Wood Workers

Danase · 11-27-06, 11:31

I have always wanted to get into wood working and just never found the time. I think this winter I am going to attempt to build some patio furniture. Anyway, I was wondering if their was good website for woodworking. I would also be looking for some plans to go from. Also, what brand of tools do you like best?
Thanks!

zippymbr · 11-27-06, 12:14

If you can find a local forum or a local woodworkers club that would be your best bet. Here is where I go; North Carolina Woodworker I have been at this hobby snce I was old enough to hold a hammer and am still learning new stuff.

BigJimZ28 · 11-27-06, 12:33

Free plans:

Flip's Free woodworking plans

Danase · 11-27-06, 12:36

Thanks! I will look for a local forum.

va tech hokie · 11-27-06, 12:56

Here are a few good WW sites I visit. Have fun and be prepared to get hooked on buying tools the same way one can get hooked on buying detail stuff...

Select General Woodworking and Power Tools here: Sawmill Creek - Powered by vBulletin

Select Infeed/Outfeed here: WWA Info Exchange :: Index

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Hokie...

bigltc · 11-28-06, 12:32

free plans: Redwood - The Natural Choice for beginners and experienced diy'ers.

Danase · 11-28-06, 05:46

Thanks everyone!

Titania · 11-28-06, 06:45

My dad has done woodworking all his life, and one of his favorite places to get ideas/tips/tool reviews, etc is from the magazine Fine Woodworking. It's a class act magazine...very well put together.

Here's a website that lists the best shops that cater to woodworkers by region. My favorite shop in New Hampshire is listed there. There are several in Michigan.

The World's Best Tool Stores

BoxsterCharlie · 11-28-06, 07:22

I've learned an awful lot from watching Norm Abram on the PBS New Yankee Workshop show--including to NOT use a nailgun in the final assembly steps like he ALWAYS does!

Learn the right techniques and always be paranoid. I've nearly lost fingers on every big project I've worked on, and that's even while being aware of the dangers. Part of that is that I'm using a crappy tablesaw, so don't skimp on tool quality if you can.

A lot of the skills are amazingly similar to detailing, especially sanding.

It's also really helpful to understand how wood "works" meaning how the grain reacts to moisture changes. There is an excellent book called "Understanding Wood" if you ever decide to get serious.

Have fun!

Danase · 11-28-06, 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoxsterCharlie

I've learned an awful lot from watching Norm Abram on the PBS New Yankee Workshop show--including to NOT use a nailgun in the final assembly steps like he ALWAYS does!

Learn the right techniques and always be paranoid. I've nearly lost fingers on every big project I've worked on, and that's even while being aware of the dangers. Part of that is that I'm using a crappy tablesaw, so don't skimp on tool quality if you can.

A lot of the skills are amazingly similar to detailing, especially sanding.

It's also really helpful to understand how wood "works" meaning how the grain reacts to moisture changes. There is an excellent book called "Understanding Wood" if you ever decide to get serious.

Have fun!

Good tips! I am a safety freak, knock on wood. Sounds like you are too.

I actually got my associates degree in Architectural / Construction Technology so I taken all of those wood classes but a refresher course may be in order. I will chekc out that book.

Thanks!

Danase · 11-28-06, 08:40

Coincidence...there is a Woodworking Show near me this weekend!
The Woodworking Shows
I am going to try and hit it up.

the other pc · 11-28-06, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

Coincidence...there is a Woodworking Show near me this weekend!
The Woodworking Shows
I am going to try and hit it up.

Don’t just try, go!

These are really good shows. The only bad thing about them is that it’s hard to resist the urge to buy everything in sight.

Definitely plan to spend some time and take advantage of the seminars. Some are free. At the last one I went to I ended up spending the whole day because I got totally hooked on the presentations by Graham Blackburn. (Unfortunately he won’t be in Detroit this weekend but if you see any of his books there I’d recommend checking them out them.)

I also second the vote for Fine Woodworking Magazine, definitely the best magazine out there. Their website’s good too.

PC.