Learning the craft of wood work

er78mph

I like working with wood and would like to maybe create cabinets or even furniture? My only experiences has been projects around the house. Don't have a router but I would like to buy one and start experimenting. Any sugguestions or plans for easy beginner projects? Also any classes, books, or videos I can look at? Any suggestions would be really appreciated and would like to thank all of you in advance!

oh'mike

Books---head to the library and check out anything that has plans and techniques--

Start with small challenging projects the use the tools you already own or reqirie one that you can afford to add to the collection.

I like clocks--so that was my first project--long long ago--

A table saw really helps--with that one tool you can make any project with straight lines--
A jig saw would be next --for curves and arches--

A router --probably third--for shaped edges.

By the time you out grow those three--you will know what you need for the projects that appeal to you---Mike---

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

MT Stringer

You Tube is loaded with how to videos. Just pick a subject ....say "how to build a workbench"...and get to watchin.

PaliBob

Include your location in your profile so that DIY'ers in your area can pass along local tips.
Learn how to post pictures. If you run into problems, just ask we'll help
There is a national Roadshow of woodworking shows. Here is the next one in the S Cal Area. Google to find the next one close to you.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

& Stay Safe
.....Bob Lavery

oh'mike

There are many local woodworking clubs---All welcome visitors---

__________________
New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

Maintenance 6

I would add a sander to the list of must have tools. Don't forget to check with your local school system. Some offer adult night classes really cheap. That will let you get some time working with tools before you make a large investment.

sdsester

There is a woodworking forum sister site to this one. You can find it through links at the bottom of the page.

Start with smaller and simpler projects and work your way up.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

cleveman

I'm afraid that most projects begin with the table saw and jointer. There used to be table saw/jointer combos.

I use a belt sander as well as palm sander a lot. I have a drill and dowel jig which I use for joinery.

I like to make cross-cuts on a radial arm saw, which does most of the ripping and crosscutting and rabetting and dadoing of plywood.

You can also use a chop saw to make your cross cuts, especially on door and face frame pieces.

I rarely find myself using a jigsaw or bandsaw.

I do use a router now after having started out on a shaper. I have a router table as well.

ratherbefishin'

Lots of good advice already. Don't skimp on your table saw, it's the core of your shop.

I agree with cleveman on the importance of a jointer, but if you make your first project a table for your router, you can build or buy a fence with an offset on the outfeed side and use it for edge jointing.

Buy a book on jigs. There's a lot you can do on a tablesaw or router table with inexpensive shop-built jigs and sleds.

Random orbit sander and detail sander will cover most of those bases.

GOOD measuring tools!

And clamps.....lots of clamps....all sizes and types. Pipe clamps are a good place to start since you can swap them on to various lengths of pipe as needed. Corner clamps are a must have, too. You can NEVER have too many clamps.

Now the warning: It's a freakin' addiction....welcome to hell