Resources for new woodworker

[Chip Byrd]

Hello Guys,


I am new to woodworking and I have found the articles on this site to be very helpful. And that brings me to my question. What are some good sources for a beginner woodworker? I have checked around for places that offer classes, but I can't find anyplace that is close enough to be practical. There are lots of instructional DVDs that can be purchased, but with my limited experience I don't know which ones would be useful and which ones would be a waste of money.


Thanks for any suggestions,
Chip

[Myk Rian]

Local WWing groups.
Find one or 2 and make a whole bunch of new friends. Good way to get out of the house a night or 2.


Community Education offices often have a listing of local clubs.

[John Schweikert]

What kind of woodworking projects interest you?

There is a lot of stuff on youtube if that works for you. Quite a few good woodworkers make the effort to post quality videos on making jigs, techniques, building furniture, etc.

To name few and then browse for more:

The Wood Whisperer http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKp44bWWZIiOPShPN_ytShw
Steve Ramsey http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBB7sYb14uBtk8UqSQYc9-w
Stumpy Nubs http://www.youtube.com/feed/UCstwpLSByklww1YojZN-KiQ

Magazines and stores have channels too: Popular Woodworking, Woodcraft, Rockler, Woodworkers Guide.

The list goes on and on.

[Michael Dunn]

+infinity on ANYTHING from Marc Spagnuolo at The Wood Whisperer sight. Tons of great info. I learned a TON from Marc. I also recommend buying Wood magazine as well as Woodsmith. They have some awesome projects and lots of helpful jigs and fixtures to make projects easier.

Good luck! Keep us posted!!!

[Dave Richards]

I would also recommend anything from Workshop Essentials (http://www.workshopessentials.com/shop/).

[Jim Andrew]

Don't rule out your local school. My neighbor took evening classes at our local high school, which has a woodworking shop.

[Matthew Hills]

For introductory books, I really like "Getting Started in Woodworking" series of books. These are good because they integrate the technique instruction into the context of projects, and they tend to be a bit more complete than magazines/podcasts:
http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Woodworking-Skill-Building-Projects/dp/1561586102
(looks like they have a newer book that consolidates from the original series: http://www.amazon.com/Woodworking-101-Skill-Building-Projects-Basics )

Among podcasts, The Wood Whisperer was the first that I started watching, and I really like Marc's instruction.

Woodworking for Mere Mortals runs at a slightly different pace -- focusing more on getting in the shop and making something.

Some other online sources for video:
- The American Woodshop (PBS series): http://wbgu.org/americanwoodshop/episodes.html
- The Bois Shop: http://theboisshop.blogspot.com/

If you're intrigued with the idea of building things with hand tools:
- Bob Rozaieski: http://logancabinetshoppe.com
- Paul Sellers : http://www.youtube.com/user/paulsellerswoodwork
(he also has a set of DVDs you can buy, and an on-line intruction program)
- Derek Cohen: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/index.html


For introductory projects, a number of magazines also have beginner's articles.
I'm most familiar with Popular Woodworking's I Can Do That series.
You can get both the online manual (http://www.popularwoodworking.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/ICDTBookHiResJune10.pdf) and also get the individual projects online for free:
http://www.popularwoodworking.com/projects/icandothat

Matt

[Denny Rice]

Don't rule out your local school. My neighbor took evening classes at our local high school, which has a woodworking shop.
+1 for the HS idea. I took night school classes for years until I could afford to build my shop. The school system will also usually sell you 1" rough stock too at a very discounted price.

[Chip Byrd]

Thanks. There's a lot of helpful info here.

[Bernie LeBlanc]

Don't forget your library - I think 684 section will have the simple project type of books.

The best way to learn woodworking is through simple projects, like a step stool or simple bookcase. If your on a budget, start buying a few simple tools to make simple projects. As you go along, you may want to try something a bit more complicated. But do remember baby steps. Another thing you can do for yourself is to keep all your cut-offs. If you build a simple bookcase and end up with a few 10" or 6" pieces, you can use those to try your hand at making dovetail joints or mortise and tenon joints. Have fun and be careful. This forum is another great source... so ask questions.

[eugene thomas]

Working Wood 1 & 2: The Artisan Course with Paul Sellers, i learned so much from them and been woodworking preatty much my hole life.

[Denny Rice]

Local WWing groups.
Find one or 2 and make a whole bunch of new friends. Good way to get out of the house a night or 2.


Community Education offices often have a listing of local clubs.

Agreed! Not only do you get to meet guys who have been in woodworking for years, but I believe most woodworkers love to share their knowledge with other guys just getting started in this hobby.