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Woodworking Basics
Before we even begin handling tools and lumber I felt it necessary to at least become familiar with the tools, their uses, and the techniques mentioned in the project instructions. Nerdy probably won't need any of this, but since I may have to step in and help with these projects from time to time I figured a bit of learning was in order.
If you're already familiar with all the things involved in making stuff from wood you can totally skip this part!
- Popular Woodworking Magazine has a nifty little handbook called I Can Do That which will teach you all about tools, techniques, and materials. It's in PDF format so you can even print it out if you're so inclined.
- Here's a nice article about woodshop safety from Woodshop for Kids (who sells what looks to be a nice woodshop course book for kids as well - I haven't used it though).
- Finally, here's a list of basic hand tools that you should have access to.
Now, if you're anything like me you looked at that list of basic hand tools and thought, this is going to cost me a fortune! I personally didn't want to spend a fortune on tools for a six-year-old who may, or may not, even care about woodworking in 3 months!
So, instead of buying everything that's listed, find the projects that you'll be working on, make a list of tools that are needed for those projects, and then buy what you need.
Here are some tips to help you build your tool and materials stash.
- Only buy what you need to complete the projects that you know you'll be working on. While a rasp might be listed as a basic woodworking tool, if you don't need it to build the birdhouse you've picked out then don't buy it!
- Yard sales are a great place to find tools, particularly estate type yard sales. If you're lucky enough to have an estate sale auction nearby you can often pick up entire boxes of tools for a few dollars.
- If you have a source for free pallets go pick up a few and take them apart. Old pallets are a great source of free lumber. (P.S. I strongly recommend a Sawzall for taking these things apart.)
- Do you have a cabinet shop or other builder's shop nearby? If so, ask them if you can raid their scrap pile. You may find some gems you can use to complete your projects.
- The same goes for a building site. Stop by at quitting time and see if they have some scraps you can take home.
Now that we have all of that out of the way, on to the projects!!
You'll notice that I kept things pretty simple and I didn't choose a whole boatload of projects. I wanted to keep things realistic and try to finish what we have planned. I can always add to these later.
Wooden Robot Buddy
Seriously, how stinking cute is this thing!? Adventure in a Box hit the jackpot with this one!
This is really inspiring, I am new at woodworking and my kids follow me while I do work and they have a huge interest in it. All this basic information will help me a lot to learn and to tell them. Thanks a lot for sharing such an amazing article.
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