If you have a passion for woodworking projects, maybe you would wish to become a master woodworker.
However, it’s always not easy to be professional in one day.
This job requires improvement through a period of time, but don’t worry, we have the following tips to help you get better day by day.
#1. Good Communication Skills To Know The Requirement Of Customers
This is the most important factor which will help you to become more professional no matter which field you are working at.
As a master woodworker, you need to know the preference of your clients. You need to quickly catch up with what your clients describe in order to make the right product.
Sometimes clients would request a lot, and you know you cannot meet all of those requirements.
In this case, maybe you will need to come up with the best solution, then explain and persuade your clients so that they understand what is possible and what is impossible.
This usually requires a good communication skill.
If you don’t have it now, just go and try to improve it everyday!!!
#2. Educate Yourself For Woodworking Skills
Remember: Practice makes perfect!
To become a professional woodworker, you will need to keep learning new knowledge from both online and real world sources.
There are loads of information and tutorial available, so you should choose which technique works for yourself and try to work on it until you master every step!
#3. Choosing The Right Wood
Of course if you want to become a master woodworker, you will need to have certain knowledge about different types of wood.
Choosing the right wood for your project can directly affect the final result. Since each type of wood has their own characteristics, they may react to the surrounding environment in a various way.
For example, the moisture content is not the same in all types of wood. That’s why you would see the difference in colors after staining.
You need to know this in order to take care of your wood and know how to treat them well.
#4. Plan Your Woodworking Projects
Always plan your project before starting! That’s the key to the question “how to become a woodworker”.
Whether you are a professional or just an amateur in this field, you should always prepare your plan as detailed as possible, otherwise you may confront a lot of matters while doing your project.
If you have been familiar with woodworking, maybe you have the ability to solve the unexpected problems.
However, it’s still better to have a plan in advance so you can know what to do and what will be the next step.
In case you are a newbie, a plan would be a MUST. This will help to avoid wasting your time and money on doing an impossible project.
Currently, there are a lot of online sources providing step-by-step instructions for various projects. You can invest in one of them and start with the most basic plan. Don’t rush!
#5. Knowledge About Safety Equipment Of Woodworking
Most of the woodworking tools are very sharp, and can hurt you anytime.
You had better read through the guidelines before actually using any of the equipments.
If you are consufed or don’t know how to use a machine, don’t hesitate to ask the owner for a detailed manual.
Below are some safety regulations that you had better bear in mind:
- Always wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles).
- Wear dust masks when required.
- Wear hearing protection
- Use gloves to protect hands
- Wear protective footwear when required.
- Ensure that all cutting tools and blades are clean, sharp, and in good working order so that they will cut freely, not forced.
- Keep the area free from water and moisture. Do not use electrical equipment outdoors in the rain.
- Always keep your attention on the work. For example, if you must talk to another person, turn off the equipment first.
#6. Good Math Skills
For carpenters, math skills are used on a daily basis.
Professional woodworkers always need to measure and calculate their next cuts of wood.
They even have to know calculations in terms of geometry and algebra. They must be competent in adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions and decimals.
#7. Good Physical Strength
Maybe you think you don’t necessarily need physical strength because almost everything would be done by machines.
Yes, machines can help you cut and shape the wood with just a little effort, but you will need to do more than just using the machines.
Sometimes you will need to commonly lift heavy machinery and materials, or sometimes work is completed outdoors or in warehouses where extreme temperatures can occur.
That’s why most capenters are men, not women. Although we can see some women having a passion for woodworking, they still need to be very strong.
#8. Practice and Practice
Every skill will only be perfect after a long time practicing. If you don’t want to stop at basic projects, you should learn more and try to take advantage of every moment in your life to practice.
This is super important not only in woodworking, but also in other fields.
Woodworking is something similar to art, the working process needs to be taken very carefully so that you can produce the best product at the end.
If you work harder and harder, you will definitely see your improvements and raise your inspiration to create more valuable things.
#9. Always Wear Safety Equipment
Since woodworking can be very dangerous, you need to prepare enough safety equipments before starting your plan.
Everything from gloves, glasses, face shield, ear protection equipments, etc. needs to be around you all the time.
And don’t forget to research how to use them so you can know all of their functions.
#10. Following Woodworking Youtube Channels
Youtube is the biggest source of tutorials around the world. You can learn everything on Youtube.
You need to find out several channels that you feel interested and suitable for your level, then try to watch their videos and follow them so you can receive the notifications on their new projects.
You may have to spend hundreds of dollars buying tutorial books on the market.
But if you have the basic knowledge and have a limited financial condition, Youtube is perhaps the best source.
It’s totally free.
And who knows, after becoming a master woodworker, you will be able to post your own instruction videos!!!
All you need is try, try, try!!!
That’s all
Alright, that’s all about top 10 tips to become a professional woodworker.
If you want to get improvement as soon as possible, just grasp your tools and plan your project from now.
Remember, you can do anything, as long as you have a passion!
