So you have decided to take up woodworking as a hobby and have all the tools ready, but no idea where to begin. Worry not; this is a common occurrence among those just string as it can seem like the more you dig for ideas, the more complex they begin to look. However, there are some time-honored first projects that you can have a go at that will test your skills as a woodworker, allow you some flexibility in mistakes, and you will hopefully end up with something to show for your troubles at the end (not just a sore thumb!).
Simple Stool
You can’t get much simpler than the humble stool. Simple to make and using menial tools, you can’t go wrong with this option as a first foray into woodworking. All you need is a design that you can find online, some 2 x 4 timber planks, and the right tools. You will also have to think if you will keep it inside or outside.
This is an essential consideration because it will dictate how you treat the wood. For example, if it needs to be weather-resistant, you will need to treat it using spar urethane or polyurethane. If it remains inside, you can use a cheaper wood stain to give it color as it won’t need protection from the elements.
Tools you will need:
- Miter saw or a set square and a hand saw
- Drill
- Screws
- Treatment fluid
Peg Board
If truth be told, this one is a bit of a lazy entry, but a pegboard is often one of the more valuable items you can have around the house. Furthermore, you can make one to hang your tools up in your workshop and kill two birds with one stone. All you really need is a large sheet of plywood and a drill. You will also need a saw to cut out the pegs, but depending on how thick the pegs are and how much weight you want them to support, you might be able to cut them with a craft knife.
Tools you will need:
- Drill
- Saw
Paperwork Organizer
If you find your kitchen countertop constantly full of paperwork, this could be the perfect choice for you to start with. All you need are some small pieces of timber and the tools to build it.
Tools you will need:
- Saw
- Wood glue
- Hammer
How To Stay Safe With Your Woodworking
Woodworking is an enormously fun activity, and as such, it can be easy to get carried away and forget about safety. However, this is a massive mistake because you can cause yourself serious injury and even death in some extreme cases without the proper safety equipment or mindset. As you obviously want to avoid that, what are the main things you must consider before and during your woodworking adventure?
Always Where The Right Gear
Safety is the key to any job, and woodworking is no exception. Woodworkers should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from injury, and the best way to do this is by wearing safety equipment such as goggles, safety boots, and gloves. You should invest some money to get high-quality safety equipment as it lasts longer and you can’t put a price on your health. Aside from health and safety, it can be a messy business, so you should wear clothing that you don’t mind if it gets dirty with glues, stains, and chippings.
Treat All Of Your Tools With Respect
It doesn’t matter if it’s a handheld saw or a high-powered circular saw; you should treat each item in your shop with the respect it deserves. To put this into practice, you must handle your tools correctly. Regarding power tools, you must turn them off and ideally unplug them before switching blades or drill bits.
Always Use Sharp Tools
This might sound like a peculiar addition to a section about safety, but a sharp tool is much safer than a blunt one. Blades with dull surfaces need to work harder and are prone to slippage, which could lead to all kinds of nasty results. Moreover, if you are unfortunate enough to cut yourself, sharp tools will inflict less damage than blunt tools. Lastly, a sharp tool will produce a much better-looking cut, so you should practice your sharpening skills to get better cuts and reduce the chances of injury.
Keep Your Workspace Clutter-Free
If you are the chaotic type, you need to get yourself in order before starting any woodworking project. It is extremely dangerous to work in an untidy and cluttered environment as you increase the chances of tripping or stepping on sharp objects. Therefore, keep your shop lean, clean, and chaos-free.
Carpentry is a fantastic hobby to take up, and as you can see from the projects at the start, it’s relatively easy to get started. It can also be dangerous, which is why you should ensure that you develop good habits when it comes to safety.
