Hello Everyone

[dbvilla]

Hi everyone,
My name is Dawn. I have just started on this woodworking adventure. I had no classes in woodworking and am relying a little common sense and learning from previous mistakes to get me through. Here's how ignorant I was when starting on my first project. One would assume that since they are called 2 x 4's .... they would actually measure 2" by 4". I never found out the horrible truth behind this hoax (lol) until it was too late. Just knowing for sure that someone had taken advantage of a truly ignorant woman, I called my brother to vent my frustration. He thought it was hilarious. SO! Lesson #1 learned.

I am now on my third project. I am making a farmhouse table out of wormy maple lumber. I told one of my family members that woodworking is the best form of stress relief that I know of. I can almost feel my bloodpressure lowering when I start to work on my projects. (That is of course when, I am not making serious screwups).

I am so happy I found this site. Thanks to everyone who created it.

 

[clowman]

Hi Dawn. Welcome welcome welcome. Ah, yes, the 2x4 hoax... Pretty soon, they'll be telling me that 1/2 plywood is not 1/2 inch each and every time, and 4/4 lumber isn't actually 4/4. Anyhow, I'm glad you found this site! Woodworking can be very good way to blow off some steam. Unless you are making the same piece for the 4th time :rolf::rolf:. Take some time to look around, put a dot on the member map! Get a photo album, and show us some pictures! I'd love to see your 1st 2 projects!

 

[Canuck]

Welcome Dawn,

Your 2x4 story made me think of a similar situation I had just last summer. Building a plant stand with a ceramic tile inlaid on one shelf. Well you guessed it. I made room for a 12" x12" ceramic tile. Do you think they sell a 12x12 ceramic tile? I looked high and low. 11'5x11'5 was the closest I could find. Fortunatley, nothing a wee bit of grout couldn't fix!

As you can tell, I too am a novice. But, I'll tell you for sure, that this bunch of folks here at this site are always there for encouragement and fine advice, whether it be buying new tools for the shop, great WW learnings and a whole bunch of laughs to go with it.:lol:

So..... Welcome. Hope you get loads of enjoyment just logging into the site.

Regards,
Wayne

 

[DaveO]

Hey Dawn, A big welcome to you. Believe me we have all found out the hard way that things aren't as they should be. I bought some cheap plywood from the BORG today, 2 sheets, and they differed by a 1/32" in thickness...and that will really screw you up. Half of the fun/frustration of woodworking is fixing mistakes and remembering the next time how you screwed up. Wood is a natural product and will not behave like something that is man-made, you just learn to compensate for that. I am glad to have you here and look forward to your participation in the site. Just holler if you need anything.

Dave

 

[McRabbet]

Welcome aboard, Dawn,

You're the first member from your county and a fellow westerner for those that live down there on the flat land :lol: ! Welcome to a friendly and informative site -- we have several ladies that are regulars (I know you'll hear from them, too), but also lots of guys that are equally helpful and knowledgeable. As suggested, request a Photo Gallery (Choose that option under the "Other Links" on the main menu bar) and post some pics of your shop, your pets (if any) and your projects -- even some made with undersized lumber. We have fun and hope to see you sharing, too!

Rob -- from Hendersonville

 

[Steve D]

Dawn,
Welcome to the site. I agree, wood working is a great stress reliever. I do it with a passion but have learned to sit back and laugh at the mistakes instead of blowing a gasket.

You'll find a wide variety of skills here and everyone has something to contribute. Feel free to jump in with questions, we all learn in the process.

 

[cskipper]

Let me add my welcome to the group! If we're lucky, we remember those "discoveries"and we only make them once. Lots of those experiences make our projects uniquely ours. I'm glad you've joined our friendly little group of sawdust makers! Enjoy the site, post some photos and jump in any discussion. I think you'll find everyone is very helpful. Glad to have you on board.

 

[b4man]

Welcome Dawn! By your intro it's apparent you have a sense of humor and that's very useful and appreciated here! ;-) Glad you found us!

Barbara

 

[stoneskippers]

Glad to have you here. I was wondering if your husband share your interest or enjoys shopping at the big box stores or place like Woodcraft or Woodworkers. Its really neat that C. and I make these trips together often.

 

[SteveColes]

Dawn, welcome!

 

[Handturnedbowls]

Hi Dawn,
I'm "cad" , and welcome to the forum. I only joined a few days ago myself, but this is a truly warm and comfy place for our genre of people.

Back in the day, when I was much younger, you just didnt hear of female woodworkers. Thats one of the intriquing things I have found about this group, that there are several female woodworkers in the bunch and I am happy to see it.

I think women have an inate ability to express beauty in creative works much better than typical guys. But male woodworkers are those special guys that posses this quality as well.

If youre a guy, either you love making something from wood, and feel a gratification deep down as your piece begins to reveal itself...or you just dont care for it at all.

Turning wood is something I enjoy more than anything else, even eating!!!

Only one thing tops it, and I'll let everyone speculate on that!:mrgreen:

Anyhoo, glad you are with us and have fun.

cad

 

[NCPete]

Only one thing tops it, and I'll let everyone speculate on that!:mrgreen:

I know what that is!



SLEEP!

With two small children in the house, and working a full-time job and being a full-time student, I can't have nearly enough!

 

[golfdad]

Hey Dawn welcome to the site. We've all made those mistakes. Some of us as late as yesterday! We all know a little something so anything on your mind can probably be answered by someone. Happy woodworking:icon_thum

 

[D L Ames]

Dawn, Welcome to the site. We are glad that you found us and I think you will find your time spent here very informative and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing some of your work and reading your input to the forums. Again, welcome aboard.

D L

post some pics of your shop, your pets (if any) and your projects -- even some made with undersized lumber.

Rob, I had no idea you could make a pet out of undersized lumber.:eusa_thin I am going to have to add that project to my "things to do" list.:lol:

 

[Travis Porter]

Welcome aboard. I learn the hard way on everything I do. Just made 14 drawers and put them in the attic as they are too big.

 

[McRabbet]

You'd be surprised what you can make out of undersized stuff. But, to keep 'em quiet, remove the bark first...:-D

Rob, I had no idea you could make a pet out of undersized lumber.:eusa_thin I am going to have to add that project to my "things to do" list.:lol:

 

[sapwood]

Greetings Dawn,

No doubt my mistake list exceeds the accomplished list, but it doesn't seem to reduce the enjoyment of woodworking. I started late too, but it just gives me more to look forward to :-D

NCWoodworker is an informative, fun, and lively forum. So if you have questions, please post. There is a wide variety of expertise (and lack of expertise :roll here.

Sapwood

 

[cskipper]

Travis, that just means you need to build a bigger cabinet so those drawers fit just fine (you know, those design opportunities!):lol:

 

[Travis Porter]

Actually, I believe I am going to do just that. I have a laundry tub in my garage and I believe I can make a new carcase and put three of them in it so that would be 3 down. I have my eye on one of the others to make a drill bit cabinet where the door has storage space as well. That would make it 4 down and 10 to go. Stashed them in my shop attic for the time being.

 

[DavidF]

How big are the drawers Travis - I might have a need for a couple. could be a paying job after all:lol: