Having owned a cabinet shop for ten years, I enjoy both building furniture and gifts, making useful items for friends and around the house.
In addition to great resources on the internet, acquire a “reading library” of woodworking books. My favorite read is the John L. Feirer “Cabinetmaking and Millwork” (Here is the Link at Amazon: Cabinetmaking and Millwork: John L Feirer: 9780684132778: Amazon.com: Books ).
While the Feirer book may seem dated to some, the basic principles are the same, and you will get a piece of usable information every time you skim through it.
Beyond educating yourself, you will need a basic toolbox, patience, a good tape measure, pencils, and a working plan of what you want to build. You can buy this in a kit.
Most items can be built out of basic 3/4″ pine and plywood for cases, 1/2″ plywood for drawers, and 1/4″ plywood (or paneling if you are on a budget) for backs of cabinets and boxes. I like Pine as it is affordable, readily available, easy to cut and sand, and takes a painted finish well. Stick to these materials to start, while you learn the basics. Hardwoods and exotic species are expensive, and good for high-end projects.
In addition to basic hand tools, I suggest getting a cordless screw-gun/drill, skilsaw, palm sander, power miter saw (10″), sawhorses, and a small table saw. (This list is just basic, buy things as you need them – and don’t forget glue, clamps, screws, etc. etc.).
While there are many joining systems for wood, basic furniture can be glued, nailed, and screwed together. I have biscuit fasteners
Woodworking is a challenge, as you are the mechanic, building functional pieces using your methods and tools. Don’t worry if you have some pieces that are “less than perfect” – as your skills improve, you will be able to build some really good pieces.
The attached pictures are an oak desk for my 8 year old grandson, and a great Tiki Bar on wheels!
It’s always fun to build for fun.
This is a footlocker/toybox:
Be creative, be safe, and enjoy woodworking – where you get a real sense of accomplishment building, fixing, or even working on a new project!
Take your time, “Measure twice – cut once“, and enjoy building your own cabinets and furniture!
