Beginner Woodworking Ideas
Many people find a sense of accomplishment by working with wood to make a variety of projects, from birdhouses to backyard sheds. Wood is one of the most pliable, workable resources available on Earth, and can be shaped into just about any piece of furniture or outdoor equipment imaginable. With a basic workbench, some measurement tools, cutting tools, finishing tools and other equipment, you can turn just about any space into a workshop capable of assembling many different projects.
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Work Space
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Working with wood can be a messy ordeal. Wood shavings and saw dust are inevitable and will be found all around your working space. Power tools are also very loud and can be disturbing to others. The ideal working space is a noncarpeted space, preferably concrete, where you can work without disturbing others and which can be easily cleaned and maintained.
You're also going to want a workbench that you can work on without worrying about the bench's appearance. This bench is going to get marked up and messy, so the kitchen table won't do. Many workbenches come with an attached vice grip. Although helpful, they're not necessary.
The size of your work space will be dictated by your tools. Portable power tools are often smaller, while the more powerful stations such as the table saw and drill press take up much more room. Take these things into account when deciding your work space. Popular work space ideas include the garage, the basement or a work shed. Keep in mind that storage of hand tools can be made easier by setting aside some wall space to hang them on, using nails.
Basic Woodworking Tools
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Many basic woodworking projects can be constructed using portable power tools and hand tools. At the beginning of any project, you're going to need to make measurements and draw lines on wood to make the correct cuts. Beyond a pencil, basic measurement and marking tools include a combination square for making straight lines and a tape measure for longer measurements.
Many tools provide different cutting styles for your work. A circular saw is best for straight cuts, and an attached side fence can help increase cutting accuracy. Jigsaws allow more free-form cuts, letting you follow a line manually for a curve or other design element. Block planes help to create the intricate edging you see on many desks and dressers. Routers can create joints and other wood shaping designs.
After you've completed cutting your wood, many projects will need you to join the wood together to assemble a product. A hammer and nails are old standbys, and many wood projects can be assembled with just those. Cordless drills are incredibly versatile, allowing you to change drill bits to make different sizes and types of holes. To connect these projects, you're going to want a variety of bolts, nuts and screws of many different sizes; some pieces of wood are very thin and can only fit 1/2-inch screws, but others are extremely thick and may require 3-inch screws or longer to connect. Wood glue and clamps are also useful, and two pieces of wood joined by glue and a metal screw or nail is extremely secure and stable.
Finishing wood projects requires a polishing of the wood, to prevent splinters and make use easier. Sandpaper, or a sanding block, allows you to rip away the rough parts of the wood to create a smoother finish.
Safety gear is incredibly important to keep the risk of harming yourself while using power tools minimal. Basic safety gear includes safety goggles, ear plugs and dust mask.
Cutting Board
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A cutting board is one basic woodworking craft idea that can be used practically in the kitchen. It's also an easy project to customize.
Start by drawing a design for the cutting board on paper, either full size or to scale. Purchase a piece of wood that will fit the entire design. Use tools such as a tape measure or circle guide to draw lines, corners or holes. If you want, implement a hole into the top of the design to allow it to hang as a decorative wall piece when not being used.
Cut the design out with a jigsaw. Clamp the wood to your workbench to secure it, and keep the part you're cutting off of the bench. Cut along the outside of the lines that you drew; it's helpful to keep in mind that you can always take wood off, but it's hard to put it back on. Remember to wear your safety goggles while cutting.
Use a sanding block to smooth over any rough edges. If you're using a power sander, a dust mask is a good idea to protect your lungs.
If you drew a hole into your design, you can drill it out using an appropriately sized drill bit. If you don't have a bit large enough, drill somewhere in the inside of the hole using the largest drill bit you have, then start your jigsaw there and cut out the inside of the hole. Remember to sand out any rough edges. You can use your router or plane tools to create the edge style, either round or sharp, that you're looking for.
When your cutting board is in the shape you want, apply a wood finish to make your work longer lasting. For a cutting board, make sure that the finish that you use is kitchen-safe. Wearing plastic gloves, apply the finish with a clean rag. When dry, your cutting board will be complete.
Finding Woodworking Ideas
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Many print publications and Internet websites have a plethora of information on woodworking projects for every ability level, from beginner to expert. Searching through these different ideas can show you intriguing projects that you had not thought of before. The website for Lowe's contains a number of woodworking resources, including free online plans for woodworking projects such as a compost sifter or an eight-sided planter. Websites such as WoodProjects.com contain many links directing you to a variety of project plans, many of which you may need to pay for. Your local library may contain many books on woodworking projects, or you may want to buy one from a book store. Also, you can find traveling woodworking shows, either by searching online or asking your local department store or lumber retailer.
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