Shopsmith Forums

Are you a budding new woodworker? It probably looks fairly difficult to you but I can assure you that anyone, you included, can make a rapid progression and gain confidence in working the wood in no time.

Don't Go Overboard With Tools And Machines
Don't spend your money on machines until you need to. There is no point in investing in a band saw if you never use it.Likewise, this also applies to most tools. I would say that it is worth getting a starter kit consisting of a tape measure, a steel rule (like a ruler made of steel), a basic chisel set, a hacksaw, a mallet, PVA glue and some sand paper. Otherwise, just collect new bits and pieces as you go along.

Go Slow
Many beginners rush their work and make mistakes. When you make a mistake with a piece of wood, it is very difficult to conceal. This is what makes the master woodworkers so highly respected - they almost never make mistakes.Now, there is nothing wrong with mistakes in themselves. That is how we all learn. But there is also little point in rushing your progress. Take your time, there is no race when it comes to wood working. This hobby tends to reward patience, anyway.

Protection
All the best woodworkers will take safety precautions. Are you using a machine (even a drill)? Then put on a pair of goggles. There is nothing more stupid than someone not wearing goggles because they think that they look uncool. They won't think that after they lose their sight.

Starting Projects
As you are just starting out, it is best to stick to simple projects. Choose a project that allows you to practice one or two specific skills. This way you can hone your technique over time.For example, you could make a pencil case. Simply take a piece of wood and a large diameter drill bit such as a Forstner bit or a Flat wood bit. Take out a channel of wood roughly using the drill and then use a chisel to take away the edges with more precision. There you go - a simple project that allows you to hone your skills in two different areas.

Excellent advice.

Would be better in the beginners forum however.

JPG wrote:Excellent advice.

Would be better in the beginners forum however.

Not that the old farts in this crowd have nothing to learn from these words! Good advice but only if followed faithfully (even by the non-beginners).

Smells like spam to me.

algale wrote:Smells like spam to me.

That is what I thought.

I was a bit suspicious, but there are no embedded links, and he didn't post on the same day he registered, which is the norm for spam.

Google search shows that he has posted this paragraph on a couple of other woodwork sites recently.

I will give the benefit of the doubt for now, we will see what future posts bring.

I also thought the post was kind of strange for this forum. Not bad, but very simplistic for the level of experience of most people posting and for the variety of equipment being used. After all, books have been written on these subjects. However, my son in law recently cut his hand badly (healing thank goodness, and didn't lose any fingers) because he got in a hurry, should have been using guards, and did something without thinking. So I guess a little reminder about basic stuff, esp safety, is always good. But it needs to be a lot more complete than what was posted. Most of us have had a close call or two and some unpleasant surprises. I grew up on a farm & awareness of equipment and its potential to harm was part of every day life. Then worked for years in heavy earthmoving equipment. Certainly have heard & seen some bad stuff. So always appreciate the reminders in the various videos (SS, Reid and others) to work safely.