Absolute Novice - Working WIth Wood

Hi

 

Retiring next year and would love to make good use of my time. Can anyone suggest a real 'novice' book where I can start to pick up a few hints and tips? Any advice gladly rec'd.

hi kevin

before you buy i would suggest that you visit your local libruary and brouse through what they have then decide on what you you would like to do then revisit the site there will be plenty of advice then available to you

we will be able to advise on tooling as well as projects and books and drawings

goodluck sadsam

We've all been tempted I'm sure but when the time comes to buy tools/machinery don't buy cheap ones. You'll only regret it later when you find out why they were cheap. Ask on here for opinions before you buy.

 

Good luck and I know you'll enjoy your retirement and the hobby!

 

Hi Kevin,

Same answer as the previous guys have given you.

Read up on the various areas of woodwork - turning, furniture etc - and decide what you want to concentrate on.

Then shop about for different tools & machines, but take advice before you buy them.

The guys on her have a vast amount of knowledge between them and will keep you right.

 

Choose wisely, and you'll enjoy it for many years to come.

Hi Kevin, I too am a bit of a novice with this wonderful hobby, I love working with wood and don't mind what i am making, from a box to keep my screws in to a router table (current project) I have found you tube to be a great educational tool have a look and subscribe to these.

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/stevinmarin

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/TeenWoodworker

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/AppJourneyman

 

Regards

Paul

 

Hi Kevin and Welcome.

Unfortunately I can't help you with books but I will second all the good advice you have been given.

My advice would be to thoroughly learn to use hand tools before you move on to buying any machinery, once you have some books that is.

Practice making joints then choose a simple project to put into practice what you have learnt.

 

Maybe a bit premature but enjoy your retirement and your new hobby, creating something out of wood is very rewarding, there are so many branches to woodworking (had to get that one in again) that you will never tire once you have the bug.

 

Best regards,

Bill.

Hi Kevin, add my welcome to the forum. I can only echo all the advice you have been given by the other regulars. It depends a lot on what woodwork you want to do for anything more specific.

 

For general woodwork, learn how the various joints are made and what they are used for and you won't go far wrong. I would also add don't skimp on preparing the timber for whatever projects you make. It's all too easy to buy some wood from one of the DIY sheds, and then to use it without making sure it's straight and square. If you don't it can be a recipe for disaster and frustration as your carefully cut joints make something that doesn't quite fit, or refuses to square up properly. Been there, done that, don't do it any more!

 

For woodturning, there are several current threads (within the last couple of weeks) that talk about how to start.

 

Whatever you do, don't forget the golden rules:

1. Measure twice (or more usually, several times ), cut once.

2. Wear proper safety specs when you use power tools.

3. Keep your tools sharp.

4. Enjoy it all and have fun!

5. Post pictures of your creations.

 

Simon

 

Agree with all the previous comments but Simon raises a very good point regarding preparation. As he says, been there, done that, It is all too easy to rush and/or buy poor quality timber from the cheaper outlets because it is cheap.

Good luck