LENSLeft
Fine paring work can
be achieved simply
using a chisel and a
woodworking viceBelow
A collection of the
different types of
wood finishesWe’ve already said that you don’t need machines,
and there are plenty of benefits to working with hand
tools: they’re quiet, for one, so they’re ideal if you’re
working where people live. Then there’s versatility:
you just need a solid workbench, and a few hand
tools to get started. A vice on the workbench holds
wood while you perform cuts.
Finishing is an important skill to grasp as it seals
and protects the wood, as well as making it look even
better than it does naturally. Finishes range from
organic to chemical. Chemical finishes are hard and
resist moisture and wear. Natural, organic finishes are
increasingly common and ideal if the project is not too
exposed to wear. Oils soak into wood and leave a
natural texture. Other finishes sit on the surface
obscuring the wood grain – the choice is yours.