[Seenya]

Do a good amount of research into what tools you'll need versus what tools you think you need. Many shop shelves are loaded with tools used once and never again.

 

[cavalier19]

Triton Giveaway

Woodworking is a fascinating hobby & having said that, before you leap in- READ. The internet is a treasure trove of information & read up to understand, what you plan to do and its pitfalls. The knowledge and experience gained by our colleagues is easily available for us to gainfully use and better our skills. Tools are to be respected and safety always kept topmost. Patience is a virtue badly needed in this hobby. Nothing comes easy, perseverance and hard work form the bedrock of this fascinating hobby.

 

[adot45]

I am going to push for dust collection, which may be overlooked by many. It is very important, especially if you want to be able to do woodworking long term. The finer the dust, the more important it becomes.

 

[woodworker47]

Work in a well lit shop and keep dust at a minimum.

Frank

 

[tmyers]

First and foremost, be safe. Avail your self of help from forums such as this one and the many how to videos that are out there. Become a student of your woodworking adventure and stay in learner mode.

Lastly have fun and enjoy what you have created.

that's all I have to say about that!!!

 

[Web Shepherd]

A good start would be to read Bill Hylton's "Woodworking with the Router".

Happy Routering

Bob

 

[Wood Chip]

Don't procrastinate.
Make something even if it's not perfect.
Learn from your mistakes and enjoy the process!
After all, wood DOES grow on trees.

 

[joericky]

Safety

Safety First. Eyes, Ears, Hand, and Dust.
Take care of these items first and the router will do the job.

 

[MorrisonCharles]

New woodworkers should develop the habit of "Giving it TRY". When you see something of interest, try to do it yourself. We learn to do better work by doing the work again and again. We are not wasting time and materials but rather are investing that time and material to learn and prefect the skill and technique necessary to accomplish the fulfillment of our desires. Always try to do the more difficult of two different methods so your skills are allways improving.

 

[harrysin]

Whilst not entering this promotion, I reckon that it is a great idea and joining forces with Triton is an even greater idea. Since fitting a TRA001 under my table quite some years ago I haven't regretted it for a moment.

 

[DocHomer]

Plan for dust collection and person breathing protection from the start, even if it is initially as simple as a shopvac and cheap dust mask.

 

[richjh]

Purchase the highest quality tools and components you can afford on your budget for the tools you use most often. This is especially true of routers and bits. If you can only have one router, get one that can be used fixed or plunge.

There is nothing more frustrating than having a cheap tool fail in the middle of a project. I do purchase cheaper tools that I only need occasionally but I always have an alternative way to do something in case that tool fails.

 

[chuckgray]

Don't be afraid to try new techniques. If you have doubts, practice first on something such as pine. Its's cheap and you won't kick yourself as hard when you mess it up, which you will inevitably do. But in the interest of safety, if you have reservations about something you are about to do and you don't feel safe doing it, trust your gut and don't do it. Get advice before you go any further. This forum is a great place to find it. One thing a new member will quickly notice is that safety is a central theme in the discussions. Ignore the advice of the experts at your own peril!

 

[TenGees]

Good quality blades and bits are just as important as a good quality tool. Don't skimp on them. Cheap ones can make the best tool perform poorly.

 

[BTimmer]

Start with small projects and increase their complexity as you build your skill level.

 

[alaskagypsy]

DON'T folllow the usual instructions: "If all else fails, read the instructions." Instead please read the instructions/manual first - you will save time, money and body parts.

 

[aganser]

When beginning a new project, I would suggest making and constructing with test pieces before using quality wood so as to assure yourself of measurements, fit and design completeness. I find that there are always issues not considered in depth on the first go around.

 

[AndyL]

Always wear eye protection. Put your breathing and hearing protection on when needed, but wear your safety specs all the time. That way you won't forget to put them on before starting up a power tool. Forgetting them just once might be all it takes.

If you find yourself thinking "this seems like it could go wrong" then stop. It probably will go wrong.

Don't allow anyone to distract you when using power tools. If someone comes to speak to you, don't respond until the tool is turned off and the blade/cutter has stopped spinning.

Watch the good wood-working TV shows, and read the good forums (this one is the best, of course). You'll see so many diverse ways of approaching any given problem. Take Youtube videos and blogs with a pinch of salt though. Youtube is not always a reliable guide to safe working practices.

Use Google images search for design inspiration.

Don't be afraid of using hand tools. They might take a little more practice to master than power tools, but probably not as much as you think, and sometimes they really are the best way to do a job.

Take photos of your projects and share them on a forum. Your fellow woodworkers will appreciate your work in a way that your non-woodworking family and friends cannot You'll get useful feedback and you might inspire someone else.

 

[scribble79]

Go Slow

Go slow and take your time when designing and building projects. Don't get frustrated or discouraged when things don't line up or work they way you want, it will get better with practice and repetition.

 

[Knot2square]

AT ALL TIMES be aware of others in the shop. Watch out for hazards on the floor, and NEVER get in a hurry.