I've had an interest in getting into woodworking for a while and I'm really surprised we don't have a thread for it on here. I'd love to be able to make an outdoor bench, or computer desk, or even a little box. I just have no idea where to start and there seems to be so much information that it'd a bit overwhelming - woods and finishes, drills and saws, I have no idea where to start learning. I have absolutely no experience with woodworking. Just looking for some resources to get me on the right path to knowing what kind of tools I should need to get started.
It really depends on what you're planning to build. Getting into cabinetry or furniture is going to require some workshop tools like a band saw and belt sander, smaller things like jewelry boxes and such require fewer tools. The nice thing about wood working is that most of it can be done with hand tools and a little patience if you're on a budget. You should definitely have a few essentials, a measuring tape, miter square, power drill, pencils/markers, and at least a hand saw of decent quality.
My brother in law basically just started with wood and a sharp knife. As he's been researching different things, he's been trying them out and getting the tools he needs. He's made some stuff out of trees he chopped down with a restored woodcutter's axe on our land. Start with the simple stuff and work your way up from there.
Id say pick up some books, and start out with simple, rough projects you can do with a drill and a circular saw. Things like planter boxes or trellises are a good place to start. If you get serious, definitely invest in a good table saw; most of the cuts you need to make can be done with one.
Also see if there's a community center or a university with a workshop. You can sometimes book them for personal use, and they typically have people on hand to give advice.
Also if you want to try woodturning, check out
https://www.youtube.com/user/woodturningwithtim1/videos
I'm generally watching it to relax...
But he shows different techniques, which tools to use and when.
Thanks for the replies guys! I'm currently moving so after I'm settled into my new home I'm going to look into some cheap tools.
Wood turning didn't seem like something that would interest me but it seems like a crucial tool and it seems incredibly relaxing - I'm curious if I'll be able to have the steady hand to work with such a delicate process but I guess there's only one way to find out and only one way to get better!
I'm a newbie myself in the woodworking world and I started reading first to learn more about it. I read different forums for more ideas and inspirations on how everyone do in repairing or restoring things. I read blogs and reviews about the necessary materials and tools they use in this kind of hobby. I guess you do the same or probably look for woodworking workshops offered near your place for a start.
I actually had bought a no. 4 smoothing and no. 5 jack plane, some chisels, squares, saws and other little stuff. I made some coasters out of the end-grain of some scrap pine I found in my yard after they put new siding on the house. My next plan is a workbench once the garage gets cleared out enough to have the space for it.
A good way to start would be to check your area for a makerspace. They tend to be pretty packed with high-end equipment + classes, lessons, mentors, etc. Most operate on monthly memberships, but depending on where you go it's as low as $5 for a single visit.
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