1.  What kind of woodworking do I want to do?
2. What tools do I have currently?
3. What space do I need or have available?
4. What are the expenses and how much do I have to allocate in additional tools and supplies?
5. What available free-time do I have to allocated?
6. What current abilities do I have?
7. What will I get out of this investment?

Obviously, the first question posed will be a contributing factor in the remaining 6 questions. Many woodworkers have started out as homeowners who did minor repairs to their humble abode or their profession expanded into their hobby so do you what to dwell into cabinetry and furniture for the home or smaller projects such as bird houses, carving, picture frames or turning bowls and pens. Each would require some thought as to the tools, space and certainly the available funds. As you can see there are a vast number of possibilities which have a bearing to the remaining questions.

I've talked briefly on the Woodshop page concerning the selection of hand tools and this should be your next consideration having made the decision on the projects you wish to do. Many choose to use the power tools and machines to minimize their production time. I choose to use power tools for sizing of larger material but I also make use of a wide selection of hand tools for finer detail work.Whatever your selection may be, consider this in factoring your budget and the shop space available. Keep in mind that you can sometimes spend as much on a quality plane as you can on some power tools.

Setting up your shop space will always be the number one question by newcomers to the hobby and is posted on many forums in the content of 'How much shop space do you think I need'. I started many years ago with very limited hand tools and a circular saw and jig saw, constructed a 6' x 8' shed and split the space with the garden tools for work space. As my projects grew larger and my tool inventory expanded, so came the decision to build a free standing shop. For those who live in rental property this may not be an alternative but smaller projects such as turning pens or small bowls in a spare room can be accomplished. You can also consider joining a local woodworking club which might have a club shop. Apartment dwellers often may have access to community centers or garages within the facilities. If your a homeowner, consider your neighbors and the affects of the power tools you use, running a power planer at midnight might strain relations within the community. If your belong to an HOA, be sure an check to see if there are restrictions that may apply and if you rent be sure to discuss this with the landlord. Whatever your case work wisely and safely.

Now that I've talked about some of the easier decisions, it's time to think of the financial aspects. How much does it cost? It's sort of like buying a home, you know the purchase price but have no idea of the future unexpected occurrences that might come up. It will all depend on many factors, so to will the woodworking hobby. Planning and shopping wisely can make your hobby an adventure but make your decision of purchases smart and to last you a lifetime, it will benefit you in the long run. There are many specialty woodworking stores such as Woodcraft, Woodworkers Supply and Rocklers who will have the hard to find items but in that they cater to the woodworking field exclusively, their pricing structure is set a little higher. Stores near your location such as Lowe's, Home Depot or Sears carry many of the name brand tools and at a much better price. There are many mail order companies that can be found through the internet and I've tried to compile a list of favorites within the market. Most importantly shop around, use special offers or coupons and visit the many forums asking for advise on your purchases. If your looking for specialty hand tools such as planes, do your research and shop through E-Bay. Your local newspaper classified adds or estate auctions is also a good way to find quality tools at a bargain price.

For many of us finding the time to complete a project can be a juggling act between work and home-life. Remember to enjoy this adventure as a pastime activity so even the most complex project doesn't have to be completed in 6 months, even it's a year or two to complete it's your free time so relax and enjoy it.

If you have any current creative abilities, apply these to your new found hobby but don't rush yourself or get discouraged in your rate of gaining experience or accomplishments, remember your to get the most out of your pastime.

Getting the most out of your investment and free time is really a personal satisfaction and creative experience. From the simplest nick-nack shelf to a kitchen remodel, work at your own pace and imagination.