A woodworking router is one of the most valuable tools in any woodworker’s workshop. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a more useful and versatile tool. If you are just getting started with woodworking, it won’t take you long to figure out that a workshop is not truly complete without a router.

Correctly choosing a woodwork project only takes a few key items. For the experienced woodworker this is elementary, but for the beginner this can be the difference between success and disaster.

You can’t be a woodworker without wood. Obviously, that’s not a big revelation. But this might be: wood doesn’t grow on trees. Oh wait, it does! OK, let’s get serious. We’re going to talk about some of the most common types of softwoods and hardwoods and their applications.

Your first trip to the lumberyard can be a daunting task to say the least. All the different lengths, thicknesses, grain patterns and colors of wood is enough to make you want to run away. But not to worry–it’s not all that complicated. Learning about wood can actually be fun; you just need to keep a few things in mind before you visit the lumberyard or home center to buy wood for woodworking.

So you’ve been wondering about how to start woodworking. Not only is it a great hobby but it can save you a ton of money as well. But like anything, you have to learn the basics first–then you can begin building your own creations. Not too many things are as self-satisfying as making something with your own two hands.

So you’re thinking about taking up woodworking? Wonderful idea. Have you considered where you’re going to set up shop? Garages, basements and sheds are some common arrangements. But before you get in too deep, there’s a few things you need to consider — things like storage, electrical requirements and lighting.

If you don’t have a band saw, a jigsaw works great for cutting curves. Jigsaw blades are cheap and come in a variety of tooth patterns which allow you to cut through plastic, wood, metal and ceramic. It’s a good idea to keep a variety of blades on hand for those special projects.

Working with wood requires tools; that’s a no-brainer. But choosing the right tools is an entirely different matter. If you’re a beginning woodworker, the first thing you need to do is determine your goals. This will give you a good idea of the kind of tools you need based on your style, budget and the type of woodworking you intend to do.

Circular saws are not only handy for woodworkers but great tools for the average homeowner as well. If you’ve ever sawed a sheet of plywood in half with a handsaw you know what I mean. You may not use it every day but when you need it — it’s indispensable.

What’s a board foot? It’s simply a board that is 12 inches wide by 1 inch thick by 1 foot long. A 1-inch thick piece of wood is called 4/4 which refers to the number of quarter inches in an inch. By comparison, a half-inch board would be 2/4. Got it? It’s not hard. But when it comes to knowing how to make a board foot calculation – that’s another matter entirely.

Many people are first exposed to woodworking during school. This gives them an idea of what the basics are. If they decide to pursue it further they’ll find it to be extremely rewarding. This is partly because it can add to both the decorative and the functional parts of your home. The ones who really find it rewarding can even turn it into something profitable. But even just as a hobby, it brings pleasure and fulfillment, and the relaxing element is great for stress.

Amateurs find that getting some ideas for woodworking can sometimes be a bit hard. There are just so many different project concepts floating around out there that it makes it really tough to choose just one.