Hobbies are part of what makes life enjoyable. When you find activities that you are passionate about, your quality of life increases. Hobbies give you a goal to accomplish and a sense of pride when you achieve it. They can also be a great distraction or break from the fast pace of everyday life.
One hobby that is very popular among those who like to work with their hands is woodworking. The process of measuring, cutting, shaping, and constructing with wood can be immensely satisfying. It demands focus, planning, creativity, mathematics, and the ability to work with your hands. Few hobbies can provide more satisfying moments than when a woodworker completes a long project that can be used or sold.
Maybe you want to get more invested in this hobby. You are ready to dive into the deep end after getting your feet wet and realizing that you have fallen in love with woodworking. Here are some ideas to maximize your passion for this activity.
Grow Your Toolset
Working with lumber, and any construction material for that matter, requires the use of tools. Maybe you are a pursuit and only want to use hand tools that are powered by your muscles alone. Most people elect to invest in power tools and any equipment that grants them more opportunities to complete projects. Either way, a woodworker needs a reliable set of tools to be able to make what they want. Some basics include a hammer, wrenches, saws, clamps, fasteners, straight edges, levels, measuring tape, drills, screwdrivers, sanders, and a planer.
Set Up a Workshop
Every woodworker needs a workspace. Considering all the materials you will be working with, the noise, the sawdust, and the mess, no one in your family wants you building in the house. Typically, a workshop is relegated to the garage or a separate building. Setting up a great workshop starts with the space. Can you convert the garage into a productive spot or do you have the funds to hire a pole barn builder for a workshop in a separate building on the property? You will also need a place to put your smaller hand tools, such as a toolbox or pegboards on the wall. A sturdy, flat bench is another necessity so you aren’t always working on the floor or bending over. Some saw horses can also help with that problem. Make sure there is ample lighting and ventilation in the workshop for safety purposes.
Learn to Work With Diverse Materials
If you only ever learn how to work with one type of wood, then your options for building projects will always be limited. Different species of wood are required for different projects, and you don’t want to use the wrong material if it may not be suited for a specific function. For example, relying on non-pressure-treated lumber for a beginner hardscaping project like a ground-level deck could lead to early rotting. You would also want to use walnut or oak for indoor furniture rather than softer woods like pine or cedar. The more wood species you learn to craft with, the more versatile your options will be for project ideas.
Consider Selling Your Creations
Nothing beats the satisfaction of completing a great woodworking piece…except maybe the feeling of someone else buying it from you. The sense of accomplishment that comes from your hobby can be enough for most people, but maybe you want to earn a little side income from it as well. Getting set up on an e-commerce platform like Etsy makes it easy for you to sell your creations online. Whether you make dining chairs, small figurines for decor, or something far more elaborate, you can sell your successful woodworking projects to improve your financial status. Who knows, maybe someday it can turn into a full-blown business, letting you turn your passion into a company.
Stay Up-to-Date on Building Codes
If you like to build with lumber, then it can be helpful to be aware of local building codes. When you construct a deck or other type of structure on your property, you need to adhere to the local codes to ensure the build is safe and legal. Generally, you can look up codes for your local municipality pretty easily online. Codes have to be public so that DIYers can follow them. There are also some standards for building furniture as well, so make sure you are aware of these if your hobby takes you in the direction of building furniture pieces.
Make the Most of Your Hobby
Hobbies are great for mental health, and something like woodworking can even lead to some side hustle income. Making the most of this hobby means enjoying it to the fullest. To do so, you will need a complete toolset, a spacious and functional workshop, and knowledge of working with diverse wood species. If you want to sell these products, then knowledge of building codes and an e-commerce platform can take your hobby to the next level.
