Thinking of beginning a woodworking hobby? What do you need to start?
If you have been to one of my 1:1 classes, then this will all make great sense and hopefully provide you with any links to items we used and you need. These items I use pretty much every day and have done so for years. If you purchase from any of the links below I will get a tiny percentage of the sale- and I would really appreciate that!
All of these items are good quality, really affordable and worth every penny!
Marking and Measuring
The course starts with Marking and Measuring- one of the most fundamental things you do when woodworking and these tools along with the tips I have shown you should really help start this journey off well
I feel like a 5m tape is perfect for general making and building, no need for an 8m- extra bulk!
Price wise you cant beat this Stanley 5m Tape https://amzn.to/4bfwEHi
If you want something a little nicer- my favorite is this dual sided tape, so I can read from both sides- super handy! https://amzn.to/4gMH6af
I’m never without my Pica Pencil- never lose another pencil again! https://amzn.to/3COgLed
One of the best layout tools is this 6” Bahco square https://amzn.to/4gNwgkh
Lastly, the roofing square is a staple for angles, straight cut lines and fast marking https://amzn.to/4k62c6q
Cutting
We cover a more traditional tenon hand saw and a Japanese style pull saw in the course.
The Irwin traditional tenon saw is great budget price for starting off. https://amzn.to/4i6dVQB
The Spear and Jackson tenon saw is great, because you can re-sharpen and it will last a very long time. https://amzn.to/3ELVYbH
The Stanley mini flush cutting saw is brilliant, and we use that to trim dowels https://amzn.to/4b8rrku
Lastly, the Japanese Ryoba Pull saw is always a favourite, something different and produces super clean cuts. https://amzn.to/3QvbdIF
joints
We go through a few different methods of joinery, but here are some of the standout tools.
The Wolfcraft Countersink drill bit. This bit is great because it drills the pilot hole, countersink and has a depth stop to get all your holes exactly the same depth. Love this! https://amzn.to/438PE8b
The Trend drill bits https://amzn.to/4hYFgEs and plug cutter https://amzn.to/4i57LjG leave the best plugged holes in my experience, really clean.
We learn about Pocket holes and Kreg make an affordable starter system https://amzn.to/4b6btqZ
Finish
Briwax. It’s a firm favourite for projects that dont need a hard wearing finish. Protects, stains and shines in one go. Favourites are Dark oak https://amzn.to/4b829D2 and Jacobean https://amzn.to/4b8y9Hc
Thanks for reading and I hope this has all been helpful. As always dont be afraid to reach out and ask any other questions. If you would like to book onto the Intro to woodworking course, you can do below!
The perfect gift for that someone who is interested starting their journey in woodworking. Absolutely no experience or previous skills necessary!
Here is a brief summary of what we will cover:
Measuring and marking
Cutting basics
5 Basic Joints
Build and design a basic shelf
Finishings basics (to use for your shelf)
Course is approximately 2-2.5 hours, and we will get a coffee before we start!
Due to popular demand I have added in an option for 2:1- meaning you can bring your partner, and for a limited time there is 20% off that person! This way you can both share the experience and this has worked really well! (Just choose 2:1 from the drop down- these sessions tend to last slightly longer!)
Any questions, please get in touch hello@justinwoodni.co.uk
Once you purchase the course I will send out a voucher, and the recipient can get in touch to book a slot that suits us both. Typical sessions are Monday-Friday- mornings (am) 10/10:30am and afternoons (pm) 1:30pm, but I can do evenings on request.
Based in my workshop on the outskirts of Newtownards close to the Ard’s Sailing Club
** Over 18’s Only **
Terms & Conditions
Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds. Although, we will to do our best to transfer your booking to another workshop if possible. If for some reason you are unable to attend, please notify us at least 48 hours before your workshop. Then we will try to offer you an alternative date. If you miss your workshop and we have had no contact beforehand, we cannot refund or move you to another date.
Review
“My wife gifted me a personal woodworking class with Mark and it was a great experience. Mark was generous with both his knowledge and time. He has a great woodworking shop in where I learned some useful woodworking tips with hands on demos.
I would highly rate lessons with Mark for beginner to advanced skill level woodworkers. I consider myself an intermediate hobby woodworker, and would come back for further lessons. I left with a lovely wee project he helped me make.” - Daniel