Any aspiring beginner may find it hard to get started doing woodwork, but there is no need to worry. The following pieces of advice are handpicked as the best tips for newcomers to the woodworking field.
Simplify Your Workspace Layout
For beginners, it is always best to start on a smaller scale and apply a simple workflow. Have a separate space in your home for your woodworking materials and tools. Even with just a makeshift workshop table, a couple of sawhorses, several newly bought wood pieces, and other basic tools, you can kickstart your first woodwork project.
Familiarize Wood Types and Dimensions
Understanding the various kinds of wood species is very crucial knowledge. These lumber types are divided into softwood and hardwood categories. Cedar, fir, pine, and spruce are instances of softwood. Examples of hardwood include birch, cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, and walnut.
However, the most commonly used type of wood in DIY projects is pine wood, which is categorized as a softwood. Pinewood is highly recommended for starters.
Know How to Use a Tape Measure
Learning how to read the exact measurements in a tape measure is a basic but important woodworking skill. You might notice the symbols ‘ or ” after each number. These two symbols mean foot or feet and inch or inches. In short, 5’6″ stands for 5 feet and 6 inches. Besides, you might also encounter quarters, eighths, or sixteenths of an inch along the way. Examples include 3/4, 5/8, and 9/16.