Working with wood is a process that involves designing and building objects out of wood using various tools. People might be employed in the craft of woodworking, building items to sell. Other people enjoy dabbling in this hobby at home. Woodworking is suitable for people of all ages, including children. When youngsters wish to learn about woodworking, they need adults to teach and supervise projects to ensure safety.
Woodworking Tools
Woodworking tools include both nonelectric hand tools and power tools that require electricity. Hand tools are familiar to people because they often serve general functions around a home. These tools include the hammer, screwdriver, chisel, hand saw, level, block plane, and retractable tape measure. Power tools may perform some of the same work of hand tools, but they are faster and more powerful thanks to electricity. Power tools include the power or cordless drill, circular saw, miter saw, router, and various sanders. Other machinery often found in a woodworker’s shop includes a table saw, a drill press, and surface planers. Use of any tools requires training and the utmost in care to avoid injury.
- Adding Major Tools
- A Guide to Honing and Sharpening
- Safety With Handheld Power Tools
- Overview of Hand Tools
- Complete Book of Woodworking Tools (PDF)
- 4-H Woodworking Project (PDF)
Tips and Tricks
Tips and tricks of the trade can help streamline the woodworking process. In bygone eras, woodworkers belonging to older generations would teach younger people who wanted to learn these skills. This situation is fading somewhat now, however, as fewer masters pass their knowledge down to novice woodworkers. Instead, people may need to learn tips and tricks by reading guides and books. Some tips may help woodworkers complete tasks faster or more accurately. Other tips will help people learn the best way to take care of tools and maintain machinery. For example, without proper care and storage, tools may rust. Allowing rust to develop on tools will shorten their useful life significantly. Tips about the best tools to add to a workshop will also help a novice woodworker choose only the most useful tools.
- The Great Book of Woodworking Tips (PDF)
- 149 Best Tricks of the Trade (PDF)
- Workshop Methods of Work (PDF)
- I Can Do That: Woodworking (PDF)
- Upcycling Tips and Tricks (PDF)
- Fine Woodworking: Best Tips (PDF)
- 10 Tips for Super-Strong Glue Joints (PDF)
- Tips for Better Bandsawing (PDF)
- Machine-Cut Dovetails (PDF)
- Technical Manual (PDF)
Projects for Kids
Children can learn the art of woodworking. Working alongside an adult can be an excellent way for youngsters to learn this craft. Because tools are usually sharp and powerful, careful supervision must be an integral part of the process. Over time and with practice, kids can learn skills that will enable them to work on projects. Some projects are relatively simple in nature, such as a birdhouse or a bird feeder. Other projects are more complex. These projects might include a bookshelf or a toolbox.
- Birdhouse Plans
- Kids’ Toolbox (PDF)
- Woodshop 101 for Kids (PDF)
- Economy Bat Houses (PDF)
- Birdhouse Project (PDF)
- The Definitive Guide to Building Your Own Birdhouses (PDF)
- The Bat House Builder’s Handbook (PDF)
- Build Bat Houses (PDF)
- Tinkering School’s Best Practices for Building with Kids (PDF)
- Children’s Bookshelf (PDF)
- Woodworking Plans (PDF)
Projects for Adults
Many people enjoy the beauty of wood grain and the craftsmanship involved with turning pieces of wood into useful or decorative items. A multitude of woodworking projects exist at a variety of levels. Project instructions include a list of materials and tools as well as step-by-step guides for making an item. Often, project instructions also include diagrams that show more details about completing the steps. Some projects are simple in nature, while others may take significant time and materials to complete.
- Puzzle Piece Serving Tray Project
- 32 Can-Do Plans (PDF)
- Woodworking Plans and Projects (PDF)
- Child-Size Picnic Table (PDF)
- Bunk With the Works (PDF)
- Children’s Furniture Projects (PDF)
- Biplane Kids Toy Plan (PDF)
- A Sturdy Footstool (PDF)
- Wood Ramp Design (PDF)
- Wooden Playset Project (PDF)
Additional Resources
Woodworking resources can help a woodworker organize a shop area. With correct storage, tools should remain in excellent condition. A shop area should also include ample space for working on projects. Safety is another important element of woodworking, so people must learn and follow safety guidelines. Even controlling the amount of sawdust produced in a woodworking shop is a consideration to ensure good health while pursuing this activity.
- Strength and Mechanical Properties of Hardwoods (PDF)
- Dust and the Woodworker (PDF)
- Advanced Woodworking (PDF)
- Shop Safety Manual (PDF)
- Woodworking Safety Manual (PDF)
- What Is Woodworking? (PDF)
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Woodworking operations can be hazardous, particularly when machines are used improperly or without proper safeguards. These safety tips helped me enjoy woodworking without being afraid of injuring myself. Thank you!
Woodworking is very versatile. It can be your source of income but it can also be done as a hobby. On the side, you get to save on buying commercialized furnitures as well. Thanks for rounding up these woodworking tips and project plans. This is very helpful for those who want to start this hobby.
Rule #1 is pick a small project and have fun. Gradually purchase more tools and don’t be afraid to make investments in tools like table saws, sanders and other equipment that will make the hobby more enjoyable. And lastly, invest in dust control and a good mask! As a cabinet maker the dust is harmful over the years.