Working with wood can be exciting for beginners. It is a craft filled with excitement and some degree of bewilderment too. As a beginner, while you may find the process exciting at first, it is okay if you feel intimidated by the all the pro tips and gadgets thrown your way.
Here, we have gathered a few simple tips and tricks for majorly for beginners but, even if you are an expert carpenter you can still take advantage from these tips if you didn’t know about these before.
- Start with the basics:
When you are trying your luck at wood working or any other craft as a matter of fact, it is better if you start with the most basic and simple projects first. Starting on bigger projects will get you over-whelmed and frustrated and it is likely that you end up quitting the project which is not a good sign.
Smaller and simpler projects will require less expertise, finish quicker and will give you a sense of accomplishment. This will only boost your confidence and set you up for future success.
Furthermore, every project involves many stages from design, research, stock preparation, tools, surfacing to finishing. Going through and learning the importance of all these steps is a crucial process of woodworking.
On top of all this, you will have a finished off piece of work no matter how modest it is to show off your carpenting skills and a reminder of your first success.
- Invest in necessary tools:
Just like other crafts, wood working also requires a substantial set of tools. Beginners often find themselves spending hours on the internet, browsing various catalogues to find the best shiny new tools. This can be very tempting but also very intimidating.
Let us tell you this one basic rule; “quality over quantity.” You don’t have to buy every shiny tool you see in a Youtube tutorial or a catalogue. You just need to browse and invest in pieces that are required for your initial projects. We would suggest that you buy fewer but higher quality tools to avoid false economy.
It is also important that you invest in tools that are versatile and can be used in a number of ways and not just a handful of projects.
- Be a good learner:
Believe in the phrase “Ars longa, vita brevis” which means that “art is long, life is short”. Be a good learner, this is another crucial step of learning any carpenting skills. Today, we have access to a massive wealth of resources, tutorials and even Bluprint woodworking classes. We suggest that you utilize all these resources at your disposal. Research beforehand and choose sources that you find reliable. Some of your projects will be hit and trial but, learn through every process. There are always more than one way to do anything. Learn from your failures and find what suits you the best. Don’t dismiss expertise and tradition but, bring out your creativity and use your hands and brain.
- Know your wood:
Learn why it is called woodworking and gather all the knowledge that you can about choosing the right wood, preparation of wood and about what type of wood works best for certain projects. Your carpenting skills will shine with the right set of tools and materials. Unlike other raw materials, wood is a product of nature and has a lot of variations each variety with a different set of properties. This is why it is best to educate yourself about your materials before you start your project.
- Have fun carpenting:
Most important thing to remember is to have fun and cherish your craft. Your crafting is important for the joy and fulfillment it brings you. Make your craft therapeutic instead of a source of constant stress. Enjoy the whole process and learn along the way. Don’t let a couple of failures disappoint you or set you back. Invest in your craft with all your heart unapologetically and cherish the wonderful fruits it bears.
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