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Starting from scratch

2K views 14 replies 15 participants last post by  juniorjock 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hello all,

I have watched this site with some interest for awhile and decided to try my hand at woodworking. We recently bought a house built in 1938, in Oregon, and it was somewhat of a contest between local craftsman in a fund raising effort at the time; so there is much about the place in the way of handmade built ins. There is also much to do about restoration and renovation.

I am not a carpenter. YET!! I have decided to turn the 20' x 20' garage into a woodworking shop, and to learn as I go along. I will have to learn practical matters for repairs, but hope to end up knowing my way around the shop and settling in on a hobby of furniture making with hand tools. Much to do before I get there. I will be watching and asking questions as to the right tools and methods to use.

I'm starting out with an old Craftsman bandsaw, an old Jet Drill press, and a new tablesaw, jigsaw, and circular saw by Bosch. Many dusty old hand tools and a few new ones. I guess my first project, from reading your posts ought to be a work bench. I like the idea of a set of bases and beams that I saw in the Fine Woodworking Annual Issue.

I look forward to all your suggestions and support. I will post pictures as I go along.

Postoastie
 
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#2 ·
A belated welcome to LJs. This is a great community for answering exactly the kinds of questions you are asking. Good luck on a great hobby and wishing you much fun and success with the shop and future projects.
 
#5 ·
welcome home in both senses .
you will find all the help you need here ,
many wonderfull people with very good ideas .
much luck in your home and projects !
 
#7 ·
Welcome!! Come On In!!!!!

Sounds like you are off to a great start with tool. I think most here will agree with your idea of starting with a workbench.

Looking forward to pictures!
 
#13 ·
Definitely a workbench first. Then I would suggest a few shop cabinets to make your mistakes on. First of all, you'll be happier having storage. Second, when you make mistakes on the storage cabinets, chances are you can live with them. It will give you alot of learning while minimizing the risk of burning up finer woods for things in the house.
 
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