So you’ve decided to get start learning woodworking. But you are not sure where or how you should start. Maybe you’ve seen those guys on TV make some really cool stuff and you want to be able to do the same. That’s how I got started anyway. The problem is that you probably don’t have enough tools or experience to even come close to being able to do those kind of projects.
So where do you start? Well….. Start simple. That’s easy to say, but every project has its challenges, especially when you are just starting to learn woodworking.
Tools Driving Project Selection
Oval Box
One way to start is by looking for projects that require the tools you already have. For instance, maybe your only power tool at this point is a power miter saw. That’s a great first tool to have for doing projects around the house. In addition to general construction projects, you can put up trim or crown molding around the house. You can easily make picture frames or small keepsake boxes. Keep in mind that picture frames and keepsake boxes do not have to be rectangular in shape. They can be octagonal, if you want. Be creative and give yourself a challenge.
Maybe your only real power tool at this point is a table saw. A table saw is more versatile than you might think. Not only can you rip lumber to any width you want, but you can also make miter cuts on it. You can cut plywood to any width or length. You can make a cutting board, bookshelves, an end table, keepsake boxes, picture frames, etc. The projects you can make using just a table saw are only limited by your imagination. Once you learn the art of making jigs it becomes even more versatile.
Projects Driving Tool Selection
This has been the category that I fall into most of the time. I will be in the middle of a project and realize that I don’t have quite the right tool for a particular task. This leads to either my having to go out and buy a new tool or figuring out a different way of accomplishing what I want to accomplish. I have been known to do both. At times, though, I have been very creative in order to save a few dollars and time spent running to the store.
The more projects you complete, the more you will learn to look ahead and be able to better plan how you are going to accomplish each and every task in a project. This includes not just the project itself, but also any jigs you might need to build in the process.
Take, for example, this oval box I made several years ago. In preparing to build this, it looked fairly obvious that I would need to use a band saw and a router. I got no further than selecting the stock when I realized that I was going to need to make several jigs and buy two new router bits. As I continued on, I needed to make even more jigs than I had originally thought I would.
Multiple Methods
One of the benefits of letting your projects drive your tool selection is that you learn that there is almost always more than one way to perform any given task. For instance, the walnut lids on this oval box could be cut on a band saw. That would be the easiest way. But maybe you don’t have a band saw. You could also use a saber saw to rough cut an MDF template and sand the template to a finished shape. Then attach the walnut to the template with double stick tape. Using a router mounted in a router table, and flush trim bit you can make multiple lids that are exactly the same.
As you can see, the easiest way isn’t always the best way. With the oval box, I needed two identical lids. With the band saw I would have ended up with two very similar lids, which may have been just fine, but with the template method, I was able to make two lids that were identical.
Hone Your Skills in the Shop
If you are wanting to build your woodworking skills but don’t think that you are quite ready to tackle that Queen Anne style coffee table quite yet, then try making some projects for your workshop. There will always be something that your workshop needs. Maybe you need more storage, or a router table, or a workbench, etc.
You can practice your cabinet making skills by making storage cabinets for your tools. Don’t just slap some pieces of plywood together and call it a cabinet. Shoot a little higher. Make something that you would be proud to put in your kitchen. Feel free to use lesser expensive materials, but put the time and effort into making quality cabinets. Add some raised panel doors, some shop made crown molding, and a nice finish.
Maybe you have seen some helpful jigs or templates on some of the woodworking shows that you might like to try your hand at. Go ahead and build a Norm Abrams router table, or a David Marks cross cut sled for the table saw. Again, don’t just slap these things together just because their going to be in a workshop. Dress them up a bit. Add your own style, or experiment with some different styles. Make them uniquely yours. Make other woodworkers a bit envious of your shop.
Some other projects you could build for your shop are; outfeed tables, a downdraft table, a clamp rack, workbench, and an assembly table. You can find plans all over the internet for these kinds of things, but as you build them, remember to add your own style. Take your time, pretend that the clamp rack is a fine piece of furniture and really hone your skills while making it.
If you are looking to sell your work someday, a workshop full of high quality craftsmanship is a great selling point. People will see that if you are willing to put that much time and effort into a router table, then the furniture you make must really be special.
