Anyone work with wood???

[Martoch]

Hey guys/gals, how goes it? I'm in a wonderful mood as my 28th birthday slowly winds down to a close...the reason I'm posting this is because for my birthday some of the gifts I received were a Craftsman 7-drawer tool chest (you know those red ones that roll), a sweet workbench, a circular saw, and a jigsaw. I have ZERO experience in woodworking, but I managed to cut out a wooden heart as my first "project" for my girlfriend for being such a sweetie. Now I need your help!
Anyone of you know of any good woodworking sites? Any of you have ideas for projects...woodworking tips...do's and don'ts of woodworking, etc. You see where I'm going with this...I just need any of you with an ounce of experience or more to give me some insight into the world of woodwork! I had a blast just messing around cutting different shapes out, but I really don't know what I'm doing. So whaddya say?

Grateful as ever!
Mike

[Martoch]

Here's an example of my work, this took me about 5 minutes...



*trying to hold in laughter*

I wish...

[Imanage]

I subscribe to Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding from http://www.taunton.com/

I would debate the title of master carpenter on Norm Abram from New Yankee Workshop and This Old House shows but I've got his books and watch the shows. I'm trying to match my collection of power tools with his.

Remember, safety first!

[nunyadam]

I have a feeling ol' Knothead could be of help to you.

That was what five minutes to find the pic and post it?

[Thud]

I received were a Craftsman 7-drawer tool chest (you know those red ones that roll), a sweet workbench, a circular saw, and a jigsaw

My God, what a haul! I grew up around woodworking, and I'd kill for the space to start doing it myself. First, I need to get some friends like yours, then I need to get a garage, and then find some talent.......

[Martoch]

Originally posted by Thud
My God, what a haul! I grew up around woodworking, and I'd kill for the space to start doing it myself. First, I need to get some friends like yours, then I need to get a garage, and then find some talent.......

LOL! Those were gifts that I can thank my girlfriend for...isn't she wonderful?! She bought me the tool chest and in the top drawer was a Lowe's gift certificate...so I went shopping immdediate and purchased the rest! Thanks to the shelves I put up in my garage about 6 months ago, I've got plenty of space for everything...but I'll probably use the driveway to do most of my woodcutting because of the sawdust issue. I'm so excited to play a little more, but unfortunately my son isn't feeling well today so I doubt I'll be giving my new toys much attention.

[Martoch]

Originally posted by nunyadam
That was what five minutes to find the pic and post it?

LMAO, you hit the nail right on the head!

Where's Knothead, the friendly, neighborhood carpenter ?

[Martoch]

I don't know, but I'll definitely keep checking back for his thoughts..WAKE UP KNOTHEAD!!!

[lynchmob]

Here's a list of other basic tools anyone doing woodwork should have:
good flat pencil
a decent straight-claw hammer(weight depending upon your preference)
A 25' Craftsman measuring tape(not the best but you'll never have to buy another one for the rest of your life )
tool pouch or nail apron
a 2' framing square and a pocket square
set of chisels
C-clamps and bar clamps of varying sizes
quality wood glue
assortment of nails and screws(I use all-purpose finishing screws a lot.Most use the square tip kind of screwdriver)
wood plane
router and bits
OK,I better stop and let someone else add to this
lynch