The only beginner video you need to watch....EVER

These are the worst mistakes I made as a beginner and what I would do differently if I started over!

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[robertmcleod]

A lot of woodworking videos they come with “I used this off cut from my last project” then they bring out a piece of exotic wood worth a couple of hundred dollars

[BootlegCraig]

I love that last bit… during a project I was working on (and felt like I was failing, badly) a buddy of mine grabbed me by the shoulders, looked me dead in the eyes, and said “ALWAYS remember this… TAN. This Ain’t NASA. This doesn’t need to go to outer space. This isn’t life or death. It can be imperfect and still be great.” I carry this with me, always.

[richpeggyfranks]

After retiring, I still have a steady stream of friends, neighbors and family who want custom woodworking pieces. My simple rules: they come to the shop, use my stuff, build their own piece and I assist. Most people agree. So, I have had the pleasure of teaching lots of folks about woodworking. Measuring everything seems to be a big misconception. A neighbor showed up with a tape measure clipped to his belt. After he "whipped it out" a couple dozen times, I took it and hid it from him. Cutting to fit is the most important measurement. Also, I get the comment about tools every time. I explain that my collection is the result of 50 years of woodworking. Another good point you made is the strength of glue. I still haven't figured out a good way to convey trust in glued joints without a home tour demonstrating glue-only joinery. Another very good info-taining video. Thx.

[rw]

Really good advice. I am 57 and about seven years into woodworking. Would not have happened without YouTube. Pretty sure most folks have looked at a finished project and said to themselves “ if I did this again I would do it differently”. The process and the learning are what, to me anyways, makes this craft so interesting and enjoyable. Loved the tip with the oversized screw hole to account for wood movement. That one was new to me.

[protoform]

I am a seasoned woodworker and member of the society of American period furniture makers. Thank you for making this video. It is accurate and true. I myself find reasons not to make things from time to time. Whether you are a beginner or not this is a good reminder, just get out there and build something. You'll be happy you did! And btw, lol, my first ever project years ago was done with pocket screws! Lol! Nothing wrong with that!

[cottrelr]

Regarding jigs, there's one thing people tend to forget about beginner woodworkers. The most important resource to this craft, which most shops are overflowing with, is SCRAP WOOD -- which, by definition, is non-existent in a new woodworker's shop!

When cutting your first 2x4, you can't prop it up on a few scraps of 2x4.

When building your first project using walnut, you can't do a test cut on a scrap piece of walnut.

In the 3 years since I started, I've lost count of the number of times I've gone to the Big Box store to buy wood for a jig that "you can easily make out of the scraps you already have". In fact, the first piece of hardwood I ever bought was a red oak 1x4, so I could make runners for a crosscut sled. Even today, if I needed a scrap of 2x4 longer than about 18 inches, I'd have to go buy it. And the only time I ever buy MDF is when I want to make a jig that requires a scrap piece of MDF.

[chrismorsini]

Hey I just wanted to say that the absolute best part of this video is that you tell everyone that it’s not perfect. I think many people, certainly myself, have beaten themselves up over not being perfect. Thank you the very good advice.

[seanc.]

i find the practical advice on this channel refreshing. We all go down rabbit holes, but giving people confidence to start building without buying thousands of dollars of tools, or feeling bad about pocket holes is fantastic! Learn, experiment and have fun. That’s what it’s really all about

[MindenMen]

A novice woodworker spends most of their time figuring out how to build something. An experienced one spends their time thinking about how it will look. The difference is confidence in the process—skill frees the mind to focus on the result.
Nice vid. Like it.

[AndrewAlex]

And people say a level headed response gets no views.. thank you for presenting all the arguments and context behind decisions, not just "rules" that folks should blindly follow

[wilburrrrr]

Definitely nailed it when talking about the priority of an assembly table. I can't even count how many Tylenol it took me to learn that assembling projects on the floor was killing me.

[theelmagoo]

Having gone through this over the past 2 to 3 years, I 100% agree with your points. I'd also add 2 more that I think are important. 1) when you do make the step up to "fixed" tools like a table / miter saw, it's worth investing in a digital calibration set like what Rockler offers and learn to properly calibrate them! It makes a world of difference when the tools are set as good as they can be, not just for quality cuts, but also peace of mind and knowing that if there's a mistake it's a user-error issue that can be fixed through practice and learning. 2) If wanting to use oil based finishes, understanding how to safely dispose of rags!! Since my shop is in my garage, I pretty much only use water based stuff for now to avoid self combusting rags due to user-error.

Thanks for all the great info and encouragement!

[jefftucker]

best beginner tip is, if you decide to build something, first build a small scaled down version of it so you can get it figured out without wasting your money on supplies

[AustinoM]

“Box store lumber is cheap.” Where Im from in Ontario, Canada, it most certainly is not cheap. Ive seen so many price comparisons of buying a piece of furniture vs. DIY from box-store wood, and it ends up being almost as expensive or sometimes MORE expensive to do it yourself. And Im talking softwood, hardwood, import, local, you name it

[rickyelement]

Definitely needed to hear this today. Been beating myself up about foolish mistakes in wood joinery. No one’s perfect. Thanks for the vid.

[mullingreen]

As someone with decent experience, this is THE channel to watch for beginners to pro. Even with lots of experience, it’s good to come back to someone with so much basic common sense

[cocogarcia]

Pre-sanding batches of like pieces long before assembly… game changer. I’ve actually grown to enjoy sanding with this increase-the-surface-area efficiency. Great tips! Thank you as always.

[John-vxfe]

Man finishing is my favorite part that is when everything really starts to pop, when the beauty of the wood really comes out.

[philipspeicher]

Going middle out with the slats was smart. Provides optimal tip-to-tip efficiency.

[petenelson]

Love your approach to woodworking. I'm new/old to woodworking as a hobby (started some 30 years ago, raised 4 kids, restarted 2 years ago) and YouTube has vastly changed my learning curve. I used to buy magazines that kind of explained what I was trying to make and then I'd figure out, and screw up the rest. Your statement about good woodworkers being obsessed with making jigs hit home. Now at 65 years old, I purchased some quality tools, 36" 3hp SawStop vs. Craftsman Construction Saw, but still have my old 8" Delta Jointer and 12" Delta planer (looking to upgrade jointer to a helical head, and probably buy a new planer, old one only 1 speed still works), and my trusty drill press and 5 year old Hercules Miter saw. Got the SawStop because I'm teaching my grandkids how to woodwork so I don't want/need any unplanned missing fingers. There are enough hazards around the shop, so eliminating one help me with my sanity. Your comment about destroying a project in 2 hrs by not putting on a finish properly also hit home, alone with sanding before assembly. I purchased a 3M 6" sander (my arthritic hands thank me) which I love, and it's completely changed my attitude on sanding, I actually enjoy it now ... some what 🙂.
BTW, I convinced my wife (of 39 years) to watch the video you did on finishes. I'm making a built in pantry (two base cabinets and 5 shelves) for her with hard maple. We got the maple from a tree my son cut down. I had it cut and kiln dried, we got 587 board feet out of it so plenty of maple to work with. Also got 327 bd feet from a hickory tree my neighbor gave us. Sorry, I digress (I was thinking about your comments on buying boards). Well, she opted for the clear hard wax finish. Easiest by far finish I've ever applied. Thanks for showing her all the options and helping me with finishing this project. As for pocket screws, I just purchased a Kreg 720 pocket hole machine (haven't used it yet), for my upcoming build of a bookcase, more cabinets and a desk for her sewing room. Now if I can get my sore back to cooperate maybe I'll get all these done without killing myself. Love your channel!!!