By Ryan Henderson

If you have been browsing around your local home improvement store or craft shop then you have probably noticed some great woodworking plans. Problem is, there is so many to choose from, how do you decide what to do

Well you can narrow down your choices if you decide what season you would like your project to represent. Here are a few suggestions of projects that you may want to try your hand at for the different seasons.

1. Flower holders and Planters

As soon as spring rolls around most of us seem to develop “spring fever”. We’re anxious to get outdoors and start working on those gardens.. So why not go find yourself a few neat plans to build some flower holders and planters.

2. Outdoor summer décor

It’s nice to have all the landscaping done, and the garden furniture in place. If you have some spare time on your hands, now is the ideal time to take on one of those projects you have been thinking about all winter. Like the fort you promised to build the boys, or maybe the playhouse your daughter has been begging for. Better still do both. Visit your local craft store and just review all of woodworking patterns they have to offer for both the forts and the playhouse. Choose one that’s going to fit your needs.

3. Garden Décor

If you look around some of the local improvement stores you will see tons of whimsical garden decorations. Problem is everyone in the neighborhood has the same thing. Why not be unique. Start a project and make your decorations, instead of having the usual plastic or cement ones.. Be creative and original. Gnomes made from wood, or even a few woodland animals would be perfect.

4. Fall Decor

Before you know it the leaves are hitting the ground, and those summer breezes that were once warm and inviting have become a bit nippy. So why not perk up your landscaping with some fall décor. After all a nice big fat turkey (a wood one of course) sitting along side your fence would create some interest. Then there’s Halloween where you can just let your imagination run a bit wild here.

5. Fall is the perfect time to go ahead and build that compost box you have been talking about. Especially now that you have all the fallen leaves to find a home for. You are going to want to find woodworking plans that will apply to the size of the area you have available.

Winter Woes

6. Now that the snow has presented itself, you are back to cleaning that mucky mess at the back entrance, and of course tripping over the boots. You have decided that something has to be done about this. Great! Go grab yourself some plans and start building that boot rack that is going to solve all these problems.

7. Have you ever admired those lifelike reindeer standing out in the snow? Yes the ones made from wood. What an ideal project to fulfill two ideas at once. The reindeer add just a bit of color and interest during the winter months. So you have some nice outdoor winter décor. Then at Christmas just tie a big red bow around their necks and there’s part of your Christmas decorating all taken care of.

No matter which of these projects you decide to take on do yourself a favor. Go and check out all of the woodworking plans at your favorite store. They are all simple projects but still require some step by step direction.

Ryan Henderson is the founder of MyShedPlans.com – http://www.MyShedPlans.com

As featured In Woodcraft, Log Homes Illustrated & Popular Mechanics Magazines, MyShedPlans provides the ultimate resource for woodworking enthusiasts and craftsmen.

Discover the easiest step-by-step way to build beautiful wooden sheds & woodworking projects in the next 5 minutes!

Jam packed with over 12,000 shed plans, blueprints, illustrations and woodworking patterns from everything ranging from small clock houses to large storage and garden sheds.

P.S: Offer: Visit MyShedPlans official site now and download woodworking plans now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Henderson
http://EzineArticles.com/?7-of-the-Best-Woodworking-Ideas-and-Plans-to-Start-During-the-Holidays&id=1528760

by
Ryan Henderson

If you are just new to woodworking then do your homework first, and find out all the safety precautions you should be aware of before you start. Don’t compromise the time and say it just takes common sense. We all make mistakes, and not being aware or taking the time to learn about safety in your work could be a very costly one. The dangers are twofold in that you can put your personal safety at risk, or at they very least make some irreparable mistakes to your project.

Don’t underestimate the damage that some of the smaller woodworking tools can do. If the instrument is sharp in any way ,it can cause a nasty cut or puncture. If it’s a larger tool like a saw it can cause you to lose a limb. To prevent this you must always be alert. If you are overtired, not feeling well ,or have been drinking alcohol then don’t work on your project ,and most importantly do not use your tools.

Learn about the tools you will be using for your woodworking projects. Know what they are capable of. Be sure to always read the operating instructions as well as the safety instructions before you even attempt to operate it. If is a second hand item that you have purchased, then go on the internet to research it.

Sometimes you can even contact the manufacturer and they will be happy to send you out the information. Sometimes people will remove the safety guards that are installed on the tools. This is a very dangerous practices. Those guards are there for your safety. Also keep your tools in good working order. Damaged tools can result in a fire by shorting out, or even causing electrical shock.

Make sure your work area is large enough that you can work safely. Keep it clean. Leaving things scattered on the floor is a very easy way for you or someone else to trip. Make it a habit to unplug any of your electrical tools when unattended, especially if others have access to your work shop. Children are intrigued by tools and may be curious to try them.

If you hair is long be sure to keep it tied back. It can easily get caught in one of your tools, or block your vision when you are working with a power tool. Additionally it’s a good idea to remove jewelry that could get caught in your tools. Protective clothing is important as well, such as goggles, gloves and dust masks when working on any woodworking project. If you are working with loud tools, then perhaps use earplugs.

Ventilation is very important. Not only for the dust, but for the fumes that are sometimes created from the finishing products.

Not concentrating could lead to accidents, you could end up making the wrong cuts on your wood for example. Or using the wrong type of finishing product. This is frustrating when you have been working so hard on a woodworking project ,or invested so much money into materials. Many mishaps can be avoided in woodworking activities if you stick to the rules as well as use common sense.

Ryan Henderson is the founder of MyShedPlans.com

As featured In Woodcraft, Log Homes Illustrated & Popular Mechanics Magazines, MyShedPlans provides the ultimate resource for woodworking enthusiasts and craftsmen.

Discover the easiest step-by-step way to build beautiful wooden sheds & woodworking projects in the next 5 minutes!

Jam packed with over 12,000 shed plans, blueprints, illustrations and woodworking patterns from everything ranging from small clock houses to large storage and garden sheds.

P.S: Offer: Visit MyShedPlans official site now and download free garden shed plans now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Henderson http://EzineArticles.com/?Avoiding-the-Hidden-Dangers-During-Woodworking-Or-Shed-Building&id=1552218

Sometimes you just need to put your tools in an organized fashion or I cannot get anything done in the shop.

Put your tools within easy reach by rolling this sturdy cabinet right up to your work area. When you’re through, simply close and lock the doors. Then return the cabinet to its storage spot-it occupies only 2×2′ of floor space. Closed cabinet measures approximately 24″ wide by 24″ deep by 66″ tall (including casters).
NOTE: This item is available as a downloadable PDF. To download, view, and print the plan on your computer, you’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If ordering the Downloadable Acrobat Plan, click here for Step-By-Step Instructions on downloading.

You can download this plan directly here

These machines combine the qualities of a 3-hp cabinet saws with contractor-style saws and run on 110 volts. You’ll find out if one belongs in your shop, and if so, which model to buy. Also, see why WOOD testers gave the Shop Fox W1748 Top Tool Approval. This tool review was featured in the November 2008 issue of WOOD.
NOTE: This item is available as a downloadable PDF. To download, view, and print the article on your computer, you’ll need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here for Step-By-Step Instructions on downloading a pdf.

Creating your own products to sell online is definitely a
unique way to be your own supplier. A lot of people really love
to buy unique items that cater to craftsmanship. If you have
good skills you can do well.

Traditionally when you think of wooden items that are for sale,
you think of the traditional items you see at crafts sales. It
used to be that spice racks, paper towel holders and picture
frames were the most common item. This has always bothered me
since they are such basic and mundane items that don’t really
cater to the skills of real craftsman. Even in my 11th grade
shop class when most guys were making sconces, I wanted to make
something practical. So I built a cabinet to house my stereo. To
me this made sense. I bought the wood for $11 and ended up with
something that we used in our home for years. This is how buyers
think as well, give them something they can use and that they
cannot regularly find in a typical department store.

Target Audience

Think of who your target audience is when thinking of a product
to make. Large target audiences give you a better chance of
selling your product on a regular basis. The typical woodworking
items discussed above are often purchased by an “older” target
audience. The problem is, they are not a large user of the
internet shopping portals. This group is changing and starting
to access shopping online, but start out with a better chance to
make consistent sales.

Another idea to keep in mind is to do your research. Take the
time to look through the completed items portion of EBay. You
can find out a lot about what items sell by looking at auctions
that already closed and sold their items. You can do this
several ways including accessing the “what’s hot” section of
EBay, (go to sitemap at top of page and then scroll down half
way down in the middle of the screen) I have found that unusual
items sell the best.

Think about this, table legs. Table legs that are handmade and
unique, sell very well. Don’t take my word for it, do your
research. A lot of woodworkers come online to buy a part of a
project they cannot make themselves. Most table legs require the
use of a lathe to make them. A lot of shops don’t have a lathe
in their arsenal. Woodworkers tend to stock their shops with a
limited budget with the die hard basic tools. You can also use a
legacy ornamental mill to make some excellent table legs that
will fetch high prices. Most people will wince at the thought of
spending the bigger dollars to get the mill. However you can
make some items on it that you cannot get or make anywhere else.
I call these short cut tools. They make killer projects but cost
premium dollars. The extra dollars can be justified quite easily
by making more sales and the tools area tax write off, if you
structure your business. I use woodworking shows to get great
ideas on what to market. The vendors are eager to help you
figure out a unique product that you can make with their tool.
Again the key is to think outside the box.

Woodworking articles

Ok, so you have decided that you want a router table for your
workshop. All the cool stuff you saw on tv, made you decide to
take the plunge. It’s a good choice really since the router
table is such a versatile tool. You can do all sorts of profiles
that you would never be able to do on other tools. So the first
thing you need to figure out is whether or not you want to buy
one or build your own. This article will give you some
highlights to help you figure out which direction to take.

First, do your homework, a little research goes a long way.
Keep all your notes in one spot and try to do this exercise in
one sitting. Having all the data fresh and ready will help you
choose more quickly and get you on your way to having a table
quicker. Think about key reasons you would want to buy such as;
it’s quicker, it’s convenient, there are a lot of models to
choose from or you are new to woodworking. Next think about
reasons to build such as you want a custom size or you like to
build things yourself because time is not a factor.

Second, know the features you are looking for. The features are
what makes the products stand out. These are important to know
and will help you determine what table to buy. Common features
include; router table inserts, miter track, split fences, dust
port, t- track and leg kits Look at different tables to find out
what features are the best for you.

Third. Know what size table you want. Router tables come in two
different sizes. Benchtop tables are smaller router tables and
are best selected when space is an issue. Larger or full-size
tables are selected when you want full features and space is not
an issue. Keep in mind that some benchtop tables have a matching
stand that you can buy separately. This makes the benchtop table
closer to a standalone router table.

Fourth. Make a budget, it sounds reasonable. Sometimes you will
find that benchtop tables can cost as much as building your own
full-size table. There is nothing worse than finding this out
after you made your purchase. A good side by side comparison can
be your best friend when making a tool purchase.

Lastly, and this might sound kind of weird, but if you can find
a site that sells products that base support that is always a
good thing. A lot of computer companies offer support after the
sale. They have representatives and tech support that help
answer questions. This seems to be lacking in the woodworking
industry. So if you find this feature can definitely be an
advantage. I always feel better when buying something online of
having the ability to ask a real person a question and get a
reasonable answer. Not a sales answer, but a wood worker’s point
of view. This is pretty frustrating when you go to Sears since
most of the salesman are people that don’t have any real
experience. Getting real answers is always rewarding and can
help with the buying decision.

Woodworking articles

Buying a bench top router table today can be a little bit
frustrating. I get asked all kinds of questions. I notice a lot
of people are trying to do things on bench top tables that
really should be reserved for larger tables. The reason is most
bench top tables are short on features.

Even if they have all the features of a bigger table they use
non standard sizes which make it hard to use. A good example of
this would be miter track. Miter track comes in an industry
standard size ¾” slot. All accessories are made to ¾ and fit
most tables with miter track. Some bench top manufactures make
their tables with smaller track and then nothing fits in them
except for what they give you.

Another key problem with the features of the smaller tables is
that they are not made very well. This kind of boggles the mind.
If you took the great quality and shrunk it down to smaller
size, why would it not sell? The answer is, it will, but not
many do it. So what is the solution? Well look for features that
you know you want or need.

Miter track
Split fences
Dust ports
Fence t-track
Bench legs that can be bolted to workbenches or stands
Large work areas
Heavy duty part
Router table inserts

If you look at the tables today you can find an interesting
comparison to their features. The tables that are most popular
are
Bosch 1181
RTD Super Bench
Rousseau Folding Table
Rockler
Skil Model 450

At the bottom of the pile is the Skil 450. It is manufactured
for several different brands. It’s a very good beginner table
but it does have a lot of limitations and has a lot of non
standard equipment. The biggest drawback is that you cannot use
any router on it.

The Bosch 1181 table is loaded with features, which is great.
It too will not fit all routers. It is also very expensive and
if you choose to add the matching stand, that will set you back
another $100. It’s not so much the quality but the price that
detracts from this table set.

The Super Bench from Router Table Depot has every feature that
you might want, and all in standard sizes. The price is very
competitive and offers you the most standard features for the
best price of all the tables reviewed.

The Rousseau folding table is another feature rich table with a
high sticker price. You can add a few more features with the RTD
table and still come in a little lower in price. The foldable
legs could come in handy if you have wall space to hang it on.

Rockler makes a nice design with wooden legs. However the top
does not have an insert which discourages the creation of raised
panels. They do have snap in rings but they are not big enough
for the larger bits available today. The low price is felt on
the lack of features.

Putting all the tables side by side gives you a great
comparison of what’s important to you. This is always a good
idea whether you are buying a woodworking tool or a car.

Bench Top Router Tables

I get the question a lot lately about cutting dado’s and
grooves for larger projects such as shelves. If you are a
beginner woodworker, you spend a lot of time just trying to
figure out which tool you need to build the project you are
interested in. It’s nice if you have someone there with you to
ask your questions to, but it does not always work that way. If
you go to a website to purchase the tools, you probably will not
be able to speak to someone knowledgeable about how to make a
part or cut a certain type of joint. The one question I get
asked about a lot pertains to router tables. A lot of people
want to use the table to cut the larger grooves to hold the
horizontal shelf portion for a book case. Usually these items
are longer, averaging about 72 inches in length. Most router
tables are only about 30 to 35” long.

The problem you run into is that the project is longer than the
table and you cannot support the work piece. This is a common
problem, so you’re not alone. Unless you work in a cabinet shop,
you are going to have to figure out a way to support your work
piece. You can always go out and by a roller stand for the
support. I recommend setting up some sort of bench stand. Even
boxes that help hold your work piece have worked. The whole idea
is to make something work and then take it apart. Again this is
very common.

Cutting the grooves is left best to two different tools. The
first is the table saw. You really need to have a dado blade set
up in the table saw to do a decent job that will not take you
all day. The table saw allows you to cut the grooves in one or
two passes. Again because the pieces are larger you will have to
fashion some sort of support. The other tool you can use is a
handheld router. You will need an edge guide for this method. An
edge guide is a nice tool that is basically a straight edge with
a clamp built into each end. You can even substitute a straight
piece of wood if you do not have an edge guide. You will want to
install a straight bit into your router and line up the edge of
the cutter with a line you have drawn on your project. Next
clamp down your edge guide so that your routers base plate will
move along the cut line as you have it drawn. It only takes one
complete cut before you will be flying through this type of
joint. The time is spent in the setup and in figuring out how
you want to make the cut. Make sure you only take the stock out
in small bites so as not to bog down the router. This is better
for the tool and for your router bits.

Woodworking articles

Whether you are looking to remodel your home or rebuild a brand
new one, you are going to need to hire a contractor for the
projector. When you begin your search for one, you will need to
first look if they are licensed, bonded and insured. That is the
number one mistake that any homeowner can make when hiring a
contractor. If you don’t check and they don’t have none of the
above, you can find yourself in a situation that you don’t want
to be in.

For instance, if the contractor you hired is licensed, but
doesn’t have insurance, anything that goes wrong – damage wise –
will have to come out of your pocket. You can try to sue the
contractor, but likely he won’t have the money to pay you, so it
would be an endless battle for money. Just stay on the safe side
and check that they are licensed and insured before hiring any
contractor.

You should also remember to check out your contractor’s license
before hiring them. See if they have a portfolio of other
projects that they’ve done and see if they have extensive
experience and talent. If they don’t have a visual portfolio,
check with their references. By talking with their previous
clients, you can ask questions that you wouldn’t expect the
contractor to answer truthfully.

Another thing to remember when hiring a contractor is to
discuss the rates and the entire project before signing
contracts. You need to know what you will be paying before the
project begins. Any misunderstandings with the pay rates can
result in legal battles and slow down your process of completing
your project. You should try everything possible to avoid
anything that can go wrong.

Now once you have found out that your contractor has a license,
don’t take their word for it. Take down the license number and
state that it’s registered in – make sure it is your state –
then look it up. You can easily do so online or by calling the
state license board. They also have a web site, so make sure to
check it out.

Before you actually hire any contractor, you should interview
them along with a couple of others in your area. This way you
can compare their rates and skills.

When you are sure of your pick of contractors, you need to sign
a disclosure statement with the contractor. This is a notice to
customer and is required before work begins. The statement will
protect you from the contractor making any changes in the
agreement between everyone involved.

You should also make sure that you learn all you can about
permits. Different permits are needed for different things, such
as electrical, building and manufactured/mobile home permits.
It’s for your safety and will ensure that all building codes are
applied to your home during and after construction.

How can you know if your contractor is truly legit? Here are
some warning signs to look out for:

• Has a special offer only if you sign today
• Only accepts cash
• Doesn’t provide accurate references and credentials
• Doesn’t provide a written contract or complete bid
• Offers exceptionally long warranties
• Wants to complete work on weekends and after hours
• Gives you an offer that’s “too good to be true”

Woodworking articles

Have you ever dreamed of being handy in your own home? Have you
ever hoped that one of these days, you would not only be able to
fix or refurbish old tables and chairs, cabinets, doors, and
other fixtures whenever they get broken or need a serious
makeover? Have you ever wanted to be able to build new things
with wood so that you can replace your old stuff at home without
burning a hole in your pocket, or make something extra for your
efforts by accepting made-to-order wood-based products? Whether
your motivation is savings, self-satisfaction, or dollars and
cents, what you want to become is a good woodworking craftsman.

To become one, you first need to have the right tools for the
job. This is not to say, of course, that you need to max out
your credit cards or spend your life’s savings to buy all the
tools that you see on the catalogs or brochures. Start with the
basics. A good tip to follow when you are just about to embark
on your adventure in woodworking is this:

• Start with a simple project, e.g., a birdhouse. Do not
immediately embark on a complex project just because you can
already imagine how good it will look when you are done with it.
You may end up getting frustrated on your first try and forget
about woodworking altogether.

• Once you have decided what project you will do, check out the
materials and tools you will need for it. The Internet is full
of designs and their corresponding bills of quantities as well
as tools needed which you can download and print as a reference.

• Once you have completed your first project, move on to the
next one that requires the same tools. This will allow you to
gain more familiarity with your tools. When you are very
familiar with your tools, you can then move on to other projects
that will require you to have a new tool or two. Over time you
will find that you have slowly built up your tools and that you
have progressed steadily towards more and more complex projects.

Aside from having the right tools, a good woodworker needs to
be intimate with the materials he uses (through research,
learning from others, and personal experience) and how to make
the most out of their characteristics to build or create the
best possible wooden items for his personal satisfaction as well
as commercial objectives. For example, you need to know what
kind of wood is best for outdoor projects and which ones are for
indoor projects. There are wood types that are better suited for
constantly changing weather conditions, and there are those that
require stable climate conditions and minimal exposure to the
elements. Another example is for jointing conditions, i.e.,
parallel jointing (or jointing of two pieces of wood along their
long grain side) is far stronger than perpendicular jointing (or
jointing between two pieces of would where one is jointed at the
short grain side).

Woodworking articles