Just wanting to say hello to all, love the forums, great advice, tips, etc. I am not new to woodworking (runs in the family bloodline…my great grandfather, my grandfather, my dad, my brother…y’all know the routine (yes I am from NC to all you yanks 😉 ), but I am new to furniture making and eager to learn all I can, from one and all. Made a decision to get out of the corporate world and into the furniture making business. Not quiting my job tomorrow, but hope to start something in the next few years. Woodworking seems to be a natural thing for me, just have to ‘fine tune’ my knowledge of furniture making. Soooooo, I am looking for all the vets and ‘almost’ vets, and anyone in between to give me pointers. I have a very limited budget at the moment, and I have plans for a “small” (learning) shop. I think I need great ‘hand’ tools, good planers, spokeshaves, etc. Thinking about the Lie-Nielsen brand for that. Also wanting some good power tools for my “small” shop and looking for suggestions on a ‘limited’ budget; (learners) bandsaw, router, router table, MAYBE a table saw, coping saw, planer (maybe down the road), etc. I want to learn furniture building. Beds, end tables, chairs, rocking chairs, bookcases, dressers, chest of drawers, etc. Not closed off to cabinets, (but not something I want to jump into at the moment). I want to get my skill set down pat and ‘learn’ ALL I can. Need tips on books, heard a lot about Tage Frig (and thinking that’s the books I will start with). Also interested in getting tips from those that have a business in this stuff. The do’s and don’ts and all that (not sure if this is the right forum to post this but hey it can’t hurt). Any help is appreciated.
Starting Anew,
It’s all over, but the cryin’,
Kev
Edited 3/24/2005 11:15 pm ET by JKR
Edited 3/24/2005 11:15 pm ET by JKR
Replies
Welcome. I suggest you head over to Knots, and start off with a few specific questions, lots of knowledge over there. Cheers,Phil.
"If 'tis to be,'twil be done by me."
So you're ready to jump into the fire. I have just a couple suggestions 1/ The encyclopedia of furniture making by Ernest Joyce ISBN 0-87749-068-6 and The Essential Woodworker by Robert Wearing ISBN 0-7134-7119-0 the first is like a bible to me the second is the best book I've ever found on basic hand skills. The Work Shop and Workbench books from Tauton. The complete guide to sharpening by Leonard Lee is a very comprehensive book on sharpening telling not only how but more importantly the why's of sharpening. Now on to some personal opinions BEFORE you buy any tool talk to lots of people!!! You mention buying Lie-Nielsen planes and also say that your on a budget. I would suggest shopping flea markets and building a set of tools that you will use regularly. Put a plane on top of a glass display case and check if it is flat!!! every thing else about it you can fix ,if you do your homework. When it comes to machines first figure out what you want it to do and go from there. My brother has a contractor saw that he wouldn't trade for the world I have a larger cabinet saw and wouldn't be happy with his. As for portable tools remember " the sweetness of low price is long forgotten against the bitterness of poor quality" meaning a tool is no bargain if it sits on a shelf because it's to frustrating to use, ask guys we've all got some. I believe the most used and often over looked tool is a good workbench. It will be the most used tool in your shop and will have a strong influence on anything you do. A good bench will make everything easier, and if it's easier you will enjoy your endeavors that much more. Have fun and good luck!!
I would not say maybe on that tablesaw...you need one for furniture making. Makes life much more enjoyable and precise, and can save a lot of time and effort. If you haven't heard about Grizzly, take a look at them. http://www.grizzly.com. Good quality for a decent price. Go over to Knots and ask them some questions, they are the finer woodworking section of this forum. They will jump at the chance to spend your money...We all like to dream.
Young, poor, and eager to learn
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled