Maybe you took an extracurricular woodworking activity in school. Or you’ve always admired woodwork crafts and want to try it out for yourself. Or it could also be that you’re just looking for a new hobby to try. Whatever your reason for wanting to do woodworking, then you’ve come to the right place.
Woodworking is in itself a very therapeutic and fun activity. A common misconception about it is that you have to be good to make it a hobby. But that’s not necessarily true.
Woodworking is a very complex field. Even those doing it for years are still learning new things now and then. No piece of woodwork is perfect. But as long as the process and the outcome make you feel fulfilled, then you’ve done an excellent job.
So if you’re looking to start on the woodworking hobby, here’s what you need to get started.
Safety first!
Before even getting started, you have to know the safety rules first. Woodworking can be a dangerous activity if you don’t see what you’re doing. You’ll be handling a lot of cutting and sawing equipment, so make sure you know the safety rules first.
Get some protective gear as well. Eye protection safety glasses are a must! There is a very high possibility of wood debris getting in your eyes as you cut the wood. And this causes severe medical conditions. Whether you’re doing this in a woodworking station or just in your backyard, you have to wear safety glasses. No exceptions!
Get your equipment
Of course, woodworking equipment is essential. If you don’t have the equipment, you won’t be able to cut, structure, and put up your work. Keep in mind, however, that woodworking equipment doesn’t need to be expensive. All of them, no matter the cost, work the same. After all, it’s not the equipment that does the work; it’s you.
Some essential equipment you need is the following:
- Hammer
- Saw
- Screwdrivers
- Nail sets
- Tape measure
- Power drill
Learn to choose the right lumber
In woodwork, you can’t just pick any lumber available. Some expert woodworkers would tell you that the type of lumber you use is a vital element. It’s the foundation of your entire craft. Learn how to pick good lumber pieces that will suit your project.
Experience is the best teacher
There are no well-founded, specific steps to how to get started with woodworking as a hobby. It’s hard to teach woodworkers how to develop their skills. That’s because when it comes to woodworking, the experience is the best teacher.
There are no cut out rules for the job. You learn by doing. And it’s not until you get on with the job that you find out what you have to do. Most woodworkers even do the trial and error method.
An advice woodworkers would give is to keep research in the minimum. Don’t spend too much time on it. You’ll learn more when you’re getting your hands on the project.
Indeed, woodworking can be a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. And you can even earn some money from it by selling your products. But whether you want to earn from it or not, the activity is very fulfilling. Just remember that there is no secret to being an exceptional woodworker. All it takes is practice and consistent learning.
