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Carpentry has got to be one of the most rewarding activities around. Not only can you build things and save significant amounts of money, but the process itself can be relaxing and enjoyable.
As one of the world’s oldest trades, there’s also something uniquely satisfying about learning carpentry, and it can make you feel accomplished and fulfilled. You don’t have to be especially ‘crafty’ to learn carpentry – all you need to succeed is a little patience and motivation.
If you’re interested in learning carpentry, these five tips will show you how to get started.
1. Build up your knowledge
Before you set up your workbench and buy your tools, it’s helpful to build up a basic knowledge of carpentry. Carpentry can be a physically demanding hobby, and using power tools and drills comes with some risk – so it’s important to do your research before you start.
Think about where you’d like your carpentry journey to take you. Do you just want to know how to build and put up a shelf, or are you hoping to make more elaborate items? Perhaps you’d even like to go so far as to install your own kitchen.
- Brush up on your basic maths skills. You don’t have to grapple with complex equations to develop your woodworking skills, but geometry is an important part of carpentry, and being confident with numbers and measurements can help you advance more quickly.
There are lots of ways to boost your maths skills without too much effort. You can find some ideas on Popular Science’s website.
- Do some research and reading. You might want to buy some books and magazines. These can teach you about basic skills and are a great way to introduce yourself to carpentry as a subject. Plus, you’ll probably find lots of inspiration for what to make.
You can have a look at some of the most popular woodworking and carpentry magazines on Newsstand’s website. Whether you’re aiming to make cabinets or wooden bowls, there’s likely a magazine to suit you.
- Watch some online tutorials. These are free and can be really helpful for visualising how projects are completed and seeing carpentry techniques in action. YouTube is absolutely jam-packed with carpentry videos, from tutorials on how to make specific objects to more general advice and guidelines on techniques.
- It’s worth searching for any specific carpentry skills you want to learn. There are videos on everything from how to accurately measure wood to how to build a shed from scratch. It’s always a good idea to watch videos from licensed carpenters, so you know you can trust their advice.
Watch these 6 woodworking tips and tricks to get started:
2. Buy your tools
If you’re a beginner, you may not already have a toolbox bursting with tools and supplies. But you don’t have to immediately rush out and buy a complete carpentry kit, especially if you’re just trying it out to see if it’s for you.
Depending on the extent of your existing toolbox, you may still need to pick up a few essential tools and get comfortable using them. Carpenters use a variety of hand and power tools, and the specific tools you need will depend on the projects you choose. However, there are some ‘universal tools’ that you’ll almost always need on hand:
Carpenter’s pencil & sharpener
The most important tool for any carpenter isn’t a saw or a drill – it’s a pencil. You’ll need it to mark out every cut you want to make on the wood – usually more than once, if you want to be accurate (“measure twice, cut once,” is a popular carpentry saying).
Carpenter’s pencils have rectangular bodies to stop them from rolling away. This also makes them easier to grip than normal pencils. Since it’s going to spend so much time in your hand, it’s definitely worth getting a proper carpentry pencil for the job.
Tape measure
You’ll be measuring everything, and because your measurements need to be precise, you’ll want to get the right tape measure for the job.
In terms of length, 25-foot is a good size because it’s long enough to measure most things.
Hammer
In carpentry, you use hammers for much more than hitting nails. You can use them to remove nails, lever your wood into position, blunt the bottom ends of nails so they don’t split the wood, and much more.
If you only want to buy one, a claw hammer is probably your best choice. You can read more about the different types of hammers and their uses in this carpentry ‘tips and tricks’ blog.
Saws
If you’re serious about progressing with carpentry, you’ll need to learn how to use a variety of saws. These include hand saws, table saws, circular saws, band saws, and coping saws.
You can start off with a hand saw, as these make it easy for beginners to understand how different types of wood respond to a blade – something that’s difficult to do with a power saw. You can read a detailed guide to the different types of hand saws in this article from Wood and Chop.
Chisels
Chisels are used just as much as saws in carpentry. They’re used to chip wood and clean out joints and saw cuts. It makes sense to buy chisels in sets, rather than individually. Sizes 5–7 should be enough to cover most projects.
It’s best not to buy the cheapest sets you can find, simply because these tend to go blunt quickly. Bevel-edge chisels are generally of great quality and will hopefully last a lifetime. It’s also worth bearing in mind that wooden handles tend to be the most comfortable. You can have a look at some chisel sets on Amazon here.
Screwdrivers
Every toolbox should contain screwdrivers – both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers – in various sizes. Again, buying a set often makes the most sense when you’re starting out.
Screws and bolts
There are lots of different types of screws and bolts, and using the right ones can make a big difference to your work. Ideally, you want to be familiar with wood screws, machine screws, thread-cutting machine screws, and sheet metal screws.
If you want to find out more, have a read of this guide to fixing and fasteners from MB Direct. As they come in so many shapes and sizes, you’ll likely want to buy ones that are purpose-made for the project you’re working on to ensure the highest quality finish.
Marking knife
As the name suggests, a marking knife is used to indicate the precise place you’ll be cutting with your saw and make accurate lines. You can also use it for getting into tight joints and cleaning. You don’t need to spend a fortune on this. Amazon sells plenty of decent marking knives for under £20.
Clamps
You’ll need a clamp to secure the wood you’re working on to the table and stop it from wobbling around as you saw. You can have a look at a selection of clamps on Amazon.
A workbench
A sturdy workbench is a must. But we’ll cover that in more detail below.
You can read more about essential carpentry tools on the Home Grail website. It can be helpful to go into a DIY shop and talk to an advisor about which tools to buy. Once the advisor knows what you want to make and what your ability is, they can offer you expert tips, as well as suggestions for which complete tool kit might be best.
If you don’t have an independent hardware shop near you, the following hardware chains are also good options…
Here’s a quick rundown of the various carpentry tools and what they’re used for.
3. Set up your workspace
If you want to get into carpentry, you’ll need a proper space to work in. Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need to have a huge garage, basement, or workshop. But you do need a proper workbench – a kitchen table definitely won’t do!
The exact design of your workbench isn’t very important if you’re just starting out, but you should choose one that’s sturdy enough to handle a substantial amount of weight and ideally comes with a built-in vice.
Treated workbenches can be kept outside, meaning you can enjoy carpentry in the garden if you wish. Because it’s important to work somewhere well-lit and well-ventilated, working outside might be a good choice for you.
However, having a dedicated indoor workspace for your carpentry gives you a lot more options when choosing a workbench. Arbor Garden Solutions sells a range of workbenches for both indoors and outdoors.
It’s important to try to keep your workstation clutter-free. Obviously, any rookie carpenter is going to make a bit of a mess – wood shavings, sawdust…carpentry can be a messy business! That’s why it’s crucial to keep your workstation clean and tidy, so you’re able to focus on the task at hand and not get overwhelmed by clutter or get distracted looking for things.
By keeping things neat and tidy, you’ll feel more comfortable working. Plus, you’ll likely enjoy the process more, inspiring you to keep practising. It’s also important to make sure that you’re working in an area with no trip hazards – so be aware of things like wires and extension leads.
You can find out more about creating an ideal workspace in your home on Popular Mechanics’ website. Once you’ve got some practise in, you could even consider making your own workbench. As the video below shows, it’s a relatively straightforward project.
4. Get comfortable using your tools
So you’ve bought your tools and set up your workstation. Now it’s time to start experimenting and practising some techniques using your tools.
Some carpentry beginners feel nervous about using sharp or heavy tools – not to mention power tools – which can hold you back. Ironically, it can be more dangerous to use tools nervously, as opposed to confidently.
If you’re apprehensive about using certain tools, it can be really helpful to watch instructional videos. Or, you could speak to a friend, neighbour, or local tradesman who’s an experienced carpenter if you’re at all unsure of a technique.
Your local hardware shop can be a great place to ask for advice. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for local community carpentry groups and adult education courses, where people share ideas and support one another.
It’s normal to feel a bit nervous when you’re trying something new, but try not to let nerves hold you back. It’s all part of the carpentry journey.
And even if you feel excited to begin working on your first project, it’s best to take some time to practise using your tools first so you can get a sense of how they feel working in your hands. Below are a few skills to start with…
Practise using a hammer
- A good place to start is learning how to properly hammer a nail.
- We know that might sound very basic, but you’d be surprised at how many beginners don’t use the correct technique. You don’t want the nail to split the wood, and you definitely don’t want to hit your thumb. Less is more when it comes to hammering, and accuracy is much more important than power.
Have a look at the tutorial video below to refine your hammer technique.
Practise measuring
Before you get your saw out, it’s also helpful to practise measuring properly. For every project you work on, no matter how small, you’ll need to measure your wood and perform basic calculations to work out sizes and distances.
This might seem like a small thing, but even getting a single measurement wrong can totally derail a project. The video below will show you how to accurately measure and mark.
Practise your basic sawing technique
- One common problem carpentry beginners face is not being able to saw in a straight line. But if you have a stable workbench, use clamps, and have a good technique, your saw lines should be straight.
- Once you’ve made your markings, rest the saw blade on the line at a 45-degree angle. Place your index finger on the side of the blade whilst you get the cut started, so you’re more in control, and grip the saw handle. Then use your free hand to brace yourself and work the saw blade back and forth with full strokes. A popular carpentry phrase to keep in mind here is: ‘Let the saw do the cutting’.
You can watch a tutorial video on sawing technique below.
Practise using power tools
The last thing you should practise before beginning a project is using power tools (if you’ll be using them). While you should treat these tools with respect, as they can be extremely dangerous when they’re not used correctly, learning can be enormously fun. Once you know how to use them, you’ll be amazed at how time-saving they are.
Power tools make it infinitely easier and more enjoyable to build things from wood, so they can be well worth the investment in terms of time, money, and in preventing aches and pains!
Power drills are the most common power tools used by beginners, and there are lots of different types. Before using a power drill, it’s important to watch the correct technique and get tips from an experienced carpenter. You can do this by watching this YouTube video from ehowgarden.
If you want to know which other power tools are best for beginners, you might also want to watch the informative video below.
5. Start making things
If you feel confident enough to get to work, then you’re probably ready. Now comes the fun part, where you can start making things!
When you’re starting with carpentry, it’s better to first try out some of the simplest projects you can find. This way, you’re not only forced to learn the basics of carpentry, but you’ll also learn the value of simple design.
Even if you find the projects too easy, it’ll be a great way to boost your confidence and really nail some of the key carpentry skills. Then, as you progress, you can move on to more complex projects, like refurbishing decks or building a chair.
You can have a look at some of the simplest projects for beginners on Bob Vila’s website. From making attractive coffee tables from old pallets to creating cosy homes for the family pet and sleek cutting boards, there’s a project for everyone.
Alternatively, check out the video below for more inspiration or have a read of our article: 12 practical things you can make out of wood.
If you want more guidance before getting creative, you may want to consider taking a course. While YouTube has a wealth of in-depth tutorial videos, you might still benefit from the structure and teaching of a class or course.
For example, Alison.com offers a free ‘Introduction to Carpentry’ course, which will help you enhance your skills and learn how to become a responsible carpenter.
Final thoughts…
Carpentry is an art, and like most arts, it can take a while to master. It’s better to work slowly. Going at your own pace and not rushing is better than taking on large-scale projects before you’re ready.
Once you get into it, you’ll probably start enjoying the meditative benefits of carpentry, as well as the satisfaction of making things from scratch. There’s also a unique joy in giving your loved ones gifts you’ve made yourself.
The more time you put in, the more skilled you’ll become, and the more adventurous your projects can be. But for now, try to focus on building your confidence and enjoy the fulfilment you get from learning one of the world’s oldest trades.
For more woodworking articles like A beginner’s guide to whittling and 12 practical things you can make out of wood, why not visit the learning section of our website? Here, you’ll also find introductory guides to a wide range of other hobbies.
Have you recently got into carpentry? Or have you made anything you’re particularly proud of? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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