Starting in Woodworking

[Traveler84]

I've been interesting in woodworking and simple projects for a while. Money has been tight so I haven't been able to jump into it and quite honestly, I've been a little nervous with a saw.

I've learned about the names of the different equipment power tools and understand the basic uses. However, I'm not able to start off with the big stuff right now. Christmas is coming up and people keep asking what would I like.

I would like to ask for suggestions via peer review on getting started for $100 or less.

This is a two part question:

1. I read on http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131057 that there was some suggestions for a circular saw. Any suggestion for a simple start up kit? I have a handheld power jigsaw, basic tools, corded power drill, and hammer drill for concrete (including tons of screwdrivers, hammer, wrenches, sockets).

2. I saw that I can create a work bench using a circular saw. How does one cut the pieces of wood if they don't have the place to cut the pieces of wood. This piece kind of worried me and always swayed me from getting started.

To answer what my goals in woodworking are: I plan on starting off small but I would love to build some furniture like shelves, stands, tables, and things of the like.

 

[e_d]

you might check out http://www.woodworkingformeremortals.com/

 

[bczygan]

Start off learning how to use hand tools.
Learn measuring and scribing.
Learn sawing techniques.
Learn about planes.
Learn about chisels.
Build jigs and fixtures to learn techniques.
Learn about woods.
Learn about finishes.

Go here:
http://www.evenfallstudios.com/woodworks_library/woodworks_library.html

And here:
http://www.evenfallstudios.com/woodworks_library/the_sloyd_system_of_wood_working.pdf

Watch The Woodsmiths Shop on PBS

Join a local woodworkers club

Make some of your own hand tools.
Find others used.

Then, as you need and can afford it, get good used power tools.
Hand, power tools first (Drill, router, circular saw, saber saw) , then (In this order), Table saw, band saw, jointer, lathe etc.

 

[Paul1956]

Do you have flat floor space?

Pickup a sheet of foam 1" to 2" thick. Lay your wood to cut on top
of that then set your saw depth appropriately to not cut past the
depth of the foam + wood leaving yourself a comfortable margin.

 

[Steven67fr]

The "right" way would be to start off as a middle schooler in woodshop 1 - learn the basics of the hand tools and cutting by hand in a wood vise, learn to plane by hand, and do rough and finish sanding by hand, learn to glue and make joints, etc.

I might take some fire here - but depending on what you want to make you can skip that. If you're looking to make basic book shelves, decorative items, sheds, a work bench, etc you can just jump right in on the bigger tools as long as you pay attention to your cuts and avoid the "red zone" on any of the tools.

But there is definitely a lot to be learned by starting from the ground up even though I rarely bust out hand planes or spokeshaves... although I'm usually doing more utility type projects.

Craftsman Belt/Disk Sander - $40
Craftsman Scroll Saw - $30
Craftsman Band Saw - $60
Comet Cub Radial Arm Saw - $40
Craftsman 10 in table saw - $50
Craftsman 6 in jointer - $40
Generic router table with a $30 used Porter Cable router
Craftsman Floor Model drill press - $50

These are a the bulk of machines that I use regularly in the shop... Just took a little time and effort to put the tools together and get them into service, but they're all good quality, true cutting tools and less than $350 for the full shop.

You could either ask for $$$ to put towards these bigger items so that your gift givers arent running around at swapmeets and estate sales... or you could ask for a crosscut saw, a rip saw, a coping saw, some sand paper, a wood workers vise, etc to get you started on the basics.

 

[Steven67fr]

Oh, and the only thing I ever use a circular saw/miter saw for is framing or building where I need the portability... the radial arm saw does everything else a circular saw does in the shop. (at least for me)

 

[bczygan]

A Basic, Commonsense Tool Kit
Measuring Tools:

Combination square
Sliding bevel
Marking gauge
Framing square
Steel tape (10' or 12')
Folding rule
Compass
Scratch awl


Cutting Tools:

Crosscut saw (12 pt.)
Rip saw (6 1/2 or 7 1/2 pt.)
Backsaw or dovetail saw (15 tpi)
Coping saw
Hacksaw
Slip-joint pliers
Needle-nose pliers
Diagonal cutters


Shaping Tools:

Smooth plane
Low-angle block plane
Wood chisels (1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 1")
Single-cut mill ******* file
Round rasp
Flat rasp
Cabinet scraper and hand scrapers
Utility knife


Joining Tools:

Claw hammer (16 oz.)
Finish hammer (8 oz.)
Nail set
Wooden mallet
Screwdrivers (straight, Phillips)
Doweling jig
Bench vise or clamping system
Bar or pipe clamps (2-3' and 2-5' min.)
Handscrews
C-clamps


Safety & Maintenance:

Face shield or safety glasses
Hearing protector
Dust mask or respirator
Sharpening stone (dual-purpose, coarse/fine)


Portable Power Tools:

Router (1 hp, 1/4" collet) Purchase bits as needed; bead, chamfer, cove, straight, round-over, rabbet.
Circular saw (7 1/4")
Drill (3/8" variable speed)
Twist drills (1/16-3/8")
Spade-shaped drill bits
Brad-point drill bits
Jigsaw
Dual-action pad sander (straight-line and orbital)
Belt sander (3X21" with dust collection)

 

[Flybye]

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com is a great forum. They have a huge number of members, and all questions are quickly answered.

I, too, am a beginner. I'm starting out small and would eventually like to build a a wall shelf system, a divider wall between my home office and the family room, a pool pump cover outside, put up crown moldings, and all sorts of things.

You would be surprised how much you can do with a circular saw, but it feels odd to do so. I ended up buying this small Ryobi table saw at Home Depot:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OOJLCY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I already did all the base boards of a room with it, and I also used it to make this pool light transformer cover.

 

[Hogtown]

1) Buy a PAIR of sawhorses from Lowes/HD etc. Always have a solid and stable platform for sawing. Don't ever saw using your foot or knee or anything else to support the lumber.

2) Both Bosch and Milwaukee make excellent circular saws. Personally, I use Milwaukee for the standard "sidewinder" saw, but have a Bosch worm drive.

3) Agree with a previous poster: Learn to measure and mark accurately. Its an art. Make a birdhouse. Make a small box. Then write down some random dimensions and try to make the box a specific size. By making these simple things you will be learning (a) measuring (2) marking (3) cutting and (4) joinery.

4) Read the multi-volume "Audels Carpentry Guide" (available on ebay). Then read it again. I'm serious. Great info.

5) After Audel's purchase (ebay) and read various old carpentry texts - you pick. You will know what to buy after reading Audel.

6) Finally, remember that woodworking is supposed to be enjoyable, so don't get frustrated.

 

[Jswain]

Skip buying a circular saw and go find a used table saw on kijiji. Yes they are big and can be intimidating to a beginner but do a good read up and table saw safety, keep a head on your shoulders...and you will be happy you did. It is the one saw you can setup to do almost any cut and there are hundreds of jigs that you can search online to make everything easier, safer, and more accurate.

 

[IlliniBone]

Craftsman Belt/Disk Sander - $40
Craftsman Scroll Saw - $30
Craftsman Band Saw - $60
Comet Cub Radial Arm Saw - $40
Craftsman 10 in table saw - $50
Craftsman 6 in jointer - $40
Generic router table with a $30 used Porter Cable router
Craftsman Floor Model drill press - $50

I'm not sure where you are finding these prices...would be hard pressed to find these prices even on crappy, used CraigsList tools.

I personally would recommend a miter saw before a circular saw. If you google beginner wood working projects, many will include using 2x4's. These are a breeze to cut with even a small miter saw. Having a miter saw and a jig saw will get you started making a nice work bench.

Here are the plans for a simple work bench from Kreg (you dont need the Kreg to execute these plans) ... although a Kreg jig system is a very helpful tool for beginners... http://www.kregtool.com/images/icons/2x4_bench.pdf

Keep in mind, any lumber you buy from the Lowes/Home Depot type places, they will cut it for you. This will eliminate the need for a table saw for the time being. For instance, if you buy a 4'x8' piece of plywood, they will cut it into all the different sizes you may need for a project. Like the others have said, start with a few of the most common tools and build your collection from there!

 

[Zeke]

Question 2: Use saw horses. Don't buy them, make them. This is the first project for an apprentice. Goggle "apprentice sawhorse."

 

[cgv69]

"Woodworking" is a very broad term that can mean vastly different things to different people but regardless of what you have in mind, you are going to have a really hard time getting started with only $100 or less in tools.

In general, search your local Craigslist as that's your best bet for affordable used tools.

A circular saw is not really a precision tool. It's designed for construction type work. Sure you can use one to build a work bench and some other home improvement type projects but you will quickly find it is majorly lacking for any type of "fine woodworking" type projects like some of the things you mentioned wanting to make.

For fine woodworking, you really need to invest in a decent table saw. Doesn't have to be a $2000+ cabinet saw but a decent "contractor" grade 10" saw with an induction motor and a decent fence. I've seen them as low as $300-$400 on Craigslist.

If that type of saw scares you or if the cost is prohibitive at this time, I would strongly suggest you start with hand tools. Learning how to properly tune and use hand saws, planes and chisels is a very useful and productive way to spend your time. You may find that is the type of WW'ing you prefer and then you'll be known as a "Neanderthal" (WW'ers who only use human powered tools). Even if you move on to power tools later on, those hand tool skills will always come in handy.

 

[HMCFab9]

[QUOTE
To answer what my goals in woodworking are: I plan on starting off small but I would love to build some furniture like shelves, stands, tables, and things of the like.[/QUOTE]

Realistically, you will need a decent tablesaw to build the things you listed.
A miter saw would probably be a better 1st choice than a skilsaw.
You can always buy better / nicer equipment as you go.
Instead of getting 1 new saw for Christmas, maybe have them look for several used ones. You will find that only having a skilsaw will limit what you can make. It is pretty hard to cut / make something square with a skilsaw.

 

[bczygan]

Rig up some kind of bench, even an old dresser.
Make a bench hook.
Make a shooting board.
Make some tool racks.
Make some tool storage boxes and carry totes.

Put an ad on CL looking for a free or cheap table saw. I've gotten them (Craftsman) from the free section or for $20-30.

 

[bczygan]

Learn how to fit things.
Learn how to sharpen. Sharp tools are half the battle.
Then.......................

The other half of woodworking is sanding and finishing, and sanding and finishing, and sanding and finishing!

 

[Jim C.]

Woodworking is a learning process with no beginning and no end. Regardless of how long one has been doing it, the learning never ends. Confidence only comes from doing something over and over, and then building on those skills. I've found that woodworking is mostly self taught. Sure there are classes and much can be learned there, but ultimately I learned, and am still learning on my own. I read a lot about techniques and methods of work, and then go try them myself. First attempts usually result in projects that end up as campfire fuel, but I'm getting better, refining my techniques, and making some pretty good stuff that doesn't end up on fire. Read, practice, read more, practice more.

As for woodworking tools, do your homework, read (again), ask many questions, and follow ALL safety precautions to the letter. Don't ever get too comfortable with a power tool that's spinning a sharp object. Don't ever get too comfortable with a sharp hand tool. Woodworker's are pretty creative, and often prove themselves to be good problem solvers. There's usually more than one way to make a cut. The choices you make will depend on your skills and your arsenal of tools/equipment available. You mentioned having some reservations about using machinery. I understand that, but if you work safely, I think you'll find that gaining some level of mastery over them is often easier than gaining that same feeling with hand tools. If a cut seems unsafe, with either a machine or hand tool, find a better way to accomplish the task at hand. Finally, you can get lost in deciding what tools you actually need, and those that you actually buy. For example, I eventually found that the mortising machine I "needed" when I started out in woodworking could be replaced by a quality set of chisels and a mallet, and the dovetailing jig was replaced by a good hand saw, etc., etc. Your budget will also dictate, to some extent, the tools that you buy. Tools and machines can be a very slippery slope!

Start small, start reading, practice, be prepared to roast a few marshmallows over the campfire, and build your confidence. You'll get there.

Jim C.

 

[Steven67fr]

I'm not sure where you are finding these prices...would be hard pressed to find these prices even on crappy, used CraigsList tools.

Mostly estate sales - they're not always that cheap - but I only buy them when they are. I think the scroll saw was the only c/l tool. They're all in good, serviceable condition and with a little dialing in cut/drill perfectly true. The fintage of all the items is late 40's to mid 60's... so it's all older stuff.

Sounds like you're getting some good suggestions.

I'd go with what bczygan has said if you want to build the best foundation and develop and hone your skill long term.

Have fun!

 

[Kevin54]

I've been interesting in woodworking and simple projects for a while. Money has been tight so I haven't been able to jump into it and quite honestly, I've been a little nervous with a saw.

The first thing anyone needs to learn whether it be woodworking, or machining is to RESPECT THE EQUIPMENT.

If you are nervous, intimidated, or flat out scared of it, check to see if your local JVS might offer some courses. With any piece of equipment, YOU need to be in control of it, respect it, and learn what damage it can do.

Most people I know that have been in industrial accidents were the ones that were nervous or scared when running the equipment. Anyone can say, "yea, I know that the blade turns and I can cut my finger off if not paying attention" but there is way more to it than that. For each accident that occurs, there is probably 15 things that can go wrong to reach the same accident. That is why you need to be around someone that can teach a person what can happen. It's not something that can be really self taught. Most of the ones that are self taught are the ones that have said, Here hold my beer a minute"

ALWAYS respect the tool or machine. Any person I always taught machining to, I always asked them first thing to walk around the machine. See where the knobs are, know what knobs are used for what, and find the big Red Button.

Just like with a table saw, you may be able to get a good deal on one, but if you are leery of a saw, you NEED to know what to do when you are ripping something down and the blade pinches. I watched my dad one day rip a piece of wood down in a radial arm saw. It was an older DeWalt. Kick the head sideways and use the back rail to rip. He sent a 1" wide board that got caught between the back rail and the blade 2 houses down from where he was working. If someone would have happened to walk past at the right time, it would have been like an arrow being shot out of that saw.

I'm not trying to preach, but I've taught many a person over the years how to run various pieces of machinery. It always scares me when they say they are nervous, intimidated, or scared. So I have to always tell them, never be afraid of what you are running, but to always respect what you are running.

And people that I have taught, I always tell them to "become one with the machine, and become one with the material". See what the machine is doing in your head, see what the material is doing in your head. See what the machine is doing with your ears. A lot of times you can see more with your ears than you can with your eyes.

I'm done. Good luck on your new venture. Watch a bunch of YouTube videos, and watch a lot of Vendor videos that a lot of vendor site put up. Also if you have any Trade-Shows around your area in either the wood that you want to get into, or even in metal working, try to attend them and see what the equipment they have to offer does. Most any rade-Show put's on multiple demonstrations on their equipment.

And if money is tight, don't try to cut corners by not using the proper items you need to go along with things. Especially if you are "nervous". Make sure you have a good set of clamps, push sticks, and good eye protection.

Okay...now I'm done

 

[woody 73]

Woodworking is fun don't ever forget that...

Find a local woodworking shop like the one:

http://www.woodcraft.com/

Walk in and ask if you can take one of their classes (some meet for free and others charge a small fee); then pick a class that interests you and start from there.

Years ago I wanted to learn more about turning wood on a lathe, I found a nice group of men & women that had the same interest as myself and I learned a ton of great information.

You will never stop learning.

woody

 

[wawaw]

Get a table saw for first tool . New or used, cheap or expensive & learn how to use it. Woodworking is not carpentry. The table saw is the basic tool for woodworking.

 

[Voi]

This is a two part question:

1. I read on http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131057 that there was some suggestions for a circular saw. Any suggestion for a simple start up kit? I have a handheld power jigsaw, basic tools, corded power drill, and hammer drill for concrete (including tons of screwdrivers, hammer, wrenches, sockets).

2. I saw that I can create a work bench using a circular saw. How does one cut the pieces of wood if they don't have the place to cut the pieces of wood. This piece kind of worried me and always swayed me from getting started.

To answer what my goals in woodworking are: I plan on starting off small but I would love to build some furniture like shelves, stands, tables, and things of the like.

I started off woodworking with a cheap circular saw, a carpenter's square and a cheap aluminum straight edge. Oh yeah, and a pencil, a tape measure and a few cheap clamps.

With that setup I made all sorts of things. If I needed a dado or rabbet cut I'd make multiple passes with the circular saw, carefully moving and re-clamping the straight edge each time. I even milled V grooves in face frame stock with the circular saw.

I got very good in making accurate layouts with that square and my trusty pencil and tape measure. Many of the things I built still sit in friend's homes around the country. Occasionally I'll get an email with a family photo and I'll see something I built in the background. I often wonder how the heck I did it with so little back then.

I'm glad I learned this way. It was tedious but I think it taught me a lot. It wasn't until much later than I learned how to take a piece of rough sawn stock and joint, plane and re-saw it into multiple boards.

Now with that said, I do think that milling rough sawn lumber is a fundamental aspect of woodworking. The type of woodworking I did required I buy lumber that was at least jointed on one face and planed parallel on the opposing face.

So with the benefit of hindsight, I would have started with a bench top planer and would have used various shop made jigs to use it to joint wood. Back then I thought I had to have both a dedicated jointer and planer to mill wood (and a band saw to re-saw it) so I didn't even bother. If I had known about bench top planers and the jigs you could use to joint with them that would have opened a lot of doors for me.

So no regrets, except for spending all that extra money on planed lumber. I also would have used a more appropriate ripping jig with the CS. There is an excellent thread somewhere hear on GJ about ripping jigs. I'll try to find it and put it in a separate post.

Even though I'm a table-saw centered wood-worker now I would still go back and learn with just the circular saw.

As far as your questions, I'm not really up to speed on what a good circular saw is nowadays. I'll likely add a track saw at some point now that I have more money than sense but I think most of those will be out of your budget.

For the second question, cutting lumber on saw horses or on a sacrificial piece of foam (or both) works very well.

 

[Voi]

I think this is the thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177296

And this is a link to something very similar to what I eventually used in place of the aluminum straight edge.

http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how...make-a-saw-guide-for-faster-cleaner-cuts.aspx

I think there are a couple more similar links in that thread.

 

[skippy24]

Start looking for classes to get familiar with the different types of equipment. Here there is a local woodworking store that has them as well a a local community education class that is held at a local school that has almost anything tool wise you could think of for woodworking. Not only will you find out what you need but you will get instructions and tips to help you build skills. I would start this route before spending money on tools.

 

[aggierailroad]

Voi is onto it. I started with a miter and circular saw and have built breadboard ends with them and an aluminum straight edge clamped down. Tune your equipment and you'll be off to a good start.

Your questions are why I started blogging (shameless plug). It's about doing more with less (tools) and getting creative with how you clamp and fixture stuff. I also bought wood surfaced on multiple sides just because I don't have a jointer or scrub planes or shoe planes or shooting boards and all of that. It will just maybe take you an extra step or an extra dollar to compensate.

Get a good circular saw and miter saw, keep them tuned. Some decent sharp chisels layout tools will fill the rest of the voids. I think you'll quickly want a router and table after that. By then your tool path will be well defined. (for reference sake, I use a ridgid worm drive circular saw and the big 12" miter saw - bosch also makes a good saw, along with festool if you've got the bones).

Best of luck.

 

[skruft]

All fine advice. Classes are great, as is learning on hand tools.

As a long time hobbyist, I would only add: (1) The stationary power tools I use the most are a floor model drill press, the table saw, the chopsaw and the router table. I have nearly every other large tool and they are all great, but those get the most use. (2) Tools don't have to be the fanciest brands, but shouldn't be junk. (3) They are all very dangerous but I only cut myself seriously once, by being careless. Be careful. I think large band saws are the safest tools with blades. (4) All woodworking is just amazingly time consuming. That is the most "fake" aspect of the TV shows. I laugh when I see something done in ten seconds that I know took half an hour to set up. I don't have the time or the patience to be very good. (5) There are many methods. Woodworkers argue all the time about best practices - for example many think Norm Abram is awful because he over-uses metal fasteners.