Woodworking Novice Project Reflections - Getting Started
With the many books, articles, and websites on the topic of woodworking and the amazing array of woodworking project plan ideas available, it sometimes might be confusing to some what the very first step is when you have a woodworking project idea.
The first step, as it should be in every major project you undertake, is to identify your requirements.
Obviously, this assumes that you have already decided to do a woodworking project to fulfill some need.
The need could be for example, a bed frame and headboard.
So what does it mean to write down your requirements? Woodworking Project Requirements In designing, cutting, and building a bed, what are some of the requirements? The most obvious is space and position in the room limitations.
There are standard bed sizes to select from.
Position beds so that doors can be opened and closed.
Will there be other furniture in the room with the bed.
How many and where? Where are heater elements and power outlets? Some of these latter questions may not be as important for a bed, but are examples of questions that might relate to building a bookcase.
Preparation Now is a good time for a personal evaluation of the overall time required for the woodworking project.
Remember, you will need time and capabilities for various tasks.
As a beginner assess what tools you have available.
Even though in the end you might find out that you do not like to do woodworking projects, buying power tools to accomplish some tasks, not only makes the outcome more professional looking, but also saves you time and body fatigue.
Make a rough diagram of your bed project with some measurements.
Take your measurements to your local hardware store or lumberyard to view what types of materials are available for your woodworking project.
Some materials are more difficult to work with.
In some cases you might want to purchase small pieces of wood to use for test cutting and finishing.
Look at a variety of bed plans.
Select a Woodworking Plan Select a plan that meets your needs.
Sometimes no one's plans meet all your needs.
Select the one that comes closest and modify it to meet your needs.
No matter how simple a project looks, you should always use a plan to build it.
When you have a comprehensive plan that details all tools, materials, and construction steps, you have a better chance for producing a professional looking furniture piece that might turn you into the woodworking hobbyist that some of us have within us.
The first step, as it should be in every major project you undertake, is to identify your requirements.
Obviously, this assumes that you have already decided to do a woodworking project to fulfill some need.
The need could be for example, a bed frame and headboard.
So what does it mean to write down your requirements? Woodworking Project Requirements In designing, cutting, and building a bed, what are some of the requirements? The most obvious is space and position in the room limitations.
There are standard bed sizes to select from.
Position beds so that doors can be opened and closed.
Will there be other furniture in the room with the bed.
How many and where? Where are heater elements and power outlets? Some of these latter questions may not be as important for a bed, but are examples of questions that might relate to building a bookcase.
Preparation Now is a good time for a personal evaluation of the overall time required for the woodworking project.
Remember, you will need time and capabilities for various tasks.
As a beginner assess what tools you have available.
Even though in the end you might find out that you do not like to do woodworking projects, buying power tools to accomplish some tasks, not only makes the outcome more professional looking, but also saves you time and body fatigue.
Make a rough diagram of your bed project with some measurements.
Take your measurements to your local hardware store or lumberyard to view what types of materials are available for your woodworking project.
Some materials are more difficult to work with.
In some cases you might want to purchase small pieces of wood to use for test cutting and finishing.
Look at a variety of bed plans.
Select a Woodworking Plan Select a plan that meets your needs.
Sometimes no one's plans meet all your needs.
Select the one that comes closest and modify it to meet your needs.
No matter how simple a project looks, you should always use a plan to build it.
When you have a comprehensive plan that details all tools, materials, and construction steps, you have a better chance for producing a professional looking furniture piece that might turn you into the woodworking hobbyist that some of us have within us.
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