HELPFUL WOODWORKING RESOURCES for the BYOAC'er

[CaptainMarvel]

While there may be a good number of BYOAC'ers who are already skilled/experienced woodworkers and/or fabricators, I'm guessing that the majority of us - myself included - consider ourselves more within the "Casual Home Hobbyist / DIY'er" category.  We know our way around a hammer, screwdriver, power drill and probably a few additional power tools . . . but other power tools and construction processes can sometimes be somewhat intimidating - especially if we've never tried using/doing anything similar before.

I've always been of the philosophy that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER ... and so, over the last year or so, I've found a number of (in my opinion, anyway) helpful online resources for researching and learning various woodworking/fabricating processes, ideas, tips and techniques for the novice/amateur DIY'er.  I know there are many many more out there - so I thought it would be helpful to start a "HELPFUL WOODWORKING RESOURCES" list for the BYOAC Community to share, benefit and learn from.


I'll start the ball rolling with some of the most helpful resources I've found and learned much from (thus far) . . .


HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS --> http://www.harborfrieght.com
Let's face it, for those of us who are neither professional-level contractors nor "rolling in it" wealthy, cost/expense is a significant factor in acquiring many of the tools needed to partake in our BYOAC projects.  In my opinion, it's hard to beat the selection and significant savings one can realize via Harbor Freight Tools.  You will find a myriad of mixed reviews across the internet as to the "quality" of the tools Harbor Freight sells (especially the power tools).  However, speaking from my own personal experience as a Home Hobbyist/DIY'er - having purchased and used several power tools through Harbor Freight - many (if not most) of the tools you can purchase through Harbor Freight are every bit as comparable, powerful and practical as their much pricier "brand name" counterparts. 

Furthermore, if you sign up for Harbor Freight's newsletter, you will receive frequent email notifications of special discounts and sales being offered.  Also, you can always find 20% to 25% Harbor Freight discount coupons in most any DIY and/or woodworking magazines (i.e. WOOD, Family Handyman, American Woodworker, Woodsmith, etc.)



THE ROUTER FORUMS --> http://www.routerforums.com
For the beginner/novice, the router can be one of the most intimidating power tools . . . but it's also one of the most useful and versitile power tools - and one that should be included within ANY DIY'ers home arsenal of power tools.   Not that there's anything deficient with the woodworking section here on the Arcade Controls Forum, but it's often helpful to seek knowledge/education from a variety of sources.  The Router Forum Community are very friendly and helpful - especially for new/novice router users.



START WOODWORKING.COM --> http://www.startwoodworking.com/how-to
This is an excellent resource for the beginning woodworker or DIY'er - with loads of "How To" instructions and instructional videos to look through and learn from. 



WOODWORKING TALK ---> http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/index.php
Again, taking nothing away from the woodworking section here on the Arcade Controls Forum, but it's often helpful to seek knowledge/education from a variety of sources.  Lots of information and education to be found here.



THE GARAGE JOURNAL FORUM --> http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/
Another very helpful and information rich resource for all kinds of information on tools, construction, modification, customization, etc. 
I've personally learned a great deal through this resource.



WOODWORKING FOR MERE MORTALS --> http://www.woodworkingformeremortals.com/
This has to be one of the most entertaining resources out there for the beginner/novice woodworker.  Like many of us, Steve Ramsey is a Home Hobbyist/DIY'er who has created (and continues to create) entertaining -- yet VERY informative/educational - instructional videos on the topic of DIY woodworking.  (You should also subscribe to his YouTube Channel).   Seriously, Steve Ramsey's approach helps to eliviate much of the intimidation factor for many woodworking issues, tools and processes.



TOOL SELECT.COM --> http://www.toolselect.com/
If you're considering a power tool purchase and have your heart set on particular name brand items, ToolSelect is an excellent resource for product comparisons and reviews.  Of particular usefulness is TOOL SELECT TV - where you can watch video reviews of various power tools and products from professional contractors and woodworkers ... VERY helpful and informative.





This list is by no means definitive ... There are a great many more helpful resources out there with fantastic information for us BYOAC'ers at any skill level.  I'm certain there are several that I am forgetting at the moment and will add later. 

In the meantime, if you know of any particular online resources that you have found to be helpful and informative to you,
PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL RESOURCES for all to check out and (hopefully) learn and benefit from.


 

[Typefighter01]

PRINCESS AUTO --> http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/
The Canadian equivalent to Harbor Freight Tools...see above.


BUSY BEE TOOLS --> http://www.busybeetools.com
All things woodworking. Also a Canadian company IIRC. Good quality and reasonable prices.

[Rick]

PRINCESS AUTO --> http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/
The Canadian equivalent to Harbor Freight Tools...see above.

Great store. Doesn't hurt that it's 10 minutes from my house either! $5 for 12"-24" pressure clamps? Don't mind if I do!

[Monkeyvoodoo]

Hmm never heard of busy bee. Princess auto is a godsend and we can't forget Canadian tire (when they have tools on sake)

[CaptainMarvel]

a couple more  . . . .


ROBERT DOWNEY'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL --> http://www.youtube.com/user/rdowney111?feature=playlist
Not sure if Robert Downey is a member here on the BYOAC Forum, but I stumbled across his YouTube videos/channel a while back and found several of his video clips demonstrating various steps in the construction process to be very helpful visual "how to's" - including jigsawing side panels, router flush trimming and cutting out circles with the router.



MY "WEEKEND WORKSHOP" PINTREST BOARDS --> http://www.pinterest.com/captmarvel/boards/
Okay YES, this is a link to my Pintrest Boards ... but I am not trying to promote anything or boost any kind of quasi Pintrest numbers or anything like that.  Over the last year or so, I've amassed quite a number of helpful/informative and (in some cases) inspiring links for all kinds of things woodworking.  As you will see, I created several "Weekend Workshop" Boards with various sub-themes - e.g. Router, Table Saw, Drill Press, Joinery, Jigs & Tips, Sanding, Finishing, etc.  Just thought that there may be some items/links that may be of interest and/or information for some of you.

[Typefighter01]

MATTHIAS WANDELL'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL -->http://m.youtube.com/user/Matthiaswandel
I could watch this guy all day  When I here someone use the term "Master Woodworker", this is the kind of guy that comes to my mind.


BILL PENTZ -->http://billpentz.com/woodworking/cyclone/index.cfm
The definitive dust collection resource. A must read for anyone serious about dust collection.


THIEN CYCLONE SEPARATOR -->http://www.jpthien.com/cy.htm
Extremely efficient diy Cyclone separator lid and baffle. I think I might build this next to compliment my current dust collector for my CNC build.

[Typefighter01]

Hmm never heard of busy bee. Princess auto is a godsend and we can't forget Canadian tire (when they have tools on sake)

I own quite a few Mastercraft tools and I would say they are no Hitachi or Bosch, but they are a big step above the Princess Auto or Surplus Store tools. There tools on sale are a good investment 

[Rick]

I own quite a few Mastercraft tools and I would say they are no Hitachi or Bosch, but they are a big step above the Princess Auto or Surplus Store tools. There tools on sale are a good investment 

Both Mastercraft and Craftsman tools are fantastic, because their 'common' tool lines (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.) all come with a lifetime guarantee. Just make sure they have the logo on them, as there are a lot of 'branded' tools which don't have the information imprinted, and they are a hard sell to have replaced.

I, personally, go through Mastercraft drill bits like wildfire, so it's not uncommon for me to return a package that is made up of 90% broken bits.

[CaptainMarvel]

For those of you with a smart phone, you should find and install the following free app . . . .

SNIPSNAP --> http://snipsnap.it/
Never leave a coupon at home again ... That's the idea behind SnipSnap - the first app to scan, save, and redeem printed coupons on your mobile phone. Prepare to save some serious moolah.  The SnipSnap app allows anyone to convert a printed coupon into a digital, mobile format, which they can easily search and retrieve on their smartphone.  All a user needs to do is snap a picture of the offer (be it from an FSI, direct-mail piece, newspaper, or otherwise) and the app works its magic to scan all of the printed text and images. Once scanned, a user can not only redeem, but also get expiration-date notifications and in-store reminders.



I've already used several coupons from the app - successful each time.   

 

[CaptainMarvel]

WOODSMITH.COM
Woodsmith is the home of Woodsmith magazine, the ultimate source for clear, detailed, easy-to-follow woodworking project plans anyone can build. Follow along, step-by-step, as you build heirloom furniture that any craftsman would be proud of. Woodsmith also brings you Woodsmith Tips delivered free by email each week to sharpen your woodworking skills with helpful tips and techniques you can use immediately, including the best how-to woodworking videos. 

And speaking of woodworking video, America's favorite and most widely carried woodworking television show, the Woodsmith Shop, has lots of great online extras and previews on its web site you can access from here. There is also a convenient station locator to find out when and where we're on in your area.  And if you'd like to improve your shop and build great money-saving woodworking tools, jigs and fixtures, don't forget to check out ShopNotes while you're there.


NOTE:
Yes, I cut-and-pasted that from the Woodsmith website - but I figured they say it better than I could paraphrase   
I do know - from personal experience - that you can request a free copy of the Woodsmith magazine from the website (CLICK HERE)
as well as obtain a great abundance of additional information and resources via THIS PAGE






WOODSMITH'S 150 TIPS & TECHNIQUES DVD -  http://www.woodsmithstore.com/tipsdvds.html
I purchased/received this 3-DVD set (for $24.95) and - in my personal opinion - these DVDs are a fantastic resource for the beginning/intermediate level DIY'er (insofar as various woodworking methods and techniques go) - especially for those who, like myself, learn much better via visual example.  The DVDs include informative video segments from "The Woodsmith Shop" TV program (usually found on PBS channels) for a great many woodworking techniques - including router work, joinery, table saw, layout/measuring, clamping, sanding, etc.  (You can see a complete listing of topics for each DVD by clicking the "See Tips for  . . " link above each DVD image on the page linked above).