Are you brand new to woodworking? If so, there can be quite a steep learning curve. However, here, we tell you everything you need to know about woodworking to get started. Woodworking can be a lot of fun as long as you have some idea about what you’re doing, so read these beginner tips and you’ll be ready to get going on your first project.
Set Up Your Woodworking Area
Before you commence your first project, you need to have a dedicated area for your new hobby. There’s no need to have an expensive and fancy garage or workshop to begin your hobby. All you need is an area in which you can work safely and without getting in anyone’s way. You could even set up your temporary workshop in your backyard, on your patio or even in a shed.
Learn About Taking Measurements And Readings
Woodworking is a precise art. That means you need to obtain an accurate reading whether you’re measuring the length of a board or reading a moisture meter. Make sure that you know how to find complicated measurements on your tape measure such as 15 5/8” OR 15 9/16”. While you’re learning about readings and measurements, you also need to understand the different lumber species and dimensions. There are lots of kinds of wood out there, broadly categorized into hardwoods and softwoods. Softwoods include fir, spruce, cedar and pine while hardwoods include mahogany, cherry, maple, walnut and oak. Pine is often the best choice for your early projects since it’s easy to work with, affordable and simple to obtain. Learn about reading lumber dimensions so you know what 2 x 12 or 1 x 2 means. This will allow you to read build plans, buy the right size of lumber and get the best result for your project.
Use Straight Wood Boards
When you’re picking wood boards to begin your project always choose the straightest ones you can. Avoid any boards which are bowed or warped. Don’t be afraid to dig through the wood pile to find the right board for you. Hold up your chosen board towards your face, keep the other end on the floor then look down to spot bowing.
Know How To Use Tools
You don’t need to be an expert at using every type of woodworking tool straight away, but you do need to know how to use the basic ones. Having a good wood planer will also help you with the tasks. According to Bob Robinson, a tool expert, “when working with lumber and other tough materials, it is very important that you have the right tools on hand. A planer is perhaps the most important thing to purchase for your workspace, whether you are a professional or a hobbyist. Their are power tools you need to familiarize yourself with too. Know how to use a circular saw, a jig saw and a hand saw at the very least so you can get started right away. If you don’t know what to do, watch some YouTube videos to point you in the right direction.
Preparing Your Wood
When you prepare the surface of your wood properly, it’ll make an enormous difference when it’s time to paint, stain and finish the wood. Without sanding, your finished project will look rough and unattractive. Do as much sanding of your wood as possible before you begin ripping the lumber and certainly before you start building with it. It’s much easier to accomplish effective sanding when the wood is in a whole piece rather than in small pieces!
Don’t Be Too Ambitious
It can be tempting to go all-out and start off on a complicated project to test your woodworking abilities. However, it’s always best to take it slowly. Woodworking is a complex hobby and there’s a lot to learn. You will produce the best results if you begin with a simple project that allows you to learn the essentials at your own pace without pushing you too hard at the beginning. If you’re struggling with a complicated project, it could put you off ever trying woodworking again! So, don’t be too ambitious – choose something which is achievable and you’ll have a good chance of producing something beautiful rather than having a woodworking disaster!
Follow these top tips and you’re sure to have the best possible start to your woodworking experience. Woodworking is such a rewarding hobby, and we know that if you take your time to learn the skills you need, you’ll soon be producing amazing projects that will impress you, your friends and family alike.