The woodworker edge rule states that the grain of the wood should run parallel to the edge of the board. This helps prevent splitting and warping. Know Your Tools. If you’re going to use power tools, make sure you understand how they work. It’s easy to become confused by the different types of power tools available today. There are electric saws, drills, sanders, grinders, routers, planers, jigsaws, circular saws, and more. Each has its own purpose and uses. Knowing how each one works will help you choose the right tool for the job. The first thing you should know about power tools is that there are two main categories: hand tools and powered tools. Hand tools include hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and other tools that require manual force to operate. Powered tools include drills, saws, sanders, grindrs, and routers. Be Prepared. A good rule of thumb is to start with the simplest tool first such as woodworker edge rule. This means using a hand saw to cut out the parts you need before moving onto the router or drill. The best thing about starting with the simplest tools is that you won't waste time trying to figure out what tool to use next. If you're working with a piece of plywood, for example, you'll know right away whether you want to use a jigsaw or a circular saw. You'll also be able to see if there's anything you should sand off before cutting. When you first get started, it's important to choose the right tools for the job. For instance, if you're going to cut a hole in a piece of plywood using a jigsaw, you'll want to buy one with a fine blade. A coarse blade will tear the wood apart, making it difficult to fit the pieces back together again. On the other hand, if you're going straight into a project without doing any preliminary work, then you might want to go with a power sander instead. Have A Plan. If you plan your work well in advance, you will save yourself a lot of frustration. It also helps to make sure you have enough tools available so you won’t run out halfway through. The first step is to decide what kind of project you want to tackle. You should always have a plan before starting a new project. Make sure you have everything you need to complete the task at hand. For example, if you are making a table top, you might want to buy a router, jigsaw, drill press, saw, sandpaper, etc. Also, be sure to keep track of your materials. When you go shopping, write down what you need and where you bought it from. Once you have decided what type of project you want to work on, you need to determine what tools you will use. If you are going to build a bookshelf, then you will need a power drill, screwdriver, hammer, nails, screws, glue, tape measure, pencil, ruler, level, etc. If you are building a desk, then you will need to purchase a drill, screwdriver, saw, hammer, nails, etc. Be sure to get all of your supplies before you start working on your project. Work Safely. Safety is an essential part of any job. Whether you are cutting wood or building furniture, safety should never be ignored. Always wear eye protection, use proper hand protection, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The Woodworking Edge Rule states that if you cut wood at less than 45 degrees from the grain, you must always wear protective eyewear. If you are using a circular saw, you must wear hearing protection. And if you are working near power tools, you must wear earplugs. Don't Cut Too Deep. If you cut too deep into a piece of wood, you run the risk of splitting it. This will make it difficult to work with and potentially dangerous. It's also possible to damage the blade of your saw by hitting something hard while using it. The best way to avoid damaging your tools is to use them properly. When cutting, always keep the blade at least 1/8 inch away from whatever surface you're working on. Also, if you notice that your blade is dull, stop what you're doing and sharpen it before continuing. You should be able to get a new blade for less than $10.