From: hsc@stroid.sybase.com (Howard Cohen)
Newsgroups: rec.woodworking
Subject: Re: Want to get started in woodworking...
Keywords: getting started
Date: 8 Apr 92 16:55:24 GMT
Article-I.D.: sybase.19335
Followup-To: rec.woodworking
Organization: Sybase, Inc.

In article <ku3p6kINN59i@saltillo.cs.utexas.edu> colaluca@cs.utexas.edu (Mark Colaluca) writes:
>I checked the FAQ, and this doesn't seem to be one, so I'll ask anyways.
>If someone like myself wants to get started in woodworking, what would
>be the best route to go?  I would imagine it would be very nice to have
>an experienced woodworker on hand to "show you the ropes", however, I
>do not have this luxury.  Also, it appears to me (by watching shows like
>the New Yankee Workshop and others) that a significant monetary investment
>in tools and equipment must be made to produce any appreciable woodworking
>project (that is, produce it efficiently, rather than hand-sawing, etc.).
>I guess I'd like some general feedback from experienced woodworkers out there
>on their own start in the hobby, and any advice for a newcomer.

This is a long and rambling posting, experienced woodworkers might just
want to skip it. :)

This is an excellent questions, and one that I get asked from time to time.
I've also seen similar posts to rec.woodworking in the past as well.  I'm
no authority, but I do have an opinion. :)

If you have no tools yet, and have no mentor, then consider enrolling in
a woodworking class at a nearby school.  Depending on where you live, this
may or may not be a possibility.  I've often considered this myself, even
though I have some tools and experience.  What's stopped me is that none of
the schools I've consulted would even consider any form of "advanced
placement".  They would require me to go through their first level class,
where they show you how each tool works, etc.  Maybe that would be good 
for me, but it didn't seem very appealing.

However, for someone starting out, it would be just the ticket.  Not only
would you get the chance to work with tools most of us can't afford, but
you'll get a chance to decide which tools you like to work with before
you buy them.

Some people are very fond of hand tools (I am myself gaining a much greater
appreciation for these). Others prefer power tools because of their
efficiency (in terms of time to complete a cut, etc.)  There is no right or
wrong approach, except that you should enjoy your work.  A class will expose
you to different approaches, and let you choose.

If you go out and buy a bunch of tools, it will be a blind guess as to what
will work well for you.  Some people swear that a router is the most versatile
tool in the shop; others that a jointer is essential.  Sometimes this group
focuses on such debates, but in the end, you use what you are comfortable
using, not what people tell you to use.

If no schools are available for you, don't give up.  Sometimes you can find
vocational training.  You may be able to find a club, and someone who will
be willing to show you their shop, and teach you some things.  If you're
without any such possibilities, then you might consider diving in yourself.
I'd recommend a few books/magazines first, to help introduce concepts and
opinions.  Many people like Woodsmith magazine, and Fine Woodworking.  Check
the FAQ for subscription info.  Also, find a store that sells books and
check out their section on woodworking.  You'll find books on everything
from carving to cabinetmaking.  Do a bit of reading.  If you don't want to
buy the books, check out a library.

When it comes to tools, think about what you want to build before you buy
them.  How large of stock will you need to work with?  Many people just
assume that they will be building cabinets, but this is only one possible
area of woodworking.  

Finding what you might enjoy making is important; consider attending some
woodworking shows (where people display what they've made).  Look at books
that contain pictures of projects (furniture, cabinets, marquetry, dollhouses,
etc.).  Wood is so versatile, and the techniques for working it so varied, 
that there is plenty of room for people to establish a style and explore
their potential.

In the end, if you are really interested in woodworking, you cannot fail to
learn, enjoy, and improve, no matter what you make or what tools you use.

	Howard
	hsc@sybase.com
Newsgroups: rec.woodworking