Woodworking is a fun hobby that allows you to craft gorgeous workpieces. However, this hobby requires skill, patience, and creativity. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned woodworker, there are always new things to learn and techniques to master. Let’s explore some woodworking skills you should learn this year to take your craft to the next level.

Woodcarving

Woodcarving involves a knife or carving tool that you use to shape and sculpt wood. This skill is perfect for adding intricate details to your furniture or creating unique pieces of art. There are a variety of carving techniques out there, from chip carving to relief carving, so it’s worth experimenting to find which works best for you. Plus, carving can be a very meditative and relaxing process that allows you to connect with the wood and find peace.

Woodturning

Similar to carving, woodturning involves shaping wood. But instead of using a knife, this method utilizes a lathe. A lathe rotates a workpiece on its axis, allowing you to cut, sand, drill, or shape the wood with various tools. Utilizing the machine allows you to create bowls, vases, and other rounded objects.

While the lathe may seem intimidating at first, it’s a skill that can yield beautiful results as long as you practice and remain patient.

Track saw cuts

A woodworking skill that can improve the quality of your projects is the ability to make track saw cuts. A track saw is a versatile tool that helps you make precise and straight cuts in wood. There are different types of track saw cuts that you should learn, including crosscuts, rip cuts, and bevel cuts.

Utilizing track saw cuts will make your projects more professional-looking because you’ll achieve cleaner cuts, eliminating any unevenness or imperfections in workpieces.

Joinery

Joinery refers to joining pieces of wood together. This skill is essential for creating sturdy furniture or other wooden objects that are meant to last. There are a variety of joinery techniques to choose from, such as dovetail, mortise and tenon, and biscuit joints. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to learn them all to determine which is best for your specific project.

Wood burning

Also known as pyrography, wood burning is another woodworking skill you should learn this year. It requires using a hot tool to burn designs and patterns into wood. This skill is perfect for personalizing and adding detail to your woodworking projects.

From lettering to intricate designs, the possibilities with wood burning are endless! Please keep in mind that it’s a skill that takes practice and patience, but the end results are worth it.

Finishing

Many people overlook the importance of finishing workpieces, but it’s crucial for protecting, preserving, and enhancing the look of your projects. There are a variety of finishes to choose from, such as stains, paints, and oils.

You should learn the properties of each finish and how to apply them properly to achieve the desired effects. For example, it’s best to apply stains to the surface of the wood with a brush or cloth, allowing the finish to penetrate the wood and highlight the natural grain.

Whether you try one or all of these new skills, have fun throughout the process as you create something beautiful.