5 Tips to Get Started Woodworking

Wanting to get started with DIY woodworking projects but have no idea where to start?? I hear ya. That was me, not that very long ago. The thought of working with wood and power tools can be super scary. And if you don’t have anyone to teach you personally, it can be even harder to get out there and get going. I am 100% self taught and I 100% understand the hurdles you have to overcome just to get started. That is why I am putting together 5 things you need to do to get past those obstacles and get out there to start creating your own projects!

Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today I’m not talking tools. Yes, tools are important and a necessary evil in this whole process, but they are the WHAT you need to get started, not the HOW. I’ll do a separate post very soon about the tools I think you need to get started. For now, let’s focus on how you can learn HOW TO woodwork/DIY/project (call it what you will! I find woodworking an intimidating term that I like to leave to the professionals.).

Hands On Learning

1. In woodworking, hands on learning is obviously the best. Now, I don’t expect you to pay for a class if you are just getting started and trying to figure out if this is something you even like! Did you know that your local home improvement store offers free DIY training classes all the time?? I know I didn’t! My local Home Depot offers lots of home improvement courses, my favorite of which is the Do It Herself workshop. This workshop is offered typically once a month and is tailored to women looking to learn how to make fun projects.

My local store has a couple of upcoming workshops during the month of January, including a Menu Board, easy bath updates, and installing shiplap! These workshops are a great way to get exposure to different types of tools and projects while gaining more confidence to do things yourself. Check out the DIY workshops listed in your local area! They even have kid workshops! https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/#change_store<https://www.homedepot.com/workshops/>

 

 

Other Ways to Learn

2. Now, this may already be obvious to some of you, but Pinterest and Youtube are your friends here. If you can’t get to a hands on workshop, you can still learn a TON from home. I recommend reading lots of tutorials and watching videos of people actually performing the work. This typically works best if you have a project in mind ahead of time. Then you can learn skills specific to what you need to know for your project. Examples include: how to use a miter saw, how to make pocket holes, how to stain wood, etc.

Pick a Project

3. Which leads me to my next point: When selecting your first project, pick something small! You don’t want something that is going to require you to go out and buy a ton of tools or spend hours upon hours building. The best option is to choose something that is quick, relatively inexpensive (in case you make a mistake, which is totally expected and totally OK!), and one that requires minimal tools.

A couple of easy options that come to mind are: floating shelves, over the stovetop shelf, wooden tray or box, and even some platform bed plans are pretty easy! Check out the links to see if anything inspires you to get started. Check out this Pinterest board for some beginner ideas.

Basic Tools-Workarounds

4. Now, you are probably wondering how you are going to make these projects without tools! Unfortunately, you can’t do much without basic tools. Most people have a battery powered screwdriver/drill laying around for home improvement projects, which you will need in almost any of these basic projects. You will also need a hammer/nails, measuring tape, and a saw. Home Depot will make some cuts for you if you don’t need a ton, so keep that in mind and walk in prepared to ask for cuts when you pick out your wood! I know, this is intimidating. I still get a bit overwhelmed when I walk in there. But the workers are super nice and knowledgeable and will help you if they can. Best to go mid week or off hours to avoid it being so busy they can’t help. Alternatively, you could buy a hand saw which is pretty cheap and will get the job done for small projects. If you get into the whole woodworking thing, you will likely want a miter saw at some point. That said, please don’t run out and drop that kind of money on your first project!

If you don’t already have a screwdriver/drill, I highly recommend this Ryobi version.  You honestly need one of these around the house, DIY projects or not!

And this is a super inexpensive option for making straight and angled cuts at home without a miter saw (just get your muscles ready to do some work)!

Try it!

5. Lastly, just do it!!! The only way you will really learn is by doing. And making mistakes. And doing again. So stop procrastinating, pick a project, and get out there!

I hope some of these tips help motivate you to get started in woodworking! I’ll come back with some posts about the best beginner woodworking projects as well as the best tools for beginners in the coming weeks. Please check back to either this post or subscribe for updates! And happy projecting! You are going to love it. I promise. (Beware, it is addictive!)