3 Woodworking Necessities for Beginners

Taking up woodworking as a hobby can be great for people who enjoy working with their hands and want to create useful, unique items. Some people may be intimidated at the thought of trying something they have never done before, especially if they do not have much experience working with tools. However, there are plenty of projects that beginners will be able to complete. As long as they have space to work, tools, equipment and supplies, they can get started.

1. Workspace

Anyone who is starting off with small projects will probably not need a large workshop, but it may come in handy later. A flat surface that is large enough to work comfortably at and can take a beating is a must. If space is limited, then consider storing extra cabinets and tables underneath a larger workbench. Install heavy duty wheels to make it easy to set everything up and put it away when done.

2. Tools and Equipment

While most people probably have at least a few tools in their home, they may find that they do not have what they need to complete their projects. At a minimum, hammers, screwdrivers and clamps will be needed to get started. Hand saws can be used, but hobbyists may find that jigsaws and circular saws are worth the extra expense. Projects can be sanded by hand before applying paint or stain, but hand sanders often speed up the process on large projects. Nail guns and drills can also decrease the time spent on building certain items and may be worth the investment.

3. Supplies

Nails and wood glue are the most commonly used items to join two pieces of wood together. Screws may be needed occasionally, so it is a good idea to keep some on hand just in case. There are many types of wood available for purchase, and they have different price points and uses. Pine is one of the cheapest, so it is often used by beginners as they learn the basics. It is a good idea to research the different types of wood and figure out which ones are the most appealing for a majority of projects. Experiment with different stains and paints to find the ones that work the best and keep extra in the workshop to prevent extra trips to the store.

Woodworking can be an enjoyable and relaxing hobby. Anyone who wants to get started should look around for local classes or go online to find free tutorials to guide them through their first few projects.