Hey there - I plan to visit Woodcraft in Euless/Bedford tomorrow before starting work on a project on Saturday. Since this will be my first project at the Space, and I’m new to woodworking (after the basics class)… What tools/items do you guys suggest I have for myself that I either keep in my bin at the space or just carry around? I’m guessing safety glasses, earmuffs, maybe a mask, good wood pencil, speed square or such? Do we need our own wood glue?
there is a lot of wood glue at the space. I like to have my own dust mask but generally use the common safety glasses. I buy super glue, sandpaper, finishes, etc. As for tools… go as nuts as you want. If you are making things that need to be very precise, Id suggest investing in a good square. Your own router bits are a good idea if you like them to be sharp as they are hard to keep that way with a ton of people using them. But… if you are new to it like I was a short time ago Id suggest using the shop tools and kinda shitty wood. You’ll figure out what to bring.
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Thanks! Maybe my brain is fuzzing out, but are we allowed to finish up there? I thought I had heard during tour night that we couldn’t bring chemicals in and out because of needing MSDS sheets or something?
I’m looking at starting with the traditional cutting board - what router bits would you suggest? And what will I need to look at to have it fit the machine?
well you dont necessairly need a router for that unless you want to cut in a juice groove or handles. Id suggest youtube for advice on those. both are a considerable pain in the ass. Im not sure on the finish thing. I typically just use mineral oil or similar. Good luck!
Nothing that puts a non-negligible amount of VOC into the air inside the shop. For the most part that means anything aerosol/in a spray container, but could also apply to brushing something onto large surfaces as well. Note spraying, etc. is allowed outside (in the parking lot) as long as certain precautions are taken.
In terms of tools, I think the most prudent thing to do is familiarize yourself with woodworking tools in general, and practice with the many tools available at the space. After familiarizing yourself with tools, you will gravitate to an area of woodworking you might want to get into. ie building tables, chairs, cutting boards, or more complex things like carpentry. Ask yourself do you want to learn woodworking as a hobbyist or a trade. Do you want to learn it by hand (make your own dovetails), machine (use router bit for dovetail) and/or both? Once you can answer these questions confidently, you will know what tools to buy, and what tools to use while in the space. While doing your project @ DMS, if you see something/someone working on something interesting, feel free to ask the person. Most people at DMS are very giving with their time, and freely offer information and don’t mind providing tips and insight. Every time I’m doing a project at the space I’m always looking at what other people are doing. The people have always accommodated my curiosity and I have done the same in kind.
In terms of finish, that has many meanings. Is your finish natural, oil based, water or some other chemical based? Unless it’s natural or say you finish using Danish oil, you can’t do it inside. Almost anything else will have to be finished outside (either your house or outside in the back of DMS.
Good luck to you on your project and welcome to DMS.
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