Woodworking can seem like a lot of work at first, especially if you are a beginner. There’s plenty to explore, such as the types of wood, designs, and appropriate techniques for woodworking.
The art of woodworking has a rich history. It is through woodworking that we get beautiful tables, cabinets, furniture, and instruments.
If you’re looking to get into woodworking, here are some tips that will help you get started:
Create The Right Space
The first thing to do is to set aside some space for a simple setup. It could be in a garage, a shed, or just in your backyard.
It’s better to have a separate space for your woodworking so that you don’t have to take it out and set it up all the time.
Ensure that the place you choose has enough room for a workbench which is where you will be carrying out your projects. Also, consider storage space to store your tools when they are not in use.
Get A Quality Workbench
It’s better to invest in a professional grade workbench rather than make one yourself as you will want to use your workbench for all your projects. Therefore, you want to make sure you invest in a good quality bench.
When choosing a workbench, check for solidity, an adjustable base, and a large working surface to get you started.
Learn Your Tools
Before getting into woodworking, as a beginner, it’s good to first learn how to use woodworking tools. First, start with the basic tools before progressing to the more complicated ones.
The basic, most essential tools include a drill, Kreg jig, sander, miter saw, and brad nailer. Once you learn how these tools work, you can then progress to purchasing a set of quality woodworking tools.
Use Straight Wood Boards
When choosing the wood board for your projects, it’s best to get the straightest board you can find. It may be hard finding one in a wood pile at the store, but it’s much better than using a bowed or warped board.
Some boards look straight, but if you look close enough, you may find that it is slightly warped. To avoid this, always hold the board up towards your face with the other end on the ground. Next, check the board at a downward angle to notice any bowing.
Sand Your Wood
Properly preparing your wood will make a huge difference, especially when staining, painting, and finishing.
Sanding the wood is crucial, and it’s better if you do it before cutting since it’s easier to do in whole pieces.
Be sure to pick the right sandpaper for your wood type in order to get a proper finish. The lower the grit number on the sandpaper, the rougher it is.
Find A Guide
A good way to motivate yourself and fuel your passion for woodworking is to find help from someone who is equally passionate.
You can try visiting a woodshop to learn new skills, tips and tricks or reading a book about woodworking.
Also, you can get a lot of resources online, including YouTube videos on woodworking, using tools and different techniques. The more you get into it, the better you become.