Woodworking: Where do you start- Tips from the experienced woodworker

The field of woodworking has a broad area of skills, applications and specialties. Far too many beginners take on more than they can handle too soon in their careers. They make the mistake of buying tools and equipment that they know little or nothing about. They often make the mistake of using the wrong tools on the wrong project and this can cost them their savings. It is important for you to know simple insightful tips that experienced wood workers know.

Do you research-

With one semester of shop class behind them many fine wood workers set out with enthusiasm, but little in the way of skills. Their first project turned out ok, but they didn't want to showcase it. Even the bravest of souls sought out the advice of more experienced wood workers. Some checked out library books, bought magazines or looked things up on the internet in order to find out how to get their wood working project to turn out right. These same wood workers suggest just what I mentioned above in seeking out proper information before beginning their first project.

Where you do your woodworking, workshop, garage, or tool shed build bookshelves first. The experienced woodworker has his shelves filled with useful books, magazines, periodicals, and newsletters arranged according to subject, techniques, and tools needed for every imaginable project including patterns and designs.

Once you have learned the basics and completed a few different types of projects you will have narrowed down the specific woodworking types that interest you. Now its time to take some classes.

Taking classes-

There are many places that the beginner to woodworking can find classes. Your local high school most likely has a shop class and some schools have adult woodworking classes at night. Then there is the college or community college in town. Now I hear some of you saying, my town doesn't have any schools. Not to fret, there is probably a lumber yard or large lumber supply store near you. Most chain stores offer beginners courses in woodworking. If all these fail you then look up some wood workers in the phone book. Some of these experienced workers will jump at the chance to earn a few extra dollars by teaching you.

Keep it simple-

Keeping it simple is the best advice for the beginner. Start with small jobs that only use hand tools. In this way you will get a feel of the way the tools work on various types of wood. This simple hands on approach will give you the knowledge you need to measure, cut, shape and join wood. Getting these basic skills down first is extremely important.

If you are very new it would be best to start with pre-cut kits. They are a lot like when you were a child and started to build your first airplane model kit. Everything was pre-cut and labeled with directions to follow. These pre-cut woodworking kits have all you need, except tools to complete your first woodworking project. They typically require nailing, screwing, gluing, sanding, and finishing. Most beginners tell me that they had lots of fun with these kits.

As you advance in your woodworking skills don't worry about planning the amount of lumber and the cut that will be required until you are confident and comfortable. You can find already prepped and cut lumber in many different lengths and widths. There are many pre-made table legs, chair legs etc. that have already been turned on a lathe. Slowly ease into the more challenging projects.

Tool tips-

The above keep it simple applies to tools as well. Buy only the specific tools required for the woodworking project you are making. As your projects grow so will your tool rack. If you are working from a kit, the kit will tell you all the tools required to successfully complete the job.
Depending on the project you will typically need, hammers, tape measure, clamps, pencils, a square, saws, hand drills, and probably a chisel.

Some wood workers start out with a power table saw. This may or may not be required. Unless you have a project with large dimensions don't buy a large work bench, instead two saw horses will do nicely.

It is highly recommended that the beginner start by buying mid grade quality tools. They will last for many quality years without crimping your budget. Never buy cheap tools because you will get what you pay for, not to mention that cheap tools will produce poor quality woodworking. As you become proficient and confident in your talents at woodworking your can gradually step up to the more expensive and excellent quality tools that will make your woodworking projects shine with craftsmanship.

Should you be on a tight budget you can find excellent quality tools at estate sales, auctions, and if you are astute, garage sales. If the blades and other metals on the tools are in good shape, but the wood is worn or broken, many fine quality woodworking tools can be repaired.