Anyone picked up woodworking as a hobby out of the blue?

[Nole Lou]

My kids are grown, I need a hobby. I like dicking around with home theater and networking, HTPC DVR type stuff, but I've kind of run my course on that stuff. I've done about everything I need to do there, and the set top boxes and apps have made a lot of it obsolete. I need something else to do.

I've always been jealous of the guys with tools and knew how to use them (have fun with that sentence, boys). I think I'm going to buy a few tools and give it a go. Make a table or something. I've barely used a screwdriver before, so this will be very off brand for me.

Anyone do something similar to soothe their mid life crisis? Results? Tips? Did you get bored with it?

 

[funksouljon]

OPs mom works the wood pretty well, you should ask her. I can guess how she got started..

 

[PerkyForHerky]

As a hobby - no.
When needed - yes.

Who has time for hobbies anyway. There's always ish to do.

 

[funksouljon]

OP, it can be expense to get into due to the various tools you will need. I do a decent about but bounce back and forth between fine carpentry and building stuff (yes, they are different) and have a Venn diagram of tools needed. Seriously, start looking for estate sales of tools. My best ones are the hand me downs from a family friend when he passes, they are 60 yo craftsmen tools.

 

[RunRonnieRun]

My kids are grown, I need a hobby. I like dicking around with home theater and networking, HTPC DVR type stuff, but I've kind of run my course on that stuff. I've done about everything I need to do there, and the set top boxes and apps have made a lot of it obsolete. I need something else to do.

I've always been jealous of the guys with tools and knew how to use them (have fun with that sentence, boys). I think I'm going to buy a few tools and give it a go. Make a table or something. I've barely used a screwdriver before, so this will be very off brand for me.

Anyone do something similar to soothe their mid life crisis? Results? Tips? Did you get bored with it?

My neighbor is really into it, and he said one of the best things he's done is scouring estate sales in older neighborhoods. He's gotten some primo woodworking power tools for pennies on the dollar.

 

[cheeselog8]

Yeah I got into it for a while and built a couple benches and cooler stands for friends and relatives. It was pretty rewarding and you figure out a lot of ways to improve quickly the more you do it.

My biggest recommendation outside a couple good saws would be to get a Kreg pocket hole set.

 

[orod741]

I bought a 14' O'Day Javelin sailboat a couple weeks ago as a refurb winter project with some hopeful fun adventures to look forward to at the end. I've thought about woodworking or blacksmitting as being a cool hobby to get into eventually once my kids (4&2) aren't so needy. My wife is ecstatic that we now have boat in our garage taking up space...

 

[ConvenientParking]

I mean, that's my story every time I'm buying wood glue.

 

[Finance85]

I've built a couple of tables.

Coffee Table out of cedar slabs and epoxy.

End Table from a whiskey barrel and epoxy.

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

 

[Hoosierhawkeye]

My dad has been doing it to make extra money since his retirement, selling what he creates on Etsy.

I wouldn't say he picked it up out of the blue, he already knew how to do the stuff and was trying to think of ways to make an extra income while retired.

Mostly I think he was looking for something to do.

 

[ghost80]

Yup. When they start turning a little blue I'll work the wood.

 

[DFSNOLE]

OP, it can be expense to get into due to the various tools you will need. I do a decent about but bounce back and forth between fine carpentry and building stuff (yes, they are different) and have a Venn diagram of tools needed. Seriously, start looking for estate sales of tools. My best ones are the hand me downs from a family friend when he passes, they are 60 yo craftsmen tools.

The guy who did mill work for me in West Palm has a shaper from 1919 with a wall full of knives. There was never a piece of trim that he couldn't replicate. I was always fascinated with what he could do with a plank of rough sawn lumber.

 

[HawCory]

OP gonna lose a finger.

 

[Nole Lou]

OP gonna lose a finger.

That's a distinct possibility.

 

[Nole Lou]

View embedded media

This is the first thing my son referenced when I mentioned it to him. The first thing.

 

[GOHOX69]

No, but my junior high industrial arts teacher cut off his finger on a circular saw.

 

[Nole Lou]

OP, it can be expense to get into due to the various tools you will need. I do a decent about but bounce back and forth between fine carpentry and building stuff (yes, they are different) and have a Venn diagram of tools needed. Seriously, start looking for estate sales of tools. My best ones are the hand me downs from a family friend when he passes, they are 60 yo craftsmen tools.

Yeah, I bought a used like new circular saw yesterday. I'm a big fan of buying things used at a bargain, but as an absolute beginner I've got to be careful. I'm going to be reliant on online instructions and youtube videos, so anything that was different on a tool 25 years ago, or markings that have rubbed off or whatever, is probably not a good idea. I need something new enough it will be easily documented online.

But I am looking used to try to avoid dumping $2k into the thing before I've cut my first board, which I've heard a lot of people do when they decide they're going to get into this.

I kind of imagine that I'll start with newer, cheaper tools, and if the hobby takes, I'll be looking for better tools that are probably older and used.

I can't say I'm interested in fine woodworking at all, I'm not really an artistic type person, my interest is mainly in something that is functional and looks ok enough to be out. Not really interested in sophisticated joints and the like. If you can sit in it without it falling apart, that will be fine enough for me. That could change over time I imagine.

 

[UNIowaHawk]

I do quite a bit of woodworking, but find myself going in spurts. You should figure out something(s) you want to build to determine the tools needed. I would start with something simple that doesn't require a tablesaw and see if you like it then add tools gradually.
I have built a kayak, cabinets for the house, and quite a bit of mid-century modern furniture. My main tools (aside from obvious like drill and sander which everyone should have anyway) are a table saw, clamps, miter saw, Kreg Jig, and planer. I find that I can make damn near anything with just those.

 

[DFSNOLE]

Yeah, I bought a used like new circular saw yesterday. I'm a big fan of buying things used at a bargain, but as an absolute beginner I've got to be careful. I'm going to be reliant on online instructions and youtube videos, so anything that was different on a tool 25 years ago, or markings that have rubbed off or whatever, is probably not a good idea. I need something new enough it will be easily documented online.

But I am looking used to try to avoid dumping $2k into the thing before I've cut my first board, which I've heard a lot of people do when they decide they're going to get into this.

I kind of imagine that I'll start with newer, cheaper tools, and if the hobby takes, I'll be looking for better tools that are probably older and used.

I can't say I'm interested in fine woodworking at all, I'm not really an artistic type person, my interest is mainly in something that is functional and looks ok enough to be out. Not really interested in sophisticated joints and the like. If you can sit in it without it falling apart, that will be fine enough for me. That could change over time I imagine.

Just thinking about the basic power tools that you will need. I'm sure @funksouljon can add to the list.

Circular saw
Table saw
Compound miter saw
Jig saw
Router
Joiner
Sander (belt and orbital)
Various nail guns
Compressor
Screw gun

 

[funksouljon]

The guy who did mill work for me in West Palm has a shaper from 1919 with a wall full of knives. There was never a piece of trim that he couldn't replicate. I was always fascinated with what he could do with a plank of rough sawn lumber.

Oh hell yeah, the pros are like magicians. And the more I learn, the more I realize i know nothing.

 

[NoleATL]

I've been intrigued by this as well. My basic thought is that the right tools make all the difference. Don't spare any expense on the most important tools... whatever they are.

 

[Nole Lou]

Just thinking about the basic power tools that you will need. I'm sure @funksouljon can add to the list.

Circular saw
Table saw
Compound miter saw
Jig saw
Router
Joiner
Sander (belt and orbital)
Various nail guns
Compressor
Screw gun

Yep, the beginner's list I found online that I think I'm going to work from proscribes the following tools, and has six projects you can make with them...

Table saw
Circular saw
Compound mitre
Jigsaw
Sander

That's probably what I'm going to start with. The table saw is the big one, trying to find something used if possible.

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

Must haves:
1. Dewalt or Bosch table saw 500 +
2. Same brand 12" miter saw 400 +
3. Air Compressor and 3 - 4 nailers 800+
4. Good battery impact driver and drill 300+
5. Router and table 400+

down the road
6. Planner
7. Dust collector if in the basement or wife will hate you

These are hardly high end tools, just the minimum to keep you from being frustrated. Sky's the limit on good tools...

 

[Hammer93]

I do quite a bit of woodworking, but find myself going in spurts. You should figure out something(s) you want to build to determine the tools needed. I would start with something simple that doesn't require a tablesaw and see if you like it then add tools gradually.
I have built a kayak, cabinets for the house, and quite a bit of mid-century modern furniture. My main tools (aside from obvious like drill and sander which everyone should have anyway) are a table saw, clamps, miter saw, Kreg Jig, and planer. I find that I can make damn near anything with just those.

I would add: Small compressor with finishing nail gun. The rest on the list are all 100% needs. I've built a bar in my new 2000 square foot shop with the list of tools that you have listed. Best man cave ever. Also, you need a good 20V drill with additional battery.

 

[UNIowaHawk]

Just thinking about the basic power tools that you will need. I'm sure @funksouljon can add to the list.

Circular saw
Table saw
Compound miter saw
Jig saw
Router
Joiner
Sander (belt and orbital)
Various nail guns
Compressor
Screw gun

Agree with this list for beginner except router, jointer, screw gun, and maybe table saw. The circular saw can accomplish the same as table saw as long as you have guides and aren't doing anything too intricate. I could go either way on jig saw-- I rarely use mine. The router is usually for finishing with more detail-- not sure a beginner needs that. A compressor and nail guns is a good inexpensive option for finished goods. I have never needed a screw gun. The time it could have come in handy I just used a regular or impact drill. A screw gun may have saved some time, but minimal and not worth the investment.

 

[UNIowaHawk]

I would add: Small compressor with finishing nail gun. The rest on the list are all 100% needs. I've built a bar in my new 2000 square foot shop with the list of tools that you have listed. Best man cave ever. Also, you need a good 20V drill with additional battery.

Yep, missed the compressor and nail guns on my list (multiple sizes). Those are needed and cheap. I recently switched to a battery one for convenience and less noise, but not necessary for beginner.

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

The circular saw can accomplish the same as table saw as long as you have guides and aren't doing anything too intricate.

Umm, no...

 

[UNIowaHawk]

Must haves:
1. Dewalt or Bosch table saw 500 +
2. Same brand 12" miter saw 400 +
3. Air Compressor and 3 - 4 nailers 800+
4. Good battery impact driver and drill 300+
5. Router and table 400+

down the road
6. Planner
7. Dust collector if in the basement or wife will hate you

These are hardly high end tools, just the minimum to keep you from being frustrated. Sky's the limit on good tools...

I like Ridgid tools myself and have never had an issue. If I have they are basically guaranteed for life (I know, insert Tommy Boy meme).

Not sure what an $800 air compressor and nailers looks like. I had a 15 year Bostitch and two nailers that served every purpose I needed and it was around $130.

 

[Hammer93]

I'm thinking about building my own casket..... is that weird? I think it would be pretty cool to design the outside in all of my favorite things. You know...personalize it a little bit. Jazz it up...

 

[UNIowaHawk]

Umm, no...

I am interested to learn what a table saw can do that a circular saw can't.

Both can rip/crosscut, dado, and compound angles. The only thing I can think of a table saw can do that a circular cant is rabbet, but that can be done with a router instead. I would probably do dado with router too if I didn't have a table saw.

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

Plus
1. Pin nailer
2,Brad nailer
3, Finish nailer
4. Stapler
5. Framing nailer

Equals 800 or so...

 

[dandh]

My first career was in a skilled trade called patternmaking. It's a five year apprenticeship in wood, metal, and plastics that enables you to create patterns and coreboxes used to make molds into which liquid molten metal is poured (foundry industry). I also worked for an employer who made blow mold boxes, making original models and patterns to create blow mold boxes. While I can do metalwork, my specialty was wood. I do not want to brag, but I could make almost anything from wood (not a carpenter, however).

I decided to switch careers in my 30s, went to school and got a couple of degrees, then moved to office work. I did keep woodworking as a hobby, but my biggest frustration has always been a lack of professional equipment. Still, just doing benchwork can be fun and very relaxing. It's easy to get into a zone where you are focused only on the project, and there is a wonderful sense of satisfaction when it's complete.

So, a lot of words to say I highly recommend it. Enjoy!

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

I am interested to learn what a table saw can do that a circular saw can't.

Make accurate, straight, safe cuts for starts. Yeah you can cut a board in half with a circular saw but it will be rough and frustrating to use...

 

[dandh]

I am interested to learn what a table saw can do that a circular saw can't.

Both can rip/crosscut, dado, and compound angles. The only thing I can think of a table saw can do that a circular cant is rabbet, but that can be done with a router instead. I would probably do dado with router too if I didn't have a table saw.

Cut straight lines, repeatedly cut identical lengths and widths, rabbet, dado, and a lot more.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

No woodworking, but I bought some fly-tying gear and am learning to tie some simple flies. Pretty fun so far.

 

[UNIowaHawk]

Cut straight lines, repeatedly cut identical lengths and widths, rabbet, dado, and a lot more.

We are talking for a beginner here. I don't think someone trying to break into it will A) wanwant/needt to invest in something as big and pricey as a table saw or B) will be making many (or anything) that requires a rabbet or dado. Identical rips are pretty easy with a circular saw with a guide.

 

[Slappy Pappy]

A lathe. You've got to get a lathe. I get these videos in my youtube feed alk the time of guys creating all sorts of cool stuff by pouring a bunch of resin over pencils, pieces of wood, etc, then turning it on a lathe.

 

[jamesvanderwulf]

We are talking for a beginner here. I don't think someone trying to break into it will A) wanwant/needt to invest in something as big and pricey as a table saw or B) will be making many (or anything) that requires a rabbet or dado. Identical rips are pretty easy with a circular saw with a guide.

I guess that's his call. I could frame a house with a circular saw but even a small piece of furniture to look like much is going to take a couple grand in tools IMO...

 

[bagdropper]

But I am looking used to try to avoid dumping $2k into the thing before I've cut my first board, which I've heard a lot of people do when they decide they're going to get into this.

This is exactly why woodworking will be The Last Frontier in skills I'll build. The cost of good tools to make good stuff.

I am pretty good at repairing things made of wood. I've saved pieces of bedroom furniture I still use yet today...things like that. I just don't have the requisite tools to actually create stuff like in-home furniture. I've used lumber outdoors for a LOT of stuff, built a couple decent sized decks that are roughly 13 years old and haven't fallen apart one bit - a wood rack I made out of leftover lumber and steel roofing that was something I've needed at my cabin for 20 years.

But I have wanted to build a handful of custom electronics stands for a long time (I collect old school electronics pieces, have maybe 25 or so in my collection) and just haven't gotten the guts to begin collecting the right saws, routers, etc to build what amounts to being an old school stereo store showroom wall.


Some day...probably in about 5 years when I get closer to retirement - that's when I'll dig in. If I can do nut and bolt restorations of 50 year old snowblowers, if I can construct from scratch a complete boat interior, if I can tear apart a complete automobile dash and then put it back together perfect, if I can do windows/roofing/siding of my home all by myself (all these 100% self taught)...I can learn woodworking.