Looking for beginner woodworking projects that reinforce fundamentals

[sean_g]

I've always been fond of tools, and use any home reno project as an excuse to go out and purchase the tools I need (or really don't need) to complete the project. Lately I've been binging every woodworking video on YouTube, and I look back over the past couple months and realize I've only been acquiring tools and not creating anything. Thousands upon thousands of dollars later, I am packed with woodpecker and festool products, but not armed with anymore knowledge or projects that I've completed. I realize that I've been telling myself "I'll build this after I get this" or "I need this tool to build this" etc. Anyways, long story short, are there some beginner projects that you've done or recommend that teach / reinforce fundamentals, joinery etc., from when you started your own journey. Or things you wish you could have told your inexperienced self.

TLDR - any beginner woodworking projects you've done or recommend to those starting out that teach fundamentals and bring you joy to have created.

 

[Packard]

I find that working on projects that need to be done makes the learning process more rewarding.

Pick some project around the house that would be useful to you once complete.  Post pictures.  Then the members here can suggest fabrication techniques that will match your experience and available equipment. 

At any rate, that is my suggestion on how to proceed.

 

[woodferret]

Probably first problem is watching YT.  Influencers are meant to get you to buy stuff you don't need.  Just build a small shelf, some utilitarian piece of furniture.  Shop furniture.  But unlike YTers who dash stuff together, put some effort into it, like edge banding properly etc etc.  You'll mess up to begin with, that's fine.  Don't buy walnut for this like an influencer.  Practice on chinaply and poplar.  Learn to hate chinaply and poplar.

 

[rmwarren]

Basic cabinets are a good starter project and nearly everyone can find a use for another place to put stuff. Also, great shop projects to get you going. A sheet of plywood and a little poplar or pine, some screws/glue is all you need.

Have fun and post progress.

RMW

 

[woodbutcherbower]

100% solid advice from the guys above. I'd also add;

Learn the basics of measuring, marking-out and cutting accurately. It's the absolute fundamental basis of everything you'll ever do.

All of these tools you have - did you spend any time learning how to use them and get the best out of them? If not - do so. Even if it's just one tool at a time. Always remember that your tools are there just to help you along - what really counts is the skill and experience with which you use them. And experience only comes with practise. Lots of practise.

Any maybe most importantly for a guy in your position - if you can't figure something out, ask on here for help and advice. There are a lot of good people on here (pros and hobbyists alike) with a huge amount of collective skill and experience which is always gladly shared. Don't struggle.

Anyway - as per your request, the simplest 'beginner-style' project I ever posted on here was the one I've linked below. Very basic, very quickly thrown together (less than two days) - and with very little machining involved. I've described the process and pretty much everything else you'll need to know in the post text. I hope it helps.

I wish you happiness, satisfaction and fulfilment on your journey.
Kevin
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/'carpe-diem'-the-15-hour-double-bed/msg694629/#msg694629

 

[cider]

I didn't have a mentor or any background in woodworking, and I started with crude shop furniture and a crosscut sled.  My first finished projects were picture frames and small simple boxes.

Some random things I might tell my past self:

• Even with the fanciest equipment, you can't simply throw a piece of wood at it and get perfect results.  Everything has strengths and weaknesses, and wood is a variable, not a constant.
• Nothing wrong with nice wood, but highly figured exotics aren't going to save poor design and execution.  Focus on process.
• Once in a while you have to throw in the towel, but try to finish things, even if they aren't meeting expectations.  Dealing with the unexpected is a huge part of woodworking.
• Take some risks, and forgive yourself if you fail.

 

[sean_g]

Thank you very much for the replies! This was really helpful to read. The woodworking community is a great one, and I look forward to being able to contribute back to it as I gain more experience.

 

[jeffinsgf]

A couple others have mentioned this, but I am going to reinforce it. Shop furniture is one of the best things you can work on to hone your skills. You need it to move forward. If it doesn't come out perfect, it's in your shop, not your living room. And, when you execute it perfectly, you'll be reminded of your success every time you work in your shop.

A few different variations of a set of saw horses is an essential starting point. Here's an article I wrote a few years ago on a classic old splayed leg saw horse that appeared in a 1930's junior high shop text book. I use them almost every project I undertake.
https://www.woodpeck.com/blog/compound-angles-produce-a-strong-stable-saw-horse.html

I also have a set of James Krenov style saw horses that I built as a Domino training exercise. Krenov promoted them as a hand tool mortise and tenon learning opportunity, and you could approach it that way or look at what was done with hand tools and figure out how to do it with the power tools you've acquired.

After those, if part of what you have purchased is an MFT, build a base for it and get it off those embarrassingly wobbly legs. And do it out of inexpensive hardwood and mid-range ply...not hard maple and Baltic birch.

After a few shop projects, tackle something you need for your home, then do a couple more shop projects and hone your skills some more. Reflecting on my path to where I am today, I've been doing just that...shop projects intermingled with furniture projects for over 40 years. Still learning stuff.

 

[sancho57]

there are tons of books you can get with various projects at various skill levels amazon and kindle are good resources.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=woodworking+project+books&crid=1GG3R4L8HINNK&sprefix=woodworking+project+books%2Caps%2C396&ref=nb_sb_noss_1