Hey everyone! I'm diving into woodworking for the first time. I've spent the last decade as a programmer and am now studying electrical engineering, so I have zero hands-on experience. I'm really interested in building wood siding and a veranda for my house. Does anyone think this is realistic for someone without prior experience? I've read that Thermally Modified Ash could be a good choice for this project. Any tips, warnings, or advice would be hugely appreciated!
3 Answers
For your first projects, consider building smaller items like boxes—trust me, you’ll learn a lot and they’re useful too! Starting with smaller projects will allow you to make mistakes that won’t feel as painful as ruining a big project. Plus, it’s a great way to practice before taking on the house siding.
Don't be discouraged! I’m new to woodworking myself and have found that making simple furniture or storage solutions helps a ton in getting the hang of it. I made an unfinished shelving unit and a desk that I'm quite proud of, even if they aren't perfect. Just do your research, plan your cuts, and think about how you’ll attach pieces together. Finally, always keep safety in mind—consider taking a shop safety class before you start!
Absolutely, anyone can get into woodworking! It's really just a matter of math, spatial awareness, and careful planning since tools can be dangerous if not used correctly. I'd suggest starting with some smaller, inexpensive projects before diving into something as big as siding. Mistakes are gonna happen, especially at first! Thermally modified wood can behave differently from regular wood, so it’s crucial to research ahead of time too.