For a variety of reasons both business and personal, the growth and popularity of individuals becoming involved in do-it-yourself or (DIY) woodworking projects has increased dramatically over the last number of years.
New television channels and programs dedicated to DIY projects, as well as an enormous number of online resources are popping up everyday.
The thrill of creating your own furniture, arts and crafts, children's toys,beds, sheds, shelves, and just about anything else which can be constructed from wood, has definitely caught on.
If you are a beginner woodworker or the seasoned pro who has a desire to put your creative skills to work, and create wonderful works which can be shown off to your family and friends, sold, or simply enjoyed by yourself, you have found the right place.
The best woodworking project always begins with a great, easy to follow woodworking plan.
Just like a road map, quality woodworking plans provide you with exact step by step instructions to help you take your woodworking project from start to finish.
They must provide you with the necessary tools and woodworking equipment required, the amount of raw materials which must be purchased, fasteners, screws, and trim, as well as detailed, easy to read illustrations.
Further, the plans must be simple, easy to follow, and provide different budgetary options.
With the advent of new computer software technology, many woodworking plans are produced in a three dimensional format which provides the most realistic depiction of the resulting project.
These types of plans naturally take additional time, effort, and cost to produce, and are priced marginally higher than their two dimensional counterparts.
They are, however, strongly recommended due to their attention to detail, real life effect, and their user friendliness.
The general rule of thumb for the beginner woodworker who is not overly familiar with working with wood, and has not yet developed and understanding and respect for the tools and equipment, is to walk before you run.
In other words, choose a simple, inexpensive woodworking project.
One where you can make mistakes and start over at very little expense.
Take your time and do not rush.
Use the initial woodworking projects a learning experience.
Most importantly, pick something that you can use such as a small end table, a shelf, a fence gate, or even a small dog house or shed.
As your skill level in working with different types of wood, and your comfort level in working with various tools and equipment increases, gradually look for larger and more complex woodworking projects.
Set realistic goals and be proud when you achieve them.
If you run into difficulty, search the vast number of resources on the internet such as answer websites and woodworking forums.
Woodworkers as a whole not only gain a tremendous amount of satisfaction from their own accomplishments, they also like to share their knowledge and assist others in being successful.
Stick with it, be patient, and it will not be long until you are building bunk beds for the children, an Armour for the bedroom, an elaborate dog house, or even an oak bar for the entertainment room.
The sky is really the limit and your ability to create and construct beautiful things is limited only to your imagination.
Use your woodworking time as a time to relax and unwind.
Take pride and satisfaction in you woodworking hobby.
And remember, the best woodworking project begin with a great woodworking plan.