Angle cuts

I have mastered straight cuts using the table, circular and chop saws. Angle cuts on the other hand throw me for a bit of a loop. My favourite wood configuration is the herringbone pattern but those dang angle cuts are all that pattern consists of. Once I figure out what angle to cut on, I have quite a few projects I want to attempt. I must admit I have not put a lot of effort into learning this technique but once I do it will be a great value to me.

When you cut a piece of wood on an angle it is referred to as a miter cut because a miter saw is what you use to make the cut. A miter saw can also be called a chop saw. The most common angle cuts are 45, 30 and 22.5 degrees. Figuring out what angle to use takes a little bit of simple math. You can use a digital protractor. It is a tool that can help you calculate what degree to cut an angle at. All angles surrounding a point should add up to 360 degrees. For example, two 45-degree angles add up to a 90-degree corner. Four 90-degree corners equal 360. The same rule applies when you have a six-sided object. Each miter cut would be a 30-degree angle equalling a 60-degree corner. Six corners at 60-degrees leaves you with a total of 360.

Angled miter cuts are commonly used for finishing projects like trim moldings, baseboards or pieces of furniture where you want the corners to have a finished look. In the past when doing these projects, I would have taken the easy way out and done a simple straight cut. Now that I have this knowledge I will try my hand at doing an angle cut to give my work that next level look. 

https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/media/wysiwyg/Mitre-Shears-26MS-Lori/4MS/26MS-4-1.jpg

Interested in how to cut the perfect miter joints every time?

https://www.mybluprint.com/article/cut-perfect-miter-joints-every-time-an-easy-how-to-and-how-not-to

Epoxy resin

You may be thinking, what is epoxy resin? It is generally used in building and construction applications. I was first introduced to it when I watched a video of someone adding it around a live edge piece of wood. Eventually the epoxy resin and wood were turned into a stunning coffee table. Epoxy resin is such a unique and fun addition to a piece of furniture. I have seen people use it as accents on cutting boards, create coasters, embed flowers in resin, jewelry and much more.

After doing a little research I found a type of resin that would be best suited for beginners such as myself. It is called ArtResin. The most popular use of it is sealing a piece of art without the worry of it yellowing. ArtResin can also be used on jewelry, cutting boards, coasters etc. It is not recommended that you make a hot plate as the maximum temperature it can be exposed to is 120F or 50C.

ArtResin can be used in four simple steps:

•  Measure: pour equal amounts of resin and hardener into a mixing bowl
• Mix: stir well for at least 3 minutes
• Pour: dump the mixture into a mold or over your art work
•  Wait: it is fully cured 72 hours after pouring

Below is the link to a video outlining these four simple steps in more detail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=281&v=20ogUy7vosM&feature=emb_title

            Now that I have more information I can start planning my first epoxy resin project. I have a feeling once I start creating I will not be able to stop!

Looking to create your own amazing river table? The link below is a detailed how-to video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=978&v=tTu8WkBdKbA&feature=emb_title

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Epoxy-Resin-River-dining-Table_62004082962.html

Metal fabrication

I have always been interested in learning how to do certain types of metal fabrication. In high school I took an automotive class where I dabbled in cutting and welding. The class was mostly geared towards vehicle repairs and less on metal fabrication. I would like to learn how to do laser cut outs with words or shapes from a sheet of metal. My end goal would be to incorporate them into the signs I create for my customers. By adding a different texture and having not only wood will help me stand out from other businesses. 

A friend of mine has his red seal metal fabricator ticket. He took a five-month foundations course followed by a four-year apprenticeship. His favourite part of the job is taking a pile of metal and building anything you could imagine with it. The uniqueness of every item he creates being one of a kind. He also reported that the least favourite part of his job is welding. Which unfortunately is not something you can avoid. While I will not be taking this course, having a friend like him in my back pocket may come in handy one day. 

There are three types of flat metal such as, leaf metal (foil metal), sheet metal (under 6mm thick) and plate metal (thickest 0.25 inches). These metals are commonly used for the side panels on kitchen appliances but would be suitable for the cut outs I would be doing. 

Many everyday items are processed through metal fabrication such as, locks, keys, silverware, pots, fans and many more. Metal fabrication is all around you and you might not even realize it.

https://www.3dlaserfab.com/safety-measures-to-observe-in-metal-fabrication/

If you are interested in a more in-depth explanation of the terminology click on the link below. https://www.tuckey.com/blog/common-metal-fabrication-processes-applications/

Chalk paint

Using chalk paint takes a special technique that I have not yet mustered up the courage to try. I have refinished a lot of items but never with chalk paint. My go to is spray paint because it is quick, easy and has virtually no clean up involved. I have seen friends transform old worn out pieces of furniture into beautiful conversation starters.

Have you ever wondered how to use chalk paint? After reading several how to blogs everyone seems to do it a little differently but the main steps are fairly clear.

How to apply chalk paint:

• A piece of furniture that needs some love
• Clean the item with a warm soapy cloth
• Remove any hardware (handles, hinges, etc)
• Fill holes with wood filler (unless you want the rustic look)
• Apply paint with chalk paint brush
• Let dry and apply second or third coat (depending on the desired look)
• Use fine grit sand paper and sand for rustic charm (optional)
• Top coat, there are 2 options wax or polyurethane
• Let dry and reinstall hardware

The thing I love about chalk paint is that is does not require sanding or priming before you start the project. These steps can still be done if you prefer but it is not necessary. Chalk paint takes home décor to a new level with its unique mat finish. It can be used on a variety of surfaces including walls, floors, wood, concrete, metal, mat plastic, earthenware, brick, stone, upholstery, indoors and outdoors!

            Chalk paint can be thinned with water and used as a wash. If you want impasto (a thicker application) leave the lid off overnight. Interested in making your own chalk paint recipes with a few simple ingredients? Click on the link below and scroll down to step 3. https://paintersinbergencountynj.com/chalk-paint/9-chalk-paint-facts-everything-you-need-to-know/

https://www.thepaintedbench.ca/product/chalk-paint-white-wax/

Diversity with power tools

I know more about power tools than the average girl. I created a small business named Wesleigh Designs in 2019 run solely by me. I design and create personalized wood pieces. The most popular item I sell are custom wood signs.

Growing up my grandpa and most recently my step dad have taught me everything I know. For the projects I create I usually use the table saw, miter saw and nail gun. After using the saws with supervision, it did not take long before I was comfortable using them on my own. I think my step dad was more nervous about me using them unsupervised than I was. When I started using the compressor and nail gun I was very nervous! I had used them in the past with my grandpa but everything had already been set up for me. Like the saws it did not take long until I was fully comfortable hooking up the hose, compressor and nail gun alone. 

If I continue to expand my knowledge on power tools that are not yet in my comfort zone, it will benefit me and my business. By learning how to use new tools and techniques it can take my work to the next level. Looking back on the work I have done over the last few years, I can say with certainty that my work is getting better and better with the more experience I gain. If you decide this blog is up your alley, I will be talking about a range of topics that I have always been interested in learning more about. 

https://toolguyd.com/bostitch-power-tools/

Below is a link to another female blogger talking about the must have tools if you are just starting out. https://thriftdiving.com/power-tools-101-what-to-buy-how-to-use-power-tools/