So, You Want to be a Woodworker? Here's My Advice.

We get a ton of inquiries here at Dave Stine Furniture. Will we make a table from the tree in your front yard? No. Will we use the wood your grandfather cut to make furniture for you? No. Will you make chairs? No. Will you repair my antique sideboard? No. 

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is: “I want to do what you do. How do I get started?”

Here’s my advice:

1. Get a subscription to Fine Woodworking. It’s the single best resource out there. Read it cover to cover. Order back issues.

2. Take a woodworking class at your local community college or wood shop/retail outlet. Woodcraft and Highland Woodworking are great resources as well. By taking classes, you can learn the basics and use their tools, so it’s a great way to get your feet wet without a major commitment.

3. Join your local woodworker’s guild or at least attend a meeting. They offer classes, field trips, internships, mentoring, etc. You’ll meet people who are enthused about woodworking, and they can offer guidance.

Here is the national guild: https://www.wwgoa.com/

And our local guild here in St. Louis: https://slwg.org/

4. You might also contact woodworkers in your area to see if they offer apprenticeships or part-time employment. We do not, but others might!

Good luck!