Ask HN: Is there an HN-like forum for woodworking?

5 points by ok_dad 16 days ago

I figured I’d ask the main source of woodworkers, former software engineers and tech worker burnouts. I’m looking for a place where I can expand my knowledge and horizons much like here, but for woodcraft and adjacent things.

matt_s 15 days ago

I think the first thing you need to do when entering a new hobby is trying to find what it is you like about it since there are usually a lot of areas you can dive into. In order to do that for woodworking you need to try making things.

The best place to expand your knowledge is in the shop, so I would suggest taking an in person class. Here in the US various stores like Rockler or Woodcraft hold in person classes and they have all the machinery and wood on site so its a good way to see what you like without having to buy a bunch of tools. I took a class that was all about hand tools, starting with an axe splitting a chunk of walnut. I found I don't have the patience or time to only use hand tools only. The two day class was fun but for the time I spend, I want results faster so using machines suits me better.

Second suggestion is building shop furniture but using techniques you want to try. Build some cabinets or shelves, build a better and stable workbench for a table saw, etc.

Just like with exploring a new software stack, you need to get hands on with some project to get a feel for if you like it and then create low risk, low cost projects where you can learn both from your mistakes and to see what you like.

  • ok_dad 15 days ago

    Oh yea I’ve been doing it for a while, I’m just transitioning to doing it for a job and I’m not sure how to network and learn new skills and I’m comfortable with a forum like this one. I suppose those places have advanced classes as well, I’ve never thought to check Woodcraft for that, so thanks for the suggestions!

leros 15 days ago

There is a pretty active subreddit for woodworking. There are also several old school forums like LumberJocks and Sawmill Creek.