Get Woodworking – What’s Your Excuse?

Article - February 3, 2013

If you haven’t heard the buzz already, this week is Get Woodworking Week, an effort by my good buddy Tom Iovino of TomsWorkbench.com to help push new woodworkers out of research mode and into woodworking mode. Blogs and podcasts from around the web are participating by publishing content that aids in the effort.

As I gave it some thought, I discovered that this is a rather difficult thing to do. There are probably hundreds of reasons people who like the idea of woodworking might not be able to pull the trigger. And while I can certainly try to write an inspirational article, it will only be a shot in the dark in terms of actually helping to solve your problem. Not enough tools, not enough time, not enough wood, not enough space? I suppose these will be the most common reasons but I am very interested to know what keeps you from making sawdust. Perhaps, we can discuss it here and find solutions?

So if you do have a reason why you can’t “get woodworking,” post it here and hopefully the community (and I) will be able to chime in and give you some practical advice. Additionally, this will give me a better idea of what to cover in future videos for 2013.

So what’s keeping you from woodworking?

Discussion

Don F February 3, 2013 9:19 am

Excuse? Not really. I have motorcycle projects that need to be done when it’s not motorcycling season, and they MUST be done by the time motorcycling season is here again. Woodworking will have to wait . . . unless there are projects that my sweetheart needs me to do; then woodworking goes back into top priority . . . .

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Matt February 3, 2013 9:29 am

My largest excuse tends to be time limitations. My job requires a bit of travel, I am studying for the GMAT, working toward a certification in a professional organization, and a regular speaker for training events and seminars at another professional organization. I doubt I would find the time to enjoy my workshop even if there were 48 hours a day.

Fortunately… my wife seems to enjoy the power tools as much as I seem to be missing them, so they aren’t sitting idle.

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Daniel “Daddyman” Schorre February 3, 2013 9:30 am

Time, Space and Money

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Andrew Levine February 3, 2013 9:31 am

Lack of energy! I started a new job recently and it’s way more demanding – I find myself exhausted when I get home. It’s funny how projects keep piling up regardless of how much I am doing.

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Sean February 3, 2013 9:39 am

23 degrees and snow!

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Nick February 3, 2013 9:39 am

Time is certainly the biggest factor. We have a 10 month old baby and I feel bad heading straight to the shop after being in the office all day. Gotta get in the family time. Weekends are tough because my wife works every other weekend (nurse). Needless to say, I’m daddy daycare on said weekends, and shop time is impossible. Maybe I need to use my woodworking skills to build a “baby box”. I’d drill air holes in it, of course. Maybe a nice inset area for an iPad so he can watch his videos. A time released carrot and sweet potato dispenser would be a nice addition as well. Thanks Marc! Problem solved!!!

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Doug M February 3, 2013 9:42 am

my driveway shop is about 9 degrees fahrenheit right now in MN. But yesterday at 15 degrees we were sanding flush walnut wood plugs. with ski gloves the fingers said No Mas after about 1/2 an hour.

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matthew rakowski February 3, 2013 9:47 am

Its cold out and i dont want to shovel my way to the shop and then wait for the heater to warm it up enough so i dont have to wear mittens. Ill be out there as soon as i cant see my breath

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andrew krause February 3, 2013 9:51 am

Wife and kids…. nuff said.

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W. Kirk Crawford February 3, 2013 10:04 am

It would be nice if I had a closer place to buy wood that’s stays straight, flat, and doesn’t split after its assemblies.
Also I would like to find something larger than 8/4’s.
And maybe one machine.

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Steve February 3, 2013 10:06 am

No excuses here, lots of woodworking going on in my garage.

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Brian Glendenning February 3, 2013 10:29 am

Good topic!

1. Like Kirk, getting wood is an issue. Nearest lumber yards are an hour away (Albuquerque), and our van is unreliable, and the selection is limited.

2. There is so much information available online etc, it is too easy to spend limited time reading/watching, not doing.

3. My ambitions are greater than my skills, so there is some tendency to work on projects that are either boring or frustrating. This is exacerbated by my primary interest in hand tools, which require (IMO) more skill/effort to achieve a basic result. I am becoming more blended (bandsaw & planer).

I love the hobby, but spend too little time putting tools to wood.

Cheers,
Brian

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John Fitz February 3, 2013 10:54 am

I think time is the biggest reason – Work during the week and then weekends (days) are mostly taken up by kids’ stuff, so any time I get is usually night time after the little ones are in bed. Also, what Brian said – my ambitions are often greater than my abilities. I’ve worked on this by biting off smaller “easier” projects which can still give me an opportunity to practice certain skills (be it dimensioning, joinery, sanding, finishing – anything).

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Jeremiah February 3, 2013 11:01 am

Too darn cold where I am to go out in my workshop/shed and work without any heat.

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Matt February 3, 2013 11:40 am

1) Cold – For me right now its been ranging from -28 wind chill to maybe 10 above. The garage walls are insulated but not the ceiling. So heater isnt effective enough. Also its just a tube heater so the garage smells like kerosine equals headaches for me after to long. Not to mention the WW tools all feel like ice cubes.

2) Time – For me its not time to do it, but time of day. It gets way to dark way to quick and when the sun goes down so does my ambition level. Going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. Cabin fever?: not enough vit D from not seeing the sun for up to a week straight?

3) Tools/money – I commented this once before on the entertainment stand, but id assume most WWers like me have the $40 skil saw, $100 drill driver, cheap miter saw, $30 sander, jigsaw and like a router. Yet we see a lot of 8in jointers, 3+hp table saws, bandsaws, planers, track saws, Full dust collection systems, hardwood benches.

4) Space – This is really an issue for everyone. In my case, my fiance is off the college working towards her masters so at the moment i can use one of the two stalls in the garage to leave tools out and about. When she comes home the “shop” has to be pushed to the walls in order for cars to fit. This is MN im not scraping my car at 5am to go to work. Thats why i bought a house with a garage.

5) Lumber – This is a problem for me as the closest place is about 20mins away and is a box store so all hardwood lumber is WAY over priced. I am however trying to save for a decent planer so i can get rough lumber which hopefully will help with money part too. But even that adds a new part to the problem. Rough hardwood dealer is about an hour or so away.

6) Ease of use – I think since space is tight. Not having tools set up in a set spot. Makes a lot more work to accomplish the same tasks we see done in short work. I cannot just go “alright, ill go spend an hour in the garage” because it will take me an hour just to pull out and plug everything in.

7) Family related – Family is what family does. So spending time together.

8) Job

As for getting started in WW. I think the biggest challenge overall for me was pretty much looking at what things cost vs how much id use them. WW isnt cheap, can it be cheap? yes but to get to the “fine” part of WWing requires some money spent in tools in order to step away for the 6th grade bird house projects.

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Dave February 3, 2013 12:31 pm

Just time I think. I wish I had more time because everyday life gets in the way!

However, I can’t afford lots of hardwoods. So I beg from my friends for old furniture / pallet wood to play with. This enable me to make small things, they are from perfect as I am beginner but it allows me to try new things and work on my skills.

Tools, I have limited tools. But I try to research new ways to use them to do other things.

I think I have been bitten by woodworking and we are looking for a new house so I have told the mrs that a new “garage” is a requirement but not for the car!

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Adam H February 3, 2013 1:18 pm

10 month old twins. House to keep together. *sigh* but its worth it.

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Fernolf February 3, 2013 1:40 pm

Time!

Plans are drawn, wood is in the shop, planer is set, chisels are sharp, but …

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J.D. February 3, 2013 1:48 pm

The price of wood.

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Woodscreamer February 3, 2013 1:53 pm

I have a nice pole barn that I use to park 2 cars and has an extra bedroom. In between there is a large space where I have my workshop. It is cold here in Illinois and that keeps from doing much woodworking. The summer is humid and again it’s tough. I plan on closing the area so I can heat/cool/dehumidify it. I’m also restoring an old barn on my lot (which I rent to someone storing their tractors and trailers). Once I’m done with the restoration I will turn to the workshop. I’m considering enlarging the pole barn next to the cars so I can have more space for the shop. Before I do most of this I need to upgrade my electrical service. The barn gets 50 amps (not terrible) but it used for the pool equipment, lights, AC and other outdoor junk. The sad thing is that I have other things to do that leaves little to no time to woodworking (mowing, taking care of the yard, the garden etc etc). If my workshop is set up I’ll be able to do tons of woodworking in the winter.

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Seth H. February 3, 2013 2:24 pm

SPACE!

My shop is 7′ 6″ x 12′ 6″ and does triple duty as storage shed/bike shop/wood shop!

I am just starting my second year as a yearly guild member, and have been stopping from participating in build because of the size of the last three projects, roubo, book shelves, and bed.

Since you already have a limited tools series, and I know I am not the only Guild member with a small shop, any chance we could see a limited space series, either on the Guild or here?

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Eric Afyouni February 3, 2013 2:32 pm

I spent a lot of time researching and pondering wood working. The final push for me was the fact that not doing woodworking was driving me nuts. I save woodworking till the weekends when I have enough time since I work late most of the week. As for tools, I have cheap tools, and they leave much to be desired, but I feel I have learned a lot since I have to go the extra step to make the tools work. I have learned creative ways to fix the projects, otherwise they would have to be tossed from the amount of issues my crappy skilsaw causes. I am constantly in search of better tools on craigslist and hope to buy a nice cabinet saw one day. The lumber is pretty expensive, but I have found that you can find some lumber on the road side from electric companies clearing trees. Because of this scrounging method, I have soooo much Elm. I was also fortunate enough to be able to pick up some pecan from a tree struck by lightning. I also work out of my garage in my apartment complex. Its a small space, but I enjoy woodworking too much to let any obstacles slow me down.

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alex February 3, 2013 5:59 pm

I can only do small projects because I don’t have a tablesaw, planer, or jointer and my bandsaw is a puny 9″ one. I’ve devised a very inaccurate way of ripping boards on my router table, and that can get the job done to a degree, but I’m forced to buy finish lumber the exact thickness I need. Oh well.

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- 7grit February 4, 2013 7:20 am
  
  Alex
  I recently read in “wood” magazine an article that allows your router to be a jointer. I can come back later with the exact issue. This should allow you to square off one edge of whatever over you are working with. Im sure that this may help you get more out of you router,and combined with a flattening jig like Marc made for the roubo workbench jig, May allow you to save money on lumber that could very well go to second hand hand planes.
  I,ll see if i can find that specific article in my library and post it later on. This may be the very thing that will get you working more accurately.
  Have a great day,and get back to the shop
  
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  - Ray February 4, 2013 3:15 pm
    
    Hey Alex
    The Wood Magazine is Router & Table Saw Tips and Tricks.” 31 shop tested Helpers to improve and Safety.
    More precise Page 4. Make your Router Think it’s a Joiner.
    See if this will assist you in some of your accuracy woes.
    Be Blessed.
    Ray(7grit)
    
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John M February 3, 2013 7:24 pm

I think Matt up there hit the nail on the head with his list. Too cold, too hot, no money, no time, etc. I definitely get motivated to get out to the shop by checking out WW sites and FB pages. Right now I am working on my first sketchup drawing for an outfeed/assembly table inspired by you Marc as well as another one that you had posted pictures of. Cannot wait to get cracking on that, but glad I am taking the time to draw it. Found a couple issues already and got them worked out.

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Mike February 3, 2013 7:55 pm

I am currently taking 13 credit hours towards my degree in Construction Management, and am a full time stay at home dad to a 22 month old. Needless to say it is very difficult to justify time down in my shop despite the wife constantly adding projects to my honey-do list. This past Christmas break I finally managed to complete my Roubo workbench which had been a half glued up top and rough lumber for 6 months. There is just not enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

P.S. I’m typing this during a 5 min breather from My Physics Homework!

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Mark D February 3, 2013 8:48 pm

For me it is time. I have spent so much time away from home in the past few years when I get home I like to spend some time with my wife. Since I work in my basement if she is not working I also don’t go down so I don’t make too much noise when she is home.

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Pete H February 4, 2013 1:37 am

Time! Family and full-time job are the key priorities, even though what I’d really like to be doing is working, creating and building in the shop…not above family, of course, but there are days I wish I could say goodbye to the corp world and hit the shop full-time. There’s just something about that paycheck, health insurance, the mortgage…

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Ross February 4, 2013 8:15 am

A lot of the comments are posted from current woodworkers who just haven’t been doing projects. Unless I’m reading the question incorrectly, it’s geared toward people who aren’t yet woodworkers.

As someone who falls into the latter category, I can say that to go from conceptual to practical is a big financial leap. You don’t just “fall into” a workshop with tools. And I love the comment by Matt above that points out all the videos we see are from established woodworkers with nice shops and high-end tools. Talk about daunting!

The other point I think I’d mention is that because of the financial investment it takes to get a shop going, people might be hesitant because they aren’t even sure if they will enjoy woodworking in the long run. What happens if I front the cost for some tools and then I don’t find I enjoy it?

Personally, finances aren’t the only reason why I haven’t yet jumped into the scene, but I would guess a lot of people have similar hesitations.

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Jim Dockrell February 4, 2013 8:34 am

I have a huge work shop. So big that is does not have walls or a roof. It is called my lawn and is buried in snow. Kind of slows me down..

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rick s February 4, 2013 9:26 am

layzzness!!!

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Michael Baron February 4, 2013 10:13 am

Being in the same position as many of the people on here a few years ago here is my recommendation . Check out craigslist and there tool section. Last year I picked up a beautiful DELTA 6 in jointer (floor unit) for 150 dollars. Craigslist has been my go to as I figured out if woodworking was something I wanted to pursue. I gave myself a budget and stuck to it. With a reasonable amount of money I now have a two car garage with no cars in it.

You will also find people giving away materials. Wood workers at the end of their career selling the stock pile of wood they have been hording for decades and guys that mill material on their own that undercut the mills and big box stores.

As for time there will never be enough.

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Steve February 4, 2013 10:27 am

I spend too much time on the internet. I should be out in the garage working on something.

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Kim SG February 4, 2013 3:00 pm

Hi Marc,

I think my biggest reason for procrastination is self-confidence. I have a pretty cool shop, some sweet tools at hand to do the job and so many ideas always buzzing around in my head, but as a fairly new woodworking still acquiring the skills and knowledge I need to get some of these great ideas done, I spend a lot of time trying to learn as much as I can from other woodworkers on blogs, videos and from reading. I then nearly always seem to set the bar at a level far too high for myself and fail to achieve what others seem to so easily which really hits you hard! I know you have said before, to just enjoy what you do and not compare your work to others… But when you are learning, comparing seems to be a big part of the learning process so you can find the faults you are making.
This is my own view anyway, I’m sure things will get easier as my skills grow and I become a more confident woodworker.

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Ray February 4, 2013 3:26 pm

To everyone Else
Being a Native of NH, I am not in the same boat. It’s just cold enough in NC to require a heater. My budget can only run my propane heater for a 12 hour period, and well, not having a huge tank proves to be a challenge. Needles to say, my wood budget has been significantly reduced,to compensate for the need for propane, and well, there’s nothing left after the wood I have in stock is gone. At least until spring.
The other thing that bugging me is that I have no projects, let alone potential clients. In our nations state? Very few are willing to part with the dough to have furniture built. It’s a tough way to be right now, I guess I picked the wrong time to try this stuff professionally.
Lastly in line with everything else. I am so wanting to build a split top roubo bench. But this all falls right back in line with the heat thing. I need the lumber in order to make it happen, but I’m sure ill find a way once I go stir crazy looking at my tools for so long.
Be blessed
7Grit

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Lancer McCullin February 4, 2013 11:09 pm

I live in North Platte NE. This time of the year it’s to cold out side. I do my best to get out in the shop on days that are above 45. But those are few and far between. So I am expanding my tool collection. New hand planes, new festool tools. But it’s still to cold to make any thing. I cant wait for spring.

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Keith February 4, 2013 11:15 pm

It’s 4 degrees outside and I have a really crappy unheated one car garage. I dream of one day having a dedicated space that is heated, organized and all MINE!

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El carpintero February 5, 2013 9:30 pm

Greetings everyone!
Here in México the weather is no problema. Tools? Very expensive and made in China. Lumber? Rally have to look for the legal stuff so you won’t be contributing with my country illegal deforestation. Time? As the joker said… “so much to do, and so little time”. But what really keeps me away from the shop is this terrible allergy. I know I will get better as soon as spring arrives, but meanwhile I can’t stop crying and sneezing and coughing… I hope next winter i’ll have enough dinero to buy me a real dust mask.
But anyway, no matter how many things are against our desire to woodwork, give it a try and spend time in your shop, even if it is for only fifteen minutes a day. Sweep the floor, organize your tools, practice your sharppening, clean your blades and bits, and before you know it everything will be ready to start your next project.
Hasta la vista!

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Paul February 6, 2013 2:50 am

I don’t have any place to work. I live in a condo with an underground parking lot, so no garage. I have a nice Bosch router and a dewalt miter saw and a very, very old portable tablesaw. Enough tools to get going, but no place to set these things up for a project, so they sit in my storage closet. I want to buy a house so bad!

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Jamie Lynch February 6, 2013 5:17 am

I’m on vacation. When I get back I need to stock up on wood and get going ona couple honeydo projects.

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Ed February 7, 2013 6:19 am

It is too cold!

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Steve B February 7, 2013 11:53 am

After years of family responsibilites & college expenses, I decided it was my turn (after I asked my wife, of course). Last fall I stood outside my garage/recycling center/storage bin/workshop, I envisioned a wood shop. I spent a number of years building and repairing my houses and felt it was now time to do what I have always wanted to ever since I watched my dad as a kid creating things with his Shopsmith in the basement of our home. For years I’d run my fingers along beautiful table edges or along the back of windsor chairs and wishing I had the time, tools, and money to cut other things besides 2x4s and shingles and climb l;adders and fix toys. When I’d go out to shoip for lumber I’d stop, tilt back, close my eyes and take in the aroma of wood like bread at a bakery. All those years walking past the cherry and mahogany and reaching for the homeowners pine and poplar – constantly replaying it in slo-motion in my brain. So last fall, after consulting the wife, I decided to clear out the garage/recycling center/stoarge bin/workshop and just leave the last part.
First, I created a space for the recycling needs outside under a new overhang off the back porch. Second, down came the old doors and up went a wall with a new entry and window. Third, for weekend work in the winter, I had a wood stove installed (NH is kinda cold in January) safely distant from where I will be working. And last, I added shelving around a section of the perimeter, taking advantage of the 9′ 4″ ceiling.

I recently got my tenant to help me get my 8-year-old Rigid contractors saw up from the old basement (hated working there…felt like I was in a cave, and I have started to set up shop. I pretty much needed everything in regards to hand tools, but I did have a decent table saw, a 12 year old Dewalt miter saw, a Bosch Router and router table I purchased 5 years ago. Both saws need new blades and a little alignment tuning but the Bosch is essentilly brand new – I never used it like I had planned.

I’m spending this winter on the weekends getting the shop in order, tuning my tools, and reading – reading – reading. I love the blogs, so informative. I find it a great thing that so many talented people are out there who enthusiatically share their hard earned skills with all that want to learn. I can pretty much do anything when it comes to house building and repair, landscaping, and painting, My wife calls me a perfectionist and has recently told me I need a hobby. It was her nice way of her telling me on one of those days when I was probably pacing around bored driving her nuts. I’m 57 years old with the last one 2 years from graduating college…it’s my turn (and my wife said it was OK). I still have a few home projects to complete this spring and summer, but I guarantee I will be spending time in the new shop.

The first thing I did was order a new set of chisels from Lee Valley and the package arrived yesterday. I grabbed the box and went inside, not even sure if I held the door for my wife who was right behind me. Ahh…sharp, shiny metal!! Perfection! But, as I looked over into the shipping box, there was something else — their catalog. I set the chisels aside and quietly sat down at the kitchen table – coat still on – and I slowly leafed though the book, starting at page 1. After a bit, I felt like I was 15 again flipping through my first Playboy magazine!

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JFuell February 7, 2013 3:18 pm

Problem #1 Time:
Four kids, under 8. ( Would not trade them for anything!) Time per week to work on my projects: <3hrs.
Problem #2 Space:
Workspace has to share space with everything else in the garage. (Bikes, car, garden tools, camping gear, etc.) When time is up all has to be put away, thus cutting into actual project time.
Problem #3 Money:
Who doesn't? The recession in 2008 hit us especially hard. I was out of work from Oct '08 to Nov '09. Still recovering.
Problem #4 Tools:
Most of my tools are not tuned up, as I inherited them from my grandfathers who passed on the tools but not the know how. Sharpening tools needed are not understood by those who could gift them to me.
Problem #5 Practical Experience:
Built a Dresser 8 years ago with my uncle for first child. Made a coat rack for coats a couple of years ago.
Problem #6 Perfectionism:
Can't start until this tool is setup just right. Can't start until the design is perfect. Need to learn this and that first.
Problem #7 Wood:
Where am I gonna find hardwood in Utah?!

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Jim D. February 8, 2013 10:00 am

No more excuses. I’ve been putting off building a new desk for our ham radio gear. Last weekend I was perusing some older TWW videos and ran across the trestle table computer desk and was inspired. After some mental design how I would like mine to look, this weekend the sawdust begins.

I’ve mostly put off my woodworking projects out of fear. Reading an older editorial written by Chris Schwarz in Woodworking magazine titled “It’s OK to make mistakes” made me realize that unless I get out in the garage and make those mistakes I will never get anything done or learn. It’s time to leave the fear behind and ruin (I mean cut) some wood.

A great weekend to all.

Jim

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Mike P February 9, 2013 4:52 pm

I sold my manufacturing company 1.5 years ago and recently decided I needed a hobby since I am not yet 50 and no close to permanently retiring. I used to do some woodworking in my early years as an engineer and loved it. So I leapt in head first and bought the following:
Table saw – Saw stop contractors to go along with my Dewalt contractors saw
Miter – Festool Kapex
Circular Saw- Festool TS75 with festool MFT/3 table and guide rails
Dewalt 13″ planer
Ridgid 6.5″ jointer
Festool OF1400 Router and Festool CMS table
Festool DF500 domino joiner
Festool Rotex 150 & ETS 150 sanders
Festool PSB 300 jigsaw
Festool CT36 Hepa vac
Drill press
Compressor and multiple nail guns
Many new Bessey clamps
Multiple exotic and hardwoods
Completely refinished 500sqft basement with power air and lighting along with 1.75″ padded floors
Now I am deciding on what bandsaw to buy Felder or MiniMax ( so any advice is welcome, I refuse to buy an Asian machine)
Most importantly I need projects.
Starting with a toybox for my granddaughter and some small jewelry boxes…then I don’t know where it will take me…so any advice on projects would be appreciated.
I will have about three hours each night plus weekends, so I amm hoping to get 25-30 hours in each week on my new hobby.
Thanks
Mike “a cetified Festool addict”

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- Steve O February 13, 2013 11:19 am
  
  Mike P, If you refuse to buy Asian machines, first, you should get rid of your Dewalt tools and not even think about Sawstop. Do you think Festool source all of their electronics from Germany? Better get rid of your cell phone and computer while you are at it. Asians have been making amazingly complex and tight joinery for thousands of years. Just look at the Japanese and Chinese temple and furniture construction. Most of us will not be able to make the amazing handcut Asian joinery with whatever tools we buy. I have seen sets of Japanese chisels that i can only dream of owning. Have fun with your amazing german domino joints. It’s funny to read comments like yours in this day and age.
  
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Phil C February 10, 2013 2:55 pm

I suffer from two main problems: lack of time & feeling overwhelmed.

1) Since time is always in short supply, I’m sure everyone suffers from it. My reasons include a full-time job, spending time with my family & pets, other hobbies like gaming & playing poker, and the on-going maintenance required for my house & vehicles.

2) My second excuse, feeling overwhelmed, is really self-inflicted. I have let myself reach a point where I feel overwhelmed just by walking into my shop because of all the projects that have not been completed. I have hit a snag while working on each one that has deterred my focus & discouraged me. Instead of pushing thru, I end up “temporarily” putting the project on the back burner in favor of the next “shiny object syndrome.”

Thanks for the article & inspiration!

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- Eric February 10, 2013 11:16 pm
  
  Well I keep buying tools that I think will be easy to use but then realize I really need a little bit (or a lot) of training to really use them well. An example of this was when I decided to make some picture frames. I thought a mitre saw and a router and I’m there. Well not quite the case. Never could quite get the measurements right and somehow the router operation was never all that smooth. I also got a nice lathe and band saw to turn bowls from green wood but again somehow all kinds of small things seem to appear that keep me from being successful – the carving tools for the lathe need to be sharpened correctly but I have more bowls that started ok but then ended up on the floor than I’d like to remember… so far all I have been able to accomplish is stuff made from 2x4s but everyone can do that. Dust has been a problem so I just bought a DC – Anyway just need to try and stay with it I guess. My woodworking pursuits have been a little disappointing so far but maybe if I start hanging around sites and blogs like this I can get somewhere
  -E
  
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Jan L. February 15, 2013 2:58 pm

My husband and I have been purchasing wood working tools for about a year now. Our main issue (OK. My main issue … since I am the one writing and actively searching for guidance) is that I need more training in actually using these tools. Using tools such as lathes, miter saws, etc. takes more skill than initially meets the eye. The pros make using tools look easy and fun (I know creating with wood is fun…I have made some very simple things that do not require a lot of skill). Albuquerque does not seem to have any place where people can get guidance or lessons for using wood working tools and building projects. The second issue is a lack of a proper work space. We are making some effort to make space…although planning/setting up a wood working space seems to take skill I do not have as well. We are both interested in creating with wood. My husband enjoys carving. I want to build, build, build, and build. I have many projects in mind…even have some of the lumber. I often daydream about home improvement and furniture projects…but I just need guidance and more skill. Anyone know of anyone who offers help for the beginning wood worker in Albuquerque, NM?

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Michael M February 27, 2013 10:28 pm

My grandfather has been doing woodworking for years. I would love to be able to do that too. So the desire is there and the problems I have are:

1) Tools – I do not have the money for the quality tools I need and don’t want to get junk that will not do the job.

2) Space – I do not own my house and the garage is small so no chance of making that into my workshop.

3) Money – See the tools item and then add wood price and stain

4) Experience – I do not have anyone with the experience or the desire to teach me the skills I need to use the tools (if and when I get them) or to guide me as I am getting into the woodworking life.

The biggest problem I have is tools and money. Everything else can be conquered by a little ingenuity. Willing to hear ideas to get me from desiring to do woodworking to being a woodworker.

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Bruce Bickle July 3, 2013 11:08 pm

I read lots of them. My issues right now are out of state company and heat. Central Valley of CA has been 100 + for a week and has a week projected, and the best shop I have is a garage with the door open and a fan. When it cools off a bit I’ll be there mornings and evenings, and I’ve even thought of staying up to the wee hours of the am.
Money = wood, tools, utilities, space, and there is never really enough of any of it, yet if one wants to, he grabs a board, an idea, and the nearest tool and starts. The rest will come to you. Podcasts and blogs and commercial advertisements all carry info. The local Junior College will have relatively inexpensive classes. In the meantime, make some sawdust and don’t look back!!

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