“I enjoy it more all the time,” says Ron Danner, an experienced woodworker. “It’s a very worthwhile hobby.” Ron got hooked on woodworking after taking a class in high school. While Cibola doesn’t offer woodworking classes, that doesn’t mean you can’t pick up this beneficial hobby.

So, where does one start? There are a few essential tools you need. Simple tools that you likely already have, like a tape measure and a pencil, are very useful, as well as some more expensive tools, like a screwdriver, and maybe a small table saw or bandsaw. There may be a significant upfront cost to buying these tools if you don’t have one already, but remember that someone you know might have one to borrow, or you may not even need the tool at all, depending on the project you take on. If you do decide to buy a new tool, remember that it’s better to spend a bit more money for a quality tool than making do with a low quality one.

Something to keep in mind, always, is safety. “Safety is the most important issue,” Ron says. Always wear safety glasses when using anything that will generate sparks or sawdust. Also, wear ear protection if you are using a loud power tool.

 Another tip from Ron, “When you set it up, measuring everything on the piece of equipment, you can make a true square and safe cut.” Not measuring your setup properly will cost you time and money.

So, what do I build? “If you can build a good birdhouse, that’s a good starting point,” says Ron. While birdhouses may be the one of the most common projects, they provide a good lesson on the basics of woodworking. Some other common first projects include shelves and cutting boards. Start small, don’t take on a big project that you don’t have the expertise, tools, or time to complete. Also, as Ron says, “Make something that you would enjoy in your house.” Don’t make something that will just sit in a long-forgotten corner of the garage, collecting dust. Make something either visually appealing, or something that you can use, like a box or another storage solution. “Once you have a box, you’ll find something to put in it,” he says.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, experiment, and you might just pick up a new hobby!