The ability to make things out of wood is a skill that has many benefits. Whether woodworking is one’s profession or a relaxing hobby, it is a talent that may be used to create or repair things that are useful or of great beauty. A skilled woodworking enthusiast can transform wood by carving it into shapes or designs or craft it into pieces of furniture for their home. To successfully start and complete woodworking projects around the house, one must have the right equipment, proper training to use that equipment, and instructions on how to complete the task. These three factors are crucial if one plans to successfully and safely start and complete a woodworking project.
Before starting a woodworking job around the house, people must know what they are doing. They can learn by taking a woodworking class while they are in high school or college or by taking a course at their local community center. Another option is to learn from a friend or relative who has advanced woodworking knowledge and a willingness to teach. Professional or long-time woodworkers can prove helpful even beyond the initial teaching period, as they will often provide valuable guidance such as tips on how to calculate wood shrinkage or cut plywood or measurement techniques.
The right tools to complete home projects are also necessary. One may accumulate woodworking tools as they take on more complicated and advanced projects; however, they will want to start with a few basics that will allow them to make attractive pieces. An example of a basic toolkit may include items such as a folding ruler, a sliding bevel, rip, crosscut, and dovetail saws, wood chisels, hammers, screwdrivers, and a router. All woodworkers should have and wear safety glasses, dust masks, and, when necessary, hearing protectors. Eventually, woodworkers will want to invest in larger power tools, such as drill presses and jointers.
With the right tools and knowledge, amateur woodworkers can tackle projects that will likely become a source of pride in their homes, such as a new kitchen or coffee table. Woodworking plans provide the instructions for any given project. Both amateur and advanced woodworkers may use these plans to start and complete simple to complex projects. People can find woodworking plans online, in DIY books or magazines, or through woodworking groups or associations.
For more information about woodworking and woodworking projects for the house, click on the links below:
A Guide to Honing and Sharpening: Woodworkers can learn what tools and equipment are used for honing and sharpening by clicking on this link.
Shaker-Style Bed (PDF): On this page, woodworking enthusiasts will find plans for making a Shaker-style bed. The plans come with helpful diagrams and photographs.
Mail and Key Organizer (PDF): This document provides the plans for creating a wooden mail and key organizer, including a list of required tools, cutting list, and shopping list.
Woodworking: Readers interested in learning about woodworking can get information regarding its background, tools, carpentry, joinery, and cabinetmaking here.
Top Ten Woodworking Tips: Open this page to The Family Handyman website to read a woodworking article that features pro woodworking tips. The page includes material about reusable sanding blocks, drafting squares, and other ideas.
A Woodworker’s Basic Tool Kit: People who are interested in woodworking must have the correct tools. This Wood Magazine article lists the items that are needed in a common-sense toolkit.
Cutting Plywood: This page features a woodworking tip that explains the ways one may correctly cut plywood without splitting the veneer.
What Is Woodworking? (PDF): This document discusses woodworking safety on the job, but the advice may also be applied for woodworking at home. Advice includes stopping equipment when not in use, working in a clean area, wearing the appropriate clothing, and caring for blades.
How to Make a Butcher Block Cutting Board: Use these instructions from the DIY Network to successfully make a butcher block cutting board for one’s kitchen. Each step is enhanced by a photograph.
Accurate Measuring and Marking: Open this page on the Better Homes and Gardens DIY Advice website to scroll through a slide show that explains accurate measuring and marking techniques used for woodworking projects. Each slide includes images that illustrate the discussed technique.
A Homemade Skate-Drying and Storage Rack: Learn how to create a rack for ice skates by clicking on this link. Visitors to this page will find instructions, drawings, and images.
Woodworking Plans: Measuring Up (PDF): Click this link for woodworking plans ranging from a box hockey game to a cutting board. The document features diagrams and a listing of materials needed for each project.
Six Router Safety Tips: Before starting a home woodworking project, visit this page to read six router safety tips from the Woodworkers Guild of America.
How to Build a Wood Mantel: Discover how to build a wood mantel by visiting this page on the This Old House website. The page includes both instructions and diagrams.
Surface Prep 101: Visit this page on the Start Woodworking website to read the basics of how to prep surfaces. The page features using the right grit, tips and tricks, and images and instructions for various surfaces.
Project Bunk Bed: Click this link to the Canadian Home Workshop for a bunk bed project using construction-grade lumber.
How to Build a Drying Rack: People interested in woodworking projects for the home will find plans for building a drying rack on this page.
Oak Contrast Coffee Table: This Woodworking Crafts newsletter includes an article that features instructions for making an oak contrast coffee table.
Primitive Wine Rack: Instructions for creating a primitive wooden wine rack can be found on this page on the HGTV website.
The Sandpaper Trick (video): Visitors to the Canadian Woodworking and Home Improvement site will find a video that explains a sandpaper technique that may be used for matching two dissimilar surfaces.
How to Use a Circular Saw (video): People new to woodworking may click this link to view a how-to video on using a circular saw.
