How to Learn Carpentry?

[MWM1220]

Hello!

I am a young married mustachian who knows almost nothing about building things, but would like to learn. Where is the best place to start?

[Greg]

It's best to learn by helping someone with more experience.  Ask around to your friends to see if you can help with any projects they have. 

You can also read books, there are a few good ones from Taunton Press:
http://www.taunton.com/thetauntonpress/about_us.asp

There's tons of videos on youtube also.

But, don't be afraid to just try stuff.  Keep your fingers on and otherwise be safe, and learn by doing.

[zataks]

Consider something you want then go build it.  It will probably suck.  But that's ok and you should be proud as hell that you did it because the first project is a gateway drug.  Next thing you know you'll be buying sweet-ass tools and telling you SO, "I got this."

Seriously though, a can-do attitude and a handful of cheap tools and you can do quite a few carpentry tasks.  Admittedly, my carpentry skills are pretty poor but I want them to get better so I built all the [custom] shelving in our closet.  I ripped out all plastic and particle board that was in there, bought some friggin sweet pine planks, and cut to desired size and mounted.  Now I've got a 9' closet dowel @ 50" high with a 9'X2' shelf just above it and 18" above that I've got a 9'x1.5' shelf.  Additionally, there is a 30" dowel that is just over 6' high for the SO's long-clothes.  And at almost 200lbs, I'm pretty sure I could lay down on either of the shelves and be well supported.
She's happy with the closet and I'm learning about carpentry; win-win. 
Anybody with real carpentry skills would probably look down on my work and shoddy or novice but I am ok with the finished product and it impresses my friends.  And GF gets to brag about her custom closet. =)  (Although, I don't think she does because things like that don't really matter to her.)

[CDP45]

Buy cheap wood first or use scrap while you're learning. Get a dewalt DW715 and DW745 and you basically have the tools to build an entire house. Miter saw is probably the most useful in the beginning though.

[zataks]

Buy cheap wood first or use scrap while you're learning. Get a dewalt DW715 and DW745 and you basically have the tools to build an entire house. Miter saw is probably the most useful in the beginning though.

Gosh, maybe I'll get something like one of these.  I've been using a circular saw with really makeshift support systems (steps, ladders, feet) and have been thinking about getting/making saw horses.  A miter or table saw would really make this stuff easier/more convenient and straighten up all of my cuts.

[Spork]

This sounds odd... but most of what I learned about how stuff is built I learned by tearing stuff apart.  I had a house that I spent a bit of time tweaking/remodeling over many years.  I would carefully tear into it... see how it was done... and try to understand why.

You'll also tear into things... and see that ... "Hey... this isn't done like everything else!" ... and realize that some homeboy previous owner did it wrong.

There are a couple of assumptions (and not good ones) here:
* it was done right in the first place
* code hasn't changed

... so there is more than just look and mimic.  You need to look and think "Hey, that's easy and kind of smart the way they did that!"

[CabinetGuy]

Agree with the Taunton Press books.  I'm a cabinetmaker, and I've learned a ton and applied a ton from these books,

[Hackstache]

Look for local classes on woodworking projects through an adult learning or a local hackerspace, if you have one. Those are inexpensive ways to get your foot in the woodworking door.

[Gone Fishing]

If you need tools Harbor Freight China made tools are usually okay (be sure to use 20% off coupon when item is on sale).  My rule is buy China made first and if I wear it out, I can get a better quality tool.  The exception to this rule is if you will be doing work that requires very precise cuts, cabinetry, furniture, etc.  It's been my experience that the China made saws are hard to square up.  Although they are fine for outdoor work, framing, utility shelves, etc.

[AlanStache]

Harbor Freight has painfully low prices and always 20% off coupons, but be careful the quality of what you get and what you will use it for. 

Unless there is something specific I would suggest getting a Miter saw before a circular saw.  I made this mistake.

many of the the big box stores rent tools if you need something odd for a weekend.

EDIT: do check CL first, bit of leg work might get you good deals, as always know what you are looking at when buying off CL.

[Thegoblinchief]

Patience.

+1 to the miter saw recommendation. I had one on loan for six months and desperately miss it.

Table saws are also really handy for certain projects. Still need one of those.

Having precise tools really helped me up my game.

[Icecreamarsenal]

The Home Depot near where I work has 'clinics'; try getting a big orange book as well.

[Kman0010]

If you are interested in historic or early 20th century carpentry guides, I would recommend buying the 4 volume set of Audel's Carpenters and Builders Guide. You can find these relatively cheaply on Ebay or Amazon. These were c1920s guides for those starting out in the trades and covers the basics of carpentry and construction. I have this set and their masons guide and I use them frequently. They can be dated but much of the traditional information is valuable.

[greaper007]

Harbor Freight has painfully low prices and always 20% off coupons, but be careful the quality of what you get and what you will use it for. 

Unless there is something specific I would suggest getting a Miter saw before a circular saw.  I made this mistake.

many of the the big box stores rent tools if you need something odd for a weekend.

EDIT: do check CL first, bit of leg work might get you good deals, as always know what you are looking at when buying off CL.

[apologies in advance for my atrocious grammar, my shift key isn't currently working so everything is lowercase]
i have to respectfully disagree.   for about 10 years, my 39 dollar circular saw paired with a long straight edge made excellent rip cuts, when i paired it with a framing square it made fast cross-cuts.    miter saws shine for things like crown molding installs that have strange angles, you'll find many pros using a circular saw all day long though.  i know, i worked my way through college on construction sites. 

i have both a table saw and a 12 in sliding miter saw, and they do make things easier.   but they're fairly superfluous for what you'll be doing at the beginning of this hobby.   stick with a small collection of mid grade tools, and try to focus on hand tools.   a good hammer, multi-bit ratcheting screw driver, tape measure, chisels etc are way more important than an expensive power tool.    i'd suggest only buying a circular saw and corded drill at the beginning.   i still don't have a cordless drill.   98 percent of the time that i'm working on something with a drill it's within 20 ft of an outlet.    a 40 dollar corded drill is also as powerful as a 120 dollar or more cordless drill, and the batteries never run out.

[CDP45]

Makita or nothing! An issue with carpentry is it takes a ton of time, especially when your learning in the beginning.

[AlanStache]

i have both a table saw and a 12 in sliding miter saw, and they do make things easier.   but they're fairly superfluous for what you'll be doing at the beginning of this hobby.   stick with a small collection of mid grade tools, and try to focus on hand tools.   a good hammer, multi-bit ratcheting screw driver, tape measure, chisels etc are way more important than an expensive power tool.    i'd suggest only buying a circular saw and corded drill at the beginning.   i still don't have a cordless drill.   98 percent of the time that i'm working on something with a drill it's within 20 ft of an outlet.    a 40 dollar corded drill is also as powerful as a 120 dollar or more cordless drill, and the batteries never run out.

100% agree, except about the miter vs circular, might come down to if one is specifically needed first.  I should have been more clear that there are many hand tools to be acquired first.  My older lower end cordless drill is never used as it does not hold a charge between uses so if I wanted to use it I would have to stop and charge it first for a few hours; so I end up using a corded drill.  wrt drills look at hammering ones, if you are ever going to drill into concrete/brick you will needed it, eats it up like butter where normal drills just sort of scratch the surface without really penetrating.

[NCGal]

Woodcraft also has free demos and classes:
http://www.woodcraft.com/Resources/Education.aspx

[The Architect]

i have both a table saw and a 12 in sliding miter saw, and they do make things easier.   but they're fairly superfluous for what you'll be doing at the beginning of this hobby.

100% agree, except about the miter vs circular, might come down to if one is specifically needed first.

Woodgears has a good article on where to start, what to buy, and why. A miter saw needs to be more expensive to be square and true, but you don't need one to be super accurate if you're cutting studs all day. If you're cutting sheet goods, a miter saw is worthless and a circular saw (or table saw) is best. A circular saw can cut studs though, so I'd go with it as a better starting tool.

Probably the best starting projects are worktables and sawhorses - you need worksurfaces, and you'll probably need a miter station (whether you have an actual miter saw or you're just using a jig for your circular saw). Building those will get you some experience on things that can go poorly and don't need to look great, since you're the client and they're for your work process and not show.

I very much agree about the corded vs. cordless - unless you're building houses on sites with no electricity, you should have an outlet somewhere. Corded tools are much cheaper for the power they deliver and don't require new $40 batteries every few months/years.

If you have literally *no* experience, definitely find someone who does and have them help you learn at first. A miter saw is less likely to kill you than a circular saw - it won't jump out of your hands - but it can still rip off your hand. Even hand tools can do significant damage if you're learning - I know I've had my share of nicks, bruises, and cuts over the years and I've seen plenty of people get injured working with various tools.

[MWM1220]

This is awesome! My husband actually works for in digital marketing for a major hardware/home building store, which is ironic since we don't know much about anything! Thank you for the helpful places to go first and the recommendations on the best "first" tools. There are SO many things it's hard to identify what might be needed first.

We are going to try and tackle a project from the Home Depot tutorials and just go from there!

[ChillPhill]

I'm going through the same thing! I have to respectfully disagree with all these posters, though. I'm finding the best thing was to enroll in my local community college's construction program, which starts with carpentry safety, basic tool use and goes on from there. It's basically a "shop" class for adults. The reason I like it is I get a lot of practice, and practice makes perfect!

[Gilead1986]

I took woodworking in high school, and built my own furniture after that.  Ive found that missioning is a good way to get carpentry and building skills experience if you cant go full monty into a college course.  Ive learned a lot, and helping people and learning other trades while at is like plumbing and wiring along the way is just an added bonus. 

[NinetyFour]

Following this thread.

[alpharomeo]

I've actually learned a variety of skills by volunteering for habitat to humanity.  It gets you some experience doing different things while also serving the community. 

[scottydog]

Following this thread.

+1

This thread is a gem!  I've been meaning to post a similar question because my woodworking projects have a very clear 'homemade' look to them.  That's great for the outdoor picnic table, but I'm hoping to refine my technique for interior projects.  Thanks for sharing all the great advice!

[Less]

Finishing steps, and working very methodically are two keys to getting things to look good.  'knocking something together'  v really building something differs mostly by time put in.  Start on projects with no urgency so that you can back track, re think, test out, re do and most importantly plan. 

[Goldielocks]

Projects I recommend for starting with:


1) 2x4 saw horses
2) birdhouse
3) repair a fence panel
4) workbench  (very handy! get that circular saw mounted!)
5) basement or garage storage shelving (ugly but strong)
6) Patio furniture (from 2x4's) - old school style.  Try a picnic bench or chair.

Most of these smaller projects just need a mitre box and hand saw. 
With your circular saw, you should be set.
A drill / screw driver is really nice from the get-go, though.

Look up these projects on the internet, with a heavy emphasis on 2x4 and very basic wood stock as raw materials. 

[AlanStache]

Projects I recommend for starting with:


1) 2x4 saw horses
2) birdhouse
3) repair a fence panel
4) workbench  (very handy! get that circular saw mounted!)
5) basement or garage storage shelving (ugly but strong)
6) Patio furniture (from 2x4's) - old school style.  Try a picnic bench or chair.

Most of these smaller projects just need a mitre box and hand saw. 
With your circular saw, you should be set.
A drill / screw driver is really nice from the get-go, though.

Look up these projects on the internet, with a heavy emphasis on 2x4 and very basic wood stock as raw materials.

Your list is missing one key project.

[greaper007]

Try following some plans for better looking projects.   Ana-white.com has tons of projects that you can make out of pine and pocket screws.    That's another thing to add to the list, the Kreg Pocket Screw jig might be one of the greatest inventions ever for diy projects.    They're almost as strong as traditional joinery methods, but about 50 times easier to use than say mortise and tenon joinery.

[CabinetGuy]

Try following some plans for better looking projects.   Ana-white.com has tons of projects that you can make out of pine and pocket screws.    That's another thing to add to the list, the Kreg Pocket Screw jig might be one of the greatest inventions ever for diy projects.    They're almost as strong as traditional joinery methods, but about 50 times easier to use than say mortise and tenon joinery.

Pockets screws aren't just for the DIY crowd.  Pros (like myself) use them every day.  Strong and fast.
Really a superb addition for a starter kit.

Jon

[greaper007]

Try following some plans for better looking projects.   Ana-white.com has tons of projects that you can make out of pine and pocket screws.    That's another thing to add to the list, the Kreg Pocket Screw jig might be one of the greatest inventions ever for diy projects.    They're almost as strong as traditional joinery methods, but about 50 times easier to use than say mortise and tenon joinery.

Pockets screws aren't just for the DIY crowd.  Pros (like myself) use them every day.  Strong and fast.
Really a superb addition for a starter kit.

Jon

Absolutely, the furniture industry has used them for decades, but they were hard to setup before jigs like the kreg came out.   I use them in 99% of the things I build, they're way easier to use than just about another joinery technique, and as you said strong also.

[Can't Wait]

Things can be done with just a circular saw, but using a miter saw is the only way I've ever been able to get truly square cuts (important when building furniture items). A nice DeWalt 12 inch sliding miter saw is expensive if you buy it brand new, but you can always find them on craigslist or pawn shops for cheap. I got a $500 DeWalt miter saw from a pawn shop for $250 and a whole set of Milwaukee cordless drills/drivers, multi tool and numerous batteries for $120. None of these tools are absolutely needed, but if you can find great deals on them, then go ahead and get them. They make life easier!

[fiftyincher]

Table saws are nice, no doubt. But if you're just starting out, a circular saw and straight edge clamping tool will be much cheaper. And it's harder to cut your fingers off!

Kreg jigs (pocket screws) are really nice for joinery.

A tech school class would be a great start if you don't know anyone that can help you out. Safety first, always.

If there's things around your house or apt that you want done, use the internet to figure out how. Ask here or join some woodworkering forums. Most things aren't very complicated if you're decent with math. Measure twice, cut once. Draw it out on paper first.

[FLBiker]

I'm going through the same thing! I have to respectfully disagree with all these posters, though. I'm finding the best thing was to enroll in my local community college's construction program, which starts with carpentry safety, basic tool use and goes on from there. It's basically a "shop" class for adults. The reason I like it is I get a lot of practice, and practice makes perfect!

I did a watered down version of this -- a local technical school has a "home improvement" class.  3 hours, twice a week for two months.  It was very hands on, and covered the basics of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, drywall, etc.  It was a great start and cost $225.  I've also done some work with my father in law, but that class made me much more comfortable trying things.

[greaper007]

Things can be done with just a circular saw, but using a miter saw is the only way I've ever been able to get truly square cuts (important when building furniture items). A nice DeWalt 12 inch sliding miter saw is expensive if you buy it brand new, but you can always find them on craigslist or pawn shops for cheap. I got a $500 DeWalt miter saw from a pawn shop for $250 and a whole set of Milwaukee cordless drills/drivers, multi tool and numerous batteries for $120. None of these tools are absolutely needed, but if you can find great deals on them, then go ahead and get them. They make life easier!

I have to disagree.   I used saw horses, a circular saw and a speed square to make cross-cuts for years.   I've made lots of furniture with this method.   The only time it was hard to get square cuts with this method was when I was using wood thicker than 2x_.    I eventually bought a 12 inch sliding miter saw when I needed to cut a lot of 4x4 material for a project, but half the time I still just use a circular saw.

If you really want to get nice cuts and joinery I'd suggest eschewing power tools entirely and buying a nice collection of hand tools.    You could buy a very fine collection of mid-range saws and chisels for the price of a single miter saw.   You're much less likely to make mistakes or injure yourself with these tools and the slow methodical, approach gets you much more in touch with the wood and project.

[Can't Wait]

Things can be done with just a circular saw, but using a miter saw is the only way I've ever been able to get truly square cuts (important when building furniture items). A nice DeWalt 12 inch sliding miter saw is expensive if you buy it brand new, but you can always find them on craigslist or pawn shops for cheap. I got a $500 DeWalt miter saw from a pawn shop for $250 and a whole set of Milwaukee cordless drills/drivers, multi tool and numerous batteries for $120. None of these tools are absolutely needed, but if you can find great deals on them, then go ahead and get them. They make life easier!

I have to disagree.   I used saw horses, a circular saw and a speed square to make cross-cuts for years.   I've made lots of furniture with this method.   The only time it was hard to get square cuts with this method was when I was using wood thicker than 2x_.    I eventually bought a 12 inch sliding miter saw when I needed to cut a lot of 4x4 material for a project, but half the time I still just use a circular saw.

If you really want to get nice cuts and joinery I'd suggest eschewing power tools entirely and buying a nice collection of hand tools.    You could buy a very fine collection of mid-range saws and chisels for the price of a single miter saw.   You're much less likely to make mistakes or injure yourself with these tools and the slow methodical, approach gets you much more in touch with the wood and project.

Good points. More than one way to skin a cat, I suppose.

[d3minimis]

People have probably already said this, but start by building storage shelves for a basement with 2x4s and OSB. Cheap and easy to learn.

[GrowingMyStache]

I learned almost everything I know by watching A LOT of videos.  I watched the New Yankee Workshop for years and then of course there are tons of great videos on youtube.  One of my favorite channels is The Wood Whisperer.  Like others have said, start with projects that don't require everything to be perfect.  Practice, practice, practice makes perfect.  Just built this Big Green Egg tables using a lot of the skills I've learned over the last few years.

[FLBiker]

I learned almost everything I know by watching A LOT of videos.  I watched the New Yankee Workshop for years and then of course there are tons of great videos on youtube.  One of my favorite channels is The Wood Whisperer.  Like others have said, start with projects that don't require everything to be perfect.  Practice, practice, practice makes perfect.  Just built this Big Green Egg tables using a lot of the skills I've learned over the last few years.

Beautiful!  Thanks for sharing that.

[birdman2003]

Do you want to build new houses?  Renovate old houses?  Build furniture?  If you want to build houses, start at the community/tech college.  Furniture pieces like coffee tables, TV stands, and bookshelves can be self-taught.

My first project (age 9) was a napkin holder.  I attended a woodworking class put on for 4-H clubs in my area where they provided the materials and tools for a small fee.  It was two half circles (cut with a coping saw) nailed together with a spacer block in the middle.  But it taught me about using hand tools, sanding and finishing.  Steve Ramsey (Woodworking for Mere Mortals) on YouTube has lots of good beginner videos for fun project ideas.

High school shop class taught me how to use power tools, generate a BOM (Bill Of Materials - how many boards and pieces of plywood you need to build a project) and it also got me started with sketching my project ideas on graph paper (google 2D orthographic projection).  Nowadays you could watch videos on YouTube which teach you how to use free software programs like SketchUp to draw your ideas.

Recommended Tool List:

- 12" combo square (for accurate marking of cut lines across 2x4's and such)
- 36' tape measure
- Kreg Pockethole Jig
- Bar clamps (various sizes) to hold your two pieces of wood together while gluing or screwing
- Drill (to drill holes and install screws) with drill bit set (high speed steel is okay to start with, cobalt coated bits are better but more $$)
- 10" miter saw (to cut 2x4's and other not-so-wide pieces of wood)
- 7 1/4" Skil saw (to cut plywood and other wide pieces of wood)

First project I would make is a simple work table (table top 2 feet wide by 4 feet long) so that you can have a nice flat surface to assemble and glue and cut your projects.

Message me if you want other ideas.  I love woodworking.  Here is a picture of a Cedar King sized bed I made last summer:

[McChee]

Go check out The Wood Whisperer.  That's my favorite woodworking site. 

[J Boogie]

Watch every video by Frank Howarth on youtube.

It won't be difficult.  It will be more difficult to peel yourself away from the computer.

It's that entertaining and you will learn tons without even trying.  He's incredible.