DIY Builds
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto Pexels Logo Photo: Ketut Subiyanto

What do you need to start a woodworking hobby?

Beginner's Tools for Woodworking A table saw. A small one should do and you will need this when you get serious about woodworking as a hobby. ... Cordless drill. ... Sander. ... Square. ... Bar clamps. ... Router. ... Miter saw. ... While this is really not a full list, it is a good beginners' list.

Does a driveway increase home value?
Does a driveway increase home value?

“A [concrete] driveway can increase your property's value between 5 and 10 percent” says Fast Sales Homes. That means “a $500,000 home can increase...

Read More »
What is the easiest fruit to grow in Florida?
What is the easiest fruit to grow in Florida?

Citrus. Citrus is probably the first fruit tree that comes to mind when you think of Florida. Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits, Key limes and...

Read More »

Introduction to Woodworking

Woodworking can be defined as the art of creating things out of different types of wood with the help of tools. As one of the oldest crafts in the world, woodworking is used to make decorative as well as utilitarian objects. Woodworking has become a very popular hobby and a lucrative profession. The tools and materials needed for woodworking can be bought from hardware, lumber and hobby stores. Woodworkers use both hand tools and power tools to shape the wood. Woodworking can include carpentry, carving, sculpture, turning, making furniture and much more. As you can see, this could easily start as a hobby and turn into an enjoyable career if you are passionate enough to pursue it. As a hobby, woodworking can be very fulfilling and bring you several hours of recreation, along with the satisfaction of creating different things out of wood. While some people take pleasure in doing the actual woodworking, some prefer to collect beautiful works of art in wood and restoring them. Woodworking is both relaxing and exciting, particularly if you like making things. To get started, all you need are some tools, hardware and basic lessons that can help you begin. When you work with wood, you can make a variety of decorative items, items you can use and much more. Here is a history of the woodworking hobby followed by basic information you need to know to get started, including the tools you need, safety rules and tips.

Getting started with woodworking

Depending on what kind of woodworking you would like to take up as a hobby, such as making furniture, carving, scrolling, sculpting, turning, do it yourself fix-its around the home or restoration work, there are two ways to get started. One is to go in for a fully equipped shop. The second, and the better way is to start small and accumulate the tools you need, gradually. This is also a less expensive way to begin, since equipping a workshop can cost you thousands of dollars. Also, there are chances that you might end up adding tools you hardly use. Another thing is that one almost always buys a tool that has more than one use. For example, you can cut dados with a table saw or a router. Curves can be accomplished with a saber saw, a band saw or a scroll saw. As a beginner, therefore, consider investing in a pre cut kit that comes with the wood pre cut in the necessary sizes and shapes. All you need to do is match the parts and follow the instructions to build the item. You would most probably need to nail, screw on, glue, sand and finish the piece. Kits usually consist of parts for making bird houses, feeders, benches, holders for plants and other easy items you can make and feel proud of.

Does a heated garage count as square footage?
Does a heated garage count as square footage?

The basement, attic and garage do not. Unless they're finished and legally converted to living space. When calculating the total square footage of...

Read More »
How much space do you need between shed and fence?
How much space do you need between shed and fence?

With all of this in mind, we recommend leaving ideally a 2 metre gap between your shed and the fence of any neighbouring properties. Doing so...

Read More »

When you move on to more complicated woodworking projects, you can purchase prepped up lumber in different widths. If you are making a table, table legs and chair spindles and several other pieces that need turning are available and ready for use. Go in for a simple kit at first. If you buy your project as a kit, you will get instructions and a list of tools you will need. Depending on what you plan to make, you will probably need hammers, measuring tapes, clamps, saws, square, a hand drill and chisels. This should cost you around $200 to $300.

Do you need lessons?

Some beginners prefer to take a few lessons before they get started with the hobby. This familiarizes them with all aspects like understanding woodworking plans, safety measures, clean up, handling tools, etc.

A note about the wood you use

Woodworking uses wood and that can be expensive. So when you begin your hobby, use cheaper wood such as pine, which is soft, and then poplar, which is hard. This will help you practice with soft wood first, and then hard wood when you get used to handling the tools. If you plan to work with painted projects, choose MDF or plywood like Baltic Birch which is convenient to work with. In woodworking, you also need to be aware of the nature of wood. You probably know that wood tends to change with weather conditions. It can expand or shrink, twist, warp or cup from its internal stress. It takes experience to look at a board and identify where these stresses are located and how they can affect the board when it is exposed to changes in weather. You will need to know and understand the right type of wood for your project.

What do you use under gravel?
What do you use under gravel?

What should I lay under gravel? We'd always recommend laying a weed resistant membrane under your gravel. This helps to prevent weeds, whilst being...

Read More »
Which side of aluminum foil goes up?
Which side of aluminum foil goes up?

So, now that you know the reason behind the different appearances of the two sides, you're probably wondering if you should use aluminum foil with...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What are the disadvantages of split-level houses?
What are the disadvantages of split-level houses?

They especially value the extra outside space it provides, better separation of rooms, and its affordability. Nevertheless, just like any other...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Which part of the house should be renovated first?
Which part of the house should be renovated first?

the kitchen Homeowners often want to know in what order they should renovate a house. It's best to start with the kitchen because these remodels...

Read More »