How to become a good woodworker?

Question

Simple question. Im a Senior in highschool and I would like to fill the rest of my life being able to build things out of wood. How do I start?

Answer 1

depending on where you are you might be able to rent time at a community woodshop as a stepping stone. If you're thinking about spending money on college to this end I recommend finding a college with a fine arts woodworking program.



If you have to do it yourself just start simple and build up a woodshop slowly. There is a LOT you can do with a few simple/cheap tools. I started out in the spare bedroom with a drill, circular saw, miter saw, router, and jigsaw. Think about building things out of pre-cut lumber. 1x4 pine boards can be turned into awesome and cheap furniture if you build with care and planning.



To acquire tools think rummage sales and craigslist. I've found all the tools I listed above plus a 12" bandsaw and tablesaw for under $200 total, it just took a while!

Answer 2

There are several things you can do.



1. Find out if there is a local woodworking club and join. Woodworkers are always willing to share information and experience. They can also be a source of tools or even work space for a interested beginner.



2. There are lots of woodworking videos available many online that are either cheap or free.



3. Subscribe to a woodworking magazine or two. Try "Wood Magazine" for starters. You can also find this at most libraries.



4. Try a couple of pieces of simple furniture that come in kits to get a feel for the work. Wall clocks are a good place to start as well a bird houses, etc. These don't take a lot of tools or work space and some are relatively cheap.



In the end to become a good woodworker you have to make a lot of stuff and make a lot of mistakes along the way. I know I have been at since I was in the 6th grade and I am now over 70 years of age and still learning.

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Hi there,



Like any thing in life there are things you will need to learn.I would start by taking woodworking at school. Another good resource is the local library. They will have many books on woodworking.

If you have the option I would also take a drafting course.



After high school check at a local college and see if there is a woodworking course you can take in evenings.



Along the way find plans for simple projects you can build....like bird houses, etc.

You can build very elegant projects using simple hand tools...but you can add power tools as you progress.



As you practice and take woodworking you will learn which power tools you will need.



Wood is very beautiful and satisfying to work with...enjoy,

Al

Answer 5

The inexperienced woodworker and the very experienced person will be able to do these projects without any difficulty https://tr.im/WoodworkingPlansAndTechniques

Each and every one of the thousands woodworking plans and projects which are available are so well written so that even if you've never tried Woodworking before, or if you have 2 left hands, you would find woodworking a breeze

Answer 6

Diy Stepbystep Woodworking Course : http://WoodWorkingsHappy.com

Answer 7

Hopefully you have a woodworking class at your school. That's the place to start. Then talk to your teacher about how to do more or where you might apprentice or have an area to work.



If you have no woodworking class or shop at school, try to find someone local that you like who needs helpl around their shop in exchange for teaching you things.



The best way to learn to do this sort of thing is to get as much exposure to it and as much practice as you can.

Answer 8

Ultimate 16000 Woodworking Plans Projects - http://Woodworking.NaturallySaver.com

Answer 9

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Tauntons-Complete-Illustrated-Guide-to-Woodworking/Gary-Rogowski/e/9781600853029?r=1&cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Category-_-Title-_-9781600853029&mr:referralid=e1254788-de36-11e0-be22-001b2166becc



Go to the library and get some books to look through on woodworking.

Find one that has everything similar to the one above and then purchase it.

See if your school or town has a woodworking course. Do you have a tech. school

near you? Think about enrolling...ask carpenters where they got their training...

The best thing is to learn by doing but safety is key to using any machinery.

SAFETY comes first...



http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/t5woodworkmach.pdf



http://www.industrialwoodworkingmachinery.com/safety-tips-for-using-industrial-woodworking-machines/



My Dad is a woodworker and taught woodworking at my High School for many years. He went

above and beyond with the kids teaching them to make dining room sets, etc., for those who

wanted to take on the challenge. They started by making toast tongs made with a 1"X1"X1/2" thick little block of wood, 2 tongue depressors and 2 fancy upholstery nails with rounded heads. Then they progressed to cutting boards, then wooden toys [wooden puzzles, cars and animals on wheels] to donate to hospitals at Christmas. Then they made napkin and paper towel holders, magazine racks, end tables, then wooden chests, cradles, kids chairs, moving towards bigger and better projects.



Have fun but remember, I can not stress this enough! Safety FIRST! LEARN it, read ALL your power equipment manuals, make push sticks for the table saws and keep your hair tied back, your jewelry off and your shirts tucked in to name a few. You won't regret it. : ) My cousin was working at home on his Dad's equipment [too lazy to walk over and get the push stick] and mangled his right hand. Now he has pins in every finger and will never play guitar again. HE regrets it to this day. My Dad used the pics from the hospital of his bloody hand to show his students what can happen. It left quite an impression.

Answer 10

Here are literally thousands of organized woodworking projects in a members area and all you have to do is get them off your computer any time you want. Go here https://tr.im/WoodworkingProjects

There are thousands of plans so decide which one you are going to tackle next. The choice is yours to make so just click on the proper button for the specific project and then they are right there for you to pick one. The diagrams and instructions will be right there in the computer for you to access at any time or if you prefer you can print them out.

Answer 11

Go do a course @ college...most parts of it is free if you are under 19. You learn Joinery (Making Boxes, Tables ect) Carpentry (Stud Walls, Floor Joists, ect) or and Roofing

Answer 12

Like anything else in life, you get better with practice. Start with simple projects, then increase the difficulty as your ability increases.

Answer 13

come over to Switzerland, do a 4-year apprenticeship, by the end of which you will not only be able to build "things" but houses.

Answer 14

by doing work carefully