New to woodworking

I suggest you have a look here:

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/icandothat/

No cutting boards, but a small collection of projects along with the relatively small set of tools and techniques to build them.

-- Greg D. -- the price of freedom is tolerance

This is probably one question that will get many answers, and a variety at that. Welcome to LJ’s JimmyJack. The first POWER tool I would purchase would be a table saw. Then I would get a couple of books on setting up shops either large or small, you will need some direction.
After that, you will have to let your activities be your guide. Eventually, as time goes by and your skills increase, you well ind up with a very full and tool laden shop. As far as other tools go buy the best YOU can afford. As time goes by, you will learn what works for you and what doesn’t. You’ve just embarked a a big and satisfying learning curve, coupled with some minor frustrations.

-- Methods are many,Principles are few.Methods change often,Principles never do.

What tools do you already have?

-- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

This is a great time to be a new woodworker. Your most important tool and your most important project is education. Today there is a wealth of quality information available in books, CDs and on the internet.

This site is excellent for asking question and getting good answers and support from many knowledgeable people. This site also has some good videos. However, I think the video library at www.finewoodworking.com is even better primarily because of the way it is structured. You have to pay a modest membership fee there but I believe they offer a 2 week free trial period.

I also recommend a weekly visit to www.newyankee,com. They are showing old New Yankee Workshop shows. The show changes every Friday. Personally, I like the old shows better than the new ones because in the old shows Norm is using tools that are more consistent with what most hobbyist have in their shop. These shows offer both education and inspiration.

Welcome to Lumberjacks.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

See…That’s why I joined this forum. You guys are awsome. Thanks for the comments so far.
Gene…I do have a Compound Miter saw that I inherited from my FIL. And some glue…lol

I have done some floating shelves that I’ll have to post when I get home.

-- Jim -- Louisville, KY

Jimmy Jack, on the top of the page there is a search window that works quite well. Type in books, and you’ll get at least ten pages of reviews on woodworking books. But I thought I’d start you off right. Here’s fellow LJ Jim Bertelson’s book list.

http://lumberjocks.com/jbertelson/blog/12598

The only one I know of that isn’t on there ( and I haven’t looked lately ) is Kelly Mehler’s “The Table Saw”, I know this because I’m currently reading it.

Welcome to LumberJocks!

-- Wish I were Norm's Nephew

I would agree with Rich with everything but one thing. Your most important tool is patience. At least for me it is. When impatient to get a project done, I make errors and that makes waste. Wood costs $.

The I can do that series on popular woodworking is a great start for sure. For me I let my needs dictate what I learned. I would also highly recommend viewing all of Marc’s videos (best done through iTunes, but can be done on website as well. Search for The Wood Whisperer in iTunes or visit thewoodwhisperer.com it’s a great resource for inspiration although he has a fully decked out shop. Never hurts to dream though!

-- Mike - Antero's Urban Wood Designs http://anterosurbanwooddesigns.com

Heh! I just went there and there aren’t any books about the table saw at all. That’s surprising, it seems to be the most discussed tool on this forum.

-- Wish I were Norm's Nephew

Try this book called “table saw magic ” by Jim Tolpin

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

First off—you’re at the right place.
Second—you need to figure out what you want to build to get started, and then ‘tool up’ to that.
Third—generally, but not always, the more expensive the tool—the SAFER it is to operate.

Although I have it listed as third—SAFETY should always be first and foremost in your mind every time you go to the shop.

By the way, we like to see pictures of your projects—both when they’re finished and when they’re ‘works in progress’

-- Kinky Friedman on gay marriage: "They should have the right to be just as miserable as the rest of us."

I have been watching this forum and the Woodnet forum (I found it first, but I like this one better) for about 2 weeks now and I would have to agree that I like the “works in progress” pictures too.

I have seen several of the wood whisperer videos on Youtube. I really enjoy the information he gives while making the projects. I also have a new subscription to the Woodsmith Shop magazine but have yet to get my first copy. I have studied all of the free plans from PlansNow.com and I am very excited to get started. I want to build the Lingerie Dresser or the bookcase. From what I have seen on those plans, a table saw with a dado blade are VIT’s (very important tools).

-- Jim -- Louisville, KY

Yep, a table saw would be a must for that project.
If you’re shopping for a table saw, I would look for one that’s belt driven—not a direct drive. They’re generally more expensive, but it may be the last one you ever have to buy.

Another safety feature that I like on my table saw is a “riving knife” which virtually eliminates kickback in most cuts.

-- Kinky Friedman on gay marriage: "They should have the right to be just as miserable as the rest of us."

I’ve used my dado blade only a couple of times. My biggest problem on the dado set is cutting dados across the length of longer (6’) plywood. It’s VERY hard to keep them straight IMO. I prefer the router method for making dados. There’s a jig that’s great for making dados that’s virtually error free here!

Or here!

Is your tool list growing yet? LOL

-- Mike - Antero's Urban Wood Designs http://anterosurbanwooddesigns.com

Welcome JimmyJack,
Many of the Woodcraft store offer woodworking classes. A great place to learn and meet fellow woodworkers. Check out the local woodworking club (hopefully there is one close) As suggested above…start small and try new challenges as you build your skills and tool inventory.
Good Luck
Keith

-- Keith, Charlotte, MI www.julyswoodworks.com

Jimmy,

The 1st tool you need is SPACE.
The 2nd tool you need is some good Instruction.

Many WC stores have good classes. Woodworking Fundamentals and TS Bootcamp might be a place to begin. Unfortunately the Louisville store offers neither. :( Go back there and hang out when you can. Lots of books to browse before you buy.

An end-grain cutting board may be a little ambitious but a long-grain one would be a good place to start. Also understand that there are loads of places to get free wood if you know how to find them and you have a planer.

What is your budget, time available, intended projects?

-- Backer boards, stop blocks, build oversized, and never buy a hand plane--