View Full Version : Novice wants advice
Jennifer
01-20-2001, 01:58 PM
I'm a crafty mother of three who wants to get into woodworking. I don't have any experience short of watching my father and whittling sticks as a kid! I'm looking for advice on getting started...what to buy, how much I should spend, the best place to buy tools...things like that. I'd like my first project to be a toy chest...Is that realistic?
Lou_williams
01-20-2001, 02:41 PM
Realistic is a relative term. Your questions could be answered by reading almost all of the post on this forum. I would recommend that you get a couple of good books on woodworking I will give you a link to find the best source for those. Check into your local adult ed at high schools and community colleges for classes on woodworking. That would get you some hands on training. I would give you one piece of advice on buying tools. Don't by any tool until you know you need it and then buy the best you can find. Cheep tools are not a bargain, they will cost a lot more later when you have to buy the one you should have at first.
The link is to fine woodworking The best of the woodworking mags. They publish lots of very good books.
http://www.taunton.com/fw/
I would recommend the following books
The Basics of Craftsmanship
Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking
That will give you a good overview of lots of topic. If you have specific questions we all will be very willing to try to give you our humble opinions
Lou
Jennifer,
Depending on your free time and budget a wood working course is the best idea. If you have an adult learning center in your area they often offer such courses. Don't rule out the unemployment office either because they offer retraining courses. What do you have for space? Wood working can get very specialized aslo the tools needed vary greatly. But a toybox is a good indication a T.S. is in need. As Lou said get the best you can afford. Do consider a Total Shop or Shopsmith multistation tool, Last I checked they were about $5,000 but gets you set up pretty well.
Theres also hand tools to consider which add up quickly.
Glen
Tony k
01-21-2001, 11:54 PM
I dont think thata toy chest is out of the question for you to build.I dont know if buying the best tools is necessarily the right choice .That depends on how involved you plan to be .I think that some of the top of the line name brand tool can be real pricy ,where some of the mid range priced tools wiil do an adequet job with satisfying results .Good luck ,You are entering a field where it can be very enjoyable and addicting.
RayMan
02-02-2001, 05:09 PM
Jump in and enjoy, you will never regret it.
Best advice on tools:1)take a safety class that will also let you cut some wood for your own project, as nothing beats a squarely cut and proper sized part. 2) a tablesaw is really a good investment, and doesn't break the bank, but requires alittle room to use. My first major tool purchase.
Note: Elaborate tools make a job easier, and look more profession, but you can have a great project with just a hammer and a nail and a piece of wood. Always enjoy the time and the aroma of sawdust!
Hi Jennifer,
I don't think you will never regret starting woodworking. It is as said earlier very addicting. There is something about seeing a project come together. Your toybox idea is a good start, it would let you most of the basic moves. There are many plans out there for projects such as this. I have several myself and would be happy to draw one up for you if you like.
As far as tools go, you do want to get something good, I personally like Sears Craftsman and Delta. Both are good quality and work very well. I have made a great deal of projects ranging from my computor desk to yard decorations on mine. You will want to take it at a steady pace on equiping yourself as the bench power tools can run up the bucks in a hurry. If you would like to contact me directly just write to gy3020@woodworking.com and I'll be glad to talk with you.
Good luck and good woodworking!
Gary
Roger S. Dillman
02-02-2001, 09:58 PM
The advise about books is the best. Buy books that cover what you are interested in. It might be a good idea to start out with pre-cut kits. Then you will get experience with hand tools. Get familar with completing projects with most hand tools before you start evolving into machinery. $5000 worth of tools will not make you a craftsperson,only time,education and patience will get you there. Once you get going,aquire more books just like you aquire more tools. If you buy books on subjects that interest you,they will tell you what tools you will need. Only buy tools as you need them. At first,don't worry about sizing lumber,you can buy already planed lumber,at different widths,for general projects. All you will need to do,is cut to length. Keep it simple at first. When purchasing tools,listen to your head,not your heart. Before making large purchases,do your homework and do a complete research. If you see something for sale,that seems like a ridiculous price,theres probably a reason,unless you know what it is,its no bargain. And finally,
when shopping for tools,make sure the outfit you buy from,offers a 30 day-no-risk-gaurentee,then the risk is all theirs. You would suprised of how much a person can do,with wood,with few tools.
ROBERT
02-03-2001, 10:55 AM
Welcome to a most rewarding hobby. These folks have all given you good advice on this thread, but to answer some specifics:
Yes, a toybox is an excellent first project in that it is a usually a rectangle with a lid on it, and you can easily construct one with the most basic tools.
Your first purchase "should" be a table saw because it is very versatile... you can cut angles, rips (length-wise) and crosscuts. Depending on your choice of saws, you'll probably drop about a thousand dollars by the time you pay the sales tax and get a blade, or two, or three.
You'll need an assortment of basic handtools such as: hammer, nail set, tape meaure, combination square, a set of chisels, channel lock pliers, needle nose pliers, various clamps, etc., etc. You can expect the expense to add up to about $300 or so for a good starter set.
Then, for handheld powertools: sander (almost any will do at first, either a "finishing" 1/4 sheet or a small random orbit), some type of drill and a bit set or two, a router and bits, a jigsaw, and perhaps a circular saw. Another $500 or so.
IMPORTANT: shop around! Watch the ads. Pawn shops are a great source of quality inexpensive handtools, and every now and then, you'll get lucky and find a real bargain on a hardly used powertool.
Well, now that I've spent $1800 or $1900 for you, let me suggest a few titles you may want to read first (and guess what? another $60...)
"Woodworking Wisdom" Nick Engler
"Table Saw Techniques" Roger Cliffe
"Woodworking With The Router" Bill Hylton
These are great sources of information. You'll learn the terminology and some basic safety proceedures along with many of the do's and don'ts. Many cabinet shops (mine, for one) are constantly looking for entry level, part-time employees. Perhaps you can earn while you learn (although with 3 kiddos, it may be hard for you to find 3 or 4 hours a day).
Good luck, and Happy Sawdust.
Dave F
02-05-2001, 04:00 PM
Before you buy a ton of books, try your library. You should be able to find any book/magazine article you could want. If your library system dosen't have it, they can get it for you with an inter library loan. If your just getting started, don't invest $5000.00 on a machine even if you have the money. If you want to make a toy box -defenetly get your self a table saw. You can do pretty good for under $500. If that is too steep, you can get a bench top table saw for alot less but you will have to work pretty hard to keep it acurate. It can be done. That is what I am using right now.
If making toys is what is interesting you right now, you can make a lot of fun things with a scroll saw. And for less than $175.00 you can get a pretty good one.
Patricia Medina
02-05-2001, 04:29 PM
I was wondering if anyone has heard of a company called Mark Richey Woodworking. There is a spread in Hospitality Design that shows off a lamp that I am interested in. Only thing, I can't seem to locate the company. Please help.
MadMark
02-05-2001, 04:41 PM
Mark Richey Woodworking
106 Western Ave.
Essex, MA 01929
978-768-3356
Found it in Yahoo by searching for "Richey Woodworking"...
M
JEN, FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD ADVISE COMING YOUR WAY.
ONCE AGAIN, IF YOU HAVE ANY PLACE IN YOUR AREA TO TAKE A WOODWORKING CLASS AND IT IS FEASABLE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THEN THAT WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO GET STARTED.
IF YOU CANT TAKE ONE THEN GO TO A LOCAL LIBRARY AND CHECK OUT A FEW BOOKS ON BEGINING WOODWORK. WHEN YOU FIND A SIMPLE STARTER
PROJECT THAT YOU ARE SURE YOU CAN BUILD, DRAW IT OUT ON A PIECE
OF PAPER. MAKE SURE YOU ADD MEASUREMENTS TO YOUR DRAWING. THIS WILL HELP YOU BECOME MORE FAMILIAR WITH YOU PROJECT, THEN YOU WONT HAVE TO MAKE SO MANY UNNECASSARY CUTS BECAUSE YOU MIGHT MISREAD A DIMENSION (NOT THAT YOU WILL, ITS BEEN KNOWN TO HAPPEN TO THE BEST OF US).
AS FOR TOOLS , I WAS JUST IN LOWE'S THE OTHER DAY AND I NOTICED THAT THEY HAVE DELTA 10" TABLESAWS FOR AROUND $140.00 .
THAT IS A VERY REASONABLE PRICE EXSPECAILY FOR A BEGINER.
ITS NOT GOING TO BE PERFECT PRECISION BUT I AM A FIRM BELIVER THAT YOU DONT ALWAYS HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST OR THE MOST EXPENSIVE TOOLS TO GET THE JOB DONE. ON THE CONTRARY THOUGH,
THE BETTER YOU GET AT WOODWORKING THE BETTER YOUR TOOLS SHOULD BE.
ONE OTHER THING, IF YOU HAVE ANY STRESS IN YOU LIFE WOODWORKING COULD BE THE PERFECT MEDICATION FOR YOU!!!
PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND WATCH OUT FOR THOSE FINGERS.
DAVE
Elta Merritt
02-25-2001, 04:12 PM
One thing you need to understand clearly,It is 10% the tool and 90% the operator,no matter what you are trying to do.A skilsaw,router,toolguide clamp and a drill are allthe tools you would need to invest in to make very good toy box.
A TOY CHEST MAY ACTUALLY BE A GOOD STARTER PROJECT. IT IS AFTER ALL A RECTANGULAR BOX WITH VERY FEW COMPLICATING FACTORS. YOU MAY DO WELL TO PLAN THE FIRST ONE AS A PAINTED PROJECT SO ANY FLAWS THAT MAY OCCUR CAN BE EASILY MASKED. AS FOR TOOLS , YOUR BUDGET WILL GO FURTHER IF YOU BUY HAND TOOLS AND YOU WILL LEARN THE TRADE FROM THE GROUND UP. YOU WILL KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO MOVE ON TO THE REALM OF POWER TOOLS, OF COURSE THE FIRST POWER TOOLS WILL PROBABLY SOME SORT OF DRILL MOTOR FOR DRILLING AND DRIVING . YOUR FIRST MAJOR STATIONARY TOOL WILL PROBABLY BE A TABLE SAW. BEWARE OF SAFETY CONCERNS AT ALL TIMES! GOOD LUCK!
michael
03-01-2001, 11:54 PM
all the advice you've gotten is top of the line. the toy box sounds like an excellent starter project.i would suggest if you have not been around power tools much or never opperated them by yourself, the safest idea would be like previously suggested start out with hand tools.handsaw/hammer/nails. and for the finishing end an inexpensive finish sander will finish up nicely.
mainly remember safty first and you'll do fine. i suggest gradually working up to power tools. basically learn to crawl before you walk. and go to your loacal library for your first books. good luck
michael
03-01-2001, 11:59 PM
all the advice you've gotten is top of the line. the toy box sounds like an excellent starter project.i would suggest if you have not been around power tools much or never opperated them by yourself, the safest idea would be like previously suggested start out with hand tools.handsaw/hammer/nails. and for the finishing end an inexpensive finish sander will finish up nicely.
mainly remember safty first and you'll do fine. i suggest gradually working up to power tools. basically learn to crawl before you walk. and go to your loacal library for your first books. good luck
You might talk to a few friends and see if you can use the power equipment in their shops to make the cuts for this first project. This may require more flexibility or planning than works for you. You can also rent the equipment you need for a day or a few hours. Then decide what equipment you'd like to purchase for your next project. Oh, and don't forget to wear safety glasses. Good luck.
Pastor Paul
03-11-2001, 05:54 PM
There were so many posts to your question that I didn't have time to read them all, so please forgive me if I am repeating someone else's answer.
Try your local VoTech school. They usually offer basic woodworking classes for adults. You will get a great introduciton to the various power tools, find out what you need and don't need, find out what brands your instructor and other students like, and probably get to make that toy chest as your project.
kellymcc1
05-04-2001, 06:44 PM
LAST EDITED ON May-04-01 AT 06:45PM (CDT)[p]Jennifer,
I agree with Lou, look for some woodworking classes which are many times offered free through night classes at local schools etc. (adult education) Once you do that you should have some idea as to how much you want to pursue woodworking whether it be hope chests or birdhouses. If it is a serious woodworking desire then the tablesaw is in my opinion your first purchase. When purchasing any woodworking equipment remember what Lou said that cheap is not necc. the best. Another way to say this is "TO START WITH LESS IS TO END WITH LESS" If it is to be a short hobby, plan it so. If it is serious, plan it so.
Happy Woodworking
Kelly
Dave Latham
05-05-2001, 01:32 AM
OK let's see night school books ok I am done Good Luck...
Sounds like alot of good advice. Except the part about the shopsmith. I personally own one. They really are terrific machines...BUT if you plan on using the table saw very much don't plan on a shopsmith. I hate mine. On a brighter note I just purchased a new saw today. Well actually used. This brings me to my next point. Don't rule out yard sales. I paid 100 bucks for a 10" craftsman contractor saw.
Good luck and safe woodworking
Dave
Wood Butcher
05-05-2001, 01:44 AM
Pardon me for being the evil one, but I was looking at college prices a lot latley. And may I suggest a mutral or money market fund?
But if you have college all squared away for your kids, or if there insane enough to join the Marines like me. Follow the advice above.
Dave,
You wuldn't be the first I've heard this from. Key word here is compromise. and it realy depends on just what she's looking to do. Hell could be way off base, we could have a master carver to be in our midst.
Glen
wonder if she has an adult education center as we do. And colleges often offer certificate type programs cheaper.
Glen
Dave Latham
05-05-2001, 11:51 PM
The one thing I see as a bonus for the shopsmith is space. When my dad bought it space was an issue. Come to think of it in woodworking space is always an issue. But one of the big reasons he bought it was the price. In 1986 he paid $600 fot it used in great shape. Now they are selling for 1500 plus in the used market. Like you said it really depends on the type of woodwork you are planning to do. As far as compromise I would have to take the 5K and spend it somewhere other than shopsmith. Grizzly comes to mind first. They have an excellent product at an even better price.
Just my 2 cents worth
Dave