Can I learn woodworking at home alone?

>>I want to learn woodworking. I can spend a thousand or two on some
>>introductory tools. Once I get better, I will gladly spend more. I am in my
>>early 30s. I have no experience. Can I learn this skill on my own

If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools without
lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.

If you stay with hand tools, why would you want to pay a lot for good tools
without learning how to sharpen.

I guess in theory, you can do ti with books alone, but why? When you join other
woodworkers you are welcomed into a group of mostly freiendly people who love
talking tools and stuff.

On Tue, 06 Jan 2004 20:15:11 GMT, [email protected] (Charles Krug)
wrote:
Too Funny Charles...My son called me on the phone not long ago and
asked me how to tie a necktie...What a tough conversation that was!

TJB

>On Tue, 6 Jan 2004 14:52:44 -0500, Mike G <[email protected]> wrote:
>>> If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
>> without
>>> lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
>>>
>>
>> An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
>> stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes on
>> the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally complicated
>> as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of learning the
>> how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide them.
>>
>
>Not really. Some things are just much easier to observe than describe.
>
>Try this: Without using your hands, describe how to tie a necktie. . .
>

On Tue, 6 Jan 2004 18:14:56 -0500, "Mike G"
<[email protected]> wrote:
SNIP
> Yes. a class would be nice, a guild even better
>but adult woodworking classes are getting scarcer and scarcer with more
>school system budgets being directed to maintain administrators rather then
>teachers. classes and shops. As far as clubs and or guilds, I live outside
>of a major metropolitan area and there isn't any around here that I can
>find..

And those that are available can be worse than awful; they can be
dangerous. A cabinet-making HS night course in a suburban town I had
was a prime example.

On night 1, he invited those of us who wanted to could visit Home
Depot with him after the class. Well, I did. He went into rapture
about the fine choice of materials available especially the plywood
selection for cainet-making.

On night 2, the "instructor" showed how a table saw is used.
He recommended those who haven't yet bought a table saw to look at the
Ryobi BT300 as it was much better designed than these old ones --
which was an early Unisaw.

Next he showed us how to rip a board.
The blade and fence were askew enough to start raising the 4' board he
was trying to rip. As he leaned over the saw blade and pushed hard on
the board with his woefully designed push stick, he advised,
"Sometimes you have to use a little force." At least, that's what I
think he said. It was tough to hear from underneath the nearest work
bench I used as a shelter.

Night 3 started with is helping one of us to plane a beautiful 5 foot
hunk of maple. Needless to say, the planer, which hadn't had a blade
change since the Taft administration, put several deep gouges down the
board's length. "Oh, the blades just need to be honed," he said as he
asked one of us to pass him the bastard file on the wall.

I never found out how the class ended.

"Eric Scantlebury" <[email protected]> wrote in message

> BTW - he lost a finger. Shutting a car door on it.
>
>

Well, that's his own damned fault. He should have read the owner's manual
before closing the door.
Ed

"Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Your right and I've got no problem with you expressing that. Of course I
> disagree and think the irresponsible thing is making some big mystery out
of
> something that is pretty straight forward. If someone can't pick up one
of
> the many fine books on the subject of table saws, jointer, or planers,
with
> their usual long lists of cautions and figure out how to safely cut a
piece
> of wood they probably shouldn't be allowed to use a toaster.
>
> I would think it irresponsible for someone who appears to be a
> "professional" starts making comments that turns off someone that may be
> interested in woodworking. Yes. a class would be nice

<snip>

I just wondered into this thread. I have but one thought.

My grandfather did some woodworking (was his hobby). Back then there
weren't even books I would imagine. I agree Mike - molehills aren't
necessarily mountains. BTW - he lost a finger. Shutting a car door on it.
My .02

"Eric Scantlebury" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> I just wondered into this thread. I have but one thought.
>
> My grandfather did some woodworking (was his hobby). Back then there
> weren't even books I would imagine. I agree Mike - molehills aren't
> necessarily mountains. BTW - he lost a finger. Shutting a car door on
it.
> My .02
>
>

I'm with Eric. I'm mostly self-taught, myself. Early on, I got a copy of
John L. Fierer's "Cabinetmaking and Millwork". It's an industiral-arts
text that used? to be popular in vocational school woodworking classes.
Covers a lot of the basics fairly well, but is oriented toward power-tool
woodworking, in a career-preparation sort of way for those who were
headed into the furniture industry. Still, I find myself referring to it
from
time to time to refresh my memory on something.

There's a world of other books out there - Tage Frid's books are good,
oriented more toward fine furniture woodworking. Spend a bit of time
at a bookstore or library, glance through some books, pick the ones
that speak to you at this point in time. You can always go back and
get others as your skill level improves.

But, most of all, get some boards and make some sawdust! It's fun!

Henry Bibb

The problem that I have is that I don't know this person and neither do you.
Many people are incredibly intelligent yet can't walk and chew bubble gum at
the same time. The worse thing is that many of these people don't even know
it. Would you want someone like this using your saw or jointer? Then there
are others that are just not into reading or don't comprehend what is
written all that well, especially if they have no experience in something to
relate it to. Is this person like this, who knows. Do you let strangers
come into your shop and play with your saws being that they are so safe and
easy to use? My primary suggestion for taking a class was to get some
exposure to it before dumping money into tools that he may never use or
regret purchasing.

--
If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving

"Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Your right and I've got no problem with you expressing that. Of course I
> disagree and think the irresponsible thing is making some big mystery out
of
> something that is pretty straight forward. If someone can't pick up one
of
> the many fine books on the subject of table saws, jointer, or planers,
with
> their usual long lists of cautions and figure out how to safely cut a
piece
> of wood they probably shouldn't be allowed to use a toaster.
>
> I would think it irresponsible for someone who appears to be a
> "professional" starts making comments that turns off someone that may be
> interested in woodworking. Yes. a class would be nice, a guild even better
> but adult woodworking classes are getting scarcer and scarcer with more
> school system budgets being directed to maintain administrators rather
then
> teachers. classes and shops. As far as clubs and or guilds, I live outside
> of a major metropolitan area and there isn't any around here that I can
> find..
>
> Read the original post. I think that there is nothing in the operation of
a
> table saw, jointer, or planer that a reasonably prudent adult can't safely
> learn with the written material available these days, and the original
> poster seems to be a reasonably prudent person. He asked if he could
learn
> woodworking without courses or what have you. Of course he can, it isn't
> rocket science. In what way is raising the specter of medical bills a
> responsible response to the question asked.
>
>
> --
> Mike G.
> [email protected]
> Heirloom Woods
> www.heirloom-woods.net
> "Tbone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > > If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
> > > without
> > > > lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
> > > >
> > >
> > > An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
> > > stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes
> on
> > > the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally
> > complicated
> > > as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of
learning
> > the
> > > how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide
them.
> > >
> >
> > The last thing that I want to do in here is create enemies but saying
that
> > is really irresponsible and somewhat ignorant, especially when said from
> > someone that appears to be a professional.
> >
> > --
> > If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving
> >
> >
> >
>
>

Your right and I've got no problem with you expressing that. Of course I
disagree and think the irresponsible thing is making some big mystery out of
something that is pretty straight forward. If someone can't pick up one of
the many fine books on the subject of table saws, jointer, or planers, with
their usual long lists of cautions and figure out how to safely cut a piece
of wood they probably shouldn't be allowed to use a toaster.

I would think it irresponsible for someone who appears to be a
"professional" starts making comments that turns off someone that may be
interested in woodworking. Yes. a class would be nice, a guild even better
but adult woodworking classes are getting scarcer and scarcer with more
school system budgets being directed to maintain administrators rather then
teachers. classes and shops. As far as clubs and or guilds, I live outside
of a major metropolitan area and there isn't any around here that I can
find..

Read the original post. I think that there is nothing in the operation of a
table saw, jointer, or planer that a reasonably prudent adult can't safely
learn with the written material available these days, and the original
poster seems to be a reasonably prudent person. He asked if he could learn
woodworking without courses or what have you. Of course he can, it isn't
rocket science. In what way is raising the specter of medical bills a
responsible response to the question asked.


--
Mike G.
[email protected]
Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Tbone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > > If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
> > without
> > > lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
> > >
> >
> > An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
> > stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes
on
> > the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally
> complicated
> > as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of learning
> the
> > how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide them.
> >
>
> The last thing that I want to do in here is create enemies but saying that
> is really irresponsible and somewhat ignorant, especially when said from
> someone that appears to be a professional.
>
> --
> If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving
>
>
>

"Edwin Pawlowski" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Eric Scantlebury" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> > BTW - he lost a finger. Shutting a car door on it.
> >
> >
>
> Well, that's his own damned fault. He should have read the owner's manual
> before closing the door.

ROFLMAO!

[email protected] (Charles Krug) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> On Tue, 6 Jan 2004 14:52:44 -0500, Mike G <[email protected]> wrote:
> >> If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
> without
> >> lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
> >>
> >
> > An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
> > stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes on
> > the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally complicated
> > as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of learning the
> > how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide them.
> >
>
> Not really. Some things are just much easier to observe than describe.
>
> Try this: Without using your hands, describe how to tie a necktie. . .

Very Good point Charles.
I find (many memory skill training courses use visualization) that one
retains information better through visualization, therefore you will
remember more by seeing than by reading how to. What I mean is you
will remember better and more by seeing it how it's done than
reading how to. Books are great for general information and reference
but you will learn more from persom to person interaction and
learning.

Medical bills aren't so much the concern for me, it's more a matter of
keeping my fingers. Insurance can't bring them back. The spectre of a
modified appendage might prevent it from actually coming true. No it's
not rocket science, but I don't know any rocket scientist woodworkers,
and I don't go to a NASA newsgroup for woodworking info. Fear for your
safety with these tools is a healthy thing, and I don't see wisdom or
responsibility in discouraging that.


"Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Read the original post. I think that there is nothing in the operation of a
> table saw, jointer, or planer that a reasonably prudent adult can't safely
> learn with the written material available these days, and the original
> poster seems to be a reasonably prudent person. He asked if he could learn
> woodworking without courses or what have you. Of course he can, it isn't
> rocket science. In what way is raising the specter of medical bills a
> responsible response to the question asked.
>
>
> --
> Mike G.
> [email protected]
> Heirloom Woods
> www.heirloom-woods.net
> "Tbone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > "Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > > If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
> without
> > > > lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
> > > >
> > >
> > > An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
> > > stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes
> on
> > > the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally
> complicated
> > > as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of learning
> the
> > > how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide them.
> > >
> >
> > The last thing that I want to do in here is create enemies but saying that
> > is really irresponsible and somewhat ignorant, especially when said from
> > someone that appears to be a professional.
> >
> > --
> > If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving
> >
> >
> >

"Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> > If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
> without
> > lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
> >
>
> An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
> stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes on
> the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally
complicated
> as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of learning
the
> how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide them.
>

The last thing that I want to do in here is create enemies but saying that
is really irresponsible and somewhat ignorant, especially when said from
someone that appears to be a professional.

--
If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving

Hi Tbone

I don't think that anyone would disagree that, should a decent course be
available, classes are the best way to go. No one, including myself ever
said otherwise.

True I don't know all about the guy but lets look at what we do know, he has
managed to reach the age of thirty and he is smart enough to at least ask if
it is possible. What else do we have to know. Contrary to what some of a
political persuasion may think you can't save everyone from themselves and,
in my opinion, really shouldn't try, but that is another story that I am not
going to get involved in.

The basic question was simple. "Can I learn woodworking at home alone".. The
answer is just as simple, of course you can. If you want to throw in, and I
did, that it may be more expeditious to take a course fine but that doesn't
have any bearing on the initial question and answer.

To be truthful I feel far easier replying in the affirmative to that
question then I do with the posters who start out with, "what tools should I
get". These are the ones that have apparently not even considered cracking a
book on the subject and are looking for some instant gratification.
Dilatant's These are the ones that aren't going to take time to consider
options and uses, the ones that fill the classifieds with "Hardly used
woodworking equipment for sale", bless their little hearts, when they find
out it isn't as easy as Norm makes it look in a half hour and requires some
real work..

But I digress, yes, if a course is available by all means take it. However
if there isn't you can teach yourself and any medium smart and prudent
person can do it.

--
Mike G.
[email protected]
Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Tbone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> The problem that I have is that I don't know this person and neither do
you.
> Many people are incredibly intelligent yet can't walk and chew bubble gum
at
> the same time. The worse thing is that many of these people don't even
know
> it. Would you want someone like this using your saw or jointer? Then
there
> are others that are just not into reading or don't comprehend what is
> written all that well, especially if they have no experience in something
to
> relate it to. Is this person like this, who knows. Do you let strangers
> come into your shop and play with your saws being that they are so safe
and
> easy to use? My primary suggestion for taking a class was to get some
> exposure to it before dumping money into tools that he may never use or
> regret purchasing.
>
> --
> If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving
>
> "Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > Your right and I've got no problem with you expressing that. Of course I
> > disagree and think the irresponsible thing is making some big mystery
out
> of
> > something that is pretty straight forward. If someone can't pick up one
> of
> > the many fine books on the subject of table saws, jointer, or planers,
> with
> > their usual long lists of cautions and figure out how to safely cut a
> piece
> > of wood they probably shouldn't be allowed to use a toaster.
> >
> > I would think it irresponsible for someone who appears to be a
> > "professional" starts making comments that turns off someone that may be
> > interested in woodworking. Yes. a class would be nice, a guild even
better
> > but adult woodworking classes are getting scarcer and scarcer with more
> > school system budgets being directed to maintain administrators rather
> then
> > teachers. classes and shops. As far as clubs and or guilds, I live
outside
> > of a major metropolitan area and there isn't any around here that I can
> > find..
> >
> > Read the original post. I think that there is nothing in the operation
of
> a
> > table saw, jointer, or planer that a reasonably prudent adult can't
safely
> > learn with the written material available these days, and the original
> > poster seems to be a reasonably prudent person. He asked if he could
> learn
> > woodworking without courses or what have you. Of course he can, it isn't
> > rocket science. In what way is raising the specter of medical bills a
> > responsible response to the question asked.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Mike G.
> > [email protected]
> > Heirloom Woods
> > www.heirloom-woods.net
> > "Tbone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > "Mike G" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > > > > If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those
tools
> > > > without
> > > > > lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are
to
> > > > stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered
tomes
> > on
> > > > the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally
> > > complicated
> > > > as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of
> learning
> > > the
> > > > how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide
> them.
> > > >
> > >
> > > The last thing that I want to do in here is create enemies but saying
> that
> > > is really irresponsible and somewhat ignorant, especially when said
from
> > > someone that appears to be a professional.
> > >
> > > --
> > > If at first you don't succeed, you're not cut out for skydiving
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Cape Cod Bob wrote:

> think he said. It was tough to hear from underneath the nearest work
> bench I used as a shelter.

LMAO!!! This reminds me of the time I was trying to help some widow woman
jump start her car, and Biff Knowzalot came by, elbowed me out of the way,
and ignored all my warnings about sparks and hydrogen gas. Spark spark,
spark spark... I hid behind a car two cars over.

No kaboom, lucky for the widow woman. Maybe a face full of battery acid
would have taught Biff Knowzalot a thing or two though.

> board's length. "Oh, the blades just need to be honed," he said as he
> asked one of us to pass him the bastard file on the wall.
>
> I never found out how the class ended.

And FWIW on the school/no school question, I can appreciate the horror of
everything you just said without ever having taken a lesson.

--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan <[email protected]>
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/

On 06 Jan 2004 19:11:27 GMT, [email protected] (DarylRos) wrote:

>If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools without
>lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.

Bollocks (with a special nod to Mike G and TBone)

Table saws aren't complicated, and they're extremely well understood
by those who do understand them. They don't do anything new ! Go
read a book (I suggest Ian Kirby's, although there are others). If
you're smart enough to wire a plug, you can read a book well enough to
understand the few, simple and uncomplicated safety rules for how to
operate a table saw.

Don't dive in there untutored, because there are dangerous table saws
for sale, and charlatans like SawStop who'll teach you all manner of
bad and unsafe practices about them. But you can learn the necessary
by reading it, you don't need personal lessons.

--
Inbreeding - nature's way to ensure you always have enough fingers to count all your cousins.

On Tue, 6 Jan 2004 14:52:44 -0500, Mike G <[email protected]> wrote:
>> If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
> without
>> lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
>>
>
> An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
> stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes on
> the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally complicated
> as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of learning the
> how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide them.
>

Not really. Some things are just much easier to observe than describe.

Try this: Without using your hands, describe how to tie a necktie. . .

DarylRos wrote:

> I guess in theory, you can do ti with books alone, but why? When you
> join other woodworkers you are welcomed into a group of mostly
> freiendly people who love talking tools and stuff.

This presumes the other woodworkers know and use safe habits. IME this
ain't so.

-- Mark

> If that includes a tablesaw and jointer, yu start using those tools
without
> lessons, well, you deserve the hospital bills that follow.
>

An interesting concept. Would that be because people in general are to
stupid to grasp the finer points from reading the multi numbered tomes on
the subject and need a teacher or that the tools are so totally complicated
as, say, the theory of relativity, that there is little hope of learning the
how to operate them without a mechanical engineer on hand to guide them.

--
Mike G.
[email protected]
Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net