This New Year is all about you: become the best that you can be, work towards your goals and achieve them, and cross things off the list that you've been wanting to finish for some time now. This blog post will dive into why you need to get started with DIY Projects in 2016. Do It Yourself Projects will open doors to many great things in your life, will bring a sense of achievement and accomplishment, and can help you in dealing with stress, addictions, and more. Let's take a look at 10 different tips and tricks, recommendations, and ways you can get started today! Theres no better time than right now to better yourself!
Why?
There are so many different benefits that come from building furniture, working on projects, and collaborating with family in building new things. It really can help in bettering yourself in many ways. You'll learn patience as you start building projects, you'll learn to think more mechanically and technically, and you'll have a great time while doing it! A new year always brings up thoughts and ideas of bettering oneself. Getting started with DIY Projects in 2016 is an excellent way to do just that.
Want to save some money!? DIY! It is often much more affordable to build your own furniture, customize it the way you like, and have something more solid than most store bough, laminate goods. It'll start to become a game in a sense or a challenge to try and make something better than that coffee table you saw in the box store down the road. You're creativity will flow, your confidence will grow, and you can save money in building something on your own.
Things You'll Need in Getting Started
Now let's take a look at some of the more basic things you'll need to equip yourself with to get started building. Although it may be a small investment in the beginning, if you continue to build and get good use out of your investment, then it'll pay off big time. Keep in mind that buying used is always a great option and be sure to keep an eye out on your local Craigslist, Online Yardsale sites, and more. You can end up saving a lot of money that way.
Do you have a garage or other workspace? If yes, then great – this will make things a lot easier to getting going! If no, then you're not out of luck either, there are plenty of other options here. A few things to consider if you don't have a shop space are: local co-operatives and makers spaces, shop sharing with another woodworker or DIYer, checking Craigslist for options, or you can always do DIY projects out in the yard or even a ventilated basement!
Tools, Tools, Tools
Let's look at a list of some basic tools that'll get you started into the world of woodworking and DIY projects. We'll dive into more advanced tools later in this blog post as well. You can click on any of the links or photos below to make a secure purchase through Amazon.
To start, you'll need a few power drills, I recommend these.
Then, you'll need an orbital sander, I recommend this one by Ryobi.
Time to purchase your first saw, a circular saw is very versatile, check this one out.
Kreg Jigs will come in handy in so many ways, let's get you one of those!
Starter Projects
Once you've got a good tool setup going, you're ready to start with some basic projects! Getting into woodworking really isn't too tough and a great place to start is in building a workbench with some 2x4s and plywood. This is an affordable project that begins to payoff instantly! Check it out below.
Another great beginner project is making butcher block cutting boards. Note that, even though a table saw is being used in the video, you can rip the boards using circular saws when first starting out.
For a fun winter-themed project, check out these very simple decorative skis.
Continuing to Grow the ShopÂ
After you've got the basic tools and you're starting to dive deeper into the world of woodworking and DIY projects, we'll want to add more tools to the shop. You can click on any of the links or photos below to make a secure purchase through Amazon.
You're likely to start seeing the advantages to owning a table saw, so let's get you one!
Some nail guns make things a lot easier!
A Miter or Chop Saw will make much quicker time out of your sawing needs.
A thickness planer is great for that rough stock lumber you buy, it mills it down to size in seconds!
Maybe you're considering some metal working? Well a Hobart welder and plasma cutter are in order!
A few concrete tools to round out the shop, now you'll be set for most any DIY project.
Intermediate Projects
After you've grown your tools and supplies list, we can start working on bigger projects. Once you feel you're starting to get a hang of the whole woodworking and DIY thing, why not expand your skill set and dive into some tougher projects. Let's look at some concrete working, advanced woodworking, and build some amazing furniture!
DIY Projects Help in Overcoming Stress, Addictions, and More
Another truly amazing benefit in doing DIY projects is that it can help with overcoming life challenges. I have seen firsthand how something like woodworking can benefit those struggling with addictions, stress, ptsd, and much more. It's amazing to think that something like this has this effect on people's well being. In bettering yourself, it can make you mentally and physically stronger, more fit, and able to handle certain situations or issues with clarity.
I'd like to share this video with you, I collaborated with Paul Churchill of Recovery Elevator – a podcast and community encouraging sobriety and helping those that struggle with alcoholism. Paul has discovered that woodworking has a tendency to help his struggle with alcoholism and in staying sober. The woodworking becomes meditative for him, keeping his mind on the task and DIY project at hand, rather than thinking about drinking. DIY projects can have a far bigger impact than one may know!
Taking your DIY Projects to the Next Level
After you've dedicated time in this new year to doing more and more DIY Projects in 2016, maybe you'll be ready to take it to the next level. Are you getting requests from family and friends for you to make them a product? Have you considered making projects and then selling them online? Well, it truly is a great option and a thing to consider! If 2016 is the year that you decide to either start your own business or start selling items online and earning extra income, then let me help you along the way!
Check out this in-depth blog post that we put together for you to learn how to start selling your DIY projects and products online today! Make this year a great one, make starting DIY Projects in 2016 a goal that you'll meet and exceed, and have a blast while doing it! Cheers from Montana.