Recommend that people search out local woodworking clubs for help and guidance. As a member of an active group, http://www.midhudsonwoodworkers.org/, I've got to tell you that new people and especially new members are rare.

Thanks for your great service to the community.

Pete

Even after many years of woodworking, I still like to do the small "trinkett" project. I like to jump on the lathe and turn a small lidded box or make a small piece and then give it away to someone. It really surprises them that you made this beautiful piece. It doesn't take that long, and the sanding and finish application (my most boring part) doesn't take that long. It helps to lift me and bring me out of a "creators" block for my next project.
This time of year my mind is running with ideas for Christmas presents. A few years ago I made a "lot" of 19 hinged business card holders for presents. 19 just happened because that happened to be how big the rough pieces were I used. Most I gave away but a few I sold. It was enjoyable and rewarding.

one of the biggest things that helped me get started was one of my good friends was a woodworker. and just remember that you have to crawl before you can walk (start small) i have also read alot of magazines and books. also use some less expensive wood. and do not be afraid to fail because that is how to learn. good luck it is a great hobby

mike 17 yrs and still making mistakes

Hi I'm still fairly new at this great hobby. I retired 3yrs ago and wanted a hobby; I did wood work at school 45yrs ago so it was like starting again. Here are my suggestions for newbies.
1, Make a clear safe area to work in.
2. If you are not used to sharp tools wear gloves.
3, Practise on cheap wood.
4. Don't try to make complicated things until you can make simple things that are pleasing to you.
5. It is not going to really matter to anyone else but you if you, scrap it.
6. Have faith you will get better at it.
Last of all enjoy it, its fun.
Thanks for you site Mike.
David Howgate
Sutton Coldfield, U.K.

Craig,

I'm glad you are starting this series as it sounded like you are talking about me. I have been interested in woodworking for the last two years and have bought some tools and have done some projects.

I'm interested in using hand planes to flatten and smooth wood as I don't have a planer or jointer at this time.

Enjoying the blog. Nice site and great videos/interviews.

I have ramped up my woodworking over the last 4 months since moving into a new home. I had shop class some 15 years ago, have done carpentry around the house, and even a couple of pieces of furniture. It has been a bit overwhelming and expensive to get setup in my new shop.

In hindsight there are several things I would do differently.

1. Setup a woodworking bench (I am still getting by with what I have, but every time I chase something across the bench or watch my cheap vises wiggle it ratchets up in priority. Even a cheap and quick bench of the intended purpose is better than nothing.)

2. Make a plan for how to grow into the hobby. What do you "need" for your first project.(I have spent too much on things I hardly use and too little was left over for things I needed or still need. If you spend 3-4 months setting up tools you may feel more like a mechanic than a woodworker.)

3. Get an essential hand tool collection before all the expensive stationary power tools and before you get caught up in restoring old Stanley planes. With S4S lumber you could work entirely with the hand tools and portable power tools. My list would be planes (block, #4, #7, shoulder), chisels (nice bevel set 1/4-1 1/2"), sharpening kit (waterstones, honing jig, sandpaper, and flat surface), hand saws (dovetail, carcass, rip if you are going to put off power tools entirely). With this dirty dozen list of tools you can accomplish most ww'ing tasks.

4. Avoid the "Jig Generation". We are fortunate to live in a time where there is a jig and fixture to be had for any and all tasks. Unfortunately a beginner is more likely to leave a complicated jig in the box and fret over setting it up as opposed to focusing on the end goal of forming wood. Do it without a jig the first time and see what happens.

5. Spend your time woodworking.

6. You can never have too many clamps. Good clamps are worth their weight in gold. Cheap clamps are worth their weight in a much less desirable substance.

7. Study and practice the fundamentals. Once things start to click it is very exciting to watch your work progress. Remember, finishing is also a fundamental.