You have decided that building wood furniture yourself after going into shock looking at the price of premade wood furniture.
Not only that, but the quality of workmanship was very questionable.
An admirable task that has been passed from generation to generation.
How do you start being a wood working craftsman? What woodworking tools do you need? How much money do you need to have to start working with wood? To start out on the right foot of becoming a woodworker, it is beneficial for you to answer these questions: 1.
Do you have any experience in woodworking? Even a shop class in high school would qualify as experience.
Just knowing the tools and what they do is a plus.
2.
Do you know what you want to build? A simple table, shelves, or bookcase would be great if you have no past experience.
Once you are familiar with handling the tools and wood, then you can move on to larger or more detailed items.
3.
Is there a difference between purchased plans and free woodworking plans? The difference is that free plans tend to assume that you are knowledgeable in the art of woodworking and will either not give you each step in detail or leave out steps hoping that you already know them.
Purchased plans are very detailed and you don't have to do any guess work.
Plus, you can stay with the same company through out several of your woodworking projects because they will usually bundle plans together.
4.
What tools do you need? By simple going over your plans for the wood furniture you would like to make, you can compile a list of the saws, drills, hardware, glue, and most other items you will need to do your project from start to finish.
Take into account that a straight-edge ruler, pencil, and goggles are standard for any project.
5.
How do you acquire woodworking tools without spending a fortune? After you know what you need, then you hunt for where you can get these items without spending several $1000's.
First check sale adds on good quality power tools.
Then be thrifty and check classified, Craigslist, garage sales, and auctions.
Sometimes you will find someone looking to get out of a woodworking business or at estate sales.
6.
What kind of wood are you going to use? For the total beginner, there is only one wood and that is construction grade pine.
If it doesn't turn out right the first time you won't feel so bad putting it on the bonfire! When purchasing your wood, don't skimp by trying to buy it cheaper online.
Actually go to the lumberyard or home center and hand pic the pieces of wood you want to work with.
If you buy online, you are stuck with whatever they send you.
You will learn as you go.
The key to becoming an excellent woodworking craftsman is to take your time.
Don't rush through your wood project or it will definitely look like you did just that.
Above all else, do not forget to wear your safety goggles and to unplug your equipment when not using.
You can make wood furniture, but you want to enjoy it also.