Keep Your Safety First

Your personal safety when working on carpentry projects depends greatly on what safety measures you take. The power tools sold today offer many safety features, such as blade, guards, locks to prevent accidental starts and double insulation to reduce the risk of shock in the event of a short circuit. It's up to you to take advantage of these safety features, For example, never operate a saw with the blade guard removed. You risk injury from flying debris as well as fro being cut by the blade.

Follow all precautions outlined in the owner's manuals for your tools and make sure you protect yourself with safety glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask or respirator to filter out dust and debris.

Keep your work environment clean. A cluttered work area is more likely to result in accidents. Clean your tools and put them away at the end of every work period and sweep up dust and debris.

Some materials emit dangerous fumes or particles. Keep such materials stored away from heat sources and out of the reach of children always use these products in a well ventilated area.

Maintaining safety is an ongoing project. Take the time to update your first-aid kit and evaluate your workspace, tools and safety equipment on a regular basis. To avoid accidents, repair and replace old and worn-out parts before they break.

Tips for Planning a Carpentry Project

Lay out the project using 2" masking tape on the floor to indicate the boundaries of the project. An actual-size layout will help you visualize the end result and can often draw your attention to issues that aren't obvious from a cool drawing.

Examine the areas directly below and above the project before cutting into a wall to determine the location of water lines, ductwork, and gas pipes. In most cases, pipes utility lines, and ductwork run through his wall vertically between floors. Original blueprints for your house, if available, usually show the locations of the utility lines.

Draw cutting diagrams to help you make efficient use of materials. Make scale drawings a sheet goods on graph paper, and sketch cutting lines for each part of your project. When laying Out cut lines, remember that the cutting path (Kerl) of a saw blade consumes up to 1/2" of material.

Make a list of materials using your plain drawings and cutting diagrams as a guide. Photocopy the materials List and use it to organize your work and estimate costs.

Planning your first Carpentry Project

A Carpentry project can be fun and rewarding but it requires more than just a knack for cutting lumber and pounding nails. In the face your national ability with tools may not affect the finished product as much as your attention to details materials costs and local building codes, Address these issues in the planning stages so you can use your time efficiently once you start to cut. Start any project by asking yourself the questions below. Once you've addressed each question. You can feel confident about the project you're about to start.

Is a permit required? Most building departments require a permit if your carpenter project will significantly alter your home's condition. You'll probably need a permit for anything more extensive than replacing a rotted window. Permits are required for adding or replacing beams, posts, joists, rafters for building additions, for converting a basement or attic, and for many other projects. Ask your building department for any literature on carpentry projects.  If a permit is required, you'll need to show and inspector a detailed diagram and a list of building materials before you begin.

How will the project affect my living space?

Building a wall or installing a new window may drastically change your living environment. Make sure you consider the pros and cons each project will produce before starting.

What type of materials will work best for my project?

To maintain a common theme throughout a room, choose building materials that match your existing livifig space. Always choose well-crafted materials that meet the requirements of local building codes.

Which tools do I need?

Each carpentry project in this article includes a list of tools, including portable power tools. Some tools, such as a power drill and circular saw, should be considered essential. Others, such as a power miter saw or router, simplify the job, but are not essential. Dado cuts for shelves can be made using a circular saw, instead of a router. Making miter cuts with a back saw and miter box is also possible. Using different tools to complete specific tasks usually takes extra time, but you'll be able to enjoy a sense of craftsmanship that using hand tools brings to a project.