Woodworking is the art of working with wood to create something, such as furniture. Projects can be as simple as a small box or as complex and ornate as a hutch or large clock. The choice of project and what wood will be used is up to the crafter. A project should be selected that matches the person’s skill level, tools, and materials available. Once those selections have been made, a good set of plans can make a project run smoothly. For some, woodworking is a relaxing break from the responsibilities of the week. For others, it may be a necessity as part of a bigger project. All crafters must start somewhere, and it all begins with wood and tools.
Beginner Woodworking
To start woodworking, it’s important to select the appropriate tools and setup to make the experience enjoyable. Basic projects can be completed with just a few tools. Some items you may already have for general household repairs, like a level, pliers, hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, wrenches, and an electric drill with drill bits. More specific woodworking tools necessary for furniture-building may include a hand plane, chisel, combination square, and sandpaper. Safety is always important when working with tools, so you’ll need safety glasses, too. For more advanced projects, commonly used tools include a miter saw, band saw, air compressor, router, drill press, and wood lathe. When purchasing a new piece of equipment, it’s important to purchase the best-quality item within your price range.
- Woodworking Glossary
- Give Your Tools a Home
- Setting Up a Workshop in a Basement or Apartment
- Miter vs. Circular Saws: Do You Need Both?
- Buying Good Tools for Less
- Tool Selection With Bob Vila
- How to Select Wood-Turning Tools
- Selecting the Right Carving Tool
- Router Table Value in Woodworking
- Miter Saw Comparison
- Shop Tools (PDF)
- Getting Started in Woodworking
- How to Make Spindles</li
Types of Wood
To start woodworking, it’s important to select the appropriate tools and setup to make the experience enjoyable. Basic projects can be completed with just a few tools. Some items you may already have for general household repairs, like a level, pliers, hammer, screwdrivers, tape measure, wrenches, and an electric drill with drill bits. More specific woodworking tools necessary for furniture-building may include a hand plane, chisel, combination square, and sandpaper. Safety is always important when working with tools, so you’ll need safety glasses, too. For more advanced projects, commonly used tools include a miter saw, band saw, air compressor, router, drill press, and wood lathe. When purchasing a new piece of equipment, it’s important to purchase the best-quality item within your price range.
Woodworking Plans
Most crafters cannot start a project without a plan. Many different types of plans are available online, in magazines, and in books. Detailed plans can help make a project run smoothly without wasting materials or running out of something. There’s nothing worse than working on a project and getting near the end, then finding that you’re missing one piece needed to complete it.
Additional Resources
Woodworking may mean different things to different crafters. Whatever the meaning may be, having the necessary tools, space, and plans at hand will help make the project run smoothly. You might take up carpentry to build furniture for your room or home, meaningful gifts for loved ones, or even items to sell. If you’re planning on becoming a woodworker, it can be a good idea to take classes on the subject, but you can also learn a lot just from reading websites and watching videos online.
