How to Get Started in Woodworking

Getting started in woodworking is something that you can do with just a little bit of space and a few supplies. Unless you happen to have a ready supply of tools and materials, you will need a small budget to get started. Woodworking is also a messy hobby and you'll need the right location to learn your craft.

To begin, consider where you plan to create a workshop. Think about the type of things you want to make and the type of tools you'll need for the job. If you plan to use some power tools, you'll need electricity to run them. If you plan to use certain kinds of tools such as table saws, you're going to need a fair amount of space. If you plan to use only hand tools and carefully chosen battery-operated small power tools, you may be able to set up in a small space. Also keep in mind that working with wood can be a noisy job, so if your workshop will be small and close to (or inside) your home, you want to think about the comfort of others in your home and your own peace of mind. For a small space, too, you generally need to think about projects that won't require lots of wood. Just the storage of lumber can be a problem if you are working on large furniture or other big projects. Even if you have a separate area for storage, you've got to get your supplies and wood through the doorways! While this seems obvious, you might be surprised at how many people have forgotten to measure entryways and are stuck on the outside of a small workshop. So, if you've given some thought to the size of your planned projects and the type of wood and tools, you can choose the right space for your workshop and get started setting it up.

So, your workshop will need space to work and will usually need enough storage area for your tools and materials. As you set up your shop, separate your items according to category. A neat setup will greatly help you, so think about these groups:

Ø Tools

Ø Wood and Cut Lumber

Ø Gear (goggles, aprons, hardhats, etc.)

Ø Adhesives and Abrasives (glues, sandpaper, etc.)

Ø Finishing Supplies (paint, stains, oils, etc.)

While we're looking at setting up, let's consider the tools themselves. If you already have your tools and don't plan to buy new ones, you'll need to match your future projects to the tools at hand. If you have a budget to purchase some tools, you can think about the types of things you want to make or building and get your tools accordingly. Also remember that you can often get a number of excellent tools used at a flea market or garage sale. A great deal of money can be saved this way. Just take care when you buy used equipment that you still get tools of decent quality that have been well-cared for. You can clean a little rust off here and there, but if the whole tool is a mess you're better off leaving it alone.

So, what kind of tools should you buy? Let's go through some tool classes. For almost any woodshop you're going to need some chisels. They come in many shapes and sizes, but for much of your shaping and finishing work, chisels will come in very handy. Butt chisels are a good all-purpose chisel to have, so at the very least get one of these. Next you're probably going to need some rasps and files. Rasps are somewhat course and have sharp teeth and are generally used for wood only. Files are just want they sound like- much like a fingernail file but larger and in a variety of shapes to achieve the type of cut or smoothing that you're after. Get at least a basic rasp and a standard wood file for your shop. Of course, you're going to want saws, but what kind? You'll want at least a couple of basic handsaws. A crosscut saw is a good choice, along with a traditional carpenter's saw which is often called a panel saw. If you plan to use power tools as well, a good circular saw and a nice jigsaw will be invaluable. If you'll do fine detail work, you may also want to read some in-depth articles on the topic and invest in a set of hand planes and possible a router. You'll also need some other basic items such as rules, a square, a tape measure and for most projects a simple level is useful.

Once you have your shop generally set up and organized, you'll want to give special consideration to the area you'll actually do your work. Is there room for the sizes of wood you'll be working with? Do you have a stable area to place your wood for cutting? Your workbench should be heavy enough to remain still while you work and tall enough for you to work comfortably. You will probably want to mount at least a couple of versatile vices on it to hold the different shapes and sizes of wood you will use. If you will only work on small cutting and carving projects, you may only need a simple but well-lit work area.

To go into more detail on types of wood and lumber, you'll need to have a solid idea of the type of projects you want to do. You'll use a different type of wood for small carvings than you will for large pieces of furniture. For some projects your basic plywood and two-by-fours will be great, and for others you may want specialty hardwoods. Since you are just starting out, the best thing you could probably do is to get a magazine or book with some starter project suggestions. They will give you "recipes" that will tell you every tool you will need along with guidelines for wood purchase. Once you've tried some of these in your beginner workshop, you should have a better idea of what you like and might want to work on more. Then you can customize your woodworking space and tools much further for just those type of projects. You can find a great series of videos here on Associated Content if you need someplace to begin. An excellent one to start with is "At Home With Emma."