Whether you’re an artist or just looking for a new hobby, woodworking can be a great skill to learn. It involves using hand and power tools to cut, trim, drill, hammer, chisel, shape, and sand wood into something new.
Students can enroll in local classes or online woodworking masterclasses to learn a variety of skills. Text- and picture-based lessons are good for beginners, but video tutorials are better for intermediate and advanced learners.
How to build a skateboard
As with any woodworking project, a skateboard is made from various parts. These vary in size, price and material.
A skateboard deck is made from multiple layers of thin plywood and veneer. They are glued together and then pressed for several hours to create a strong and durable deck.
This can be done at home by following a few simple techniques. It takes a little bit of patience and a bit of time, but you can make your own board in less than a day.
First, you need to buy a few pieces of plywood that are roughly 1/17th of an inch thick. These are the base of your skateboard, and if you want a more professional look, use specialty woods like Baltic Birch or Canadian Maple for the top and bottom.
You will also need two “face” pieces of hardwood in mahogany or maple. These are the pieces that will go on the top and bottom of your skateboard.
How to carve a Tudor Rose
One of the best things about this woodworking masterclass is that all the contestants are women, a fact which is not always a given in most male dominated fields. The competition is no small feat, especially in a city like Portsmouth where the dockyards are as close to the femur as the nearest artery. The prize is a shiny new board that is the envy of the competition, not to mention the many locals vying for a slice of the action. a little more planning and attention to detail will ensure the coveted prize is the aficionado’s pride and joy for years to come.
How to make a box
Wood boxes are a great way to showcase your favorite items. They can also add a unique flair to your bookshelf or wall decor. Learn how to make your own using this woodworking masterclass tutorial.
The first box in this series is a simple chisel tray. It’s an introductory project that will teach you how to cut dovetails, assemble, and glue up a box.
Next up, Paul Sellers shows off his skills by making a box with a sliding lid. It’s a good example of how he incorporates the skills gained from his previous chisel tray project into a more complex design.
To make your own box, you will need a piece of plywood and a 1×4 piece of wood for the frame. You’ll also need sandpaper, wood glue, and a handsaw. You can also add a hinge and hardware for added stability. Once you’re done, your shadowbox is ready to hang on your wall!
How to cut dovetails
The handcut dovetail is a key joint in every woodworkers’ repertoire. In this woodworking masterclass, Nathaniel Hill will take you through all the basics of this important technique.
The best way to cut dovetails is by using a specially ground dovetail blade on your table saw. This allows you to cut the tails with a consistent angle and will leave a flat surface in the corner of your piece.
Dovetails are a vital element of any cabinet or furniture design and will provide stability for years to come. You can use any blade on your saw to cut them, but you will get better results if you use a custom ground dovetail blade from a saw sharpening service.
The only problem with this technique is that you may need to adjust the height of your table saw to accommodate it. However, this can be easily done. For example, you can make a sled for the table saw or use trestle support for your bench top to hold a piece of stock vertically while you cut dovetails.