Woodwright & Lumber Company
Woodworking Tips
Getting Started
I have never been much on reading a lot of magazine or books
on woodworking to get started with any project. Many time it is
just deciding that I have a need or desire to do a project.I know
some very good woodworkers that each project is researched and
drawings done with a rigidness that boggles the mind. Their work
is very deliberate and the out come is, is,is predictable. This
is not my style for the most part my projects are free flowing
with only an idea of what the project will look like. Trust me
this is not the way to do it either. You will end up with many
unfinished projects with a few great projects. Good planing is
the best way with out the rigidness that some would have you believe
you need.
How do you get started? I have all ways enjoyed making things
to give away, house warming, birthdays or just because I wanted
to be nice to someone. (But, one of my pet peeves is the idea
of mass producing something and everyone gets the same present.)
Look around and see what you would like to build. Look through
the many magazine on the news stand or books and gather ideas.
You may what to try some of your first project right from the
book. I like Shop Notes and Woodsmith (we have both at the lumber
yard for sale).Make it simple to start. I remember the first hand
cut dovetail job I did.There must have been 400 dovetails in this
high boy, by the time I finished it seemed like 1,000,000,000.
I never want to cut another dove tail by hand again. Pick your
project carefully, you my even want to try a jig, fixture or a
tool chest for your shop to start. If the quality is not what
you want, you will be the only one to know.
I am asked all the time, what material should I use for my
first project. The first thing that comes to mind for me is cheap.
We have a lot of fall off in our shop that we sell very reasonable
and are always happy to help with a selection for any project.
You may not be as luck as the woodworkers in the Dayton area as
to have a fine establishment as the Woodwright and Lumber company
near you but many cabinet shops and older lumber yard with mills,
will have material that you will be able to pick up pretty cheap.I
would suggest that you may what to start with poplar or a white
pine. They will let you get the feel of the tools and if you make
a mistake your investment will not be to great. Oh, trust me you
will make mistakes. More than one project started out much larger
then they end up. It is back to not being to rigid in the design.
We call them instantaneous design changes.
This should give you something to think about. I hope to talk
to you very soon.
By the way, I am told that I need a editor any volunteers?