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Tackling a small project can really help build skills and confidence. We would be happy to help recommend something to help get you started. - Jason
You may also like to start by checking that you have the right tools for the job with these guides:
We're here to help. - StevieB
The first question I would ask is what type of DIY projects are you wanting to do? It is this that will determine what tools you need and what information you need to research before starting as your projects may need more than woodworking knowledge and skills. As for tools, many hand tools have multiple uses. - r23on
Before cutting any of your materials, I recommend pen, paper, and a plan. If you plan out the parts you will need to assemble your project you will be able to put it together step-by-step. By imagining how your project is built, you can determine which part needs to be joined together first. You can now indicate on your plan how each part joins together and the sequence it needs to go into.
Planning your build is the best step you can take before beginning your project. However, even with great planning and care, errors sometimes happen. But the best part is that any error in your project can always be fixed. Once you have your plan in place, you can now take that first step to begin your project.
Look to those who have assembled before. There are many how-to videos online that can guide you and give you ideas and inspiration. If you need more advice or information, please let us know. - EricL
I highly recommend watching Paul Sellers YouTube videos on hand tool woodworking. He goes into high detail and his videos have a classroom feel. I learned a tonne of techniques watching Paul. - AndrewJones
The Mens Shed is a great organisation where you can learn from experienced craftsmen. I think there is a resurgence in hand making and there are lots of maker spaces and classes popping up around the country. I think Carbatec has a list of woodworking schools on their website.
One of the best ways to learn about how things are made is to take things apart and put them back together again. I started by finding old furniture and doing it up and loved it, then I quickly moved onto building my own projects. I found a great place to buy recycled timber and I go there often to see what they have coming through. - She_Skills
I am new here as well and already have joined the local Men’s Shed in Ellenbrook and they are teaching me a lot. I am now keen on my own storage for power tools I own and can use at home. It’s a wonderful new life for me and I have already completed a carry box for my small items. - chrissq
Trade school gave me enough skills that can transfer over to wood, routing and joints was something new to learn though. I have always found making your own workbench was a good learning experience. Not counting today’s effort I am working on my fourth bench modelled on a Kreg clamp table and still have my second in the shed.
I think I have a hybrid set of tools unless the typical woodworker has a metal circular saw, angle grinder and pipe bender. - Brad
For all those who are new to woodworking, or are thinking about giving it a go, I would encourage you to just go for it and give it a shot. It is so rewarding when you finish your first build and go “hey, that's not bad”. Or if it hasn't turned out exactly as you had planned then that's OK because the joy is, generally, with wood it's fairly simple to fix. Chances are you might learn a trick or two along the way that you may not have learnt had you nailed it the first time.
One thing I have learned and love about wood is that it doesn't matter what it looks like on the outside (as long as it's not split or even if it is) if you run a planer, thicknesser or sander over it it's going to come up beautiful. Don't judge a book (wood) by its cover. If you mess up that's OK, just give it another try. Or watch a few YouTube videos and then try again. - Yorky88
