I'm trying out an alternative currently, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodcut.

It is well suited for me because

- I like wood

- I like knives

- I'm into typography

- it doesn't require that much work space

I have only just started out but it feels nice indeed! A hindrance is that I am not very artistically gifted, but as long as I make it mostly for myself, I don't mind too much.

Depending on where you live, there might be workshops nearby where you can sign up to use shared spaces (along with shared tools).

They're also the kind of places where they have lessons where you can sign up, so if you're interested in both classes and a space to work, they're a great fit.

I have some advice!

I have this problem. I did three things. First, I joined a makerspace that had a woodshop. This seems like it should cure all your problems but it won't. There's limited storage, unpredictable tool availability, the motivational issues of driving to a new place to work, etc.

Second, I joined another makerspace out of town! Redundancy and the availability of friends in the area to work with helps. Plus, supporting makerspaces feels good and the cost is not much compared to other hobbies.

Finally, there are some very basic, not large tools that can get you through 90% of projects, including very nice looking bookshelves, desks, cabinets, etc:

* Circle saw + track guide for rip cuts

* Saw horses for adhoc tables

* Power drill (+ you'll want one for all kinds of useful things anyway)

* Nice drill bit set

* Pocket hole jig (saves you time and assembly space)

* Drill block (takes the place of a drill press in a pinch)

* Painting blankets to put stain / glue-ups on

All of the above can fit in a small area of a closet, available when motivation strikes. Far and away the biggest storage headache is wood, which you'll have to get creative about, but for restoration or even modification, you won't need much. And for smaller projects you'll probably use most of what you buy on the same day if you plan it out.

Upgrades (which a makerspace would provide anyway):

* If you have a little space (like a desktop), you can get a chop/miter saw which makes repeated precise cuts much easier

* A router + bit set (esp keyhole bit! This makes hanging this much easier)

* Shopvac for dust (+ shopvacs are super useful anyway)

That's really it. You can do almost all the projects you'd want with just those, from the living room, patio, backyard, driveway, garage, or a parking spot out front.

What I get from the makerspace is access to drill presses, router tables, and table saws. Table saws are a game changer and are the best way to level up your precision and cut accuracy, but require so much space that I could never justify it at home (and small portable table saws are not the same).

I'm definitely still learning, but the main lessons are that good wood ($), precise cuts, adding layers from trim / recessed boards, hiding screws, and tons of sanding will make anything look really, really nice.

EDIT: One last thing: You can easily practice woodworking fundamentals without space by making joints, practicing stain matching (try to get veneer plywood to match a stained board), or practicing right-angle, precise cuts.