home for installation • budget Solar power for the modern home comes in two basic forms - the grid-tie and the off-grid system. The former uses the sun's energy to produce Direct Current and then converts the same into Alternating Current through an inverter. With the help of this system you can actually sell the energy trapped! Many people are banking on the transmission of excess power to the nearest company owned power grid. In the case of the off-grid system, the power produced cannot be redirected for commercial profit but you can store all the electricity produced with the help of the solar panels in special batteries designed for the purpose. The very basic procedure of installation and sourcing the trapped energy via the solar power the region is commonly exposed to is now available at a click. It helps a lot to get your home work done and investigate the budget requirements of equipment, besides the cost of labor. Source by Hughes Alexander Read the full article

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4 Types of Wood Commonly Used in Indonesian Furniture and Wood Art

Wood Art Furnitures is our best choice, When an artist decides to create a new piece, one of the first decisions he makes is what material he will use? We see intricate designs and patterns weaved and chipped into wood and stone. Bali, being the main source for wood carvings, does a lot of chipping. They chip away at a wood block tirelessly to create the beautiful creations we have today. One of the first items they have to get is the materials. you can get info about woodturners. More often than not, they use materials that are cheap in cost. Usually, trees as they are abundant on the Island. Which trees are they reaching for? Which trees are they using to create their art? Let's take a brief look at 4 major trees that are frequently used in Balinese wood carvings an, see some of their unique properties, and the benefits of carving with these different types of trees.

Wood Art

Also Wood Art Furniture is always exclusive. The first tree has the most commonly used wood for carvings in Bali. It is known by the locals as the 'Albesia' or 'Belalu.' (Albizia Falcata) It is a white, soft wood. There are numerous reasons why it is used so frequently. It is native to Indonesia. As such, it grows considerably well to a staggering 130 feet tall. Now that isn't anything too special. Some redwoods have been found that are 380 feet tall, but when you consider how fast the Albesia grows, it becomes quite evident why it is the favored species in plantations in Indonesia. It can grow 30 feet high in just 2 years. That is astronomical! It holds the official title as "the fastest growing tree in the world." Because it is such a fast grower, Indonesian farmers have been able to make a living off of this tree alone, planting them anywhere they can. The core wood is used to make furniture, doors, and plywood. It is also termite- resistant. At Golden Sun, we did a test with one of our pieces and left it near a termite bed for a week, and surprisingly it was not damaged by the termites. For these reasons, majority of our carvings are made of the almighty Albesia wood. Also get info about Diy home renovation ideas. The next tree is known as the "Crocodile" or Satin Wood. (Zanthoxylum Rhetsa) You can see why it is called crocodile wood. Some villagers have been spooked before by crocodile wood floating downstream, as it looks like the back of a crocodile. Kind of funny! =) It is a white, relatively hard wood. Carving with this wood gives a very smooth finish. So smooth that it looks like ivory. Moving right along, we have the "Suar" or Rain Tree. (Albizia Saman) This tree has a brown, hard wood. It a wide- canopied tree with a large symmetrical spread. It is known as the rain tree because its leaves fold in the rain and when the sun sets. It reaches a height of 82 feet and nearly 120 feet in diameter. The wood is quite heavy, making it an ideal choice for house supports. Bali wood carvings that use this wood are dark in color and have substantial weight to them. It is a favored wood of importers outside the tropics because its crisscrossed interlocking grain prevents the wood from cracking when put in drier climates. If you live in the desert or Texas, you should choose this wood. Lastly, we have the "Waru" or Grey Hibiscus. (Hibiscus Tiliaceus) The wood is white blended with light grey. This wood often makes distinctive two- tone carvings. As it ages the grey turns green giving it an earthy look. These trees are very short, getting to a paltry 32 feet in height. The outside bark of this tree has tough fibers used to make rope. It has the unique property of being stronger when wet. That is why it is commonly used to caulk ships. It is the go-to high quality furniture wood. If you want have your piece outside, I'd recommend getting "waru" wood. That way you don't have to worry about moisture in the air. Source by Suzanne Aronson Read the full article

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Cutting Your Own Wooden Pen Blanks

Making wooden pen in not only an enjoyable hobby, it can also put a few extra dollars in your pocket. Today many people appreciate a fine writing instrument, and what better way to show style than with an elegant, environmentally friendly pen or pencil. When customers consider a wooden pen, they look for several things. Remember to sell a pen; you must get the customer's attention. One of the best ways to do that is with an interesting species, color, texture, or finish. Without these critical factors, the customer likely will not even notice the pen; much less pick it up for a closer look.'

Wooden Pen

After the customer picks up the pen, he or she is focused on the craftsmanship. Is the fit excellent? The finish perfect? Is the pen easy to use? Does it fit the hand? During this time, the customer usually will closely examine the wood and look for something that stands out. How can you make sure you have enough blanks and be sure your pens have what it takes to make the customer look closer? One way is cutting them yourself from almost any type of wood you have in your local area. While exotic blanks have their place and make for nice looking items, local wood certainly can be very attractive. Furthermore, you cannot beat the price, especially if you cut them yourself. The tools needed are few. In fact, only one power tool is essential, that being the table saw. While a chain saw is very useful and will make the job easier, a handsaw will do nicely if you provide the power. When looking for blanks, I usually focus on small limbs or trees between 5-7 inches in diameter. I then saw these pieces into lengths of 8 inches long. This size is fairly easy to saw with a 10' table saw. Immediately after cutting the limb to size, take latex house paint and paint two heavy coats on the exposed ends of the wood. This will prevent cracks from developing and ruining it for use as pen blanks. Before sawing the wood, it must dry. This usually takes about 10 months on a piece of wood this size. Of course, it is best to keep your wood out of the weather during this drying process. o IMPORTANT: You can get seriously injured and/or hurt sawing limbs lengthwise on a table saw. These limbs are prone to stick and wedge on your blade causing the wood to fly out of the saw if you are not careful. This can cause your hand to slip into the blade. You are responsible for your own safety while using this or any other power tool. When the wood is dry, I cut it approximately 7/8 inch wide then cut blanks 7/8 inch square. This makes a handy size blank for most any pen you might make. Also, while at it, cut some 2 inch by 3-inch blanks for bottle stoppers. Consider making a pen, pencil, letter opener, and bottle stopper from the same type of wood. Here is a helpful tip: Label each individual blank with the type of wood when you complete the sawing operation. Use something permanent such as a Sharpie pen. You may recognize the wood today but I guarantee it will be hard to ID a year from now when mixed in with other blanks of similar type of wood. If you are not careful, you will end up with what wood turners call "FIG" wood. FIG means, "found in garage" This is a good time to consider storage of your blanks. Options include plastic totes that fit a shelf space such as a plastic shoebox or something bigger if needed. Plan ahead, you will find you may have more pen blanks than you have room for! So keep looking for wood that you can turn into pen/pencil/stopper blanks, have fun, and perhaps put a few extra dollars toward your hobby. Source by John Robertson Read the full article

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What's the Difference Between Home Repairs and Maintenance?

If you know the difference between a home repair and home maintenance, you probably don't need to read the rest of this article, but for those of you who keep asking this question, I will try to shed a little bit of light on the topic of home repairs and home maintenance. Also, get woodworking free tips. Home maintenance is the process of maintaining your home. When you maintain your car, you wash it, buy new tires when needed and change the oil on her regular basis. The same is true for your home. In order to maintain your home, your going to need to replace the roof if it becomes worn or damaged and you will need to paint the interior and exterior to protect it from the elements. Home repairs on the other hand will be part of the home maintenance process. Simple home repairs can be made by you if you feel comfortable with the process or you can hire a home-improvement professional. If the house repairs are more difficult to perform or you don't feel comfortable doing them, you can always hire a specific contractor that has experience dealing the repairs necessary to maintain your home. To make it simple, if you don't maintain your home on a regular basis, you will have more home repairs to do in the future. These home repairs can be costly and some of them can cost you a small fortune. Many of these house repairs can be avoided by small investments throughout the years. It's a good idea to maintain your house and if you need more information on home maintenance, go to your local library and check out some books. Home repair and house maintenance books are often a great source for valuable information. Source by Greg Vandenberge Read the full article

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Tips to Get Your Garage Organized

Is your garage impossible to get around in? Do you spend too much time searching for a tool or other item? Maybe you can't even get a vehicle in there if you wanted to! There are wonderful garage storage space you can benefit from. Invest the time to get it all taken care of and you will benefit every single time you step into your garage. You can read our other topic about woodworking. Organise Items If you feel like your garage is a lost cause, you aren't alone. Start with going through all of your items. Donate items you no longer use, dispose of items that are damaged or ruined, and put everything else into categories. You can organise the items any way you wish. Just make sure there is a method to it so you can easily locate what you need. Shelving You may be saying you just don't have room for all that you need to keep! That is where garage storage area can make a difference. Shelving allows you to put everything into bins or containers on those shelves. You can label items so it is very easy to always find exactly what you are looking for. There are many sizes to pick from when it comes to shelving units. Some of them are light, some are medium, and others are heavy duty. Think about the items you have and future items you may purchase. This will help you to get the right type. Slender and tall shelves can be great for limited space. For items you use often, wider, and shorter shelves are a better choice. It allows you the convenience of easily reaching what you need. You can pick different looks with shelving too. There is no reason why the garage storage place shouldn't help you to have a very appealing garage either! Types of Materials The two main types of materials you will find for garage storage space are chrome and steel. Chrome shelving offers wire style shelves which are appealing and easy to clean. There are different strengths of steel used for shelving units so always make sure you adhere to the weight limits. Creating your Ideal Space If you aren't sure of the best combination of garage storage space, don't worry. It is easy to get help with your dimensions in the garage and the various options. There is no right or wrong solution. The goal is to find something you like the appearance of and helps you to have a great looking garage. Once you get everything organized, labelled, and put away, you are going to be very impressed with yourself! You are going to love the open areas of the garage that allow you to walk around. You may discover you do have room now to put your vehicle in there too! Always put items away after you are done with them so your garage stays neat and organised. Cost You may be thinking you would love to implement such garage storage area, but you can't afford it. However, the cost of such items is far less than most people think. It certainly doesn't hurt to look around and compare prices. Once you crunch the numbers, you will be enticed to move forward with the project. You don't have to spend a fortune to have a great looking garage. This process adds beauty to your home. You won't be embarrassed to take someone out to the garage with you. If you decide to sell your home, such organisation is going to increase the retail value. Potential buyers will love getting such a bonus! Source by Dan Hodges Read the full article

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Just What to Try to Find in a Woodworker

Woodworkers run throughout a number of markets, being experts in woodworking, with their job flexibility getting to throughout significant building and construction tasks to house restorations as well as anywhere between. As an outcome, woodworkers are in high need both from the basic public for property tasks as well as for significant building and construction jobs, with these huge range building and construction tasks needing woodworkers to do anything from the structure to the roof covering to floor covering. Groups of woodworkers. The group of woodworkers, while in significance relevant throughout the market when it comes to those beginning in the woodworking sector, has a range of strengths that woodworkers could adhere to in their job. That is Harsh woodworkers as well as Complete woodworkers. Harsh Woodworkers Harsh woodworkers are those that operate the numerous work related to architectural building and construction job, mounting as well as the roof. The tasks connected with this location of woodworking consist of: Harsh Woodworker Jobs Pre-construction job - formworks prep work, supporting, scaffolding, as well as sizing Making structures, insulation, flooring building, dividings, wall surfaces, roofing trusses and also building. Analyzing building plans, the dimension of products called for as well as ranges, measurements of the framework which are all essential for significant building tasks. Reducing different timber items, recognizing the various needs when reducing various surface areas. Recognizing the putting together of both timber and also steel frameworks, which is essential is the construct of the structure of structures. Comprehend the kinds of damages that could influence various groups of timber, consisting of any type of degeneration or rot. Dig article openings, construct assistance frameworks, and also make components with woodworking as well as metalworking devices. In the circumstance of selecting which harsh woodworker to utilize for a task, you need to use the very same concepts as you would certainly when employing any kind of tradesperson with experience being a primary element. A potential client needs to ask for instances of any type of coming before work. Complete Woodworker Jobs Complete woodworkers service the general design, appearance as well as a photo of an ended up task, whether it be a residential remodeling or a significant building and construction structure task. The quantity of work that this could associate with varies consisting of: Decking Roof covering Inside cutting Exterior siding Drywall outlining Renovation Complex woodwork tasks End up woodworkers are generally a lot more pricey to use however they usually have a lot of experience as well as are extremely experienced, which suggests that for a little added they will certainly give a tidy and also imaginative coating to a wood job. Complete woodworkers have to have a wonderful eye when developing the design, joints and also general appearance of a job or space which suggests the option of that to work with could be vital for an effective job or improvement required for the general job success. Contrast their estimate, previous tasks as well as years of experience in order to call for that you have actually employed somebody that is qualified. Various other woodworkers work consist of: * Closet Makers - production of indoor cupboards for any type of sort of space or storage space center * Cut woodworking - ceiling trimmings, moldings or home window * Ship woodworking - shipbuilding and also maritime woodwork jobs Woodworkers as well as the market of woodworking are wide and also differed with countless branches as well as opportunities that specific woodworkers could be experts in, fitting the selection of woodworking jobs that get on need. Woodworkers are regularly popular for their solutions with the upkeep, building, and construction as well as production markets all needing their solutions. Source by Alex Gracias Read the full article

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The Importance Of Quality Woodworking Plans

If you are interested in turning out quality woodworking projects, then it is of the utmost importance that you start off with quality woodworking plans. The better the quality of the plans and the clarity of the drawings will enable you to create better results for all of your woodworking projects. Whatever your next project may be you should start off with a clear concise plan. Good preparation with quality blue prints will undoubtedly result in a better finished project every time. You should seek out plans which are thorough and provide a comprehensive step by step detailed account. The plans should include a list of materials required as well as an indication as to the tools you will need to complete the project. There are various free plans available on the internet and many plans and blue prints available in book form, which can be purchased or borrowed from a library. However these plans and blue prints may lack in detail and description for the average DIY enthusiast. There are specialist woodworking plans available online and at very competitive rates, which are professionally created and compiled to ensure that they contain all of the information you will require to complete thousands of high quality woodworking projects. Many of these professional plans contain detailed blue prints and schematics which will guide you through all of your woodworking projects step by step, quickly and hassle free. The main advantage to using these professionally prepared plans is that they are compiled by highly skilled craftsmen. These craftsmen understand the problems which can arise throughout a project and systematically break them down into tiny detail so that you can work your way through your project with ease. Using quality professionally prepared plans will save you both time and money, because you will get your woodworking projects completed much quicker and more cost effectively time and time again. For more tips and information, for your future projects, visit www.projectsforwoodworkers.org and find resources for over 14,000 quality woodworking plans and blue prints. Source by Trevor Milsom Read the full article

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The Importance Of Quality Woodworking Plans

If you are interested in turning out quality woodworking projects, then it is of the utmost importance that you start off with quality woodworking plans. The better the quality of the plans and the clarity of the drawings will enable you to create better results for all of your woodworking projects. Whatever your next project may be you should start off with a clear concise plan. Good preparation with quality blue prints will undoubtedly result in a better finished project every time. You should seek out plans which are thorough and provide a comprehensive step by step detailed account. The plans should include a list of materials required as well as an indication as to the tools you will need to complete the project. There are various free plans available on the internet and many plans and blue prints available in book form, which can be purchased or borrowed from a library. However these plans and blue prints may lack in detail and description for the average DIY enthusiast. There are specialist woodworking plans available online and at very competitive rates, which are professionally created and compiled to ensure that they contain all of the information you will require to complete thousands of high quality woodworking projects. Many of these professional plans contain detailed blue prints and schematics which will guide you through all of your woodworking projects step by step, quickly and hassle free. The main advantage to using these professionally prepared plans is that they are compiled by highly skilled craftsmen. These craftsmen understand the problems which can arise throughout a project and systematically break them down into tiny detail so that you can work your way through your project with ease. Using quality professionally prepared plans will save you both time and money, because you will get your woodworking projects completed much quicker and more cost effectively time and time again. For more tips and information, for your future projects, visit www.projectsforwoodworkers.org and find resources for over 14,000 quality woodworking plans and blue prints. Source by Trevor Milsom Read the full article

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All New Square Foot Gardening Review

Get an idea about the new square foot gardening review. This all new revision of a classic gardening book has been a gardening and horticulture best seller on Amazon for quite some time. It's got a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating and currently sells for just about $12 on Amazon, which isn't too terribly bad. However, although the reviews of Mr. Bartholomew's square foot gardening plan are typically very positive, there are still a fair number of critical reviews, making the overall consensus a bit scattered. So, since many of my website visitors are very interested in gardening in the most efficient way possible, it seemed only reasonable to review the "All New Square Foot Gardening" book for those who might be considering purchasing it. Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew In his YouTube video promoting the book Mr. Bartholomew introduces his new book and intros some of the changes between the old version and this new edition. Quite frankly, although the "square foot gardening" method is a useful one, Mr. Bartholomew is not really the "inventor" of the method as he suggests in the video, since many people were using similar methods of gardening long before his first book came along. So, What Do I Think of the Book? Well, this book appears to be an attempt at "simplifying" the square foot gardening approach for less experienced gardeners. The previous book was more detailed and gave more background info. This newest book is less detailed and tries to simplify the explanation of the method for "newbies". Either way, both books are useful and will definitely help you grow a lot of produce from a very small space compared to more traditional methods. However, before buying, there are probably a few things you should keep in mind: New Square Foot Gardening Soil Mix Since the square foot gardening method relies on "raised beds", you have to fill those beds will some sort of growing medium. In the previous book, the recommended square foot gardening soil mix was more complex than what Mr. Bartholomew currently recommends in the new book, but I'm not sure if I'm a firm believer that either soil mix was entirely what you should be looking for. The current recommendation creates a soil that can easily become "too hot" for good plant growth, which is not a good thing. In addition, one of the three components that is recommended to blend this new growing medium can be pretty tough to find. Lastly, many readers have been frustrated by how costly it can be to create this "perfect soil" for their new square foot gardening beds. In contrast, the previous soil mix recommendations were a somewhat better option but did not hold moisture very well. On the one hand, that "feature" helped to avoid over-watering of your plants. But, it also meant that you had to water very frequently to make sure plants did not become dehydrated. I'll let you decide how big of a plus or minus that is. Large Plants May Not Work Well If you're going to be growing smaller plants and/or plants that don't typically "spread out" a lot (like Watermelon), the square foot gardening layout is great. However, for larger plants, you'll really want to "spread things out" a bit more to allow a little breathing room between plants. Moreover, for "spreading" plants, using the square foot gardening plan can be a bit tedious, since you have to grow UP rather than OUT. In other words, trellises and such would likely be necessary for the plants/vines to "climb" and plants that grow larger produce (like watermelons) may have trouble with such a scenario, unless you choose hybrids that grow smaller fruit/veggies. Despite Drawbacks Sq. Ft. Gardening Gets 4/5 I think the method is great, and Mel Bartholomew has put a lot of time and effort into helping people implement the method in a way that is efficient and productive. That being said, I can't give either book 5 stars simply because I don't believe that the recommended soil mixes are going to be your best or your most economical bet. Learn More About a Better Soil Medium This square foot gardening review can also be found on my blog, along with a short but VERY useful section related to how you can create the absolute best soil possible to put in your square foot gardening raised bed layout. Using this "mystery growing medium" is the absolute best way to get the most out of ANY garden, raised, square foot or otherwise. Source by Michael Kaufman Read the full article

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Wax Emulsion End Grain Sealers - Application Tips For Woodturners

Overview Get the best application tips for woodturners. Few products in recent years have been as beneficial to woodturners trying to season green timber as wax emulsion end grain sealers. In the woodturning workshop, wax emulsion sealers serve an important function by controlling the rapid loss of moisture through freshly cut surfaces on logs, blanks and roughed out projects. Two widely available wax emulsion sealers are Anchorseal and Mobil-Cer M. Anchorseal is paraffin based colloidal solution for logs and lumber. It contains paraffin, water and a surfactant and is milky-white in appearance. Mobil-Cer M is a microcrystalline wax based coating. It contains microcrystalline wax, water and a surfactant and is also milky-white in appearance.

Application Tips For Woodturners: How Wax Emulsions Work

Wax emulsions (also known as end grain sealers) form a flexible and vapor permeable membrane between treated surfaces and the surrounding atmosphere. You can check the woodturning techniques. As woodturners, our goal is not to prevent moisture from moving through the log or the wax coating, but instead to retard the rate of moisture evaporation. When this is achieved, drying defects are reduced and the maximum amount of timber can be utilized in every log. Application Methods For Wax Emulsions Wax emulsion sealers can be applied by various methods including brush-on, dip tank, roll-on, spray-on and vacuum assisted. The decision on which method to choose should be based on the quantity, size and location of the logs or blanks to be processed. Correct application procedures are essential to obtain maximum protection from the wax coating. Brush-On Wax sealers can be easily brushed onto the exposed end grain, or side grain surfaces of logs, turning squares and bowl blanks. For an optimum surface coating, the cut surfaces should be as smooth as possible. Excess sawdust or debris should be brushed off before applying the sealer. In addition, if any checking is evident on the exposed end grain, it should be cut back until solid wood is present. When brushing the sealer on the end grain portion of re-sawn turning squares or bowl blanks, also coat 1" of the adjacent side grain. This insures a better coating on the area where the end grain and side grain areas meet. The sealer should be applied onto the end grain until it nearly runs off. Applying too thin a coating will reduce the protection level and may compromise the successful seasoning of the timber. If any bubbles are present on the surface, brush across the area again until the bubbles are completely removed. Bubbles that are left in the wet film may cause differential moisture gradients to form in the surface coating. These differential moisture gradients cause uneven drying zones across the face of the treated surface, which may result in surface checking. Roll-On Standard 9" paint rollers make excellent applicators for medium to large sized logs and blanks. My favorite roller is the type sold for painting in tight areas. It is approximately 4" long and works exceptionally well for any but the largest of logs. Rollers can apply the coating much faster and more uniformly than hand brushing. In addition, because the nap on the roller is available in different sizes, rough or uneven cut log surfaces can be more easily and uniformly covered. Dip Tanks When processing large amounts of smaller blanks or turning squares, dip tanks are simple and efficient. Almost any shallow container can be used for making a dip tank. Old pie pans work well, as do small plastic bowls. Simply decant a small amount of the sealer into the tank and dip each end of the blank into the sealer. The level of the sealer inside the dip tank should be adequate enough to coat the end grain and the small amount of adjacent side grain, in one step. Spray-On If you will be processing a large amount of squares or logs, or you are working with very large diameter (2' to 6' diameter or more) logs, consider spraying the sealer. Many types of sprayers are available including electrical, gas and manually powered with sizes and prices to fit any budget. Manual sprayers are excellent for spraying in remote locations without electrical service. Trombone type slide sprayers are also available that draw directly from five gallon buckets. I have found that simple pump-up garden sprayers available in most home centers, work very well and are much easier to use than trombone or backpack style sprayers. Vacuum Assisted Application When sealing high figured wood, unstable burrs or crotch figured blanks, vacuum assisted impregnation of the surface can be utilized. This method applies sealer to the side grain and end grain simultaneously, producing a well sealed outer surface. My use of this method is typically limited to pen blanks, but it can be adapted to larger turning squares quite easily with proper equipment. Source by Steven Russell Read the full article

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Diy home renovation ideas

Are you want to take diy home renovation ideas? Home renovation often increases property value. This is one of the most common reasons for renovations, in addition to updating a home and making it more suited to your personal tastes. When it comes to renovations, some homeowners opt to utilise the services of professional contractors. Renovation projects can be very costly, especially where you enlist the services of a professional builder, interior designer or other specialist. This is why some people prefer DIY (do it yourself) renovations, which can be more cost effective, especially where you have the skills to do some of the tasks. So if you are thinking of DIY home renovations, here is a list of renovation tips that may help you renovate your home.

Diy home renovation ideas and plan

Having a plan for each step of your renovation allows you to renovate in a more cost effective manner, giving you the ability to budget accordingly before you start the project; an outline of the project will help during the renovations. Appropriating funds from your budget is extremely important. Kitchens and bathrooms are huge selling points in a house, which means you should spend the bulk of your time and resources renovating those rooms. Often a new coat of paint or new carpet can change the entire look of your bedroom and living rooms, and both are relatively inexpensive ways to improve a place. If you are looking to increase the property value, talk to a realtor before you start your renovations. Your realtor can provide you with insight as to which renovations are worth the money and which ones will not turn a profit. Additionally, your realtor can provide you with current real estate trends so you can see what aspects of a house are selling points with buyers and which ones are not. Improve instead of renovate Before you start the project, think about what you want and decide whether or not you have to replace things or simply reface them. For example, if you are renovating your kitchen, ask yourself if you need all new cabinets or if painting or staining your current cabinets will provide your kitchen with the update you are looking for. In addition, you can remove the doors of your current cabinets and attach new ones for far less than the price of installing a complete cabinet system. Cost One of the biggest costs in renovating your house comes from materials. By purchasing and transporting materials on your own you can save hundreds of dollars. A contractor or other third party will charge you delivery fees among other hidden fees to pick up and deliver materials to your home. In addition, doing this yourself gives you the option of shopping around, comparing costs and finding items on sale or clearance. The best way to reduce cost is to go to places and source second hand building material. If you can't access used materials, then head to thrift stores or larger outdoor stores that sell cheaper items. Design Creating a design for your renovation is perhaps the most important aspect in the remodelling process. Use resources of the internet to get an idea of how you want to design things and speak to professionals to get expert advice and tips on how best to approach the renovation and how to work with the space that you have. Extra help Some renovations will inevitable require the use of a contractor. If you are not accustomed to working with plumbing or cabinetry, it is wise to invest in a contractor to handle those aspects of the renovation for you. The low cost of doing it yourself is gone, but not knowing what you are doing can cost you a significant amount of extra money in the long run! If you must go the route of hiring a contractor, you can still get things done cheaply by doing smaller tasks yourself. For example, if you hire a contractor to handle your new kitchen, you can paint the kitchen yourself, which will save you several hundred dollars. Consider these tips! Before you start your renovation project, consider these DIY Home Renovation ideas and Tips . Each will save you time and money on your renovation. Adhering to them will help you increase the property value of your home and maximise your profits by allowing you to see a return on the money you spent remodelling, should you decide to sell your home. Source by Sara Berrada Read the full article

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Advantages and Disadvantages of a Lean-To Wood Shed

Advantages A lean to wood shed is one of the easiest to construct because wood is a versatile material to work with. With the right tools in hand and some hard work, you can successfully build a shed in the style, size, and design you like. Wood has a certain look of timelessness in it. With a lean to wood shed, you would not necessarily have to worry that it might look a little out-of-place on your lawn or yard. Wooden sheds uphold tradition as the material has been used in building sheds for many generations. A lean to wood shed serves your storage convenience. In addition to that, it can actually improve the look of your home. Wooden sheds are indisputably the best-looking sheds around. Home owners with some experience in carpentry work can easily design and construct their own lean to wood shed with the help of shed plans on sale. Wood is easily customizable and altered to serve an intended purpose. One interesting aspect of wood sheds is the interior, which can be fitted with wooden shelves and other additions the owner prefers. Disadvantages Wood, despite its characteristic strength, carries with it certain disadvantages that led to the development of modern materials in shed-building. For one, the material may rot, chip, split, or warm after prolonged exposure to the outdoors. It is prone to termite attacks, mold, and mildew, not to mention a fire hazard. A lean to wood shed demands careful maintenance. Its surrounding areas must always be cleared of debris and plant material. Rot-proofing finishes must regularly be applied for protection. Protection Paint or stains are dual purpose finishes that can protect the surface of the wood and add to your shed's aesthetic value. They are especially recommended if you are doing standard construction using plywood or post and beam. Staining and applying preservatives can effectively strengthen the wood against UV light, rain, fungi, and insects. The versatility of wood remains a strong point. There are plenty of wood shed kits you can choose from although the choices may be a bit limited if you are looking for a lean to wood shed. Still, storage sheds made of wood are undoubtedly an excellent choice. Easy-to-assemble wood shed kits are sold in a variety of sizes, and designs. You may even have the wood painted over in a color that matches your house's exteriors. A lean to wood shed would look particularly inconspicuous if its color matches the wall of your house. Maintenance Expect maintenance costs to be relatively higher if you opt for a wooden lean to shed. If you are one of those people who believe that you cannot put a price on class and style, a permanent wooden structure is truly a good investment. Wooden sheds are too good to be used for storage. They are much more suitable for use as potting sheds, playhouses, a studio, or a workshop. Source by Matthew Holden Read the full article

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Woodturning Techniques - Preventing Grain Tear Out

Overview Woodturning Techniques, One of the more difficult challenges new and intermediate wood turners face is how to deal with torn grain areas on their projects while turning. Sometimes, even with the sharpest tools and the best techniques, you can get torn grain while turning. Reversed grain areas, soft or punky wood next to sound wood, density differences between early and late wood, wild grain and other situations can sometimes create torn, or bruised grain. Some species are more susceptible to torn grain than others, but there are effective ways to deal with this challenge so your sanding will be easier.

Woodturning Techniques: Preventing Torn Grain When Turning

One of the best ways to prevent torn grain, is to stop and sharpen your gouge if you notice any areas that are not cutting cleanly. The edge life on your gouge is highly variable, therefore our first and best response to any cutting problem we encounter while turning, is to stop and sharpen our tools. If that does not solve the problem, then you still have lots of options available to improve the quality of your surface. Woodturning Techniques: Effective Techniques for Dealing with Torn Grain   One quick and easy way to improve the cut quality in a torn grain area is to apply paste wax to the area. Simply wipe a small amount of paste wax (I prefer Microcrystalline Wax) into the stubborn area and take another cut with your freshly sharpened gouge. This can be quite effective on some timbers, as the wax helps to stiffen the fibers slightly, so they can cut cleanly. Another option is to spray a bit of clear lacquer onto the torn grain area. Allow the lacquer to dry and take another cut with your gouge. This is highly effective on many timbers, so give it a try. Spray Shellac also works well, but I do not always have it on hand, so I use Lacquer most of the time. Lacquer dries very fast and really helps to stiffen the torn fibers, allowing them to be cut cleanly. Woodturning Techniques: Other Options - Shear Scraping If you do not want to apply anything to the surface, consider shear scraping the area with a freshly sharpened scraper. When we shear scrape, we hold the angle of the cutting edge at 45 degrees and lightly skim the area with the scraper. This will produce feather light shavings that look like goose down. Shear scraping is an excellent technique to deal with torn grain and offers a side benefit as well - much less sanding. A properly shear scraped surface can reduce your abrasive protocol up to 50%, by allowing you to start sanding as high as 320-grit. Trust me, you really want to learn how to shear scrape! I use it primarily to reduce sanding in my studio, but it works equally well to repair torn grain, or other damaged areas. Power Sanding Last but not least, you can power sand the torn grain and remove it with abrasives. This is the least desirable option for many people, as very few wood turners like to sand! However, at times this may be your last, best option. If you have a small patch of torn grain that you want to sand, lock your lathe spindle and lightly power sand the specific area before you begin sanding the rest of the bowl. When you have removed the damage, unlock the lathe spindle, turn on the lathe and sand as normal. The area you worked on with the lathe off will be blended into the rest of the surface and should disappear. If your damage is very deep, this option may leave a dip in the surface. There are no doubt other ways to handle torn grain, but these have been the most reliable for me over the years and I encourage you to give one, or more of them a try the next time torn grain rears its ugly head in your studio. About The Author Source by Steven Russell Read the full article