How to Start a Career in Woodworking

If you’ve either just finished school or are looking for an exciting career change, then woodworking may be for you. There’s a lot of avenues you can go down in the woodworking world. You could be a carpenter and work for a building company, or you could be a woodworker and craft incredible designs. If you’re looking for tips and advice on how to get into the business of woodworking then you’re in the right place!

Calderbrook woodworking machinery have helped create this guide on everything you need to know about starting a new career in woodworking. Keep reading to find out more information.

Understanding the difference between woodworking and carpentry 

The two key areas of woodworking careers are being a woodworker and a carpenter. Many people believe these two careers are the same but they actually have key differences, despite falling under the same umbrella of woodworking. 

When you want to start a career in woodworking, it’s important you decide between being a woodworker and a carpenter. But what are the differences? Keep reading to find out.

Woodworking 

Woodworking is very much associated with the artistic side of woodwork. If you’re creative and love making things out of wood then this is the career for you. Woodworking is about carving unique creations out of wood. 

The demand for wooden trinkets has gone up in recent years due to the originality that comes from it. Nobody wishes to have something that everyone else has anymore, making woodworking a great career choice.

Carpentry 

Carpentry is a trade that’s all about building and repairing things with wood. Usually, as a carpenter you’ll work with builders to install and craft structures within a house. As a carpenter you’ll need to possess certain skills such as being good at mathematics and having great attention to detail. 

Carpentry is all about the structural part of woodwork, going into this trade is incredibly rewarding and there are plenty of career options available. Consider this woodworking career if this sounds like something you’d love! 

Become a woodwork apprentice 

If you’re a young person looking to start a career in woodworking, an apprenticeship is a great stepping stone. Becoming a woodwork apprentice will teach you all the necessary skills you need to become a successful woodworker. 

You may be working on a construction site for carpentry or within a wood workshop. These are two environments that will keep you busy and learning, the perfect start to your woodworking career. 

At the end of your apprenticeship you will receive a qualification, this will make it easier for you to go on to your next woodworking job. Having work experience is very valuable and can help you get a headstart in your career.

What tools, equipment, and machinery will I need?

To start up your business as a professional woodworker, you’ll need some key tools, equipment, and machinery. Here are the basics that you’ll need to get you started:

• Table saw
• Band saw
• Beam saw
• Dust collector
• Chisel

These are the essentials, although you may find you need some more tools and machinery as you advance.