I'm a tradesman working as an electrician and refrigeration technician. I used to be really into gaming, but lately, I've lost interest. I'm looking to take on a new challenge by renovating my basement into a themed space, like a hobbit hole or a fantasy tavern, complete with a lighted epoxy river-top bar and exposed beams. I envision needing a lot of custom woodwork to achieve this look, and I'd love to learn while working towards this goal. I'm okay if it takes me a few years to complete this project.
I have some extra cash and a few tools already, which include a mitre saw, table saw, drills, and a corded circular saw. I know I'll need more tools, and I'm excited about a "zero to hero" journey where I start with simple materials like a 2x4. I want to know about some beginner projects, what tools I should focus on getting next, any YouTube channels that are helpful, and any tips you can share. I'm open to building things I could use or selling to fund more complex builds.
2 Answers
I suggest starting with simple projects like building boxes. It's a fundamental skill in woodworking since many furniture pieces are essentially just boxes. You could actually make some storage boxes for your tools or even beer crates for your bar! Definitely wait on chairs for now; those can be quite tricky. Look for some woodworking YouTube channels to learn techniques too. Good luck!
Just a heads up, turning a profit from woodworking can be super tough, and focusing on that could take the fun out of it. However, since you already have a background in trades, transitioning to carpentry might be a smoother path for you and could be quite profitable! If you live near a place where people often need their basements finished, there's definitely demand for that kind of work.
I appreciate the advice! I don’t live close to that area, but it’s good to consider! Yes, I’m from Newfoundland so I’ll keep that in mind.
Thanks for the advice! I have a spot that could use some boxes for storage, so I’ll start on that right away. Thinking of trying pocket holes for joining—seems like a good fit!