Welcome to Sawdustmaking 101, it is my hope that this site will help novices better understand the fundamentals of woodworking. It is not necessary to spend a fortune on tools to enjoy this hobby, many projects can be done with a minimum investment. I have included links to two valuable resources, a Glossary with basic definitions of the terms commonly used in woodworking and an online reprint of Carpentry for Boys, a book written for woodworking apprentices in 1914. Frank Campbell |
Getting Started
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With only the tools listed below many projects
can be built and general household repairs made. Starting
out using hand tools will give one a better understanding of the
characteristics of wood before moving on
to power tools.
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Information, safety tips and accessories. |
Information and safety tips on using a radial arm saw. |
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Information and safety tips about band saws and accessories for them. |
Information and safety tips on using a radial arm saw. |
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Information and safety tips about circular saws. |
Information and safety tips about routers and accessories for them. |
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Information about CNC routers. |
Information and safety tips about sanders |
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Information and safety tips about drill presses |
Information and safety tips about scroll saws.
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Information on Dust Collectors, Shop Vacuums and Air Filtration Units. |
Information and safety tips about shapers. |
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Information on corded and cordless drills and accessories. |
Information and safety tips about table saws and accessories for them. |
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Information on corded and cordless jig saws. |
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Information and safety tips on using a thickness planer. |
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Information and safety tips on using a jointer. |
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Information and safety tips on using a wood lathe. |
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Information and safety tips on Miter Saws |
Whether your work area is a dedicated shop or a temporary cleared space in the basement or garage safety has to be the number one concern. A clean shop is a safe shop, spend a few minutes at the end of the day picking up and sweeping the floor. This not only cleans your surroundings, it also clears your mind, the solution to that problem you had earlier may suddenly appear. If you must use an extension cord try to run it overhead and drop it down at the machine so you are not tripping over it. Plan to have a place for everything and everything in it's place. Organize your time so you are doing the complicated parts of the project at the beginning of your work session while your mind is fresh. If you work all day at your job and then spend several hours in your shop you will get "silly tired", this is when mistakes are made and accidents happen. Most importantly enjoy your shop time, often it is the journey, not the destination that gives you the most satisfaction. |
- Plans for a work bench from the early 1900's.
- How accidents happen.
- Handy Reference Charts
- Shop jigs, fixtures and info to aid building your projects.
Building your own workbench is an excellent way to improve your woodworking skills.
Browse through the free workbench and router table plans
at AbsolutelyFreePlans.com
Reprints from 1912 Popular Mechanics Handbooks, includes material list and design drawings, limited instructions. Free plans for book racks, buffets, tables, chairs, piano benches, desks and more. How To's for the Projects, this also is dated information: |
These are dated pages taken from
a book written in the early 1900's, few
power tools are mentioned, but a gold mine
for hand tool use. Bridal
Joints • Dovetail
Joints • Dowel
Joint • Glued Joint
• Half
Lap Joints • Hinged
Joint • Joints for
Curved Work • Mitre
Joints • Mortise
and Tenon Joints • Puzzle
Joints • Scarf Joints
• Shutting
Joint • Tongued
and Grooved Joints • Miscellaneous
Joints A
Woodworkers Bench Notes covers several popular
joints and the power tools to make
them. What is a "2 d" and more. Choices of styles of heads and
slots An edited reprint of a 1919
school shop text book. Kinds of bearings and
understanding the number system of
bearings. How to trim a panel
with breadboard ends. Characteristics Of
Commonly Used Wood How to cut
notches, rectangles and circles out of a
panel Types of dados
and how they are made. How to install a drawer in a
table top apron. How build a basic drawer. The basics of universal
electric motors. Different kinds of finishing
products. Descriptions
of the basic 40 chair styles
throughout history. Characteristics and properties
of common hardwood trees. Two Simple Methods.
Lumber Dimensions and
Terminology Calculating
board feet etc. The basics
of making raised panel doors. Characteristics and properties
of common softwood trees. Common materials used in
building projects. The
use of, and how to make jigs for a
coping saw. How to use handy butt joint
jig. Covers
the advantages and disadvantages of the
various power saws available. What to know
about making a table before you start the
build. Properties of common wood
glues Tips on building a workbench
Adjustable legs for a workbench.
About
Joints 101
How to use and
sharpen a cabinet scraper
Color, Density,
Grain, Machinability, Finishing &
Uses.
What to do when a
compass is impractical.
I have been involved one way or another with woodworking for the last six decades, it began when I was about ten years old, my father built me a jigsaw by modifying an old Briggs and Stratton engine. Looking back I don't believe it cost him anything more than the price of a few welding rods to give me hours of entertainment cutting doodads out of apple box wood. The last three have been limited due to health reasons but I still do small projects when necessary. I was lucky enough to grow up on a farm so I learned from a very young age how to improvise to get a job done. I have owned several businesses over the years ranging from making toys to custom fireplace mantels for luxury home builders. Frank Campbell |
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