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Looking to start woodworking as a hobby, any advice for a beginner?
Posted on 1/4/16 at 10:10 am
Posted on 1/4/16 at 10:10 am
The DIY thread the other day inspired me to start building things. I would consider myself a beginner. I have a little experience from one of my student jobs in college where I had access to a wood shop, but it wasn't long-lived. I'd like to just start building things as a hobby. Fairly straightforward concepts like tables, bookshelves, benches, etc.
Any must-have tools to start a workshop? So far I have power drills, a circular saw and a miter saw in addition to things like hammers and levels, etc.
I'm not looking for any specific advice, just things I may not be thinking of as I pretty much got a wild hair and shite this idea out
. Appreciate any information! 
Oh and also, what types of wood should I be looking to mainly use. I've watched DIY videos online where guys mention pine and birch and others. Is that as easy as going to Home Depot and say hey I need this type of wood? Or would I need to find a local place that has those options? I'm in the greater BR area FWIW.
Any must-have tools to start a workshop? So far I have power drills, a circular saw and a miter saw in addition to things like hammers and levels, etc.
I'm not looking for any specific advice, just things I may not be thinking of as I pretty much got a wild hair and shite this idea out
. Appreciate any information! Oh and also, what types of wood should I be looking to mainly use. I've watched DIY videos online where guys mention pine and birch and others. Is that as easy as going to Home Depot and say hey I need this type of wood? Or would I need to find a local place that has those options? I'm in the greater BR area FWIW.
11
Posted on 1/4/16 at 10:15 am to dualed
A GOOD tablesaw
Posted on 1/4/16 at 10:26 am to civiltiger07
My budget right now wouldn't allow for something expensive. I did see an ad on Craigslist for a craftsman 10" table saw that was for $100. Normal sells for $280-$370 per Google. Wasn't sure if I should pull the trigger on a table saw just yet. I've read that a circular with a level stop could make-do until I start getting into some hardcore builds.
Any inexpensive options you could suggest?
Any inexpensive options you could suggest?
Posted on 1/4/16 at 10:29 am to dualed
Look up how to make a table saw out of a circular saw. There are plenty of videos for you to follow.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 10:43 am to dualed
The centerpiece of every cabinet shop I've ever been in is the tablesaw. If you won't be ripping plywood that often I would say get a circular saw and a chop saw. You could probably get both for around $500. I'm partial to the wormdrive skilsaw and a DeWalt chop saw.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 10:53 am to dualed
Don't disengage any safety devices.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 11:24 am to dualed
I agree with others on this board. A good table saw is the place to start. It can do all sorts of neat cuts. Then, go to the library and get a book on table saws. It will show you how to make jigs that allow you to do things on it that go beyond mere sawing. P.S. BE CAREFUL to keep your hands away from the blade and follow safety rules and techniques. Too many lost fingers happen to those who are careless. Read the safety tips before use!!!
This post was edited on 1/4/16 at 11:28 am
Posted on 1/4/16 at 11:39 am to dartman
Solid advice guys. I think I'm going to go ahead and try and acquire that table saw I saw on Craigslist.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 11:49 am to dualed
Make sure it comes with a good fence. It's key to good woodworking on table saws.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 11:51 am to dualed
jig saw, scroll saw, drill press, router, kreg jig, chisels...
This post was edited on 1/4/16 at 11:54 am
Posted on 1/4/16 at 11:53 am to dualed
quote:
I've read that a circular with a level stop could make-do until I start getting into some hardcore builds.
if you are going to be doing any type of joining of of wood along cuts that you want to look good, you need a table saw, rollers and stands to go with it
Posted on 1/4/16 at 11:58 am to NYCAuburn
quote:
any advice for a beginner?
Measure twice, cut once
DON'T GET IN A HURRY WITH ANY PROJECT
You Tube is your friend
Posted on 1/4/16 at 12:16 pm to dualed
I've been able to get away with not having a table saw, and getting a good straight edge clamp from Harbor Freight.
If you're thinking about joining dimensional lumber together for table tops, you need a Biscuit Joiner and a Kreg Jig. These are must haves. like, dont even start the projects until you've purchased.
Here's what i have...
If you're thinking about joining dimensional lumber together for table tops, you need a Biscuit Joiner and a Kreg Jig. These are must haves. like, dont even start the projects until you've purchased.
Here's what i have...
Posted on 1/4/16 at 12:27 pm to SportTiger1
I would love to join lumber together to make a few tables. From videos I've seen on YouTube, it doesn't seem like biscuit joinery is a must. I've just seen guys use pocket holes with kreg screws and clamps. How does one know when to use biscuits and when not to? Just trial and error?
Posted on 1/4/16 at 12:34 pm to dualed
I started out without using a biscuit joiner. The only problem is keeping the boards perfectly flush with one another. But it is possible. A biscuit will make the initial process easier, plus will help keep them from warping in the future.
I found my joiner at HF for $20...so it was definitely worth it.
I found my joiner at HF for $20...so it was definitely worth it.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 1:50 pm to SportTiger1
Roger that! I'm gonna make a trip to HF soon and just do some browsing and get a few more things.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 4:01 pm to dualed
Clamps. A whole bunch of clamps.
Hand tools like planes and chisels are used in every single project I do.
I'm not one that says you have to have a table saw. I have one but haven't used it in 6 years. It's a Delta Unisaw. One of the best ever made. I get by now with my bandsaw, circular saw, miter saw, and a rail clamp.
Hand tools like planes and chisels are used in every single project I do.
I'm not one that says you have to have a table saw. I have one but haven't used it in 6 years. It's a Delta Unisaw. One of the best ever made. I get by now with my bandsaw, circular saw, miter saw, and a rail clamp.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 4:05 pm to dualed
Post a link..... Let us check it out for you first.
There was a thread on here a couple days ago with some good info.
There was a thread on here a couple days ago with some good info.
Posted on 1/4/16 at 4:14 pm to dualed
Best things Harbor Freight has for woodworkers....
18 Gage Brad nailer. It's $20..... I've shot 1000s of nails with mine with no issues.
6-36" bar clamps. Again no issues. They are very inexpensive. Some pro woodworkers say they bend under alot of pressure. I've never had that issue. I say if you putting extreme pressure your joints suck. The quick adjust clamps are junk. Don't waste your time.
The yellow Aluminum I beam level is pretty good.
There's A red corner clamp that I have 2 of that are pretty decent.
Framing squares are decent. Spend a little extra at Lowes and get a good speed square.
As far as the clamp previously mention to make straight cut you can do that with 2 pieces of plywood glued together.
Speaking of glue..... Get use to using it, it works. I reccomend Titebond 2 for most applications. If its going to stay outside of exposed to water use titebond 3.
Here's the other thread...LINK /
18 Gage Brad nailer. It's $20..... I've shot 1000s of nails with mine with no issues.
6-36" bar clamps. Again no issues. They are very inexpensive. Some pro woodworkers say they bend under alot of pressure. I've never had that issue. I say if you putting extreme pressure your joints suck. The quick adjust clamps are junk. Don't waste your time.
The yellow Aluminum I beam level is pretty good.
There's A red corner clamp that I have 2 of that are pretty decent.
Framing squares are decent. Spend a little extra at Lowes and get a good speed square.
As far as the clamp previously mention to make straight cut you can do that with 2 pieces of plywood glued together.
Speaking of glue..... Get use to using it, it works. I reccomend Titebond 2 for most applications. If its going to stay outside of exposed to water use titebond 3.
Here's the other thread...LINK /
This post was edited on 1/4/16 at 4:28 pm
Posted on 1/4/16 at 4:37 pm to dualed
As others have stated, a GOOD table saw. I liken this to the landscape photography equipment advise that I used to get when I first got into that: you can buy a $500 tripod, or you can buy a $1,500 dollar tripod. The idea is that a good one will cost $500. The combination of crappy ones you will go through trying to avoid spending that $500 will end up costing you $1000 before you break down and buy the good one.
With a table saw, you can "get by" with circular saws and guides, cheap table saws and then a somewhat better table saw, but eventually you are going to realize that you need a good quality, heavy, 1-2 hp, 10-12" saw that will approach, if not exceed, $1,000. If you don't have the money now, get by with what you can afford, but definitely buy the best one you can get your hands on. A wood shop starts with a table saw. It is THE indispensable tool IMO.
Oh, and learn how to use it, how to protect yourself and don't ever try to use a table saw under any circumstance that might lead to even the slightest distraction while in the midst of a cut.
With a table saw, you can "get by" with circular saws and guides, cheap table saws and then a somewhat better table saw, but eventually you are going to realize that you need a good quality, heavy, 1-2 hp, 10-12" saw that will approach, if not exceed, $1,000. If you don't have the money now, get by with what you can afford, but definitely buy the best one you can get your hands on. A wood shop starts with a table saw. It is THE indispensable tool IMO.
Oh, and learn how to use it, how to protect yourself and don't ever try to use a table saw under any circumstance that might lead to even the slightest distraction while in the midst of a cut.
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