Hi everyone:If you were completely new to woodworking - all your prior experience wasinstalling chair rails in a den and building a workbench - what type of woodwould you use to build sewing machine furniture? I'm planning to buildsomething similar to a corner computer desk with side extensions toaccommodate 3 sewing machines.Something like this: tools I'll be using are a 7 1/4" electric circular saw, and another one5 1/2" battery operated. Also a scroll saw, two drills, and a finishingsander. Of course I have all the other essentials, such as hammers, levels,and such.Considering the tools that I have, and especially my very limitedexperience, I'm concerned about wasting good wood.On the other hand, it could turn out to be pretty good and then I would besorry not to have used better wood.What would be a middle ground?I would greatly appreciate some feedback.

I would use mahogany. It's easy on the tools, easy to work with, readilyavailable, relatively inexpensive, and rather pretty.Kevin

Looks like I'm in lockstep with Steve on starting with small crawlsthen small steps prior to big leaps. My first task was for a shelfwith plate rail, oh curved ends and supports, and oh rounded overedges. Each new project entailed something new and I found that wasan excellent way for ME to learn and expand. Suggest JMOE that youlook for Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking books 1&2 bound together.Libray might have it and if not about $30.00 USD. I found aftermaking the first one the second and following went quicker, easier andbetter. Protect hearing around universal motors!

What kind of wood to use?

Apr 28, 2004 24 Replies

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MOE 22 years ago

I live in Florida.

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Edwin Pawlowski 22 years ago

Used. There is not a worthy new saw made at that price level. Ed

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MOE 22 years ago

Thanks to everyone.

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Stephen M 22 years ago

Good job. You are learning well from the wreck.

Stop. right there! That one. that's your next project... the garage storage..... That gives you another place to develop some more skills where there is a little more wiggle room for "oopses".

That's a good one too.

Moe,

My gut says that the sewing cabinet may be a bit too ambitious. I say that because I want you to succeed. I would rather see you encouraged by small successes, than frustrated by biting off a little more than you are ready for. I always try to do something new on each project: a new finish, use a new tool, or a construction technique. Build up to it.

Then again I could be completely wrong. You could churn our a masterpiece.

Have fun, make dust.

-Steve

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nospambob 22 years ago

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