boyce523

I am in my 60's and starting to take up woodworking as a hobby. I'm not totally green as growing up I worked with my dad in building a home, couple of cabins, docks, etc. My dad was the woodworker and while I did a few simple projects then and over the years such as was required for home repair, I never developed beyond the basic skills of measuring, cutting and nailing. But that is changing.

My dad left me complete woodworking shop with lathes, planers, jointers, etc, none of which I really know how to use and it is all in Tennessee; however, I tend to spend much of my time in Atlanta (until I retire). So in December I started researching and purchasing tools and equipment for a workshop here in Atlanta. I've gone over many "essential tools for beginner" lists on the internet and assembled much from those lists.

In the month of January, I began working in the evenings after work for a couple of hours a few nights a week. So far, I built a workbench (3'X 8') on locking casters, put rack under it with slots for nail guns and drills and such then built in adjustable shelves on one end. I'm about halfway through a set of shelves to go against a wall 6' x 4' with adjustable shelves for additional tool and supply storage. Some nights I just get scrap wood and practice joints with the tools.

For me, it's going to be about the work not about what I'm building. It's about developing the skills and seeing them improve over time. It's about the journey. No time pressure to complete a project, but just the joy of the creation.

-- Tom, East Tennessee