36 Woodworking Tips for Beginners

Stuart Wellbert
Written by
Last update:

What is a good First Woodworking Project?

The projects you want to start with are practical and can be completed. Do not start with a beautiful cabinet that stands 6 feet tall. You need to start small. Do not start with a big project like a dresser. Something small would be a good place to start like a wooden utensil holder.

Make sure it has a purpose. A wooden spoon holder is useful because you’re only going to use wooden spoons. A wooden soap holder is useful because you use soap. You are not making these for friends or family unless they want one. You’re giving this as a present.

You don’t need a woodworking shop to perform most woodworking projects or build small projects. A shop equipped with an electric drill, saw, and other tools is often enough.

These small projects for beginners will teach you the basics of sawing, sanding, staining, and finishing and gives you a chance to try them out. It also gives you the chance to practice them again and again to improve your skills. After all, the more you practice your woodworking skills, the better your final project will be. Here are some small projects you can start with:

  • Mini cutting board
  • Picture frames
  • A wooden spoon holder
  • A wooden soap holder
  • A wooden cigarette lighter holder
  • A wooden bubble blower

How much do Woodworkers Make an Hour?

What Woodworking Projects Sell Well?

Edgy furniture, including slanted side tables, and modernistic coffee tables with glass tops, sold online well. I was selling cashmere throws, bed sets and also Western and other ethnic pillows with wooden frames. I also made a lot of money selling chairs, especially tufted Ikea chairs. This is one of my favorites to this day.

What to Get the Woodworker who has Everything?

The seasoned woodworker could enjoy some new woodworking gadgets for Christmas or their birthday. New tools or power tool accessories can improve the woodworking experience and give those who have everything something they can find use for.

With the woodworker who has everything, often the gift certificate is the best option. The gift certificate places the choice of what to purchase into their hands. It also allows a shopping trip after Thanksgiving for those holiday sales.

Some gift cards might include a magazine or discount in the woodworking store for those folks who would rather do research than make the trip. Here are some suggestions for you to consider on your gift to the woodworker who has it all.

Trip to the Woodshed

A gift certificate for a day of woodworking in their shop is a great gift. Most woodworkers spend many hours in their shop before they are energized or creative enough to work on something new. A day to push around in the lumber and gawk at tools will leave the woodworker happy and a little more energized to start that woodworking project.

A New Project

If you know the woodworker has been working on a large project for a long time, it might be nice to give them a new project to start with their gift. Giving them a new box of wood to work with or a new tool to expand their skills to a new level changes the game into something new and fresh.

36 Woodworking Tips For Beginners

{1}. Build your own workbench. A workbench is one of the most crucial items for your workshop. Consider your space and the size of your project when opting for a design.
{2}. Take your time and plan each project
{3}. Measure twice before cutting. It is better to measure twice than to cut once. Always.
{4}. Always assemble your hardware before your project
{5}. Always read the directions before starting a project.
{6}. Always make use of the right tools
{7}. Be patient, woodworking takes time.
{8}. Do the math and understand "the numbers" before starting a project.
{9}. Don't take it too serious.
{10}. If your screwdriver doesn't fit, apply energy. Force it.
{11}. File your nails to avoid any accidents
{12}. Listen critically to what you are doing
{13}. Remember that wood can be very unforgiving
{14}. Remember that wood can be very rewarding
{15}. Make peace with the fact that you will make mistakes
{16}. Have fun
{17}. Start small, start with a simple project for beginners.
{18}. Work smart, not hard.
{19}. Woodworking is a science, yes it is a science – respect it.
{20}. Don't trust the reviews.