Welcome to My Wood Gear, my name is Thomas Steven, and I am the Founder and Editor of this site. Woodworking and the associated woodworking gear has always been something that has fascinated me. How you can take a piece of wood or several pieces of wood and by having some imagination, a plan and the right tools you can make almost anything, the sky is the limit!
My passion for woodworking began at school, where I became hooked on the idea of carving something from a piece of wood and knowing that “I did that”. It created a huge sense of satisfaction! That was how I got started and continue to learn, whether it is to make something with my lathe, from an assortment of saws and sanders, or DIY around the house.
This is my main reason for building this site, so I can hopefully inspire some budding woodworkers to take up this fascinating subject and develop their skills and create something beautiful!
There are just so many projects and things to make from wood. Wood is so easy to shape into whatever your vision may be for that piece of wood. As well as there being many different types of wood that are ideal for a myriad of applications.
My aim is to help you, whether as a beginner, a DIYer or you are interested in restoring old furniture.
My wood gear is a blog created for beginners and woodwork enthusiast. We will provide reviews and other info about woodworking gear that must be in your toolbox in order to maximize your productivity and project quality. Sometimes you really do need the right tools and information to get the right results!
Every now and then a lot of innovative and upgraded tool models are released onto the market. With tons of options available in the market, it is important to my fellow woodworkers that they receive the best up to date and accurate information about all these new products. This is where I come in!!
I will provide detailed reviews of as many of these woodworking tools as possible. All the features are discussed in detail. Hopefully you can take this website as the hub of reviews of woodworking tools and more.
How is the Content Created at My Wood Gear?
Although I am passionate about all things wood, I don’t want to pretend I’m an expert at all things related to woodworking gear. But I can promise that all the content on this site will be an honest opinion and I will do my absolute best to bring you all the latest information possible.
I do use professional writers that are directed by my thorough research and scrutiny before any content is published. I have interviewed or discussed with my local tradies (and sometimes friends in the trade) about what they would like to see on this site. This info will certainly influence what will be published on My Wood Gear.
Information You Will Find on My Wood Gear
Starting as a Beginner or Professional Woodworker|What You Need to Know
Woodworking is a broad term, and it covers a hobby that can be overwhelming without some guidance. Knowing how and where to start can be a challenge for many people new to DIY and working with their hands. We will give you helpful pointers on the basic concepts, skills, and techniques that you need to get started. We also have some helpful resources that will make your journey easier and more rewarding.
Woodworking gear for the DIYer
Purchasing gear for woodworking doesn’t need to be expensive; having access to the best tools and more equipment doesn’t make a person a better woodworker. When you see a well-equipped workshop, it’s important to remember that the tools and equipment have been assembled over a long period of time. To get started you need a basic toolkit that will help you to work on some woodworking projects. You can add more specialized tools later; we will guide you on the tools that you need to set up your workshop.
Tools for Making Furniture
When you’re ready to move beyond basic DIY concepts, it’s natural to feel the urge to make furniture. The tools that you need fall into three broad categories:
Tools for Layout
An accurate layout is essential when you’re making fine furniture, and this is equally applicable for handwork and power tools. To achieve the best results, the joints must be square and located precisely. When you’re starting out, it’s a good idea to focus on tools for layout, and they will be the first tools that you purchase.
Tools for Joinery
Dovetail joints are the true benchmark when it comes to demonstrating craftsmanship. Cutting the joints by hand is well worth the extra effort if you have the time and resources. But, even if you’re using power tools to cut the joinery, you may need hand tools to make final adjustments for the fit.
Tools for Shaping and Smoothing
A smooth finish always starts with good surface preparation with hand tools to remove any tear out and machine marks. Hand planes can create flat surfaces and sharp champers that are hard to replicate with powered sanders.
Carving Tools
Some people use wood carving and woodworking as interchangeable terms, but they are very different fields. There are similarities, but woodcarving creates bevels with tools that tend to have thin tempered, heat treated, or carbon steel cutting edges. Wood carving tools tend to have shorter handles than woodworking tools, and they are more specialized in nature.
How to use your Woodworking Tools
We will also help you to use your traditional or new woodworking hand tools to make useful projects that will inspire you to further develop your skills. Having something tangible that you can use and show to your friends and family can be enormously rewarding. Even the best woodworking tools are only as good as the person wielding them.
Articles About How to Use Woodworking Tools:
- Learn How to Use an Orbital Sander- To get the Best Results
- How to Use a Table Saw- Helping Beginners get Started
- How to Use a Circular Saw Like A Pro
Different Options to Finish and Protect Your Wood
There are many options to explore when you want to finish and protect your wood surfaces. Let’s look at three of the more popular finishes for your natural wood projects:
Wax
The most common waxes for finishing are a combination of beeswax and turpentine. These products are easy to source at your local DIY store, and they are a popular choice for furniture. Wax is a great finish for modern furniture, and it’s often used in the restoration of antique furniture too.
There are a few standout features when you choose wax, such as good moisture resistance, easy cleaning, protection from UV rays, and deep shine that actually nourishes the wood surfaces.
We’ll guide you through the techniques in more detail, but, to apply the wax, it’s important to ensure that the surface is thoroughly cleaned. This will remove any traces of dirt and other imperfections that can ruin the finish. Apply the wax with a clean cotton cloth or brush and rub it into the wood in a circular motion. If you really want the wood to shine, apply several layers and intersperse them with an appropriate drying time for the wax you’re using.
Oil
Oil is typically used as a finish on hardwoods, and it can give the wood some real personality. The oil will enhance the natural grain of the wood and add a soft texture. The oil integrates quickly, and the penetration is surprisingly deep if you’ve never applied oil before. But, the wood can still breathe, and you won’t notice any major changes as time passes.
The standout features of an oil finish include easy application, good resistance to UV rays, moisture-resistant, a silky texture, and a deep color tone in the wood grain.
Using oil can be a little daunting. It is applied in layers; there are long and slow drying times that are required between each new layer. The drying time will vary depending on the wood surface and the type of oil you’re applying. The oil is brushed into the wood and the long drying times are necessary for full absorption.
Varnish
There are many types and shades of varnish finish on the market, and it’s a commonly used product. Varnish is a synthetic material, it gives the wood some extra color and shine and it’s very easy to apply.
The standout features of a varnish finish are gloss, matte and satin finish choices, UV resistant options, a wide color palette, a more enduring finish than wax, and easy application.
An Article that you may be interested in: Water Based Varnish vs Oil Based Varnish – Which One Should I Use?
The varnish is applied with a roller or small brush, it’s a liquid, but it has a thick texture. Varnish is easy to apply, but the main problem for many users is the accumulation of small bumps caused by pools of liquid. When you apply varnish, it’s a good idea to dilute the first layer with solvent or water to make the application smoother. Give the surface 8-10 hours to dry, and then follow up with a final varnish layer.
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