Woodworking in the garden is where function meets inspiration. Some of the most amazing structures can be found off the beaten path. No matter if you create for function, pleasure, or both it helps to not only have the right tools but also a few tips along the way.
The woodworker is an artisian so as you begin this hobby you also should begin to think of yourself as a talented artist utilizing the medium of wood. Creating beautiful things from plant based materials is an amazing gift and talent. The woodworker takes a simple piece of wood and crafts it into artwork. Therefore this hobby form can truly be rewarding and provide many hours of recreation and inner satisfaction.
An off shoot of a woodworking hobby is collecting wooden artifacts. If creating the wooden art is not your talent or desire then collecting may be. By doing so you bring value to your collection but you also provide a financial benefit to the artisian. Another related activity is refinishing and restoring pieces which have been designed and created by others. All these can be considered plant based hobbies. And if you find a way to make some money from your hobby you could actually turn your hobby into a profession. What better job to have than doing what you love.
If you opt toward your creative tendencies then keep this in mind. Choosing the perfect wood is the most important and the primary task before starting on a wood work. The following are some tips on how to choose the most suitable wood from a lumber supplier.
Knowledge of the different types and classes of wood is necessary when it comes to choosing wood. Though there are many kinds of wood, each has distinct characteristics and you need to find the one which best suits your purpose . Hardwoods and softwoods are the two major types of wood. There are domestic and exotic hardwoods. Plants which are categorized as angiosperms are the source of hardwoods. These types of trees bear flowers and have leaves that are broad. Common domestic hardwoods are oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and walnut. Exotic hardwoods include mahogany and teak. On the other hand, coniferous trees known as the gymnosperms supply softwoods. These trees bear seeds but not flowers. Pine and cedar fall into this class.
In the domestic hardwood category, Oak is mainly used in building and furniture construction. Maple is used for carving, cabinet making, and furniture. Cherry is used for furniture and interior building projects. Many tools use hickory for the handles. Hickory is also used for wagon wheels and rustic furniture. Another domestic hardwood is walnut which is used for interior trim and furniture.
Exotic hardwoods include mahogony and teak. As the name suggests they fall in a unique category. Mahogony is an endangered hardwood so rarely used. Teak takes years before it ready for harvest, thus making it expensive. Softwoods are more widely grown and have a fast growth rate. Pine is used in construction projects of all types, fencing, and if seasoned can be used in woodworking projects. Cedar is used for closets, fences, and woodworking projects requiring a lighter weight and outdoor compatibility.
Whether you choose woodworking as a hobby, profession, or are a collector it helps to know how to choose the right wood for the project. Next article we will dive into choosing the right tools. Tap into your inner artist and create or collect to your pleasure. Find Inspiration here.