There are few hobbies or jobs that are as rewarding as wood working can be. Shaping raw wood into beautiful pieces of furniture can be more fulfilling than you've ever dreamed, and can earn you some extra cash in the process. Whether you're hoping to turn your woodworking skills into a career or simply want to create a bookshelf for your home, the process will be very similar and be enjoyable along the way. If you have never completed a woodworking project before, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get started on the right foot.
The most obvious things you'll need before you begin any wood working project are tools, plans, and materials. The tools can be a bit of an investment if you have none, but remember that they'll pay off in the end. More than likely, you've got a few tools already. A good circular saw, drill, and table saw are the three basic power tools you'll want to have. Mitre saws, planers, sanders, and routers can help tremendously as well. Hand tools you'll need include tape measures, triangle squares, hammers, chisels, paintbrushes, and maybe a set of screwdrivers. Start with the basics, and add more tools to your workshop as you can afford them.
A great set of wood working plans goes a long way towards helping you understand what materials you will need. Whether you're building a picnic table or a china cabinet, knowing what to expect is important and plans act as your guide throughout the process. Unless you're a highly skilled woodworker, you'll want to have a good set of plans before you begin. Review the plans and note the materials that you will need. Many plans will tell you exactly what lengths and widths of boards are required, and how many. If not, do a rough calculation and note what is needed. Choose the type of wood you want, and don't forget hardware like screws or hinges.
The final thing you need to get started on your wood working project may be even more important than the tools or materials. You need the right frame of mind. Woodworking can be a challenging endeavor, and as you increase in the complexity of your projects you will also increase the difficulty of building them. Starting small is a good idea, but for any project, keep yourself focused on the task instead of other issues. This will help alleviate stress, too. Follow your plans closely and remember that everyone makes mistakes from time to time.
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