Beginner Woodworking Mistakes

You do your absolute best but things still just don't come together as you know they should, and you don't know why... it's frustrating, I've been there. Here's a lot of things I've learned that have helped me bring my woodworking projects together the way I know they should be!

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Editing: Ilia Petrov

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[nathanjones]

The part about "Don't point out your mistakes when receiving compliments" strikes me the most. Because that's exactly me. I'm a hobby woodworker who did some projects for myself and my wive or as gifts. And every project had it's flaws. People reacted very positve and i thought i was being humble. Because you know, my projects weren't THAT good. But i forgot that maybe, those people were refering to the fact that i put in so much time and effort. Maybe not exactly complimenting on the project itself, but on the fact that I manged to create THIS. I like this thought. I will remember that.

[TarshaHomestead]

Caleb, I hope you have insurance on that building because there is a spider living in your planer that requires burning the building down.

[kulheo]

I love the phrase... Even if it has flaws(yes... my work has a lot because I just start woodworking not too long ago), it's beautiful because applied time and passion. That encourages me a lot.

[manatag]

as a woodworking beginner, i've watched dozens of videos with same theme as this one, but this is the most informative and useful one, for sure - gg sir!

[JimmyLee]

Thanks for this video. I really needed this conversation. I have a bad problem with pointing out my mistakes, even the most minute ones. My Bride and I are doing some major remodeling and now working on the Master Bath. The measurements for the vanity we bought told us it would fit, barely but fit the opening. Well the measurements were for the box and not the top. I had to remove the drywall, on one side, install the vanity and replace the drywall around it. You really can't tell it but the other day my Son-in-Law and Brother-in-Law were looking at it and I showed them all the mistakes. Both said that, if I had not told them they would have never known. I need to learn to just take the compliments and leave the mistakes alone. Thanks

[davidnorton]

I learned the reality of wood movement the fun way on an early project. I meticulously picked out a bunch of 2x4s at Lowe's, brought them home and let them sit on my garage floor for a week before being able to start the project. When I came back they were all decidedly less straight and flat than they when I purchased them. Made it work anyway. Still have that project, still serves it's purpose.

And yes I point out all my projects flaws... Maybe we need to start a support group.

[Techreux]

Love the spider crawling down the planer housing at the 16:00 mark! Seriously, can't agree enough about the parallel, square, and perpendicularity of the table saw! It's bad enough when the delivered panel material isn't perpendicular.. but when you fight that with a saw that's out, it gets horrid real quick. I actually read in a set of plans bought from a website the following: "plywood gets out of square when run though the cutting process".. I could not believe that someone said that!! I will say one thing in my experience (now more than 35 years) that if a shop is in business to make money, it gets impossible to allow the time for the stock to settle like you are suggesting.. I agree that shop temp and humidity are important, but if you have any quick turn customers (mine generally are), you have to figure out a way through that issue, as time is not on your side. I'm not implying your stance isn't correct, rather, sometimes rules have to get bent to get the job done.. or you don't take the job on, in my experience.. YMMV. Thanks for the video!

[stephenlines]

Completely agree about letting people say nice things about your work.
When I was way much younger I used to sing in choirs and choral societies. It was common after a performance for people to tell you how much they enjoyed it. Inside you know it could have been done better. That's 100% true in all cases - perfection doesn't exist. Using that as a learning experience/motivator to do better next time is the correct, positive response. Branding the person complimenting you as a 'philistine', stupid, ignorant, knows less than you is an easy mistake to make, but is simply wrong. If you performed in a way that they really enjoyed, they are entitled to their opinion, and their enjoyment.
I like your style and your measured approach and am looking forward to more content in the future.
A sincere 'thank you'.
Stay strong and keep striving.

[mcoelho]

Great video! As a beginner, I felt like we were having a nice conversation! Thanks for bringing some experiences for those that are struggling at the beginning like me! Something I've been learning is to accept my inicial limitations. Normally, I want to make complex projects even not having the conditions for it yet.

[rona]

This is the second video of yours I seen today. I am now a subscriber because of the wisdom, insight, ease of delivery and I find it valuable. 👍🏻

[robert.brokaw]

Great video. This video is the exact reason you need to teach classes. What you are showing are the reasons some people get discouraged when working with wood or other materials. You show how you do things but don't discourage other ideas. I think you would do a great job. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next video/Stay safe.

[cristitib]

Very thorough and articulate explanations - this has become my favorite woodworking channel. Very inspiring words about how to see the accomplishment and not focus on flaws.

[jamespatrick]

Thanks for the great advise. I do that all the time pointing out my mistakes... Appreciate your shared thoughts.

[jameswalsh]

Very practical advice. Sound like you've worked in Education. Building jigs has been a worthwhile experience for me for learning the ropes and making something that is functional if made properly. Lots of measuring and squaring. Thought I'd keep doing lots of small boxes and picture frames until scaling up in size and precision and design to small pieces of furniture. Do other projects, like crucifixes with the small but precious hardwood off-cuts. I call the imperfect creations "prototypes" and correct them just enough to adorn the shelves in our house. The better stuff seems to get gifted mostly. Not sure I'll ever make a buck in this journey but the pathway, so far, is challenging, rewarding and fulfilling.

[jbailey]

What great advice for begining and even advanced wood workers alike! This was a really helpful, thank you for making it!

[davidcorliss]

this is probably the best beginner woodworking videos I have seen very informative

[stevengreen]

Wow, what an info packed video for a beginner like me. You have unknowingly answered alot of questions ive struggled with. Thank you very much.

[jaraxel]

As a totally new woodworker... thank you for this video!

[Nightmare-eoio]

When I started wood working all I had was a cheap black and decker drill, a pull saw and a some chisels and made my first workbench using a chair as my sole work surface. You can make high quality work if you approach it correctly. If you haven't tty limiting yourself to hand tools for just one project and get scrappy. It's perspective shifting and makes you a better woodworker to have the expanded perspective

[jasonstevens]

I think this whole video can be summed up with “have patience”. Very good advice!