I grew up in a small community where my family home schooled and so did some of our neighbors. In my household the boys and girls started to take on more demanding responsibilities once they had matured enough and reached a certain age. I can still remember as a young boy spending time with my older brother and my father. Dad would teach us all kinds of things from cooking, to hunting, to woodworking and carpentry.
I’m starting to see it all around me that the do-it-yourself (DIY) movement is very popular in America and all around the World. People are paying more attention to it because people can save money on all kinds of things simply by doing it themselves. Everything from changing your own oil in your car instead of taking it to a shop, to doing your own home repairs and even crafting your own furniture and decorations. Not only does it save you money but it really does make you feel good knowing you did it yourself and knowing what you’re capable of.
There are many people taking pride in woodworking from small children to adults. There are people creating furniture, and decorations in the comfort of their own garage or workshop. My two younger sons and I would take our creations to our local flea market on the weekends and sell them for a hefty profit.
Anyone can get started even people who think they’re not up to the task. I personally have searched the internet tirelessly to find guidance, blueprints, and plans to explore with my younger sons. I was overwhelmed to find all the products I found whether they be free or cost money. I have bought many woodworking guides but was only impressed by a few.
What I found to be the key to succeeding was to start with small simple projects and keep working on them until they were completed and I had perfected the craft for such item. Then I would move onto bigger more difficult items. I suggest sticking with something until it’s finished, but there were a few projects we had to skip and come back to once we had improved our skill. I wouldn’t suggest getting in the habit of skipping projects though, because you really do want to always start what you finish if at all possible.
I have learned many things through trial and error, and tricks that make things easier and quicker while giving the desired result each time. Carpentry is truly and art, and I believe that even if all you’re doing is framing for a wall. Think about it if that frame is not correct than the finished wall won’t be either no matter how much texture, or paint you try to use to make it “look good”.
The best age to get started is around the same age your parents wanted you to start taking out the trash.