Gonna have a try with woodworking?
Great! But you will need to get a lot of preparation because becoming a carpenter is not simple.
It requires both an aptitude and necessary knowledge about the materials you will use in each project.
More:
- Top 7 Best Woodworking BOOKS for Beginners
- 11 Things to Consider Before Setting Up A Small Woodworking Shop
Keep in mind the following 7 first steps to get started with your own workshop:
#1. Buying digital project design plans.
If you are a beginner, investing part of your budget in an available design plan book is the best option.
Since you don’t have enough knowledge about the wood as well as how to use the tools, you may confront a lot of difficulties during your work process.
Buying a digital design woodworking plan will help to avoid the most common mistakes and save your time. You will be instructed how to complete each plan step-by-step.
Normally the design plans on the market will include color photos so it would be easier for beginners to understand.
All you need to do is prepare the materials and tools estimated in the instruction and follow the whole process. You will finally get your goal without getting frustrated.
#2. Buying the right woodworking tools.
There are loads of hand tools and power tools used by carpenters.
However, as you are only getting started with woodworking, you shouldn’t spend too much money on unnecessary stuff, but consider which one you really need for your first projects.
Normally, beginners only need five types of tools, including tools to cut, finish, assemble, measure and hold wooden parts while transforming raw materials into completed projects.
Of course, you might think that buying as many modern tools as possible can help to create perfect products, but it’s untrue!
Each plan requires a different list of tools. This means that you may use an object for your current project, but it can be useless in the next plan.
And, after a period of time not being touched, it can be broken and you may have to buy it again. So it’s wasteful and unnecessary at all!
#3. Learn to choose the Best Woodworking materials.
Beside the tools, you also need to understand different woodworking materials to choose the best one for your project.
Remember: not all materials are the same. They will be different in their quality and you can’t only trust in the salesman from the wood store.
To choose the most suitable material, first of all, you have to care about the moisture indicators.
Next, look through the wood and see if you can find any natural crooks or twists.
Also look at screw marks, fungus, and the number of bows along the stock. Try to inspect as many defects as possible.
#4. Set up your workspace.
You may think you can just clear out a corner of your garage and use that as your woodworking area, but it’s not that simple.
You will need to get a specific design aesthetic or layout before getting started.
First of all, consider through the number of projects you will do, then estimate the tools you need to buy.
Then, try to imagine or draw the layout you want to arrange them in your work space.
Make sure that everything is easily reachable around or on your tool table, and sharp tools are at a certain distance away from you.
This will save a lot of time and help you find your stuff more easily.
Besides, try to care about the storage. If the environment around you is dusty dry or too moist, you had better get storage chests or covered cabinets rather than letting your tools hang out in the open.
#5. Always wear safety equipment.
Whether you are an amateur or a real carpenter, always pay attention to the safety rules!!!
Woodworking tasks require you to deal with many sharp tools and power machines. If you are careless while working, it can be dangerous.
Don’t forget to wear suitable safety equipment to protect your hands, eyes, ears, etc.
Try to research carefully about the function as well as user guide for each equipment.
The working process will happen more smoothly and you will be safe!
#6. Following woodworkers on youtube.
Nowadays, social media is really a popular and effective way to learn everything.
Youtube is one of the most significant resources where you can follow experienced people to learn what you like by yourself.
And woodworking is not an exception.
Just google some well-known woodworking channels, and try watching their daily videos!
You will be able to practice more easily because learning through images and videos is quite understandable.
Sometimes you will even learn useful tips and tricks to avoid or solve common mistakes, which can help to create perfect products.
#7. Get started with easy woodworking first.
No matter what you do, you should always start with the most basic first, then gradually move to the next levels.
Woodworking requires a lot of skills and knowledge to make qualified products.
Therefore, if you don’t prepare yourself in advance, you will easily get frustrated and give up on your project.
Don’t try to do too complicated plans until you are totally confident with your skills. Begin with simple things like tables, chairs, shoes racks, bookshelves, or tiny wooden toys for children.
You will gain more inspiration to continue moving forwards.
You can also make mistakes even with easy projects, but don’t worry! Every professional carpenter experienced the same stage!
Lessons from those mistakes are even more pricey than any other lecture at schools!
That’s all.
Alright, I believe that after reading through all the above steps, you have already known what to do and how to get started with woodworking.
Go ahead and grab the materials for your first project!
