If you’ve never considered woodworking before, 2021 might just be the year you decide to whip out some tools and take on your very own DIY woodworking project! Perhaps you are someone who is sitting on the fence contemplating whether woodwork is worth your time and whether you’ll enjoy it. So, to take you one step closer to taking up this satisfying hobby, we’ve drawn up some of the top reasons to get into it!

Can anyone do woodwork?

The simple answer is yes! From learning to hold a hammer for the first time or being a skilled craftsman in your own right, woodwork can grow the artist within you. Woodwork can be done in a very basic fashion or you can challenge yourself with complex structures with delicate detailing – your project depends solely on you.

It’s important to mention a word of caution about safety measures required during the entire woodworking process. As younger kids might be curious to learn – and it is an enormously beneficial hobby to become involved in – it’s important to know there are some dangers involved. Those inexperienced with tools, especially power tools, should be cautious and/or supervised at all times. An overview of standard safety protocols, along with tool-specific tips, can help you set some measures in place for peace of mind.

Relatively easy to learn

Depending on your area, you may find there are some woodwork courses: teaching basic skills to get you started. However, there are a plethora of online courses and resources that you can make your way through in your own time. If you don’t know where to begin, the folks at Workshopedia have an entire DIY section dedicated to woodwork. Taking a look around this nest of resources will better position your action plan, preparing you to start your adventure.

Working through beginner’s tutorials are critical if you’re unfamiliar with this craft, but these are not only helpful to watch prior to starting your first project. Once you’re braving some bigger projects or any time you feel somewhat out of your depth, online resources can be fantastic for upskilling – driving your curiosity to learn more!

Budget-friendly

Starting a new hobby is always exciting, but there are some barriers that could stand in your way. For many people, the cost is a major factor involved in selecting a new hobby. Luckily for you, after the initial start-up costs of essential tools that will stay with you throughout your journey, woodwork can be quite inexpensive.

Measuring tools, drills, saws, and a sander are some of the staple pieces of equipment to have, but you can visit your local hardware store to find which tools suit your budget and to compare prices.

If you’d like to optimise the efficiency and quality of your woodwork, power tools could be the way forward for you. Alternatively, there is a wide selection of hand tools on the market that could offer you authentic contact with your wooden pieces as they come to life. Keep in mind, anyhow, that it is possible to gradually add tools to your woodworking set, buying new tools as needed over time. This is a great way not to overwhelm yourself (or your bank account) as you feel out the process!

Useful

From big projects, like walk-in cupboards or intricate shelving, to smaller projects, like making chopping boards or shoe racks, all products that you craft with your newfound skills will be useful to you. Think about any pieces in the past you’ve dreamed about buying. With some time and love vested in your skills, they could be yours!

Your friends or family are also likely to have excellent ideas of wooden furniture or statement pieces they’ve desired – and one of these might just be the perfect first project for you. Who knows? Ask around to see if there’s a wish to be fulfilled!

Rewarding

Over the decades of modernisation, trades of handy work are less commonplace. Though these valuable skills may not have been passed down through the generation, it’s never too late to learn!

The art of building and creating handmade products may not be lost on you, and woodwork could be the medium through which you find your connection to relaxation and creativity. It is immensely rewarding to watch pieces produced in real-time, in addition to mastering this primitive skillful trade.

The ultimate question remains, are you curious enough to try your hand at woodwork? As you might be able to tell from this brief introduction to woodwork, there is extraordinary skill-building, passion, and learning awaits you. All it takes is curiosity to say yes.

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