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Manivald

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Alexander
Hey guys, my name is Alexander and I want to get into woodworking. I turned 18 yesterday, woohoo!, and want to start to excercising my independence by engaging my inner craftsman. I know absolutely nothing about wood working, however I have had experience with my hands before in computer building and I am confident in putting things together. Give me anything you would think is helpful for my age and calibre. For my own safety I'll be sticking to hand crafting. Anything a good craftsman should now and anything I can buy to start a new journey?
Much appreciated and all, is there anything I should start with? Where can I buy used tools? Anything I should be asking?
Awesome,
Alex
 
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Welcome from the Northstate (assuming you are from California)! You came to the right wood site for information and advice! There is so much talent on this site just waiting to help you out! Jump right in with questions and watch what happens! Chuck
 
Whittling is a cheap fun way to get into the more intense carving. Lots of books, but your age likely videos...Welcome to WoodBarter.
 
WELCOME! From Michigan. :welcome2:
Learn to make boxes, like jewelry boxes etc. Box making is one of the fundamentals of wood working. They can be simple projects to very detailed. You can just start with big box store pine, or pallet wood and then start using more costly woods as your skills increase.

Start slow, buy only the tools you need as you need them. Used tools are OK for some things. Craigslist, ebay, swap meets, auctions, garage sales, etc.
 
Alex, Welcome from South Texas! My advice to to look for something that catches your eye that you want to build and go from there. Look around here, there are a ton of things guys have built, also a lot of people willing to give help and advice. Happy belated birthday! Tony
 
You can't do much woodworking, just sitting and observing a piece of wood. You have to have tools to transform that noncommittal piece of wood into your dream! Oh, I suppose you could gnaw and claw that piece of wood into something - but I would not recommend doing that! However, before you buy the tools, you need to know to buy the appropriate tools. No use buying a lathe if you're gonna be making boxes - well, unless you get real creative with the boxes. If you want to turn that is a certain set of tools, if you want to make boxes, furniture, and the like - that is another set of tools. If you want to carve animals that is another set of tools. If you want to wood burn (pyrography) that is another set of tools. Intarsia, same thing. I could go on. Once you decide what to jump in to, watch a few videos, browse a book or magazine, or search this site, to get an idea of what you need. Then look around. You don't need the newest, biggest, baddest tool on the market. Just remember Michelangelo only used a simple hammer and a chisel or two! And look what he did!

Oh BTW - Welcome to WB from Middle Tennessee.
 
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Alexander, welcome from Arizona. Now, if that Pasadena you listed as your location is in either Texas or that other place, there should be a woodworking club or two that you could join. Most of the woodworkers that belong to those clubs are always selling something, so that could be a good source for getting the tools you need plus getting some information on what and how to do stuff. .................. Jerry (in Tucson)
 
Welcome!
YouTube is a great source...probably knew that though. I am a firm believer in the "Buy once, cry once" method of buying tools. Buy the best you can afford and you shouldn't be let down later. If that is a deal on a used tool that exceeds your current needs go that route. A lot of tools haven't really evolved that much from decades ago so you can really find fantastic equipment at a great price. Don't want to refurbish old tools? Buy new.
Want to work without hearing protection? Buy hand tools. No matter what path you choose, just be ready to get addicted!
 
Isn't buying tools an addiction in itself? Or was that buying and hoarding wood?
 
Howdy Alexander, welcome to the club....
 
Welcome from Colorado. Enjoy, look around, chime in, ask questions, and you will be buying power tools in no time...... enjoy.
 
Determine what you want to make. Do internet searches on making it noting the tools, skills and materials, including finishing, are required. I'd venture a guess that most of the experienced woodworkers around here have in the low to mid five figures invested in tools, materials and supplies. Ask yourself what it's worth to you to develop this skill set.
 
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