Basic Requirements of DIY Woodworking Plans

Many years ago I found my love for DIY woodworking plans. My dad helped me complete my first 4-H woodworking project. We built a kitchen towel rack. I received an award, and my dad hung it in my mother’s kitchen. My dad was well equipped for DIY woodworking plans; he had all the tools. Even after a few years, I am still finding tools for my workshop. To get started with woodworking, you will need a few basic tools, a woodworking space, along with a few general safety rules.

If you are like me when I began, you don’t have a lot of big tools at your access for DIY woodworking plans. That’s ok. You don’t have to have all of the big stationary tools to begin with DIY woodworking plans. My suggestion is to wait until you find that woodworking is right for you before making major purchases. Beginning tools that I recommend are:

* You will need a pencil, tape, and square for marking.

* A circular saw is great for straight cuts. A guide jig can be built for cutting straight.

* Use a jigsaw for curves.

* For shaping the wood, the simplest tool is a block plane. You can also use a router to shape the wood, as well as do tongue and groove.

* You can use a cordless drill for drilling.

* A block sander or small hand sander can be used for smoothing wood. The local hardware store is a good place to get a good deal on a hand sander.

* Purchase a good clamp set for DIY woodworking plans. A set with different sizes is best. Clamps are used to hold your wood securely after it is glued.

Along with the tools for DIY woodworking plans, you are going to need a space. This does not have to be the biggest space, but I do recommend an area that is mostly undisturbed, perhaps in the garage or basement. Section off an area of the wall to hang your tools. You will also need a sturdy workbench, equipped with a vice for holding things in place. When purchasing a vice, be sure that it is specifically for woodworking, so not to mark or dent the wood.

When woodworking always remember, “safety first!” I used to think I didn’t need to practice safety. After a few minor scrapes, I’ve learned better. A few safety precautions for DIY woodworking plans I recommend are:

* Safety goggles will protect your eyes from things like sawdust.

* Protect your ears when using tools for long periods.

* Use a face mask when you are sanding, as there will be many fine particles in the air.

* If you have children, make sure you unplug the tools and store them properly. Most larger machines have safety switches. Get in the habit early of doing these things so no one else gets hurt!

* Sharp blades and bits are a must. A circular saw with a dull blade can kick back.

* Never alter safety devices on tools! Do not tie off the guard on your circular saw; hold the guard as you cut. If you tie the guard and set the saw down, it could run off; potentially cutting someone.

So you see, DIY woodworking plans are not complex. All you need is a few basic tools, a space and some imagination to begin creating woodworking projects to be proud of for many years.

If you want to find out more about DIY woodworking plans, then visit Robert McGee’s DIY woodworking page. Get instant access to 14,000 DIY plans at http://woodworkingprojectsathome.info.