Getting Started in Woodworking

So you've decided to get into woodworking. After all, it's one of America's most popular hobbies and 14 million woodworkers must be on to something.

Maybe you've been dabbling in woodworking for a while—a birdhouse here, a trellis there, maybe even a garden gate or a tool shed. Or perhaps you're a weekend handyman (or woman), repairing a fence, helping the kids with a tree house, maybe even putting in a little time on your neighbor's kitchen remodel. You get a real sense of accomplishment from these projects, so much so that you're thinking you'd like to tackle something a little more challenging.

The good news for new woodworkers is that besides the broad spectrum of projects, part of the beauty of woodworking is that it doesn't take much to get started. Some basic tools and supplies, a place to work and a little free time are all anyone needs to start working with wood.

Although it's up to every woodworker to find the time, some general guidelines about tools, space and shop safety make it a lot easier and a lot less intimidating to get started. It's important to keep in mind, however, that setting up a woodworking shop is a gradual process, and one of the great joys of the hobby is creating a personalized shop over time.

The most obvious place to begin is with tools. Although to a certain extent any tool collection is governed by budget and space, there are some basic items that no woodworking shop is complete without.

Although it may be surprising to find workbenches heading up the "tool" category, a good woodworking bench is really the heart of the shop. Far more than a simple work surface, a well-made bench incorporates precise angles and a level top and serves as a gauge for other projects.

Ready-made woodworking benches are available—and expensive. Besides saving money, making your own bench allows for flexibility of design and provides a valuable learning experience for any woodworker.

A well-made bench like the Woodworking Bench (No. 866) incorporates precise angles and a level top and serves as a gauge for other projects.

Once the workbench is in place, the best place to start is with hand tools. Most people already have the basics—a claw hammer, a hand saw, flat- and Philip's-head screwdrivers and pliers, etc.—so usually it's just a matter of rounding out the toolbox with some tools specifically designed for woodworking. The addition of some clamps, a nail set, some wood chisels and a hand plane should be sufficient for getting started.

Once you've assembled a basic kit, your growing skill will dictate how often you add new tools. As new and more challenging projects are tackled, gaps in a tool collection have a way of getting filled as needed.

Power tools require a larger investment of money than hand tools, but they also save valuable time. When considering power tools for your shop, the best choices are the ones that get used the most. Generally, a drill, a router, a jigsaw and a belt sander—along with their attendant blades, bits and belts—will serve the needs of a basic home woodworking shop. As with hand tools, the power tool collection will grow as skills increase.

A final word about tools: a dull tool is a dangerous tool. Proper maintenance of tools is key to safety in the shop. Clean, sharp and lubricated tools are safer, they last longer and they produce better results.

Once armed with a list of current and projected tools and planned projects, it's relatively easy to rough out a layout for the actual shop. When designing a woodworking shop, there are three main elements to consider: layout, lighting and ventilation. A good balance of these factors will make a shop more safe, efficient and comfortable. Keeping these factors in mind, it's possible to create that balance within most existing spaces.

When designing a floor plan, it can be helpful to do a step-by-step analysis of a few hypothetical projects. You may find that certain tools come up repeatedly in the same sequence, suggesting their natural orientation on the shop floor.

Another consideration when placing tools is the location of electrical outlets. You may want to add some outlets or perhaps consider roll-away storage for less-used tools, so you can bring them to the power as needed.

Once the tools are in place, storage space, workbenches and counter space are added to the plan. When placing these items, it's important to keep in mind how you'll use your shop. For instance, don't place your drill or router bits across the room from the drill press or the router table. On the same note, make sure to leave plenty of access to your router table if your plans include cutting your own molding from 8- or 10-foot stock.

Speaking of stock, a common layout oversight is a designated place for raw material. Many novice woodworkers don't realize how quickly lumber accumulates or how difficult (and expensive) it is to part with. A good, solid lumber rack (preferably mounted on casters) is a great accessory for almost any shop.

Once everything is laid out, it's time to consider lighting. The main point is to keep the work lighted evenly, minimizing eye fatigue. Fluorescent lighting provides even light, and it's inexpensive and easy to install. To avoid working in shadows, consider where you'll be standing at a given work station and place the lights accordingly. It's advisable to install a couple of smaller, dedicated lights in problem areas.

Finally, ventilation is key to a healthy shop. Consistently breathing sawdust can create serious health problems, so at a minimum a shop needs a source of cross-ventilation. In warm weather, simply opening the big garage door or a couple of opposing basement windows will work fine. In cold weather, ventilation is a little more challenging.

Of course, the ideal solution is a dedicated dust collection system that hooks up to every tool. To save expense, it's possible to get a modular system that's connected to each machine as needed.

Once the tools are in place and the shop is ready to go, it's almost time to start making sawdust. "Almost," because before beginning any project, it's a good idea to review basic safety precautions. Although it's mostly a matter of common sense, a basic safety review will help ensure that you're around to use your new shop for many years to come. And it's always nice to finish a project with all of your fingers and both eyes intact.

To that end, a good pair of safety glasses is a must. Always wear eye protection when operating power equipment, or during any activity that creates flying debris (including driving nails). Another cardinal safety rule is to secure loose clothing and long hair. Machines are indiscriminate and will "grab" anything they come in contact with.

Once your person is secure, shop safety is really a simple matter of housekeeping. It's a good idea to periodically pause and clean up the work area. Keep tools, floors and work tops clean and dry, and pick up any odds and ends and put them in their proper place. This not only eliminates dangerous distractions, it ultimately saves time. More time means more projects, and that's why you decided to get into woodworking in the first place.