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17 Things To Accelerate Your Learning Curve

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42K views 53 replies 34 participants last post by  WoodCritter  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
#17 ·
I have decided to spare you any "I" related comments. It too me awhile to get it done myself Took a really cold winter to convince me I HAD to do it.

Thanks all for the nice comments. I like to post this for newbies from time to time, but I always warn you that you've maybe read it before. I keep polishing it up, so its in pretty tight shape now. I do a lot of writing, was a jourrnalist for a decade and can't help myself when the keyboarrd sings its sweet song.

Tom
 
#9 ·
Lots of good information Tom. I whole heartedly agree that gathering as much information as possible leads to easier projects with better results. There is no substitute for practice on a project. I build a prototype from pine before working with more expensive wood. This shows you any unexpected problems with the design or methods you use. Better to screw up on inexpensive materials!
 
#22 ·
That's how I feel. I did find a book (used on Amazon of course) with all kinds of country projects in pine. Of course, some pine is better than others, Douglas Fir seems pretty good.

I've held off on really fine furniture projects because I just don't think I'm skilled enough to do it without screwing up hundreds of bucks worth of hardwood yet. But making it in pine first is a good idea.

I sure appreciate all the help you've given over the years!
 
#26 ·
Thanks Bob,

I was a newspaper man for a decade and do tend to write pretty comprehensive pieces. Just seems to me that it takes a bit to respond fully to some of the questions that come up. Fun to think of that folder name, the idea came to me one day when I looked in a mirror and thought that's how I look much of the time out here on the Mojave. Tom
 
#23 ·
Thanks for the feedback. I don't know about quoting me. i try to stay out of domestic incidents, although one day my wife looked in my shop and asked when i was going to start making money with all the stuff. I replied, "about the same time you start making money from all your quilting stuff." I figured it out once, I have just recently spent as much on tools as she has on quilting. Ever price a Babylock quilting machine? More than my table saw, jointer, planer and sliding miter combined!
 
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#19 ·
Great write up Tom. When I read the reference to The Joint Book i did a little research on the Internet and Amazon seems to be the cheapest source. But I also found this reference to a very old book that's been reproduced on line: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21531/21531-h/21531-h.htm I'm easily distracted. Anyway, I'm thinking about a project that will use some basic mortise and tenon joinery so I clicked in the index on " The Mortise and Tenon Joint". After scrolling through several pages my eyes glazed over. I never imagined that there could be so many different types, and uses, of mortise and tenon joinery. I'll never again use the phrase "simple" when discussing a joint. What could be simpler than a half lap, right? Wrong! Dozens of variations on that one too.

So much to learn, so little time.
 
#27 ·
I know exactly how you feel. I'm 72, died and was revived on an airplane 18 months ago and a mild heart attack early this year. Feeling pretty energetic still (thanks to a stent), but it is clear that I will never master woodworking in whatever time I have left.

That joint book really inspires me, but I have learned only to look at what I want to make in it for the same reason, glazing over from too much information.

One project I've been thinking about is making a couple of sets worth of theater flats for the local playhouse, and it is all about lap joints. When I was a kid, we made these with 1/4 ply triangles on the corners and rails, but you couldn't fold them back on themselves that way when you hinged two flats together. With lap joints, you can. Not much room backstage for flats. Mine will have doors and windows, which will mean a bit more complex joinery for those pieces.

Tom
 
T
#29 ·
New to wood working, but trying to learn

I want to say to Tom, hope you are not offended by calling you Tom, as most the male cats I know are named Tom.

I would like to tell you Sir, these 17 or so tips, will prove very valuable to any person who is just starting out as I am. Now when your age diminishes your abilities such as sight and muscle movements we must find new and easier ways to get the job done. We need all the help we can get to learn as quickly as we can. Life and time does not stand still for any man. I am going to steal this information and add it to my new Woodworking File. And I want to say Thank You.
 
#32 ·
Tagwatts1 said:
I want to say to Tom, hope you are not offended by calling you Tom, as most the male cats I know are named Tom.

I would like to tell you Sir, these 17 or so tips, will prove very valuable to any person who is just starting out as I am. Now when your age diminishes your abilities such as sight and muscle movements we must find new and easier ways to get the job done. We need all the help we can get to learn as quickly as we can. Life and time does not stand still for any man. I am going to steal this information and add it to my new Woodworking File. And I want to say Thank You.
Click to expand...
It is really wonderful to have the patience to work slowly and purposely instead of rushing at it as I did when much younger. You are right about getting older. Work smart, not hard has deep meaning these days. Glad this piece encouraged you.

Interestingly, my consulting work is mostly for newbies to the profession. They're the ones who most need a hand up.
 
#36 ·
Great article, Tom...loved reading it...easy read all the way to the end.

Thanks for sharing...

BTW...I like The Joint Book also...great quick reading, lots of pictures, easy explanations, etc...
 
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#37 ·
Beginners Need Help

Tom, This is the second time I have written. We and I say we, thinking that I am not the only beginner here, This information pays in many ways. 1st. is Safety, 2nd. If the the wheel is made and rolling, don't throw stones at the spokes. Many times of late, I have gone to the net for help. I find the forum one of the very places to look
Thanks Again, Tagwatts1
 
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#42 ·
Alex161 said:
Excellent write up Tom. Many of the things you have said, I have done, but still learning as I've only been at it for a couple of years and I'm 74 now. Boxes ofBadger Woodcrafters Thanks for the help.

Alex UK
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Malcolm, I looked at your web site and I am very impressed with your band saw boxes. The variety of woods you use along with the unique designs are truly things of beauty.

I, too, am retired and a woodworking hobbyist, and I have begun looking into selling some of my work to support the hobby. Woodworking is not inexpensive. If I can earn enough to pay for the wood and buy a new tool every once in a while i'd be a happy camper.

I'm into cutting boards and went to a couple of craft fairs last weekend to see what's being shown in my area and how it's priced. The three predominant items I found were cutting boards, band saw boxes and turned bowls. I'm not a turner but was fascinated by the band saw boxes. A few of the boxes were similar to yours but nowhere near your variety and design. I purchased a band saw, a Grizzly 14", a couple of years ago and I watched the Alex Snodgrass video several times. I then made my first band saw box. It wasn't bad for a first attempt but I struggle trying to follow the line. After that i moved on to other things, mostly for my 8 grandkids, but told my wife that, someday, i'd make more band saw boxes.

I've traded some posts with Henry (Router Forums - View Profile: rrrun) and he's been kind enough to share his experience selling cutting boards. One thing I learned from him is that you need a wide variety of whatever you're selling since everyone has different tastes. Although I doubt that i'd be able to match your boxes for quality and design, you have inspired me to get back to the band saw and practice. Out of curiosity, what blade do you usually use to make your boxes?
 
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#39 ·
Thank you for the very well written article. I am printing it out to keep handy in the shop. I am far too guilty of not using my masks and air cleaner for 'just a small job'. Perhaps having these posted near my tools will be enough to keep me on track out there. I retired a few months back and am spending a lot more time there these days.
 
#40 ·
Excellent article. As a newbie (to wood working - but a degreed machinist) I found the entire article beneficial and on point. Thanks for taking the time to write an article to help make our craft/hobby better and safer.
 
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