New User

[phil c]

Hi all, new member here.

Have just moved house, and finally have a shed (well actually it's the garage - but who parks their car in that garage anymore?)

Looking to start woodworking as a hobby, but don't really know where to start. Have spent a while looking at woodworking sites, but none really seem to cater for beginners. Can somebody recommend a site or a book for a complete beginner?

Looking to start with some very simple projects, ie boxes for example. More interested in the hand tools to start with as I don't want to spend a fortune to start.

 

[lanemaux]

Hi Phil and welcome. I think you may already be where you were looking to be amigo. At the top of the page is a sticky with books , plans and references to go through. If you search archived pages you have many thousands of pages of fun and informative debate on most any woody subjects. And finally this is a great place because of the people who post here. Lots of experts to ask who are really patient (they put up with me!) and will answer your questions if at all possible. Drop on by Hand Tools and enjoy some of the weirdest wackiness available without purchasing a ticket. In short , if it ain't here , you probably don't need it. And if Andy T can't find it , it probably ain't there.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Hi Phil

Welcome to the forum, lots of free advice here have a good look around ask questions.

A few shows and events before the end of the year take a look at the post below, you are more than welcome to visit my workshops on the 29th of November if you are free.

the-last-woodworking-shows-of-the-year-t84464.html

Cheers and happy woodworking Peter

 

[John15]

Hi Phil,

There are lots of helpful posts on this forum. I have benefited greatly.
I also subscribe to Rob Cosman's online Hand Tool tutorial (google rob cosman for info). I find it very interesting and informative and something that may be of benefit to you also.

Cheers,

John

 

[phil c]

Hi all.

Many thanks for the replies. I am slowly browsing the forum looking for a suitable project for a newcomer such as myself. If anybody is aware of a thread or project that may give me the info I need I will be grateful.

Just been clearing out the garage and arranging an area for a workbench Will also need more lighting there as it is a typical garage but currently only lit by a single striplight.

Many thanks all

 

[Noggsy]

Hi Phil and welcome to the forum. A really good place to start is to learn to fettle (adjust) a secondhand plane and to sharpen the blade. Likewise with chisels. Once you've got a couple of sharp chisels, a usable plane (all of which are available, for a few quid from car boot sales or the bay), a pencil, hard point saw (about a fiver from anywhere) and a ruler, there's loads of stuff you can do. Sharpening plays a really big part in good woodworking, but it's a bit of a touchy subject around here as you will undoubtedly see

Jump in and just try some stuff out and welcome to the slope. It's very slippery...

 

[phil c]

Hi Phil and welcome to the forum. A really good place to start is to learn to fettle (adjust) a secondhand plane and to sharpen the blade. Likewise with chisels. Once you've got a couple of sharp chisels, a usable plane (all of which are available, for a few quid from car boot sales or the bay), a pencil, hard point saw (about a fiver from anywhere) and a ruler, there's loads of stuff you can do. Sharpening plays a really big part in good woodworking, but it's a bit of a touchy subject around here as you will undoubtedly see

Jump in and just try some stuff out and welcome to the slope. It's very slippery...

Cheers Noggsy. I have put up my worktop today so now my garage is taking place as a potential workshop. I'll be taking a look on eBay for any used planes and chisels and shall be back with more questions probably!

 

[AndyT]

Hi Phil and welcome.
I think that learning with hand tools is sensible even if you want to use power tools later.
You need to concentrate on learning the basics - measuring, marking out, planing square and true, sawing straight.
For a book I suggest Robert Wearing - The Essential Woodworker (recently republished) and most of Charles Hayward's books ( cheap secondhand) such as The Junior Woodworker (which is not a childish or limiting book.)
To see the basic techniques demonstrated like they would have been in school woodwork lessons, watch Paul Sellers' videos on YouTube.
You could do a lot worse than follow him along on a small project such as his dovetailed box or wall clock.
They don't need a lot of expensive wood and will exercise your skills.

And for any questions, you've found the best place!