Another new Person

[aschueler]

Didn't see a specific forum for new folks, hopefully I'm in the right spot to say 'allo.

I am a definite amateur woodworker; I have limited skills and tools, limited access to hardwood, but dang I enjoy messing up my projects.

Got started my accident: moved to a new house/newly married about 1.5 yrs ago, and being low on funds I needed to make some shelves to arrange my junk in the garage, as well as a to make a general workbench. Trying to lay out a square table with the least warped 2x4's I could find first frustrated me to no end, then strangely when I got a final product I was happy with, it led to making a few other things. Each thing I make gets a little less goofy looking. Now I believe I am addicted.

I am learning almost entirely from some books I bought and from the internet. Currently I have a pretty good table saw (big heavy Ridgid model), router (Dewault), crappy compound miter saw (craftsman -- it was a gift; what do I do?), crappy orbital sander, fair belt sander, and my secret weapons are my pocket hole jig and doweling jig.

I really need affordable but good planer and jointer, and a jigsaw next. I just came to the sad realization that you have to have BOTH a planer and jointer to properly square wood.

Currently I am building a birdhouse, and doing it the hard way to practice laminating wood and miter cuts.

Wow. Longer post than I anticipated. Anyway, just wanted to say hello and warn everyone ahead of time I will be asking some questions.

Like where anyone in the northern Florida area gets hardwood!

[woodman43]

Welcome to the site.
To me, the way you are learning is the same way I learned. I always believe that as each individual learns to do things by trial an error, they create there own individuality.
There was a good episode last night on Woodworks about laminating with wood veneers.

[Don]

Hey, aschueler, and welcome to the forum. I'm in Jacksonville (Mandarin) - small world, huh? You can find most domestic hardwood at McEwen Lumber on Lane Avenue here in town. You can find most any exotic wood available for touching, smelling and drooling over at Woodcrafts at Regency Square, again, here in town. All wood will be R4S, so you will need that planer and jointer.

Sounds like you are on your way and having fun - we're all looking forward to questions. Bring 'em on.

All the best, Don

[aschueler]

Thanks for the replies.

I actually have been to Woodcrafts, but it seemed like they had a very wide selection of a small amount of wood.

I appreciate the tip for McEwen Lumber; it's not one I heard about yet. These spots are kind of a haul for us, but maybe I can sweet talk the wife out there after Christmas and all is over.

Birdhouse is done BTW; made 45 degree miters for the roof pitch. Indeed, I need to work on my miter cuts. Otherwise I am pretty happy with it.

Hope you guys don't mind if I throw in some stupid questions from time to time.

[Terry Mac]

Hey aschueler, welcome.

Woodworking is very addicting, but its a fun addiction thats legal! :D

As for that jointer and planer, I'm sure others will chime in, but I always look for old machines made in the USA. With a little looking you can find some good ole machines. Some may need some TLC, but for me thats part of woodworking. Plus an old machine like that, once restored, will outlive you. Anyway, just a few thoughts.

Enjoy and have fun.