| I found my love for DIY woodworking plans many | | | | the biggest space, but I do recommend an area that |
| years ago as a child. I had a 4-H project that my dad | | | | is mostly undisturbed, perhaps in the garage or |
| helped me with. It was a kitchen towel rack. I won a | | | | basement. Section off an area of the wall to hang |
| ribbon, and the rack has hung in my mother's kitchen | | | | your tools. You will also need a sturdy workbench, |
| for years. My dad had all of the tools for DIY | | | | equipped with a vice for holding things in place. When |
| woodworking plans. Many years later, I am still | | | | purchasing a vice, be sure that it is specifically for |
| developing my little wood shop and tools. Let's take a | | | | woodworking, so not to mark or dent the wood. |
| look at some basic tools needed for woodworking, | | | | When woodworking always remember, "safety first!" |
| creating your woodworking space, as well as a few | | | | I used to think I didn't need to practice safety. After |
| general safety tips. | | | | a few minor scrapes, I've learned better. A few |
| If you are like me when I began, you don't have a | | | | safety precautions for DIY woodworking plans I |
| lot of big tools at your access for DIY woodworking | | | | recommend are: |
| plans. That's ok. You don't have to have all of the big | | | | - Safety goggles: I have learned the hard way more |
| stationary tools to begin with DIY woodworking | | | | than once by getting sawdust in my eyes. (Luckily |
| plans. My suggestion is to wait until you find that | | | | nothing worse) |
| woodworking is right for you before making major | | | | - Use ear protection when running tools, especially for |
| purchases. Beginning tools that I recommend are: | | | | extended periods. |
| - Basic tools for marking, such as a speed square, | | | | - Keep a face mask handy for tasks such as sanding, |
| tape, and pencil. | | | | when there will be a lot of fine particles in the air. |
| - You can use a circular saw to make straight cuts. | | | | - If you have children, make sure you unplug the |
| Build a guide jig to help you cut straight. | | | | tools and store them properly. Most larger machines |
| - A jigsaw is good for cutting curves. | | | | have safety switches. Get in the habit early of doing |
| - For shaping the wood, the simplest tool is a block | | | | these things so no one else gets hurt! |
| plane. You can also use a router to shape the wood, | | | | - Make sure blades and bits are sharp. For instance, a |
| as well as do tongue and groove. | | | | dull blade in a circular saw can cause it to kick back. |
| - A cordless drill is great for drilling holes. | | | | - Never alter safety devices on tools! Do not tie off |
| - For smoothing, you can use a block sander or a | | | | the guard on your circular saw; hold the guard as you |
| small hand sander. You can find a reasonably priced | | | | cut. If you tie the guard and set the saw down, it |
| hand sander at your local hardware store. | | | | could run off; potentially cutting someone. |
| - I suggest investing in a good clamp set for DIY | | | | So you see, DIY woodworking plans are not rocket |
| woodworking plans. You will need many different | | | | science. With a few basic tools, a space, and a little |
| sizes. Clamps will securely hold your wood after you | | | | imagination, you can begin to create wonderful |
| glue it. | | | | woodworking projects you can be proud of for |
| Along with the tools for DIY woodworking plans, you | | | | many years. |
| are going to need a space. This does not have to be | | | | |