Price And Prejudice: The Basics Of Woodwork Evaluation

May 18, 2010 - PRLog -- If you are looking for such vintage pieces and don't want to settle for its modern versions, then you need to learn how to evaluate woodworks.

Xaviera Arata Editor of the  Cheap Woodworking Tools  website -- http://www.CheapWoodworkingTools.net -- pointed out;

“…It’s not rocket science but it still requires  technique, observation, and a little research.  There are about five important things that you need to look out for when evaluating woodwork and all of them can help you decide whether it’s actually a good buy or not…” Added Xaviera Arata

History.  A woodwork’s period of origin spells out a big difference.  Its previous owners, country of origin, and how its built reflects its history and dictates the price tag especially for very old pieces.  This is where the money is.  You can actually find woodwork with a lot of history in flea markets and garage sales for a price that’s way below its actual value.  These are great buys not just as an addition to your house fixtures but as an investment.

Style and Design.  The intricacy of the design and the over-all beauty of the woodwork are good bases for evaluating woodwork.  It oftentimes compensates for its lack of history and if artful enough becomes the primary basis for evaluation.

Workmanship.  This refers to the woodwork techniques used by the craftsman to create a piece.  You should check a woodwork’s consistency, neatness, and minor embellishments before buying it.  Minor details reveal – uneven sanding, variations in color tone – a lot about the quality of the work.

Authenticity.  If it claims to be from the 1950’s, then it better be.  You’ll be paying big money for these old pieces so you might as well see if they are, in fact, authentic.  Do some research about the style and woodwork technique that prevailed during a certain era so you can see if a piece is really what its sellers claim it to be.  If you see plastics, screws, and veneer coating in it then it’s quite obvious that what you’re looking at is a fake.

Functionality.  Of course a cabinet is only a cabinet if you can actually store things inside it.  Don’t compromise form with functionality because above anything else, the whole point of woodwork is to produce something useful.  If what you are planning to buy serves no purpose at all, then it’s probably not worth it.  

“…The smartest thing to do if you aren't that good at buying woodwork is to have someone with great woodwork-evaluating skills to accompany you.  It’s always better to have a second opinion before buying anything expensive…” Added Xaviera Arata

Further information, resources and reviews of the best and cheap woodworking tools by clicking: http://www.CheapWoodworkingTools.net