Woodworking for the Gamer

Woodworking appeals to me because it resembles the same building concepts utilized when developing a game. The artist department in you is molding the wood to achieve the right look and feel, to convey a mood, feeling or expression. The coding department must work to balance the structure like a complex Lego building. You need to be able to test it against the forces placed upon it from the environment and everyday use. The creative development team inside of you must ensure that the other department goals work together to achieve the end product. This creation will need to serve a purpose, providing a solution or filling a need but it cannot lose its artistic grace in filling the goal. It needs to remain appealing to the target audience.

Since my wife and I purchased our home several years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to truly delve head first into this hobby, building creations for the house left and right. Sometimes I find myself biting off more than I can chew and its off to YouTube, browsing the woodworking forums and calling up general contracting friends to get help. However, in the end, there are always good lessons learned and in that new knowledge a new appreciation for this craft.

Tools of The Trade

Tools are the next big item and this is where the initial “startup fee” for the hobby can hit hard. However, like a new RPG you have fallen in love with, you may want all the accessories but you definitely don’t need them despite how shiny they may look at your local home do-it center. You will also find plenty of great deals on your local Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. I can’t tell you how many thousands of dollars I’ve saved by finding some spectacular opportunities from local listings. I have scored many items in my tool collection that I never believed I would be capable of affording. 

Today's woodworker is a technological marvel molding wood with both old hand tools and modern power items. So here are some need lists to get started …

There are plenty of other tools out there you will want but start with this list above. Some of the items will require additional items such as drill bits, router bits and sandpaper. They are the items that will get most of your projects completed so you can dive deeper into more complex tasks in the future.

And one last important item set: Safety gear. Only idiots think wearing safety gear is lame. You work with wood that much and you will WANT protection. Good gloves that still allow for articulation are a must have and don’t be surprised if you wear them out fast. Safety glasses are needed because woodworking is 10% planning, 10% cutting, 10% connecting and 90% sanding (old woodworking joke). You will sand … a lot … and that dust irritates everyone eventually so get the safety glasses. For the same reason, get respirators or masks because wood dust can just wreck your day. It’s NOT cool to be unsafe … it really isn’t.

What do I build first?

There are dozens of items but usually the easiest and probably cheapest item from a wood standpoint is a work bench. There are hundreds of styles, layouts, sizes, etc. that you can build so search Pinterest (or other image boards) and look for something that appeals to you. There really isn’t a best or worst design type but remember to keep it simple. If you truly get hooked into the hobby you can always go back and build a bigger, better, more complex workbench with all the bells and whistles. Start simple, you are just looking for a platform to do your work on and something to get you started.

So it sounds like a lot but really is no more than what you’d invest into gaming. In fact, with some great Craigslist findings or sales at a local hardware store, you can manage to fully gear up by spending far less than you would for your next iBuypower, Alienware or OriginPC gaming rig. And when you are done “playing” you will have something you can use for years down the road.

-Bones