Woodworking Myths: Setting the Record Straight
Woodworking is a hobby enjoyed by many, but there are several myths that have been circulating for years. In this article, we will be debunking some of the most common woodworking myths that have caused confusion and frustration among beginners and experienced woodworkers alike. From the cost of building furniture to the use of expensive tools and the best way to prevent rust, we will provide clear and concise information to help you navigate the world of woodworking.
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Key Takeaways:
- Building your own furniture may not be the most cost-effective option.
- Expensive tools are not always necessary for high-quality woodworking.
- Proper glue application and removal techniques can prevent unsightly spots on finished projects.
Woodworking Myths
Woodworking is a popular hobby, but there are many myths that can cause frustration and wasted time and money. In this section, we will review some of the most common woodworking myths and set the record straight.
Myth 1: Building Your Own Furniture Saves Money
Many people believe that building their own furniture can save them money. However, the cost of lumber, materials, tools, hardware, clamps, sandpaper, finishes, and the time spent on projects can add up quickly. In fact, it is often more cost-effective to purchase furniture from a store like IKEA.
Myth 2: Expensive Tools are Necessary for High-Quality Projects
While high-end tools like Festool or Bridge City Tool Works are nice upgrades, they are not necessary for high-quality projects. There are more affordable alternatives that can produce great results, and it is not necessary to spend a fortune on the most expensive tool on the market.
Myth 3: WD-40 is a Great Rust Preventative for Cast Iron Surfaces
WD-40 is a great rust remover, but it is not a long-term rust preventative. It flashes off too quickly, and it must be reapplied every couple of weeks. A better option is a budget-friendly rust prevention like Boeshield T-9, which is faster and easier to apply and lasts longer than paste wax.
Myth 4: Hand Planes and Chisels Need to be Sharpened to 30,000 Grit
This myth suggests that hand planes and chisels need to be sharpened to an extremely high grit level to be effective. However, a simple sharpening setup like a DMT diamond plate and a piece of leather with polishing compound is more than sufficient. In fact, a 1,000 grit water stone is equivalent to an extra fine diamond plate, and a 30,000 grit water stone is unnecessary and extremely expensive.
Myth 5: Setting Hand Planes Flat on a Workbench is Bad for the Blade
Some people believe that setting hand planes flat on a workbench will damage the blade. However, this is only true if there are nails or screws sticking out of the workbench. If the bench is well-maintained, there is no issue with setting the plane flat on the bench. Laying the plane on its side, however, can expose the blade and cause injury.
Myth 6: Biscuits, Dominos, or Dowels are Necessary for Panel Glue-Ups
Some people believe that adding biscuits, dominos, or dowels to panel glue-ups adds strength to the panel. However, the wood glue itself is more than strong enough, and the biscuits or dominos only serve to keep the panels in line during glue-up.
Myth 7: Wiping Away Glue Squeeze-Out with a Damp Rag is Best
While wood glue is water-soluble and can be wiped away with a damp rag, this method can dilute the glue and push it down into the wood grain. This can cause ugly glue spots to appear under the finish. A better method is to let the glue set up and then scrape it away with a scraper and sand lightly.
Myth 8: Waterproof Glue is Necessary for Cutting Boards
While some people believe that waterproof glue is necessary for cutting boards, any type of glue that is rated as food-safe and water-resistant is sufficient. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use and application.
Cost of Building Furniture
One common woodworking myth is that building your own furniture can save you money. However, this is not necessarily true. The cost of lumber and materials, along with the necessary equipment, tools, hardware, clamps, sandpaper, finishes, and the time spent building projects can add up quickly. In fact, it may be more cost-effective to purchase furniture from a store like IKEA instead of building it yourself.
It’s important to note that investing in expensive tools, such as Festool or Bridge City Tool Works, is not necessary to build high-quality projects. While these tools are certainly nice to have, there are more affordable alternatives that can produce excellent results.
Another myth is that WD-40 is a great rust preventative for cast iron surfaces. While it can remove rust, it is not a long-term rust preventative. Instead, budget-friendly options like Boeshield T-9 or paste wax should be used and reapplied every few months.
Some woodworkers believe that hand plane blades and chisels need to be sharpened up to 30,000 grit for woodworking, but this is not necessary. A setup with DMT diamond plates and a leather strop with polishing compound is sufficient for achieving a sharp edge.
There is also a myth that setting a hand plane flat on a workbench will chip or dull the blade, but this is not true. As long as there are no nails or screws sticking out of the bench, setting the plane flat is perfectly fine.
Finally, adding biscuits, dominoes, or dowels to panel glue-ups is not necessary for strength. The wood glue itself is typically stronger than the wood, and biscuits or dominoes primarily help keep the panels in line during glue-up. When wiping away glue squeeze-out, it’s best to wait until it skims over and then scrape it away instead of using a damp rag, which can dilute the glue and cause issues later on. For cutting boards, waterproof glue is not necessary as long as they are properly maintained and not submerged in water for extended periods of time.
Investment in Expensive Tools
One common woodworking myth is that in order to build high-quality projects, one must invest in expensive tools. While high-end brands such as Festool or Bridge City Tool Works may offer nice upgrades, there are more affordable alternatives that can produce great results.
For example, a simple sharpening setup consisting of DMT Diamond plates (course, fine, and extra fine) and a piece of leather with polishing compound can produce a sharp enough blade for woodworking. In fact, a recent video by Jonathan Katz-Moses and Suman tested hundreds of blades to put the myth to rest.
Another myth is that adding biscuits, dominoes, or dowels to panel glue-ups is necessary for added strength. However, wood glue itself is typically stronger than the wood, and these reinforcements mainly serve to keep panels in line during glue-up to save time on milling and sanding later.
When it comes to glue squeeze-out, wiping it away with a damp rag can actually push the glue down into the wood grain and cause ugly spots when finishing. Instead, letting the glue set up and then scraping it away with a scraper followed by light sanding is a better method.
For cutting boards, waterproof glue is not necessary as long as the board is not submerged in water for extended periods of time. A food-safe glue such as Titebond III is recommended.
Overall, while investing in high-end tools may be tempting, there are often more affordable alternatives that can produce great results in woodworking projects.
Use of WD-40 for Rust Prevention
WD-40 is often believed to be a great rust preventative for cast iron surfaces. However, this is a common woodworking myth. While it is a great rust remover, it is not an effective long-term rust preventative. WD-40 flashes off too quickly and needs to be reapplied every few weeks. Additionally, it leaves a unique WD-40 scent on the project.
A budget-friendly rust prevention alternative to WD-40 is set foreign, but it also needs to be reapplied every few months. A more preferred option is T9 bow Shield, which is faster and easier to apply and lasts longer than paste wax. Every six months, all cast iron surfaces should be sprayed down with T9 bow Shield and wiped away after five minutes.
It is important to note that taking care of the bench in the workshop can prevent damage to the hand plane blade. Many people believe that setting the hand plane flat on a workbench can chip or dull the blade. However, as long as there are no nails or screws sticking out of the bench, the wood itself will not harm the blade.
Lastly, some people believe that they need biscuits, dominoes, or dowels to add strength to their panel glue-ups. While these reinforcements do keep panels in line during the glue-up process, the wood glue itself is strong enough and typically even stronger than the wood itself. The use of biscuits or dominoes can save time during the milling and sanding process, but they are not necessary for added strength.
Sharpening Hand Plane Blades and Chisels
One common woodworking myth is that hand plane blades and chisels need to be sharpened up to 30,000 grit for them to be sharp enough to do woodworking. However, a simple sharpening setup consisting of DMT Diamond plates (course, fine, and extra fine) and a piece of leather with polishing compound can provide a sharp enough blade. The extra fine DMT Diamond plate is equivalent to about a 1,000 grit water stone, which is much more affordable than a 30,000 grit water stone that costs between three and four hundred dollars.
Jonathan Capps Moses and Suman recently did a video where they tested hundreds of blades to put this myth to bed once and for all. They found that a simple sharpening setup like this is sharp enough for woodworking.
It is also a myth that setting a hand plane flat on a workbench can chip or dull the blade. This myth dates back to the school Woodshop classes where there may have been nails and screws driven into the top of the workbenches. In that situation, setting a hand plane flat on the bench could damage the blade. However, if the bench is taken care of, there should be no metal sticking out of it, and the wood itself will not harm the blade.
Another myth is that you need biscuits, dominoes, or dowels to add strength to your panel glue ups. The reality is that wood glue itself is more than strong enough and is typically even stronger than the wood itself. Biscuits and dominoes can help during the glue up to keep everything in line so that the boards do not slide past each other, saving time later on.
Lastly, it is a myth that wiping away glue squeeze out with a damp rag is always the best method. While wood glue is water-soluble and can be removed with a damp rag, this dilutes the glue and pushes it down into the wood grain, causing ugly glue spots underneath the finish later on. A better method is to let the glue set up for a bit until it skims over on the top, then use a scraper to remove it. Light sanding can follow, preventing any ugly glue spots on the project. If the project has been pre-finished before the glue-up, a damp rag can be used without damaging the finish.
Overall, these common woodworking myths can cause frustration and unnecessary expenses for woodworkers. By setting the record straight, woodworkers can save time, money, and effort in their projects.
Setting Hand Plane on Workbench
One common woodworking myth is that setting a hand plane flat on a workbench will chip or dull the blade. However, this is not true as long as there are no nails or screws sticking out of the bench. The wood itself will not harm the blade, so there is no issue with setting the plane flat on the bench.
On the other hand, laying the plane on its side can expose the blade and potentially cause damage if something bumps into it. It is recommended to avoid laying the plane on its side and instead set it flat on the bench.
Overall, there is no need to worry about setting a hand plane flat on a workbench as long as the bench is properly maintained and free of any protruding metal objects.
Use of Biscuits, Dominoes or Dowels in Panel Gluing
Many woodworkers believe that adding biscuits, dominoes or dowels to panel glue ups is necessary to reinforce the strength of the panel. However, the truth is that the wood glue itself is more than strong enough to hold the panel together. In fact, the glue is often stronger than the wood itself.
While biscuits, dominoes, and dowels may not add strength to the panel, they do serve a purpose during the glue up process. These joinery methods help to keep the individual boards in line and prevent them from sliding past each other, which can cause the panel to become uneven. By keeping the boards aligned, the use of biscuits, dominoes, or dowels can save time later on by reducing the need for additional milling and sanding to get the panel flat.
Overall, while adding biscuits, dominoes, or dowels to panel glue ups may not be necessary for strength, they can be a useful tool during the glue up process to ensure a flat and even panel.
Removing Glue Squeeze Out
When it comes to removing glue squeeze out, there is a common myth that wiping it away with a damp rag is the best method. However, this is not always the case. While wood glue is water-soluble, using a damp rag can actually dilute the glue and push it down into the wood grain, resulting in unsightly glue spots underneath the finish.
A better method is to let the glue set up for a little bit until it starts to skim over on the top. Then, use a scraper to gently scrape away the excess glue. Follow up with some light sanding to ensure a smooth surface. This method prevents the glue from being pushed into the wood grain and avoids the appearance of glue spots.
It is important to note that the damp rag method can be used if the project has been pre-finished before the glue-up. In this case, the finish will block the wood glue from absorbing into the pores of the wood, making it safe to wipe away any excess glue.
Overall, it is essential to use the proper technique when removing glue squeeze out to avoid any damage to the project’s appearance.
Type of Glue for Cutting Boards
When it comes to making cutting boards, the type of glue used is crucial. Many people believe that waterproof glue is necessary, but this is actually a myth. In reality, any type of glue that is rated for interior use and is food-safe will work.
The most common type of glue used for cutting boards is Titebond III, which is waterproof and FDA-approved for indirect food contact. Other options include Titebond II, which is water-resistant and FDA-approved for indirect food contact, and Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue Max, which is also FDA-approved for indirect food contact.
It’s important to note that while waterproof glue may seem like the best choice, it can actually make repairs more difficult in the future. A non-waterproof glue will allow for easier disassembly and reassembly if necessary.
Overall, the key is to use a glue that is rated for interior use and is food-safe. As long as these criteria are met, the type of glue used for cutting boards is a matter of personal preference.
Running End Grain Cutting Board Through Planer
When it comes to woodworking, there are a lot of myths that can lead to frustration and wasted time and money. One of these myths is that you can save money by building your own furniture. However, the cost of materials, tools, and time spent in the shop can quickly add up. Another myth is that you need to invest in expensive tools to create high-quality projects, but there are more affordable alternatives that can produce great results.
Another common myth is that WD-40 is a great rust preventative for cast iron surfaces. While it is a good rust remover, it is not a long-term solution for rust prevention. T9 Bow Shield is a faster and easier-to-apply option that lasts longer than paste wax.
When it comes to hand plane blades and chisels, there is a myth that you need to take them up to 30,000 grit for them to be sharp enough. However, a simple setup with an extra fine diamond plate and a piece of leather with polishing compound can be sharp enough for most woodworking projects.
There is also a myth that you need to reinforce your panel glue-ups with biscuits, dowels, or dominoes for added strength. However, the wood glue itself is typically stronger than the wood and the reinforcements mainly help to keep the panels in line during glue-up.
When it comes to glue squeeze-out, there is a myth that wiping it away with a damp rag is the best method. However, this can push the glue down into the wood grain and cause ugly glue spots under the finish. It is better to let the glue set up and then scrape it away before lightly sanding.
When it comes to cutting boards, there is a myth that you need to use waterproof glue. However, waterproof glue can be difficult to work with and may not be necessary for cutting boards. A food-safe glue like Titebond III is a better option.
If you are planning to run an end grain cutting board through a planer, there are a few things to keep in mind. It is important to use a planer with sharp blades to avoid tear-out and to take light passes to prevent damage to the board. It is also a good idea to use sacrificial boards on either side of the cutting board to prevent snipe. With proper technique and precaution, running an end grain cutting board through a planer can produce a smooth and even surface.
Perception of Flawless Woodworkers
Woodworking has been surrounded by various myths and misconceptions. However, it is important to set the record straight and debunk some of these myths. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them:
- Myth 1: Building your own furniture saves money. While it may seem like a cost-effective option, the reality is that the cost of lumber, materials, tools, hardware, and finishes can add up quickly. In fact, it may cost more to build your own furniture than to purchase it from a store.
- Myth 2: High-quality projects require expensive tools. While high-end tools such as Festool, Woodpeckers, and Bridge City Tool Works are great upgrades for experienced woodworkers, they are not necessary for beginners or those on a budget. There are more affordable alternatives that can be used to make great projects.
- Myth 3: WD-40 is a great rust preventative for cast iron surfaces. While WD-40 is a great rust remover, it is not a long-term rust preventative. It needs to be reapplied frequently, and it can leave a unique odor on your project. A better option is to use a budget-friendly rust preventative such as Boeshield T-9.
- Myth 4: You need to sharpen hand plane blades and chisels up to 30,000 grit. This is not necessary and can be expensive. A simple setup with a DMT Diamond plate and a piece of leather with polishing compound is enough to get a sharp edge.
- Myth 5: Setting your hand plane flat on a workbench will damage the blade. This is not true if the bench is properly maintained and does not have any nails or screws sticking out of it. Laying the plane on its side can be a safety hazard, however.
- Myth 6: Adding biscuits, dominoes, or dowels to panel glue-ups adds strength. While these options can help keep the panels in line during the glue-up process, they are not necessary for strength. Wood glue itself is more than strong enough.
- Myth 7: Wiping away glue squeeze-out with a damp rag is the best method. While this may seem like a good idea, it can actually dilute the glue and push it down into the wood grain, causing ugly glue spots under the finish. A better method is to let the glue set up and then scrape it away with a scraper.
- Myth 8: Cutting boards require waterproof glue. While it is important to use a food-safe glue on cutting boards, waterproof glue is not necessary. In fact, it can be difficult to work with and may not hold up as well as other options. A better option is to use a glue specifically designed for cutting boards, such as Titebond III.
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