Hello! I'm looking into getting into woodworking; specifically, I'd like
to learn to make furniture and cabinets. I have no woodworking background
at all and I'm looking for advice on how to get started.
So far, I've done a little reading up on tools, although I haven't purchased
anything yet, and based on a few "beginner's toolbox" recommendations, have
compiled a list of things I should start with. I also purchased two Andy
Rae books for beginners, but they use a lot of jargon that I'm not familiar
with.
I'm considering taking a community college or adult education class to learn
some basics and get some safety instructions.
Can anybody recommend good resources and/or provide tips on how I should
start from here? I've got 250 sq ft of space in my basement for a wood
shop - is that enough space to grow into a mature shop down the road?
Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
Ben Siders asks:
>
>So far, I've done a little reading up on tools, although I haven't purchased
>anything yet, and based on a few "beginner's toolbox" recommendations, have
>compiled a list of things I should start with. I also purchased two Andy
>Rae books for beginners, but they use a lot of jargon that I'm not familiar
>with.
>
Andy is an excellent writer, but I've not seen his beginner's books. There is a
thing called the "Dictionary of Woodworking" that you may be able to find via
google or amazon.
>I'm considering taking a community college or adult education class to learn
>some basics and get some safety instructions.
Do it. Short of having an experienced friend who can teach you the ropes, this
is about the best way to start. You can experience a variety of techniques and
machines in a short period of time so you really get an idea of what you like
and don't like. You also build up basic skills much faster than you can on your
own.
>Can anybody recommend good resources and/or provide tips on how I should
>start from here? I've got 250 sq ft of space in my basement for a wood
>shop - is that enough space to grow into a mature shop down the road?
You're headed in the right direction. As far as shop size goes, it's too small.
My shop is 1200 square feet and it's too small. If my shop were 2400 square
feet, it would be too small. That's a fact of life. No matter how large a shop
is, it's too small. But 250 square feet is more than many people have to begin
with...I'm temporarly in a 325 square foot garage, and make do pretty well,
though not great.
Charlie Self
"On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation
in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does."
Will Rogers
I don't know if you live near a Woodcraft or Highland Hardware type of store,
but if you do .. seek out & attend every seminar/class they offer relative to
topics that interest you. They WILL teach safety and skills needed to make you
feel comfortable with your new hobby. To this day, if I'm attempting a
procedure that I'm not really familiar with, I ALWAYS take the time to lower the
blade/cutter and do a dry run with the power off, trying to visualize anything
that could go wrong which might cost me a trip to the E.R. They are pretty
scarred-up, but I do still have all 10 fingers .. .. .. THAT is SUCCESS after
this many years of enjoying this hobby. GOOD LUCK !! !! !!
Ben Siders wrote:
> Hello! I'm looking into getting into woodworking; specifically, I'd like
> to learn to make furniture and cabinets. I have no woodworking background
> at all and I'm looking for advice on how to get started.
>
> So far, I've done a little reading up on tools, although I haven't purchased
> anything yet, and based on a few "beginner's toolbox" recommendations, have
> compiled a list of things I should start with. I also purchased two Andy
> Rae books for beginners, but they use a lot of jargon that I'm not familiar
> with.
>
> I'm considering taking a community college or adult education class to learn
> some basics and get some safety instructions.
>
> Can anybody recommend good resources and/or provide tips on how I should
> start from here? I've got 250 sq ft of space in my basement for a wood
> shop - is that enough space to grow into a mature shop down the road?
>
> Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
--
I AM NOT PARANOID .. .. .. but EVERYONE thinks I am !! !! !!
<<<__ Bob __>>>
On Sat, 26 Jul 2003 02:02:40 GMT, "Ben Siders"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>Hello! I'm looking into getting into woodworking; specifically, I'd like
>to learn to make furniture and cabinets. I have no woodworking background
>at all and I'm looking for advice on how to get started.
Besides all the excellent advice you've been given, Ben...
You might try visiting one of the smaller cabinet shops in your area.
Many times, the owner will be happy to share some of his
knowledge...just as we are here. He may take you under his wing...and
the lessons from a master tradesman will be invaluable.
>So far, I've done a little reading up on tools, although I haven't purchased
>anything yet, and based on a few "beginner's toolbox" recommendations, have
>compiled a list of things I should start with. I also purchased two Andy
>Rae books for beginners, but they use a lot of jargon that I'm not familiar
>with.
Go to your local library and take out a good supply of magazines.
When you find one that looks interesting...subscribe to it. You'll be
surprised how you'll anticipate getting the next issue in the mail!
And many of the magazines have little tips that are a big help. Plus,
they keep you abreast of the latest in technology...with their ads.
You can often find bulk back issues on Ebay that you can purchase.
>I'm considering taking a community college or adult education class to learn
>some basics and get some safety instructions.
Great idea...go for it! Not only will you learn new things...but
it'll be a great opportunity to make new friends...folks who already
have the same interest as you.
>Can anybody recommend good resources and/or provide tips on how I should
>start from here?
Start by buying some of the basic tools you said you want to get
(table saw, router, square, level, etc.) ...get some wood...and go at
it. Build something simple...like a clothes pin hanger rack to dry
Ziploc bags! lol
As you get into it, you'll get the feel for things you need next.
Actually, your first project should be a workbench.
>I've got 250 sq ft of space in my basement for a wood
>shop - is that enough space to grow into a mature shop down the road?
Sure. You'll soon become innovative about storage and space
efficiency!
>
>Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
>
Welcome, Ben...good luck!
Have a nice week...
Trent
Follow Joan Rivers' example --- get pre-embalmed!
"Ben Siders" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello! I'm looking into getting into woodworking; specifically, I'd like
> to learn to make furniture and cabinets. I have no woodworking background
> at all and I'm looking for advice on how to get started.
>
> So far, I've done a little reading up on tools, although I haven't
purchased
> anything yet, and based on a few "beginner's toolbox" recommendations,
have
> compiled a list of things I should start with.
Buy what you need when you need it. Buy the best tools you can afford.
Woodworking is a hobby for the rest of your life if you like it, so
investing in quality if a good idea. If you have doubts about your ability
and likelihood of sticking with it, buy serviceable tools and not too many.
You can get started with a few hundred dollars, or you can spend $10,000 in
an afternoon. Money does not make a craftsman, skill and practice does.
> I'm considering taking a community college or adult education class to
learn
> some basics and get some safety instructions.
Very good idea. Some of the equipment stores offer classes or can make
recommendations. Books and videos help, but you have to put your hands on
the wood to truly learn. It will also give you a better idea of what tools
you (dis)like to make a better informed purchase.
>
> Can anybody recommend good resources and/or provide tips on how I should
> start from here? I've got 250 sq ft of space in my basement for a wood
> shop - is that enough space to grow into a mature shop down the road?
>
> Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks!
Not a bad size. Some people here have half that, others have 20x that. You
just have to be more creative with a small shop. Tools on wheels, lots of
storage. A good first project is a work bench. Sturdy is more important
than size. Laminate two sheets of 2' x 4' x 3/4" MDF together, trim with
wood and your top is ready. Make a couple of shelves or wall mounted
cabinets.
While you still have some $$$ in your pocket, buy a couple of Bessey clamps.
One more thing; just because Norm uses a certain tool, you don't have to
have it. There is probably an alternative hand tool for much less money
that will get the job done.
HTH
Ed
[email protected]
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome
Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking for me was more informative than Andy's
book on joinery.
On Sat, 26 Jul 2003 02:02:40 GMT, "Ben Siders"
<[email protected]> wrote:
>I also purchased two Andy
>Rae books for beginners, but they use a lot of jargon that I'm not familiar
>with.