I don't have the space or funds for investment in power tools to be practical. I love working with wood, had a job making D&D and TTRPG wooden accessories out of college, now I'm wanting to get back into the hobby and really learn joinery, etc.
Previously, I did lots of machine work, usually with machine planers, jointers, table saws, etc. As these aren't feasible for me right now, and I want to learn to work with my hands, I don't think these skills translate super well to woodworking with hand tools.
The books that I've found so far are DK's Woodworking: The Complete Step-By-Step Manual and Everyday Woodworking by Rex Kreuger. I think the former is the better book of the two, while Kreuger's book seems to be full of kind of weird projects, not sure if it's worth pursuing. Any books that are better? Pretty impressed by the step-by-step manual as I've reviewed it.
I've found local resale, both online and in-person, have been helpful for finding cheap hand tools. I've found a bench plane and a jointer plane for like NOTHING that are in pretty good condition. Trying to find a good, cheap tool for sharpening tools. I don't have a work bench, would like to build it myself eventually, but want to practice the basics first. Any tips for learning hand woodworking?
Just joined Beehaw and so far loving these communities. Hope to hear from anyone with more knowlege than me! Also, I've been thinking of joining a woodworking guild. Would that be worth it? My local is like 25 dollars a year.
I can't say about books - maybe check the local library if you have one.
I learned 95% of what i know from Paul Sellers on youtube. He's also done a few good bench build tutorials and sharpening system i think some free plans on his website.
Until you build your own bench you do need something to hold the work. A small folding+clamping table like a 'black and decker workmate' , can do most stuff and you should find a used one for cheap. plus a few bar/pipe clamps. There's no substitute for a heavy worktop when chopping mortices though, B+D workmate can do it, but it's not great (noisy).
I use medium and fine diamond plates + strop for sharpening like Paul Sellers, they worked out as one of the most expensive tools i have. You can get cheaper thin plates from China now though that i might try when mine wear out.
Using hand tools is about practice and building up sensitivity, to the tool and to the specific bit of wood you're cutting. Generally if the tool or the wood is fighting you more than you expected, you either need to sharpen, take a smaller bite, or change your approach, maybe angle of attack.
I pick up shipping palettes for free, also waste out of any demolition work going on locally. break them down (which is a massive pain de-nailing them) and practice planing and making joints in that. Though as soon as you get some quality wood or hardwood, it's different world. It's probably best to get palettes used in food distribution if you can as they should not have had anything toxic spilled on them in their past.
I find hand tools a lot of fun, relaxing, creative , rewarding. and much more control and much less dust , noise, mess and frankly less fear than hand power tools or large machine tools.
Final bits of advice from me, get used to using a nice sharp marking knife (get one with cheap replaceable blades if you cant be bothered to sharpen it) instead of pen or pencil. Also if you figure out a way to never drop your chisels on the floor - then please tell me how it's done.