Beginner Woodworking - Bookshelf Edition

[onecoolcat]

I want a solid wood bookshelf and want to dabble in wood-working.  I could get a nice used shelf for cheaper, because I wouldn't have to buy tools, but I think woodworking can be fun to learn and if its something I really enjoy then perhaps it can become a mustachian hobby.

I was thinking of coping this tutorial done by This Old House:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pdg4xRb9qzg

There were many good tips in that video that I didn't find in other similar tutorials.  For instance, its not necessary to buy a router to add dado's for the inside shelves and I can use a circular saw and chisel to do the rabbets. 

I will need to buy most of the tools, which is the unmustachian part, but lets face it, its mostly essential tools that I can use on other projects.  At least that's how I justify it.  If I decide to do this I'll post some pics.

[lthenderson]

Rather than buy a skilsaw, you could ask to borrow one from a friend. In my small circle of friends, I probably could borrow over a dozen of them for a day or two. That way if you end up not enjoying it, you aren't out the cost of a skilsaw.

I say this because tools are like many things in life and you get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap one, it might work for this project but if you soon get serious about woodworking, you will wish you had a better one. If you get the better one right off the bat, you will have to pay more up front making the cheap DIY bookshelf project not so cheap if it is the only one you do. I have a nice skilsaw and a router (I actually have two routers) in my shop and they are two of my hardest working tools for around the house projects.

[thebattlewalrus]

Some places you can rent them also to get a feel for the tool/brand and see if you like it. I woodwork as my non-mustacian hobby and it can be very expensive and addictive (can be a side hustle also). There are so many things that you can do with various tools it is best to start watching videos, go to the bookstore and look at the wood working magazines for the tips and trick guides and you will learn a lot. Local woodworking stored will many times have cheap beginner classes that can give you a good base. And do not disregard safety!! These tools can tear you up if you don't respect their power.