David Ohnstad of Minnesota recently started to enjoy woodworking in his spare time. People have always told him to give it a try and he’s so happy he decided to take the plunge. Today, he will break down some of the best woodworking tips for beginners.
To take up woodworking as a hobby, a person needs access to a proper woodworking space. It’s not so much that a person needs an expensive workshop, but they need a spot where a workshop table can be placed and comfortably hold a few sawhorses and a plywood board from the local hardware store. It’s more convenient to have a setup in a permanent space, but many people enjoy woodworking on temporary stations that can easily be dismantled and reassembled. If a permanent space is set up, say in a garage or shed, be sure to have proper locks on the doors. There are going to be plenty of sharp objects around, so keeping children away is essential.
One thing that surprised David Ohnstad of Minnesota when he started woodworking was how even the slightest measuring mistake can ruin a project. It’s essential to get to know every number on a tape measure. David Ohnstad rarely finds that the measurements reach a nice even number. When a cut needs to be made at 14 and 5/8 inches, this needs to be exact. Invest in a good tape measure that has each fraction of an inch clearly labeled. David Ohnstad promises you will be glad you did.
Obviously, woodworking requires a strong understanding of the dynamics of lumber. There are a lot of different wood species that are most commonly broken down into softwoods and hardwoods. Each species has different characteristics, which will lend themselves better to certain projects. Get familiar with what woods are softwoods and which are hardwoods first. For instance, common softwoods include cedar, fir, spruce, and pine. Common hardwood examples include cherry, birch, maple, walnut, and mahogany.
David Ohnstad of Minnesota is still primarily using pine for woodworking projects as it is affordable and easy to find at the local hardware store. As his skills advance, he looks forward to trying different species of wood and seeing how this impacts his finished products. In addition to mainly sticking with pine, David Ohnstad is also sticking to flat wood boards. David Ohnstad wasn’t very particular when he first started to buy wood, and it was a mistake.
Avoiding wood that is warped or bowed will make for a more effortless woodworking experience. For those getting their wood at commercial hardware stores, David Ohnstad of Minnesota recommends heading over on a Thursday afternoon or evening. These stores are known to put out their fresh lumber on these days in preparation for the weekend rush. By Sunday, it can be tough to find the type of wood you are looking for.
Finally, before ever starting an actual project. Just spend time learning how to use the basic tools. There is no shortage of YouTube tutorial videos on YouTube. The woodworking community is a passionate one. Taking the time to watch these videos will also help steer a person in the direction of new tools they may not have considered. Each one serves a unique purpose and can help a woodworker take their skills to the next level.