Whether it be taking care of a busy household or preparing for a busy day in the office - everyday life can be busy - so it should only make sense to enjoy a little bit of downtime doing something that you enjoy, such as a hobby!
If you’re currently interested in taking up woodworking as a hobby, then it’s highly important to take into consideration that woodworking will require you to do much more than break the bank on a brand new power tool collection and a quality piece of wood.
Even though having the correct equipment and facilities will be necessary to creating incredible woodworks, you will also need to make sure that you have gotten your head around the basics of woodworking for your safety - and that’s where we come in to lend you a helping hand!
Before you get started on the path to becoming an experienced woodworker, this guide is going to be talking you through everything you need to know, so that you’ll be covered every step of the way. So, without further ado, ready to learn how to start your woodworking hobby? Just read on!
How To Start Woodworking As A Hobby
Get set-up
If you’re just starting out in the world of woodworking, it’s very important that you make sure that you know the basics of woodworking, including where you should start, what you need, as well as what it actually is.
To break it down, woodworking is essentially a type of construction work that involves utilizing a variety of different kinds of tools and wood in order to create wooden furniture, ornaments, and more.
However, despite the common belief that woodworking requires a variety of different equipment, tools, and more - in order to start out a successful woodworking hobby, you don’t actually need to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on equipment.
In fact, so long as you make sure that you have all the basic tools and equipment (including an appropriate space alongside your power tools) you’ll be able to get going on your first piece of woodworking with just a few basic tools at your disposal.
We recommend that you pay a visit to your local hardware store, where you will be able to find everything you need to get up and running.
As you might have already guessed by now, woodworking is intended to be a fulfilling activity first and foremost - so don’t panic about having the biggest and best tool collection straight away, because you’ll be able to build your arsenal as you go.
Learn the basics and find your area of interest
So, after you’ve got your basic woodworking tools, and have picked a suitable spot in your home for your woodworking activities - you will be able to begin experimenting with woodworking to find out what your most favorite areas of woodworking are!
Much like other types of hobbies, woodworking is super versatile and can range from simple wood ornaments, all the way to complicated wood carvings that can take months to finish.
As you get started in the eclectic world of woodworking, you’re going to find that, in order to start making progress in both your technique and creations, you’re going to need to get your head around a variety of basic woodworking rules, including (but certainly not limited to) the following:
Learning how to correctly measure
Learning how to safely cut the wood
Learning how to assemble all of your creations together
Learning how to attach your wood pieces
If possible, we recommend that you consider taking some beginner woodworking classes to help get you started, as it will mean that you will be able to pick up the basics before then going off on your own to begin figuring out what your woodworking niche is.
What that happens to be will ultimately depend on what it is that you’re looking to gain from your woodworking hobby!
If you’re interested in turning your woodworking skills into a profitable career, then you might find yourself wanting to hone your technique across a variety of woodworking areas, however, if you’re more interested in simply doing woodworking for your own pleasure and enjoyment, then you might very well find yourself specializing in one area.
Hone your technique and begin undertaking projects!
After you’re all set up and ready to go - the only thing left to do will be to begin practicing your woodworking skills! Though everyone’s woodworking process is different, here are some basic tips to help get you started and on your way:
Learn wood types and dimensions - As you learn more about woodworking, it’s imperative that you make sure that you are always using the correct type of wood in accordance with the project you are undertaking. It’s also important to note that all types of wood come in different shapes and sizes, too.
Remember to take measurements! - One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of woodworking is taking measurements, so make sure that you’re remembering to take them for the best results.
Get your head around wood joinery - Ok, so, we’re sure that you’re already aware of this one, but it’s still important to make note of! Before starting any woodworking project, you should be ensuring that you are taking the time to decide upon which type of joints that you’re going to use to join all the pieces of wood you’re using together, as well as making sure that you’re also using the right drill tool and techniques, too.
Make sure that you’re finishing the wood - After you have finished completing your wooden creation - you’ll need to always remember to finish your wood via sanding or something else.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help - As we’ve already mentioned above, if you’re ever unsure about your technique or if you feel that you are doing something wrong, then we recommend asking a woodworking pal for advice, or even opting to take a few classes!
