Where do I go from here?

[Scott]

I recently moved from the concrete jungle that is Toronto, deep into the woods of British Columbia. I find my appreciation for wood is growing rapidly. Want to start with a doghouse or a bookshelf. Totally ignorant to the world of woodworking or tools in general. Just received a saw and a hammer to begin my tool collection and don't know where to go from here. HELP ME!

[Lou_williams]

this is a very tough question. There are so many things that I would need to know before I could really give you solid advice. The first thing I would tell you is to find someone local that is an experienced woodworker and offer to help them in exchange for learning by watching them work.

There are lots of different kinds of woodworking. Some people like to build small detailed things like boxes and crafts. Some of us like to build large furnature pieces. The tools and techniques are different with different kinds of projects.

For insperation I would read the books by James Krenov. They are not so much how to books but more why books, and they gave me a lot of direction to my woodworking.

Also you could check the local high schools nad comunity colleges they might offer adult ed on woodworking.

Without some one on one I would suggest that you start with some good hand tools and a few books and videos on use and sharppening of tools to start with.

This is a good link for good woodworking books. http://www.taunton.com/fw

[MadMark]

I would think to the local library and community college.

M

[Glen]

Dependant on your specific interests and to further your inquisitions try browesing the magazine rack, thumb through the woodworking magazines.
I think a basic woodworking course would save you alot of frustration and get you headed in the right direction, SAFELY.
A few good books ie tablesaw jigs and techniques are helpful.
Also would recommend purchasing plans for your projects until you get to know basic jointery, this will also help you in learning to estimate lumber/material lists and what new tools you may need to aquire or rent. Try to zero in on one forte...at a time.