This week, we are in the middle of a huge project and aren’t ready to share it yet. So instead we pulled together the best maker videos to help you get started in woodworking. We will focus on what tools to buy, how to set up your shop and even some simple beginner projects to get you started. Are you ready? It’s time for a Maker Break!
We get it, starting out in woodworking can be overwhelming. There are so many tools you could buy, so many projects you want to make, but where the heck do you start? We had the same problem when we first started, but fortunately, YouTube is PACKED with great woodworking advice for beginners. Here are the first 10 videos we think you should watch.
What tools to start with?
First, you have to decide which tools to get first, and we have a couple of suggestions here: First up, Steve Ramsey. He listed 7 of the most essential tools you need as a beginner woodworker like a miter saw, jigsaw, drill, and driver.
We also have 5 must have tools from Crafted Workshop and What Basic tools you need from Mark Spagnulo, also known as the Wood Whisperer. All three of these videos will help you choose which tools to buy first.
Shop Organization
Okay, so you have your essential tools but now you need a good space to use them. Sam the DIY Huntress shows you how you can utilize every square inch of your space with peg boards, heavy duty shelves, clamp wracks and shares a few tips to help you make your larger tools mobile.
Buying Lumber
Next we look at lumber. Honestly when we first started making things I didn’t think this was something that you really needed to think about. You go to your local home improvement store, grab what you need and leave. As it turns out choosing the right lumber can make a world of difference for your projects and Chris of Third Coast Craftsman has the answer. Chris walks us through where to buy lumber, how to pick it and even what all of the little lumber codes mean. Honestly, you’ll be a lumber expert in the 14 minutes it takes to watch. Super useful.
Accuracy
OK You have your tools, you organized your workspace and found your lumber. Now it’s time to build! And the first think you’re going to screw up, is measuring things. Accuracy in woodworking is far more complex than I ever guessed. Thankfully, one of my favorite woodworking content creators, Jonathan Katz-Moses, shares everything you need to know about working accurately with wood. He covers everything from hand tools to table saws, and make sure your cut is on point every single time.
Joints
So we’re ready to use our tools to cut some wood, and somehow put it back together. Did you know there are 13 types of woodworking joints that are most commonly used? Don’t worry, Jason Bent from Bent’s woodworking shows us 5 different woodworking joints that are just perfect for us beginners. He demonstrates a butt joint, rabbet joint, tongue and groove joints, dado joints, and finally a finger joint! Those should get you started.
Finish
Then when you build your first piece, you’re gonna want to finish it. And there are like 300 million options just at home depot alone. Fortunately if you’re willing to go back for some more Steve Ramsey, he shared this amazing video that walks you through, not only the different types of finish, but he gives reasons to use each one, and helps you make that choice.
First Projects
Alright you’re armed with just about everything you need to build something in your shop. But what should you build? Chris, has a second video we’d suggest. In this one he shares 4 easy DIY woodworking gifts you can build yourself! What better way to learn woodworking than making things for others.
And if none of those interest you, Paul Sellers shared plans for 6 simple woodworking projects including a cutting board, coasters, spoons and a few boxes. All of them easy, but very satisfying to build.
That does it for our Top 10 Beginner Woodworking Videos, but we’re SURE you’ve seen better. There are a ton of videos that cover these subjects, and we’d really like you to share your favorite. If you have a favorite video that’s perfect for beginners, please link it in the comments below for the rest of our viewers. If you link it, we’ll watch it! Special Thanks to HART for sponsoring this episode and reminding us that we can build anything we can imagine if we #doitwithhart. Be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss our project next week! Alright break’s over! Let’s make something!
