![]() |
Woodworking Beginners: Secret Tips To Start RightWoodworking: Where To Start - Tips From Experienced Woodworkers Woodworking encompasses a broad area of skills, specialties, and applications. Some beginners take on too much too soon or blow their savings on expensive woodworking tools and machines that they don't know how to use and might not ever need. And even some basic techniques can be confusing or easy to do incorrectly. Experienced woodworkers have some simple, but insightful tips to help you get off to a good start. Do Your Research The woodworkers we talked to stressed that a person can save themselves some time and frustration by learning about the different aspects of woodworking before starting a first project. Many suggested finding some good books or magazines, either at the library for free or at the bookstore. Start with the basics and learn about different forms of woodworking, types of trees and woods and how they are used, various tools, etc. - just the kind of information presented here in this article. "I have an entire corner of my garage filled with books and magazines," shared Paul Johnson, who has been woodworking since he was a young boy. "I subscribe to a couple and keep those that have projects or techniques that I would like to try. I also buy a couple new books every year. When I first started woodworking, I bought them left and right; whenever I came across one that was recommended or had information I wanted to learn. They help give me ideas for projects," he added. "I especially like those that come with patterns." After learning about the basics, you should have an idea of what type of woodworking interests you, and you can move on to books or even classes that teach hands on skills in that particular area. Take Some Classes If you aren't big on classes, but you know a person who is skilled in woodworking, ask if they would let you assist them with a project, or perhaps just sit and observe. Most woodworkers are pleased to talk about their art and share it with others. Chances are they will be happy to oblige. Keep It Simple If you are brand new to woodworking and haven't used tools much before, you might want to consider starting with a precut kit. Most kits consist of wood that is already cut in the appropriate shapes and sizes. It is up to you to follow the directions and put the pieces together. These kits typically require nailing, screwing, gluing, sanding, and finishing. You can make birdhouses and feeders, benches, plant holders, and many other fun items to get you started. Even as you advance to more complex projects, don't worry about planning and sizing your own lumber until you feel comfortable and confident. You can buy lumber already prepped and cut in many different widths. And table legs, chair spindles, and other turned pieces are also readily available pre-made. Ease into some of those more difficult projects over time, adding greater levels of difficulty to each project. Tool Tips Some woodworkers said that investing in a good table saw early on was important, but only if you will be doing projects with many cuts, especially those with different types of angles. For most beginner projects, a handsaw, or perhaps a circular saw will suffice. It is strongly suggested that you begin by buying good tools, but not top grade until you decide for certain that you want to stick with woodworking. If it becomes clear that this will be an ongoing interest, then consider buying the best quality tools you can afford. Best quality doesn't always mean the most expensive, and you will have to do your research. Kevin Warner, who has been teaching high school shop for over twenty years, had this to say about woodworking tools. "At school, I have a limited budget for tools, but I would rather buy a few high quality tools and have the kids share them than spend my money on cheap equipment. There's nothing that will turn a young beginner away from woodworking quicker than a crappy tool that doesn't do what it should." The same is true for home woodworking. Our experts recommended spending as much as you could afford on the basic tools like hammers, saws, screwdrivers, drills and bits. "These are tools you will need around the house even if you don't pursue woodworking," Sarah Greeley pointed out. "If you spend the money up front, and care for them correctly, these tools will last you a lifetime because you bought quality to begin with." If you have a tight budget, consider purchasing tools at an estate sale, auction or garage sale. Some may have worn handles or look like they are rusty or dirty, but if they are quality tools and generally sound, you can clean and repair them for less than it would cost to purchase new. In general, you get what you pay for with woodworking tools, but sometimes you pay for the name, or for features that you may not use in your particular type of woodworking. So again, you will need to refer to books, magazines, Web sites, and other woodworkers to learn more about different types and brands of tools. And so you see, the tips have brought you full circle, back to the research and learning, which is what so many woodworkers stressed the most. There is much to learn and, as has been said, it is an ongoing process. But thanks to the wealth of information out there about different aspects of woodworking, and the many Web sites and Internet resources, it is easy to research your questions. You just have to take the time. Copyright © 2005 by Ferhat Gul. All rights reserved. You may redistribute this article in its unedited entirety, including this resource box, with all hyperlinked URLs kept intact. Ferhat Gul is the publisher of the brand-new "Woodworking Beginner's Guide - Tips From Experienced Woodworkers to Help You Get Started", made just for people who love woodworking. This comprehensive, yet compact woodworking introduction for beginners is easy to read and helps to save time, money and effort.
The nostalgic crafts that are making a comeback Yahoo Canada Shine On Thurston County Fair accepting entries for foods, art, hobbies and crafts Centralia Chronicle 10 Crafty Hobbies to Get Creative with This Summer The Everygirl Thurston County Fair invites foods, hobbies, arts and crafts enthusiasts to submit their entries The JOLT - The Journal of Olympia Lacey & Tumwater Dan's Crafts & Things celebrates 50 years in business foxrochester.com Gallery: AAA Hobbies and Crafts opened in 1984 Courier Post Halifax hobby shop says its closing after 78 years in business CTV News Atlantic Popularity of diy and arts & crafts as a hobby in the U.S. 2022-2024 as of June 2024, by quarter Statista A massive hobby and toy party is happening in South Jersey this weekend The Philadelphia Inquirer The Benefits of Gentler Hobbies Next Avenue Crafts retailer Joann files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as consumers cut back on pandemic-era hobbies The Macomb Daily Jewish-owned hobby shop to host free summer event Jewish Community Voice 6 Craft Hobbies Everyone's Talking About In 2024 Country Living UK Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being Harvard Health What's the secret to this Camden County hobby and craft store's success for 40 years? - Courier Post New restaurant and new crafts store planned for Bradenton shopping center development Bradenton Herald One Tank Trips | AdhDiy Craft Cafe KSHB 41 Kansas City News 12 Stores Like Hobby Lobby for Crafts and Home Decor Apartment Therapy Joann fabric and hobby stores enter bankruptcy; post-pandemic craft decline cited - The Mercury News 8 Craft Hobbies Set To Be Popular This Autumn And Winter Country Living UK Q: “How Can I Keep My Many, Many, Many Hobby Supplies Organized?” ADDitude magazine Metal, Fire, ‘Hitting Stuff Hard’: Everybody Wants to Be a Blacksmith Now The New York Times 78-year-old hobby shop in Halifax closing its doors CTV News Atlantic These are the 20 most relaxing hobbies, according to a new study Country Living UK From Hobby to Hustle: Turning Soap and Candle Making into a Six-Figure Business with Makesy Markets Insider Metro Library to host Craft Fest at the Downtown OKC Library Jan. 27 Oklahoma City Free Press An A to Z guide of every craft you can try your hand at Country Living UK Crafts retailer Joann files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as consumers cut back on pandemic-era hobbies Omaha World-Herald New Year's resolutions - places to go to fine new hobbies around Ashland Ashland Times Gazette 7 Creative Hobbies to Take Up in the New Year Martha Stewart 10 Comprehensive Hobby Books For Mom Early Bird Books There Is Such Thing As Hobby Burnout—Here’s How To Rediscover the Joy in Your Favorite Pastime Well+Good Rug Tufting: An Old Craft That's New Again Next Avenue Pick up a new hobby in 2024 with these deals on craft kits, Classpass, pickleball sets, and more Mashable Six Independent Craft Stores to Visit in and around Boston Boston magazine Meet Mike Larisey, owner of Maritime Hobbies & Crafts Ltd Downtown Halifax Hobbies & Crafts (Reviews) Business Insider Cobblestone Crafts listed for sale after four decades for $679K HollandSentinel.com OPINION: A love letter to arts and crafts Indiana Daily Student 8 new hobbies to try in the St. Louis area Ladue News Best Printer for Crafting 2024: Arts & Crafts Has Never Been Easier PC Guide - For The Latest PC Hardware & Tech News 10 slow living hobbies that lean into a calmer rhythm Country Living UK Movies About People Passionate About Their Craft & Hobby FILM COMPANION Katie McAllister has a multitude of hobbies that all correlate to crafts The Central Trend 7 Unexpected Ways My Paper Collection Is My New Favorite Hobby Getting Me Through the Pandemic Apartment Therapy 4 craft hobbies surging in popularity this summer Country Living UK Yo! Easter offers skills, sports and hobbies for everyone Wolverhampton City Council Bored at home? Now’s the perfect time to pick up a new hobby CNN Underscored West Virginia Hobbies & Crafts: A 25-year success story Huntington Herald Dispatch 11 places in L.A. to get your creativity flowing. Pottery! Neon bending! Bookbinding! Los Angeles Times KreaDoe art, craft and hobbies fair IamExpat in the Netherlands Endangered Crafts and the Destinations Keeping Them Alive (Published 2019) The New York Times Handicrafts and hobby store giant Milbby to open its first branch in the province on the Costa del Sol Surinenglish.com Business Q&A: Thompson’s Hobbies and Crafts, Lakewood The Denver Post Lost trades: The industrial origins of crafts and hobbies National Science and Media Museum Hobby Lobby vs. Michaels: Which craft store is better? Business Insider Get your crochet hooks, paintbrushes, scrapbooks, and creativity ready: Hobby Lobby opens soon Progress Index Business Intel: Salem Hobby Shop Roanoke Times
|