Woodworking Beginners: Secret Tips To Start Right

Woodworking: 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
Initiative, courage, a sense of adventure, these are all good things, and many fine woodworkers learned their skills by just jumping in and trying to build something. Chances are whatever they chose for their first project, it came out better than they thought, but not really nice enough to use or display. Even those brave souls that start from scratch with no preparation often end up seeking out some books, magazines, or experienced woodworkers to figure out how to do it right.

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
In fact taking classes was recommended by several of our experts. Whether it's a beginning class through the local college or something taught by an experienced woodworker, it will typically give you a good overview of different tools and woodworking safety. Some building centers and lumberyards also offer classes on basics or teach you how to make a specific project.

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
The answer, "Keep it simple," came up over and over, when asked for advice for new woodworkers. Start with simple projects, preferably those that use only hand tools. This way, you will learn how to do the important things like measure, cut, shape and join. Getting good at those basic skills is extremely important.

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
The suggestions to keep it simple applied to woodworking tools as well. Most people interviewed recommended buying tools as you need them and adding to your selection as required for new projects. If a project is purchased as a kit, or with printed instructions, the list of tools needed is included. Depending on what type of projects you choose to start with, you will typically need hammers, tape measure, clamps, a square, saws, hand drills, and a set of chisels. These will probably cost you around $200-$300 dollars.

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.

---

Family Album In The Digital Age

Back then it was simple - you take the picture, you print it and put it in your family album. But now you have a digital camera.... Read More

Scrapbooking Teen Memories

By the time your teen is in high school, you probably aren't taking as many pictures of them as you used to. I have to keep reminding... Read More

Be Your Own Way, but Still Use the Safe Tools

It is so often that people are not aware with the tools they use when doing their home improvement. Sometimes they use wrong tools just because they... Read More

Rubber Stamping: From Maya Indians to Scrapbooking

Who would have thought that your scrapbooking and card making had a connection to the Maya Indians? Rubber Stamping is certainly one of the fastest growing hobbies... Read More

Jewelry Insurance - Hints and Tips So You Dont Get Ripped Off

As crime and drug use increases, the risks involved in having Antique and Estate Jewelry just lying around your home seem to treble. It becomes a nightmare... Read More

Choosing The Correct Comic Book Storage Box

Most Comic Book Storage Boxes are super strong and come with sturdy well-fitting lids and handle holes that can be left in the closed position for storing... Read More

Pagan Crafts

Greetings to all Crafty Pagans,Witches and those who want to learn Pagan crafts.The purpose of this is to provide doable crafts and to create crafts and tools... Read More

Embroidery Designs Sewing

Denim is a twill weave and runs diagonally and any diagonal weave is difficult to control, whether you are attempting construction sewing or machine embroidery. Twills are... Read More

Sewing Embroidery Designs in New Ways

How many of you are always looking for new ways to use your embroidery designs - always, or never? If never, you are overlooking wonderful opportunities! Do... Read More

Capturing the Craft Show Market

Finding the right product to sell at a craft show is extremely important in finding success on the craft show circuit. You may already have an excellent... Read More

Simple, and Stylish Wedding Reception Centerpiece: Craft Project

This simple, yet elegant table centerpiece is a great way to make a fancy "to do" at each table, without breaking the bank.This is so easy, even... Read More

Easy Crafts for Kids - Help with Learning

According to the research on child cognitive development, making use of basic easy crafts for kids can stimulate their mental growth and enhance the learning process. Since... Read More

Ever Wanted to Make Your Own Themed Gift Baskets?

If you've always wanted to know how to make your own gift baskets, this article will give you some tips to get started. Gift baskets are such... Read More

The Most Powerful Attribute in Antiques and Collectibles

What can increase your sales volume and make you more productive day in and day out? You've probably heard this three word statement that seperates those who... Read More

Coin Collecting ? A Fun Hobby

Over the years, collecting coins has grown from being just a hobby to becoming a full-blown enterprise with numerous Internet sites devoted to coins. Over the next... Read More

From Clutter To Treasure: Re-use and Not Reject!

Make use of clutter to decorate your home! Sounds strange? Believe me its possible! While moving into my new house, I had to get rid of a... Read More

17 Tips For Getting Balloons to Last Longer in Hot Weather

In warm weather, latex balloons will typically only last outside for a day. As you know, sun, wind and heat will biodegrade the latex. With that said,... Read More

Scrapbooking on a Budget

Memories are priceless, but the cost of preserving them can be high. Here are nine tips for making the most of your scrapbooking budget.1.Be on the lookout... Read More

Tracing Your Family History

Let me say straight away that tracing your family ancestry is a great hobby but very addictive, so unless you want to get well and truly hooked,... Read More

The Choice Between Electric or Nitro Powered RC Cars Can be Overwhelming!

The roar of the crowd as the cars rush by, the sense of excitement in the air. Is it the Indy 500? No, it is RC racing!... Read More

Lighted Holiday Potpourri Jars

Lighted potpourri jars are a festive addition to any holiday decor. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and make great hostess gifts.SUPPLIES:1 package Christmas lights (20-bulb strand)... Read More

Is There Money To Be Made In Depression Glass

You've seen the shows on television. You've watched the auctions online. You've read the stories in the newspaper.There always seems to be someone somewhere with an old... Read More

Sell Hobby Items by Mail

You can, if you are ambitious, start a Mail Order Business selling collectables to hobbiest by mail. To begin, you must first find a hobby that appeals... Read More

Faux Wax Seals, Tearing, and Fraying in Your Scrapbooks

Would you like to add more creative appeal to your scrapbooks? Here are three methods to add more depth and creativity to your scrapbook creations.A good way... Read More

Setting Up Your Display Case

One of the best ways to display photographs, memorabilia and other prized possessions is by using a display case. When properly done, a display case can showcase... Read More

Marking Tools and Laser Marking Machines for Marking on Metals

Marking tools are used for marking metals and non-metal surfaces. Mark can be a company logo designed with alphabets, numeric pattern or any graphical shape. It distinguishes... Read More