Wood Working Equivalent to Hoffman Forum?

[Fresh_Start]

Is there a "place" like this where I can learn about woodworking, choosing tools, etc.?  I've watched hours of YouTube videos already but sometimes it's hard to filter out bad advice.


I'll be building cabs. Also some built in bookcases, a bench and other stuff like that.


At least I know not to listen to the guy with 8-1/2 fingers... 


Chip

[John]

I've usually stumbled onto good forums by googling something. Maybe google "best finger joint technique" or something like that?


"how to make drawers that actually work" would be a good one for me. 

[p2pAmps]

http://forums.finewoodworking.com/

[G._Hoffman]

The Wood Whisperer's videos and forums are good.

Gabriel

[Fresh_Start]

Thanks Gabriel!

[Fresh_Start]

The Wood Whisperer's videos and forums are good.

Gabriel

Here's a very educational shop safety video from the Wood Whisperer:
http://youtu.be/1q0cawkNkKE


Another table saw safety one:
http://youtu.be/0WhnZS1p5Qg


Yes, I'm afraid of my table saw!


Chip

[p2pAmps]

Yes Chip, buying a Sawstop may just save some fingers.  I own one and I can tell you it's a great saw aside the obvious safety features. 

[G._Hoffman]

Yes, I'm afraid of my table saw!


Chip

That's a very healthy attitude.  It makes sure you don't take anything for granted, and pay attention to every cut.

And while a Saw Stop can make cuts safer, there are still failure modes which can cause serious injury.  It provides no additional protection, for instance, against kickback.  Though, using the riving knife helps, but it gets in the way sometimes.


Gabriel

[Willabe]

+ 1 on what Gabriel just said.

[jjasilli]

As stated above if you google woodworking or diy woodworking, you'll hit a number of sites and forums.  Lot's of great info.


For a couple of years I subscribed to some hardcopy woodworking magazines:  ShopNotes, which is now subsumed by Woodsmith Magazine & others.  The articles, tips and projects, homemade jigs, assembly techniques were extremely informative.  Some of these articles are free on the web.  Entire, searchable dvd or web-based sets of articles are searchable available at reasonable cost. 


Another great source of info is vintage tool manuals, available free on line.  I've downloaded vintage Craftsman manuals for table saws, routers, jointer/planers, etc.  Lots of useful tips and safety pointers.



Power tools are very dangerous, and can do their damage in a fraction of a second, well before any person can react in defense.  Lots of safety footage on youtube for all types of tools.  Fear itself should be overcome, as it may cloud judgment.  Healthy respect and prudence are called for.


Some general safety concepts
Though seemingly obvious, always keep your hands & fingers well away -- at least 6" -- from blades or bits.  Clamp workpieces to a solid bench so you don't have to hold them.  For a stationary tool, like a table saw, use a fence or miter gauge, and push sticks, maybe a featherboard to guide small workpieces to keep your hands away from the blade or bit.


Maintain good footing and balance.  Never stand so that you can fall onto the blade or bit.


Table saws and drill presses, etc., can spin or throw things with unbelievable speed and force, faster than a person can react.  (This includes arbor chucks accidentally left in a drill or lathe.) 

[G._Hoffman]

One thing that has really bothered me, of late - some of the Maker crowd have developed this idea that the only way to learn something is to do it yourself.  Fair enough, but somethings are impossible to learn on your own - somethings, you only learn by being shown by someone more knowledgeable than yourself.  You should NEVER try to use a power tool for the first time unless you have been shown how to use it by someone experienced - at least the basics. 

You can't learn from your mistakes if you loose your hand in the process.


Gabriel

[p2pAmps]

One thing that has really bothered me, of late - some of the Maker crowd have developed this idea that the only way to learn something is to do it yourself.  Fair enough, but somethings are impossible to learn on your own - somethings, you only learn by being shown by someone more knowledgeable than yourself.  You should NEVER try to use a power tool for the first time unless you have been shown how to use it by someone experienced - at least the basics. 

You can't learn from your mistakes if you loose your hand in the process.


Gabriel

I fully agree on the point of getting good instruction when it comes to power tools such as table saws etc.  A table saw for example seems simple enough but there are solid rules you cannot break and safety matters that must be followed.  Some woodworkings tools are VERY unforgiving and things happen fast...

My 2 Cents

[Fresh_Start]

Thanks very much for the words of wisdom and experience. Fortunately I have a friend who is an experienced furniture maker and has an incredible home wood shop.

Chip

[Mike_J]

I'll be building cabs. Also some built in bookcases, a bench and other stuff like that. 

A few years ago I owned a table saw and a Porter Cable Omni-jig which is a tool to cut finger joints.  Having a good tool for cutting finger joints is valuable if you want to make a lot of cabinets.  Takes a little time to set the jig properly but once you do you can make cut after cut with precision.  Cut the wood to the proper dimensions on the table saw, cut the finger joints with a small router and glue the cabinet together with clamps. Basic cabinet is finished.  Just add back and baffleboard as well as wood on cabinet to attach same and add depth to your cabinet.

Now I buy my baltic birch from a supply store that cuts it to the dimensions I specify.  I use a biscuit joiner and cleats in the corners.  It makes a very strong cabinet but is not as quick to build as the finger joint method was.

What you have been told about how fast wood can get away from you is very true.  Power tools can be very dangerous.  Learn how to use fences with your power tools.  Fences can protect you from serious injury.  Also, do not stand directly behind the wood you are cutting on a table saw if it can be avoided.  If you use scrap wood for push sticks make sure they are long enough so that if they slip off the wood you are pushing your hand won't slip into the blade.  Most safety is common sense.  However, some of that common sense comes from your experiences.