WARNING: Learning to work wood and build to meet your own needs may prove to be simultaneously addicting, practical, and therapeutic
If you start down this path, you may never see the bottom of your project-list again.
As I've gotten more into woodworking in the past two years, I've enjoyed it more and more. I've tried to distill some of my learning process, and steer others towards some of the best resources I've found along the way.
First off, refuse to be intimidated by what's out there:
Woodworking is centuries old -- which means that there is a infinite selection of knock-you-socks-off, royalty-grade workmanship out there. All of those craftsman made the choice to start learning somewhere. You are in good company. (top: the famous "H. O. Studley Toolchest", bottom: The Roentgen Berlin Secretary cabinet)
Disclaimer: I've definitely taken a route that favors hand tools. More so than say, the 'modern' approach -- and it's mostly because, having used both awesome power tools, and awesome hand tools, I find that I enjoy the process of the work more with hand tools (I can actually chat with someone while I'm using hand tools -- not so much when I'm running a circular saw, router, sander, band saw, table saw, etc.) So, my take is going to be biased towards a more 'traditional' approach -- but the resources and people listed below are no strangers to modern tools either, and definitely make use of them when they choose.
Learning Resources:
First off -- if you don't have much in the way of woodworking tools, you'll need to get some. Tools, in your hands are going to be your best learning resources. If you're not sure where to start -- I would highly recommend four guys who are now well-known in the woodworking field:
Christopher Schwarz (LostArtPress.com, "The Anarchist's Toolchest"),
Paul Sellers (YouTube Channel, and website),
Mike Siemsen (YouTube video, "The Naked Woodworker" DVD, woodworking school)
Richard Maguire, aka "The English Woodworker" (YouTube Channel, website)
All of the above take a very practical, pragmatic approach to both getting a basic, sturdy set of tools, learning how to properly care for and use them, and in teaching the techniques that will allow you to make some heirloom quality pieces that you can put to use, hang on the wall, or gift to others when the occasion is right.
This includes making your own bench/ saw benches...
To making your own toolchest...
Or a clock...
Or a timber-frame cabin...
All using hand tools.
There are *loads* of other woodworkers out there on YouTube -- my favorites are picked from the hand-tool crowd - others seem to focus on power tools... and there are lots of 'hybrid' woodworkers, who are equally at home behind a table saw, or a jointer plane. You get to 'choose your own adventure' when deciding what kind of woodworking appeals most to you. I, personally, think that hand-tools are the more budget-friendly, skill-building route.
If you really would prefer to use power tools, but don't have the space -- then you might look around and see if you can find a 'Tech/Maker Lab' in your area. In Virginia, USA, we've got TechShop, and NOVA Labs -- they both have a full suite of power tools that the public can use to 'make stuff' (for a fee).
I own the book "Anarchist's Toolchest" and "The Naked Woodworker" (no nudity, thank goodness!) -- I highly recommend them both -- they are both geared to the beginner, and are very helpful in explaining things in layman's terms.
Tools:
Where can you find good tools? A couple of alternatives:
Used (this is the route I take):
Mike Siemsen literally takes you step by step (in "The Naked Woodworker"), going from "I've got nothing" to a full set of inexpensive used tools, and bringing them back into usable condition, then building your own bench and saw-benches. All for about $700. That will set you up with just about everything you'll need to make most furniture (moulding planes, plough planes, combination planes are ... extra-curricular). $700 spent on new power tools... doesn't get you nearly as far.
I enjoy restoring the tools, and giving them a new lease on life. There are also loads of videos on Youtube of how you can restore saws, planes, chisels, etc.
If you'd rather just have something that works right out of the box, then it can spare you some frustration, but at some considerable expense.
Some sources for used tools:
- eBay (prices have been higher lately... but if you are patient, and know what you are looking for, you can find a good deal)
- Craigslist
- Estate sales (occasionally yard sales, but not often...)
- Flea Markets
- Favorite: Midwest Tool Collectors Association Meets! They are an *awesome* organzation, full of loads of knowledgeable friendly people, who love tools, and sell user-grade tools at great prices! Also, their website, for reference is here.
- Superior Tool Works (you have to sign up for an email list that goes out -- these may not be the best prices, but you'll never get a bum tool from this kid)
- Hyper Kitten.com -- yeah, I know... funny name, but awesome prices on good tools -- but he doesn't sell tools as regularly as other places.
New
Christopher Schwarz uses some used tools, but also buys new from places like Lee Valley / Veritas, and Lee-Nielsen, and Tools for Working Wood. New tools from any of those places will last you a lifetime -- but it can be harsh on the pocket book! I have bought only one new set of tools... and I have yet to use them.
DIY
I have yet to attempt much of this -- but still an option. This can be both costly, and time consuming, but *very* satisfying! You can make your own saw handles, your own wood planes, your own workbench, vice, toolchest. etc. There are multiple resources when it comes to making your own planes-- like David Finck, and Caleb James -- even some of the others I've already mentioned have some tutorials for that. Youtube is rife with people making their own tools out of wood, metal, plastic, etc.
Local stuff:
You'll often find local woodworking clubs that are happy to take on people who are serious about learning to be good craftsmen. It was while searching for used tools that I ran across a guy who has become my mentor of sorts in woodworking.
Online communities are becoming great resources as well -- people are starting to post 'how-to' blog series for specific projects, and woodworkers are becoming regular experts in Sketch-up as well, as a means of graphically communicating their designs, and sharing them around. My prefered:
LumberJocks.com
As with any online community, you'll run across your share of people with... "strong opinions." The only incorrect response to all of that, is to avoid picking up tools, and learning by doing!
Bottom line: don't let anything or anyone get in the way of your enjoyment of woodworking. Not even the 'experts' out there. The most effective way to learn, is to DO. An hour of time in the shop or at the bench has 10 times the educational value of the same time pouring over Youtube vids, plans, forums, etc.
I recommend you reading this: woodprix woodworking plans.
As I've gotten more into woodworking in the past two years, I've enjoyed it more and more. I've tried to distill some of my learning process, and steer others towards some of the best resources I've found along the way.
First off, refuse to be intimidated by what's out there:
Woodworking is centuries old -- which means that there is a infinite selection of knock-you-socks-off, royalty-grade workmanship out there. All of those craftsman made the choice to start learning somewhere. You are in good company. (top: the famous "H. O. Studley Toolchest", bottom: The Roentgen Berlin Secretary cabinet)
Disclaimer: I've definitely taken a route that favors hand tools. More so than say, the 'modern' approach -- and it's mostly because, having used both awesome power tools, and awesome hand tools, I find that I enjoy the process of the work more with hand tools (I can actually chat with someone while I'm using hand tools -- not so much when I'm running a circular saw, router, sander, band saw, table saw, etc.) So, my take is going to be biased towards a more 'traditional' approach -- but the resources and people listed below are no strangers to modern tools either, and definitely make use of them when they choose.
Learning Resources:
First off -- if you don't have much in the way of woodworking tools, you'll need to get some. Tools, in your hands are going to be your best learning resources. If you're not sure where to start -- I would highly recommend four guys who are now well-known in the woodworking field:
Christopher Schwarz (LostArtPress.com, "The Anarchist's Toolchest"),
Paul Sellers (YouTube Channel, and website),
Mike Siemsen (YouTube video, "The Naked Woodworker" DVD, woodworking school)
Richard Maguire, aka "The English Woodworker" (YouTube Channel, website)
All of the above take a very practical, pragmatic approach to both getting a basic, sturdy set of tools, learning how to properly care for and use them, and in teaching the techniques that will allow you to make some heirloom quality pieces that you can put to use, hang on the wall, or gift to others when the occasion is right.
This includes making your own bench/ saw benches...
To making your own toolchest...
Or a clock...
Or a timber-frame cabin...
All using hand tools.
There are *loads* of other woodworkers out there on YouTube -- my favorites are picked from the hand-tool crowd - others seem to focus on power tools... and there are lots of 'hybrid' woodworkers, who are equally at home behind a table saw, or a jointer plane. You get to 'choose your own adventure' when deciding what kind of woodworking appeals most to you. I, personally, think that hand-tools are the more budget-friendly, skill-building route.
If you really would prefer to use power tools, but don't have the space -- then you might look around and see if you can find a 'Tech/Maker Lab' in your area. In Virginia, USA, we've got TechShop, and NOVA Labs -- they both have a full suite of power tools that the public can use to 'make stuff' (for a fee).
I own the book "Anarchist's Toolchest" and "The Naked Woodworker" (no nudity, thank goodness!) -- I highly recommend them both -- they are both geared to the beginner, and are very helpful in explaining things in layman's terms.
Tools:
Where can you find good tools? A couple of alternatives:
Used (this is the route I take):
Mike Siemsen literally takes you step by step (in "The Naked Woodworker"), going from "I've got nothing" to a full set of inexpensive used tools, and bringing them back into usable condition, then building your own bench and saw-benches. All for about $700. That will set you up with just about everything you'll need to make most furniture (moulding planes, plough planes, combination planes are ... extra-curricular). $700 spent on new power tools... doesn't get you nearly as far.
I enjoy restoring the tools, and giving them a new lease on life. There are also loads of videos on Youtube of how you can restore saws, planes, chisels, etc.
If you'd rather just have something that works right out of the box, then it can spare you some frustration, but at some considerable expense.
Some sources for used tools:
- eBay (prices have been higher lately... but if you are patient, and know what you are looking for, you can find a good deal)
- Craigslist
- Estate sales (occasionally yard sales, but not often...)
- Flea Markets
- Favorite: Midwest Tool Collectors Association Meets! They are an *awesome* organzation, full of loads of knowledgeable friendly people, who love tools, and sell user-grade tools at great prices! Also, their website, for reference is here.
- Superior Tool Works (you have to sign up for an email list that goes out -- these may not be the best prices, but you'll never get a bum tool from this kid)
- Hyper Kitten.com -- yeah, I know... funny name, but awesome prices on good tools -- but he doesn't sell tools as regularly as other places.
New
Christopher Schwarz uses some used tools, but also buys new from places like Lee Valley / Veritas, and Lee-Nielsen, and Tools for Working Wood. New tools from any of those places will last you a lifetime -- but it can be harsh on the pocket book! I have bought only one new set of tools... and I have yet to use them.
DIY
I have yet to attempt much of this -- but still an option. This can be both costly, and time consuming, but *very* satisfying! You can make your own saw handles, your own wood planes, your own workbench, vice, toolchest. etc. There are multiple resources when it comes to making your own planes-- like David Finck, and Caleb James -- even some of the others I've already mentioned have some tutorials for that. Youtube is rife with people making their own tools out of wood, metal, plastic, etc.
Local stuff:
You'll often find local woodworking clubs that are happy to take on people who are serious about learning to be good craftsmen. It was while searching for used tools that I ran across a guy who has become my mentor of sorts in woodworking.
Online communities are becoming great resources as well -- people are starting to post 'how-to' blog series for specific projects, and woodworkers are becoming regular experts in Sketch-up as well, as a means of graphically communicating their designs, and sharing them around. My prefered:
LumberJocks.com
As with any online community, you'll run across your share of people with... "strong opinions." The only incorrect response to all of that, is to avoid picking up tools, and learning by doing!
Bottom line: don't let anything or anyone get in the way of your enjoyment of woodworking. Not even the 'experts' out there. The most effective way to learn, is to DO. An hour of time in the shop or at the bench has 10 times the educational value of the same time pouring over Youtube vids, plans, forums, etc.
I recommend you reading this: woodprix woodworking plans.
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