Learn basic carpentry skills with this homesteading guide! You’ll be even more self-sufficient once you master these woodworking basics.
A Homesteader’s Guide to Basic Carpentry Skills
I’ve been homesteading for years now and I have to tell you, basic carpentry is knowledge you must have. I’m not telling you to be a carpenter by profession but you have to admit that there are just some homesteading projects that will need some carpentry here and there. So, for self-sufficiency, I’m giving you a little carpentry 101. You may not feel that you’ll be using it any time soon but better be prepared for anything, right?
Interesting: Professional Shed Builders Reveal Their Handy Secrets…
This list will show you all the skills and tools you need to get started with your woodworking:
- Know your tools
- Measuring
- Marking
- Cutting
- Nailing
1. Know your tools
As I always say, having the right tools for the job will make everything so much easier. If you want to learn basic carpentry, you have to get the basic tools you need. Oh, and don’t forget the tool belt. If you want to see the full list, check it out here.
2. Measuring
You can never really accomplish a woodworking project until you have the right measurements with a tape measure. You can try and try but something will still be wrong. So as a general rule: Measure twice, cut once. And I’m sure you’ll eventually find out that your other important carpentry tool is a pencil. Find out how to accurately measure here.
3. Marking
All your measurements will be a waste if you’re unable to mark spot on. Watch this video tutorial to learn how.
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4. Cutting
There are a lot of tools you can use to cut your wood. If you don’t want to use power tools, you can opt to using a handsaw but it may take time. Circular saws are more popular nowadays but be careful. Never let the blade touch your hand or you’ll be in big trouble. As a rule of thumb, always make sure that your blade is sharp. If you’d like to find out how to cut using various power tools, you can follow the steps here.
5. Nailing
Knowing the right nail for the job is half of the battle. Get your nail guide here.
Driving the Nail Through…
The second half of knowing your nails is how to drive a nail through, and it can be a beginner’s nightmare. Well not quite. Professionals may just need about 2-3 hits but everything comes with patience and practice. Just a few woodwork projects can make you feel like a pro. Your tool, a hammer, is also very important. Using a hammer that’s too heavy may not be the best way to start your projects. Check out some useful tips and techniques here.
Here are a few other tips you should also know:
- Nylon strings can be very useful when leveling. This way you will always know that what you’re doing is centered.
- You can also make use of other tools such as drills and screws in case your nail and hammer isn’t the right fit for the job.
Now that you know the basic carpentry skills, it’s time to put it into action!
Regardless of what you’re trying to build, whether it be a chicken coop or a pallet work bench, always remember to be cautious. Have the proper safety gear and know how to use your equipment first before starting. It would be harder to finish a woodworking project with an injury.
Want to test your skills? Try building this easy bookcase for beginners from Keith Rucker – VintageMachinery.org:
Be sure to check out these 100+ ultimate homesteading skills everyone should know to become even more self-sufficient.
Do you think you learned some basic carpentry skills? Let us know below in the comments!
Did you like this post? You may also want to check out our other homesteading projects:
- Create This Rustic Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table
- Best Bee Hive Plans | Build a Hive & Help the Bees
- How to Build A Chicken Coop in 4 Easy Steps
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