Newbie question

[Derrick]

Just what is a good 1st project for a beginner. I currently have my new bt3100 (got it for Fathers Day), a miter saw,and beltdisc sander. I also have an endless supply of 1x4 spf. Just not sure where to start. LOML wants a new picnic table but I don't want to buy good lumber until I get used to working the tools I have.

[Black wallnut]

Welcome Derrick!

You might try a few feather boards per the directions in the owners manual then perhaps a stool like the one in this one.

[sweensdv]

How about a birdhouse, pick one http://birding.about.com/library/blhousespecs.htm

[Doug Jones]

How about a cross cut sled,, or even some other kind of jig.
A work bench, a saw blade storage rack, a garden hose hanger. Just some thoughts,,, good luck on what ever you decide to do and keep us informed.

[monte]

Birdhouse, small bench, or featherboards work fine for first projects to familiarize you with your tools. Just take your time and observe proper safety.

BTW. Welcome to the group Derrick!

[Pappy]

Welcome to the Asylum, Derrick! A workbench is one of the most useful first projects.

[Ken Weaver]

Welcome aboard Derrick - any of those mentioned make a good first project. It really doesn't matter which, just make sawdust! And be safe!

[tmaceroli]

My first project when I decided to try my hand at woodworking was a workbench. Since you have a miter saw, that would be a pretty good introduction. Probably don't even need to unpack the TS for that one. Then I added some drawers that had wooden slides and locked rabbet joints. Good project for the table saw, but still no sanding required (and that's a good thing!) Featherboards are nice and they're useful; but when you're done, they're still featherboards. I can't remember asking anyone to "look at my featherboard." At least not in mixed company.

Good luck with whatever you choose, and there is always help to be found here.

Tony

[silverfox]

Welcome to the cult, Derrick....I always think that a good work bench that fits your desires and needs is a good first project. It will teach you a few things and serve as a long lasting necessity for future projects.
Mike

[LarryG]

Howdy, Derrick. You've got some excellent suggestions already. A couple others that come to mind are a tool tote, and a sturdy pair of sawhorses (laminate two 1x4s together to get the necessary stiffness).

One-by-four material is also a good size for a shelf unit for audio cassettes, or for small containers (baby food jars or similar) used to store screws and such in the shop.

Like the TV commercial says, Just Make Something.

[bfrikken]

I'd like to recommend making an outfeed table. That was my first real project with the new table saw. It's on casters and not a permanent fixture. Gave me good practice for my hopes of making a woodworking work bench. I also feel it gives me some confidence and safety measures to work by myself with the saw.

An added bonus, is you don't need to spend a fortune on lumber for this as well. I used an old mini-ping pong table as the top because it has a smooth plastic laminate top, and it can double as a glue up workspace. The rest of the cabinet is all scrap plywood and 2x4's.

[JohnnyTest]

I would recommend a crosscut sled.
Although the BT has the SMT (sliding miter table) I really enjoy using a crosscut sled. I mainly use my fixed 90 sled for making 45 miters.

Here is a link to a site that has pictures of all types of sleds.

http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/howto_crosscut.htmv

[Mainemarc]

As someone who came late to the jig-fest (don't worry: I now see the light), I remember how as a rank novice, building a jig didn't really motivate me, even if I understood intellectually that it was a valuable investment in time and effort.

The best first project is one that a) is within your skill level and b) motivates you and gets you excited about woodworking. Those two characteristics will maximize your chances for an early success and help solidify you interest in this hobby.

What would you *like* to build? Almost any project can be simplified to the point where it can be accomplished by a reasonbly careful beginner using decent tools (and we know you got the second base covered ).

There are limits, of course. A boat or a grandfather clock probably aren't good choices for the beginner, but there are simple designs out there for just about anything else: furniture, jewelry boxes, kid's toys, you name it. Give us a sense of what floats your boat (as long as it isn't a boat) and we can probably steer you towards a specific project or a particular plan.

[Knottscott]

Since a decent wwing workbench is a such an assett in the shop, I think it makes an excellent early project that pays dividends.

[LCHIEN]

Step stools for the home/shop
Boxes of different size and joinery, custom fit for storing some tools and items in the shop.
Jigs and fixtures