I'm really interested in diving into woodworking, but I'm an absolute beginner. I've found a local woodworking class for $1000 that offers 40 hours of instruction, which seems quite pricey to me. Is it worth spending that much, or can I successfully teach myself without taking a formal class?
3 Answers
I learned woodworking on my own, mainly through YouTube. It's definitely possible, but I spent a lot of time figuring things out and often wasted materials. If you think you'll enjoy the learning process more with a class and the $1000 won't set you back, it could be a worthwhile investment. Just make sure you’re learning from someone credible because there's a lot of questionable advice out there!
I personally think that taking a class is a great way to learn shop safety and basic skills. You'll get hands-on experience and guidance, which can really boost your confidence and understanding of woodworking tools. If you can swing the $1000, it might be worth it; you'll gain a lot in a short amount of time and might even get to take home some projects in the process!
Totally agree! Plus, understanding the safety aspects is crucial when starting out.
If you're just starting out, I'd recommend looking into Steve Ramsey's YouTube channel, 'Woodworking for Mere Mortals.' He has some great tutorials that could help you get started. Maybe you could use that $1000 to invest in some of the tools he recommends instead!
That's a solid suggestion! His videos make woodworking look a lot more approachable.
Good point! Having a trusted instructor can really make a difference.