Woodworking is an example of a skill wherein you have to be mindful of so many things at the same time in order to produce outstanding results. With so many different yet related tasks necessary in completing a single project, it is not unusual for anyone, regardless of experience, to run into delays, some of which are caused by the woodworker’s own hand. Although some of these mistakes are unavoidable, all of them can cost you in terms of money, time, and effort. Not only might your project not turn out the way you wanted it to, you could very well end up injuring yourself in the process. Some common mistakes made by woodworkers are outlined here in order to educate you on what you could possibly run into over the course of a project and how you can resolve them.
Many woodworkers have been guilty at some point of working too fast to meet their deadlines. This is especially true for professional woodworkers who want to deliver on time what they promised to their clients but it also applies to hobbyists who simply want to get their projects over with so that they can spend their remaining free time on other recreational activities. Experts do not advise speeding things up in spite of any pressing need. Never was the age-old proverb “Haste makes waste” proven more true than in woodworking. Working at a significantly increased rate as opposed to making a slower but focused and more deliberate effort will only serve to damage your project as well as yourself.
Another common mistake in working with wood is making incorrect measurements. Even the smallest discrepancies in measurements could mean a drawer not fitting in a cabinet or a door’s inability to be closed shut. The best way to counter this is to make the necessary measurements as many times as allowable before you actually start cutting. You will then know early on if any adjustments are in order because there’s really no turning back once you cut that wood. Cut your wood too long or too short and you just might have a situation that can only be remedied by making another costly and time-consuming trip to the store for new lumber.
Sanding is one of the easiest tasks in woodworking but it is not spared from mistakes, some of which are potentially damaging. Use sandpaper that has the appropriate grit for whatever wood you’re working on. If the grit is too coarse, you could leave deep scratches on the wood. If the grit is too fine, you’ll spend too much time sanding and still not get a smooth enough surface.
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