Hello,
Recently, I had to build new doors for my shed and found working with
wood quite satisfying. I would like to learn more but I'm not sure
where to start. There's so much to learn about wood, tools and lingo.
all the sites that I found assume that you know this already. (and
have a lot of tools!)
I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
newbies to get started?
Little off topic - I need to repaint my shed. Should I use primer or
can I just paint over the old paint? (primer was used originally)
Thanks,
Barb
Fri, Jun 18, 2004, 12:11pm [email protected] (Barb) says:
<snip> Thank you!!
No thanks are required.
However, it is alway wise to make a sacrifice to the Woodworking
Gods. Don't try this at home, just send a nice, single, human female,
who likes housework, along as a sacrifice. As their High Priest, I
handle all administative details. You're welcome.
JOAT
Use your brain - it's the small things that count.
- Bazooka Joe
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
>
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these?
You will be limited, but not out of the realm of woodworking. Small projects
like boxes require smaller parts that can be cut on the miter saw. Ripping
can be done with the circular saw using a good straighedge. You probably
want to get a better blade that what you used for building the doors.
I started out with a cheap Craftsman table saw. I was so happy to see it go
and replace it for a much better saw. That said, it was a good start and
cheap if I later decided WW was not for me. You can get one for less than
$200. If you truly like the hobby, invest in a better saw (figure $800 and
up). Buy tools as needed.
Take a class at an adult-ed thing.
> Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
I'm not at home so I don't have any bookmarks ere, but I'ms sure others will
help out.
Ed
>
> Little off topic - I need to repaint my shed. Should I use primer or
> can I just paint over the old paint? (primer was used originally)
>
> Thanks,
> Barb
>
>
>
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote...
> I looked in the book on page 22-23, there are several, which
> one would you suggest?
In my copy of the book, planes are discussed on pages 88 to 97.
A jack plane is probably a good start.
>What size chisels are mostly used?
Depends on the job. You could wait until you need one, then go and buy the
size suited to the job at hand. Make sure you sharpen/hone them (and the
plane) yourself before putting them to use.
> I would like to build a barrister bookcase but I think that's
> probably not the best place to start because I have trouble cutting
> straight lines. Can you think of any projects that would give me the
> experience and knowledge to help "build up" to the bookcase?
Why not build the bookcase? You want to make it, so you will be most
motivated and interested in the project. If you don't get a straight cut,
your plane might help. If you really botch it up, just try another piece of
wood and re-use the mungled board elsewhere. When using a circular saw, a
long straightedge that you can clamp or anchor to the workpiece as a fence
will help with those lines.
I have found that a friend with a table saw (and jointer!) was the best tool
in my box.
/rick.
| I am a newbie too.
|
| I found that reading was helpful in both clarifying my level of
interest, as
| well as giving me good ideas. A book I'd recommend is "The
Complete Manual
| of Woodworking" by Albert Jackson et al., available at Barnes and
Noble /
| Borders. This book talks about trees, tools, and projects, all
geared to a
| newcomer without being patronizing. Also almost any of Taunton's
| publications (magazines such as Fine Woodworking, and their special
interest
| books) are also invaluable to the newbie.
|
| Practice is the best teacher. I would recommend that you just
build
| something you need. Your existing tools (apart from a hand plane
and a
| chisel or two) should be sufficient if the project is not too
complex.
| This experience will also teach you 1) how involved woodworking
really is,
| and 2) whether you enjoy it.
|
| But as I have recently discovered, the real fun starts as you
acquire and
| begin utilizing more tools. Arr, Arr, Arr.
|
| /rick.
|
Hi Rick,
I guess I'm on the right track... I do have that book you suggested
and have found it quite useful. You mentioned that I should get a
plane... I looked in the book on page 22-23, there are several, which
one would you suggest? What size chisels are mostly used? Ultimately,
I would like to build a barrister bookcase but I think that's
probably not the best place to start because I have trouble cutting
straight lines. Can you think of any projects that would give me the
experience and knowledge to help "build up" to the bookcase?
| But as I have recently discovered, the real fun starts as you
acquire and
| begin utilizing more tools. Arr, Arr, Arr.
LOL - I find that fun too!
Barb
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote:
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
I am a newbie too.
I found that reading was helpful in both clarifying my level of interest, as
well as giving me good ideas. A book I'd recommend is "The Complete Manual
of Woodworking" by Albert Jackson et al., available at Barnes and Noble /
Borders. This book talks about trees, tools, and projects, all geared to a
newcomer without being patronizing. Also almost any of Taunton's
publications (magazines such as Fine Woodworking, and their special interest
books) are also invaluable to the newbie.
Practice is the best teacher. I would recommend that you just build
something you need. Your existing tools (apart from a hand plane and a
chisel or two) should be sufficient if the project is not too complex.
This experience will also teach you 1) how involved woodworking really is,
and 2) whether you enjoy it.
But as I have recently discovered, the real fun starts as you acquire and
begin utilizing more tools. Arr, Arr, Arr.
/rick.
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Hello,
>
> Recently, I had to build new doors for my shed and found working with
> wood quite satisfying. I would like to learn more but I'm not sure
> where to start. There's so much to learn about wood, tools and lingo.
> all the sites that I found assume that you know this already. (and
> have a lot of tools!)
>
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
>
> Little off topic - I need to repaint my shed. Should I use primer or
> can I just paint over the old paint? (primer was used originally)
>
> Thanks,
> Barb
I started with a jig saw from sears!
http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm
http://www.newwoodworker.com/index.html
http://www.woodworking.org/
I have some other good links on my web page
http://www.vmtw.com/links.html
Scott
"Barb" <[email protected]> writes:
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
An easy project, and useful is a bench hook. You place the hook on a table, and use it to hold a piece of wood so you can saw/plane/sand it.
It's about 2 inches long, 4 inches wide, and a stip of wood fastened
along the edge, but on opposide sides and ends.
Side view:
***XXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XX++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*** = where wood goes
+++ = where bench goes
You stand to the left, and as you push the saw forward, the hook holds
the wood in place. Also, the side of the hook acts as a guide as you
cut, so the handsaw cuts square.
--
Sending unsolicited commercial e-mail to this account incurs a fee of
$500 per message, and acknowledges the legality of this contract.
Something I've found helpful is to build two, especially of smaller
projects. I often (nearly always) manage to make mistakes, or later figure a
better way to do something. You can use the first as a learning tool, and
perhaps firewood, and the second as your final work. Heck, you might even
end up with two acceptable pieces and have a birthday or christmas present
covered.
Barb,
I am new to woodworking also, but I have built up a collection of tools. My
most recent acquisition was a like new 1997 Unisaw with 52" fence at an
auction. However, I built a lot of things without it...had a SCMS, a
circular saw, jig saw and drills. I asked tons of question in various forums
and everyone is more than willing to help! Read here and check out
womeninwoodworking.com and woodcentral.com. Go to the chats, read the
articles and reviews, read every book and WW mag you can get your hands on.
But be forewarned...it is ADDICTIVE! :-)
Carole
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello,
>
> Recently, I had to build new doors for my shed and found working with
> wood quite satisfying. I would like to learn more but I'm not sure
> where to start. There's so much to learn about wood, tools and lingo.
> all the sites that I found assume that you know this already. (and
> have a lot of tools!)
>
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
>
> Little off topic - I need to repaint my shed. Should I use primer or
> can I just paint over the old paint? (primer was used originally)
>
> Thanks,
> Barb
>
>
>
On 18 Jun 2004 02:57:45 GMT, "Barb" <[email protected]> calmly ranted:
>> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
>> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
>> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
>> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
>> newbies to get started?
Here's an old book which might be of interest to you.
Lee Valley reprints them and they're all really great.
Projects for Woodwork Training
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=45172&category=1,46096,46100
General woodworking starts it off and it ends with rush/weaving.
If that doesn't suit your fancy, try Greg Millen's page
for a list of the books we Wreckers like.
http://greg.millen.com/Books.htm
--== May The Angst Be With You! ==--
-Yoda, on a bad day
--
http://diversify.com Ending Your Web Page Angst.
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello,
>
> Recently, I had to build new doors for my shed and found working with
> wood quite satisfying. I would like to learn more but I'm not sure
> where to start. There's so much to learn about wood, tools and lingo.
> all the sites that I found assume that you know this already. (and
> have a lot of tools!)
>
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
>
> Little off topic - I need to repaint my shed. Should I use primer or
> can I just paint over the old paint? (primer was used originally)
>
> Thanks,
> Barb
>
>
>
Barb,
Here's a great book I would recommend: "The Seven Essentials
of Woodworking" by Anthony Guidice. The author's tone is
a little opinionated but what he teaches is pure gold. He
concentrates on the most basic and most important woodworking
skills: marking, sawing, using hand planes, making basic joints,
sharpening tools, and more. It greatly improved my skills.
You can learn a lot from books but don't make the mistake
of jumping into complicated projects before you learn the
basic skills. This book is a great way to start.
--Zaster
The link Larry provided was shut down this week, use:
http://woodworking.homeip.net/wood/reference/books.htm instead,
cheers
--
Greg
"ANY response to a troll is a win for the troll."
"Larry Jaques" wrote in message ...
> On 18 Jun 2004 02:57:45 GMT, "Barb" calmly ranted:
>
> >> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> >> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> >> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> >> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> >> newbies to get started?
>
> Here's an old book which might be of interest to you.
> Lee Valley reprints them and they're all really great.
>
> Projects for Woodwork Training
>
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.asp?SID=&ccurrency=2&page=45172&category=1,46096,46100
> General woodworking starts it off and it ends with rush/weaving.
>
> If that doesn't suit your fancy, try Greg Millen's page
> for a list of the books we Wreckers like.
> http://greg.millen.com/Books.htm
>
>
> --== May The Angst Be With You! ==--
> -Yoda, on a bad day
> --
> http://diversify.com Ending Your Web Page Angst.
>
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello,
>
> Recently, I had to build new doors for my shed and found working with
> wood quite satisfying. I would like to learn more but I'm not sure
> where to start. There's so much to learn about wood, tools and lingo.
> all the sites that I found assume that you know this already. (and
> have a lot of tools!)
>
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
>
> Little off topic - I need to repaint my shed. Should I use primer or
> can I just paint over the old paint? (primer was used originally)
>
> Thanks,
> Barb
>
>
>
Some recommendations:
1. Read "The Seven Essentials of Woodworking" by
Anthony Guidice. The author's tone is a little opinionated
but what he teaches is pure gold. I didn't really
know the basics of working wood until I read this book.
2. I think it's good to build lots of jigs and fixtures
when you're getting started. Most of them are good
learning projects and they greatly extend your
capabilities in the shop. Bench hooks, squaring blocks,
crosscut jigs, lots of jigs if you use a router.
There are whole books devoted to jigs and fixtures.
3. Get a Workmate-style portable workbench.
I have two large workbenches but my Workmate
is so handy I use it all the time.
Have fun.
--Zaster
I've learned a lot from the already-mentioned sources (FWW, other magz), and
from books ("Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking, etc.). To start out with a very
well organized and logical approach to woodworking though, I highly
recommend "The Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking" by Robert Ferencsick with
Will Neptune (Sterling Publishing Co., 1996) for newbies (and others). I
also highly recommend that one of the first technical books you dive into be
Hoadly's "Understanding Wood" (Taunton Press). And then maybe a good book
on sharpening. And hang out here on the wreck, ask questions, ignore the
trolls, and read everything Preston Andreas posts.
-jbb
"Barb" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hello,
>
> Recently, I had to build new doors for my shed and found working with
> wood quite satisfying. I would like to learn more but I'm not sure
> where to start. There's so much to learn about wood, tools and lingo.
> all the sites that I found assume that you know this already. (and
> have a lot of tools!)
>
> I would like to build some more projects before investing in any
> additional tools to see if I want to stick with it. I only have a
> compound miter, circular and jigsaw. (couple handsaws) Are there any
> projects that I could do with just these? Is there a website for
> newbies to get started?
>
> Little off topic - I need to repaint my shed. Should I use primer or
> can I just paint over the old paint? (primer was used originally)
>
> Thanks,
> Barb
>
>
>