Woodworking is a practical and skill-building hobby that people begin for a multitude of different reasons. Many people begin woodworking as an outlet for stress or as a means to articulate a skill. Others start woodworking to improve upon or remake an item in their house or office. Whatever the reason, everyone needs equipment for woodworking.
Before any woodworker begins, they must purchase proper equipment and tools, but buying the correct equipment can be a challenge for every new woodworker. When purchasing woodworking equipment, be sure to purchase tools that fit your needs, buy from a quality seller, and start small.
Tools that fit your needs
One of the most important qualities of woodworking tools is durability. Woodworking tools take a lot of abuse, and if you purchase low quality tools, you’ll likely find yourself having to replace them more often than you’d like. Always purchase brands that have an established reputation, and talk to other craftsman and get their recommendation for the best tools for your needs. If possible, try products out to see if they are a right fit for you. If a product with a good reputation is more expensive, consider it an investment and purchase the quality over quantity.
It’s important to remember, however, that you are only a beginner. You probably aren’t certain yet whether you even like woodworking enough to retain it as a lifelong hobby, so it probably isn’t a good idea to buy a large amount of tools just yet. Instead, buy only those tools that fit your needs. If you’re building a cabinet, purchase only the tools that you’ll need for that project.
Don’t purchase specialized tools for potential future projects just yet because after completing the cabinet, you might find that you don’t have the patience, it’s too time consuming, or that for some other reason, woodworking isn’t the hobby for you. When you’re just starting out, if you purchase only the tools you’ll need for a specific project, it could save you time and money in the long run.
Where to buy
Deciding where to buy your woodworking tools can be a challenge. Many hardware, department, and online stores sell woodworking tools. However, many experts say that it is best to buy them at specialty stores. Specialty stores have dedicated staff members that are experts in the woodworking field. These staff members can give you advice and tips on what tools you need for your project. They can also show you how to properly use the product and can even give you tips on how to improve your project. This service is exceptional, and you may not find it at a regular hardware store.
Many specialty stores also carry secondhand tools that are especially valuable to the beginner craftsman. They are often cheaper than brand new tools, and secondhand tools can offer exceptional value if they have been well cared for by the previous owner.
Starting small
With every new hobby, it is important to start off small and to allow your collection of woodworking tools to grow as your projects progress. As you become more experienced, you will discover what types of projects you excel in. Once you decide this, purchase tools that fit those types of projects.
There’s a piece of advice that is often given to amateur photographers that is also applicable to woodworking and other hobbies. When amateur photographers consult with seasoned pros for advice on buying their first real cameras, the experienced photographers often recommend, “If you have a choice between a camera with 10 buttons, a camera with 20 buttons, and a camera with 30 buttons, always get the one with 10 buttons.”
The logic behind this advice is this: If a beginner purchases ultra-fancy or very advanced equipment, not only will they usually not have the skill or ability to use it, but they also won’t have very many opportunities to use it. When you’re first starting a hobby, projects tend to be quite straightforward. Likewise, the equipment needed for those projects will also be fairly straightforward. Therefore, it is best to start small, purchasing only basic equipment and moving on to more advanced tools once the basics have been mastered.
Finding the right lumber
Taking up woodworking as a hobby can be exciting and challenging. When purchasing woodworking equipment, be sure to purchase tools that fit your needs, buy from quality seller, and start small. J.Gibson McIlvain Company is a valuable resource for information on woodworking tools and lumber for all your projects. With over 200 years of experience in the lumber industry, few lumber wholesalers are better equipped to meet your needs. For more information on all J.Gibson McIlvain Company has to offer, visit their website at www.mcilvain.com, or check out the following selections from their blog:
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