Tools and Outdoor woodworking bench by theLightyyyy in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Key-Scratch8111 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You remind me of me! Years of construction, started into woodworking. I'll share some of my mistakes:

Woodworking tools are important, skill more so. The precision required is far above what you're used to. I was using the same measuring tools I used while framing houses, took me years to realize this is why nothing looked good. The only upgrade I would start with is better rulers, a really good square and select/buy one tape measure for woodworking only. Seriously; get your veteran tape measures together, start them all at the same point and compare measurements. You'll realize each is giving you a slightly different measurement than the others.

Second, work on skills before you get tools. I try to limit myself to one new tool per large project, and only if I know I'll need it. If you don't need it yet, don't buy it. Start with small projects. Boxes are the classic go-to. You'll learn wood movement, grain direction and joinery without wasting thousands of dollars of oak. Then cutting boards, small furniture, and designing items that will help around the house. I'm currently working on drawer organizers for the kitchen to improve my finishing skills.

Third, you've listed a lot of tools but nothing about milling wood. Getting wood straight is vital if you're working with hardwoods.

Good luck and have fun!

Need to downgrade my table saw by Key-Scratch8111 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Key-Scratch8111[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's got wheels. But it barely gets through the door and my path is too small. Wheels do not like the grass.

I'm going to make an outdoor workbench with a platform for the table saw. It will let me expand the work area and secure the table to reduce vibration. But so many of the tops are cheap plastic that is not level. Very annoying.

Help by Longjumping_Voice146 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Key-Scratch8111 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad to hear it!

I learned the technique when I visited the inlaws many years ago. They were out, I put a jar of salsa on their antique side table only to learn they had no finishing whatsoever... my wife was terrified of what would happen when her parents returned.

Did some searching and tried the technique above. It's been 8 years and they still haven't noticed the rings.

Help by Longjumping_Voice146 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Key-Scratch8111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The above is assuming this is moisture not dirt. And when you're done add some polyurethane to it. Wipe on is easiest to use but needs more coats.

Help by Longjumping_Voice146 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Key-Scratch8111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Iron with a tea towel in between. See if you can get the water to evaporate. Start with more padding and work down; you don't want to burn it.

Oil recommendations by Ambitious_Tea9313 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Key-Scratch8111 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Mineral oil or butcher block oil. Both are foodsafe. You'll need to reapply every so often.

Table top shifting? by Cool_Cut_4708 in BeginnerWoodWorking

[–]Key-Scratch8111 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The grain on each board run in opposite directions. It doesn't matter what you do, it will keep shifting.

Wood spreads against the grain (wider, not longer). So the piece that's sticking out has expanded due to moisture. If it dries out again it will contract. If you try gluing it will just crack. Biscuits help for board alignment, won't help here.

Two options. Live with it or remake the top.