18 things every beginning woodworker should know

New to woodworking? Here are some honest tips and advice to get started. Looking for a meaningful, productive hobby? Learn how to set up shop for less than $1000. Download my FREE GUIDE ► theweekendwoodworker.com/tww-tools/
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#woodworking

[@benl6121]

Loved the positive, anti-elitist encouragement here. Very excellent video. Thank you.

[@gungasam3000]

That's what hooked me, too!

[@wheeliebin18]

Agreed. As someone who is hoping to get into this as a hobby, it was refreshing to hear and reassuring that even if I screw up, everyone starts somewhere.

[@brianmyers9989]

Exactly. The venom on YT is real. Need more positivity.

[@jennifer7685]

He's the Bob Ross of carpentry!

[@Laffy1345]

@@jennifer7685 happy little clouds...You're right.😂

[@jamesnonya9454]

Is it me or is this guy the most likable dude around? I don’t subscribe to much but I did to his channel.

[@mdvener]

Yes he is. Down to earth, n honest. Never had a bad word to say about him. Never. Actually I think he was the first person I subscribed to.

[@rmavec1981]

@@mdvener I just did too. First.

[@ratso009Andrew]

I felt the same way!

[@frequentlybrilliant]

Yes he is!

[@crafts_avenue]

he is

[@307outdoors8]

An old carpenter friend told me years ago " a good carpenter isn't the one who makes the least amount of mistakes but one that can hide the mistakes the best"

[@aarongibbs479]

My dad had a similar saying. Masters are not masters because they are perfect but because they know how to fix their mistakes

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

Adam Savage uses the phrase "hiding the crimes."

[@axchem22]

“If your are completing a project with wood, your are a wood worker”. Best quote ever. Many Thanks for supporting Rookies. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@Cyberpuppy63]

Does my cheap, pinewood table count? Hehe. I made it under $20. With 3 coats urethane. Top included.

[@Cyberpuppy63]

With 1 exception: the top still needs those "side washers" with a figure eight.

[@axchem22]

@@Cyberpuppy63 it does count :)

[@Nachimir]

Cupboard: Box. Bookcase: Box. Router table: Box. House: Big complicated box.

[@venatus5243]

Big box with box inside

[@ClickLikeAndSubscribe]

House is an attempted waterproof box that perpetually fails in that category 7:34

[@Laffy1345]

😂😂😂😂So true

[@mccosha]

the secret: form and FUNCTION

[@MarkTurnbull]

A garage or shed is just a box to build smaller boxes in.

[@livefreeordie5534]

Turn the crappy side against the wall ? I don't have that many walls.

[@sanjay9300]

Build the walls ... BUILD THE WALLS !!! You could become a good mason too.

[@beerbottlebaby]

Good one, thanks for the chuckle!

[@livefreeordie5534]

@@beerbottlebabyLots of chuckles. And I'm going to add an additional room. That will give me a much needed 4 more walls. 😂

[@harryeichelberger4799]

@@livefreeordie5534 if it has to bad sides put it in the corner... just make your bad sides adjacent.

[@livefreeordie5534]

@@harryeichelberger4799 That may work. I've got a 50/50 chance to make two adjacent bad sides.😂😂

[@SqueeDee]

"If you're completing projects made out of wood, you're a woodworker". Sometimes we all just need permission to do what we enjoy, our way.

[@josedealva4205]

its called schizophrenia.

[@sleverlight]

You dont need permission from anyone to do what you love

[@Jana_Rea]

❤

[@noahark1822]

I am just starting out making things out of wood since I moved into my own place. I used to watch my male relatives make things like porches or tables and be told I wasn't able to do it because its a "mans job." Watching your videos really helps me stay motivated and remember that I can do anything I want to do, it just takes work.

[@ozarksjon]

How are things going now?

[@stormycat0905]

Here are a few I even continue to remind myself: 1) It's ok to make mistakes. 2) Dry fit before you glue/screw/nail 3) Measure twice cut once 4) You can't hold it tight, use a clamp/vice 5) It will take longer than you expect

[@logicalChimp]

If you're doing something more than once, consider making a jig first (even if just two bits of wood screwed together) - makes it *much* easier to e.g. make repeated cuts of the same length / angle, or get consistent spacing, etc.

[@WebInvasion]

And keep your fingers away from danger

[@santadorkk4862]

#5 truly is the most important one for any new woodworker to remember. KZbin shows projects being done it about 15 minutes. NO!!! Hours! Days! Sometimes a whole week. Time is cruel but do not let it defeat you.

[@sikkepossu]

@@santadorkk4862 What?! How quick woodworker are you? A week? No! Even the simple 1' x 1' cupboard takes several months. 😂

[@santadorkk4862]

sikkepossu Delusional. From picking the wood up to stain I though I could finish a full size platform bed with storage in 3 days. Well that didn’t happen.

[@edkutchma8966]

I have been woodworking fo 50 years, this video is the best woodworking you will ever get

[@robertgarner11]

I'm just starting it as a hobby and you've already stopped me from the major hassle of ripping apart pallets. Thank you!

[@JoeCorrado]

You also can add me to the number of people who you saved from the pallet strategy. I literally, just yesterday was looking at some toss out pallets at work thinking that maybe I could salvage some decent wood- then I took a closer look at the number of fasteners that would need to be removed. Wow- they build those things to stay together- getting them apart is a job in itself! Thanks for saving me from travelling THAT road!

[@pyotr576]

I've used pallet boards for presentation boxes. Just recognize the boards are not large, not square, not smooth, but they are "cheap". Don't count the time you spend salvaging them and making them "nice". But this is a "hobby" not a production job. Same goes for salvaging those broken branches after the wind storm. You really have to want to do the work.

[@kylevernon9625]

An easy tip - you can always cut boards off - no need to save the nail holes - of course this means you’ll be getting roughly 1-1/2’ to 2’ long boards, but those are good size for a lot of projects

[@carasmussen27]

I want to use pallets but right now I do not have the room to store them. I see them stacked outside of some local businesses. Hubby keeps saying no we can't pick up a few :-)

[@thewesty]

Do it once. You’ll wonder why you didn’t go to a place where you can buy the stuff.

[@LinhNguyen101010]

"Don't point out your mistakes" Thank you for this! My first bit of woodworking ever was making a stand for my brand new table saw over the weekend (bending over to cut wood isn't very good for the back). It's not very level, or sturdy, but I'm low-key proud of it.

[@ML-sc3pt]

Unless it's to a customer. Then it may save you a lawsuit

[@TroyTurnerHifi]

Something my wood shop teacher used to always say that stuck with me: "If you want it done faster, slow down." I would wager 90% of the mistakes I make are from rushing something. Now I've got to take even more time to fix the oopsies. The great thing about hobbyist woodworking is you aren't under the pressure of a deadline. Take the time to enjoy every step of the process.

[@Gravattack]

That is really good advice. Rushing causes mistakes that end up taking a lot longer to fix, or worst case some catastrophic accidents.

[@nancyfahey7518]

Yes, thanks for that. I'm gonna make a wooden plack and hang it in the shop. Right above "count fingers before and after projects".

[@MiauxCatterie]

reminds me of something a boss used to say. "a lazy man's work is never done." i think of it any time i'm rushing.

[@williamobrien2107]

Great video overall, it shows the wisdom of a lot of experience. Here are some points from my experience: 1). I agree the woodworking projects don’t provide the cheapest option for a piece of furniture. I have found that it provides a high quality piece of furniture at a price that is competitive with the cheapest discounts store option. 2) Don’t buy large sets of tools like drill bits. You don’t need every size graduated up by 1/16th of an inch. There are probably 3 or 4 sizes that you will use repeatedly use so buy those. I keep a multipack of 1/8” drill bits because they sometimes break and I use them a lot. Then 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” tend to be fine for almost everything else. The same advice goes for router bits etc. other sizes should be baught individually as needed. 3) “Incorporate it into the design”. Is what I was taught early on by ole’ Coach Tuttle. That means that if you have a flaw in the wood like a knot or you ding it up in some way then seek to incorporate the flaw into the design of what you are building. There are limits to this but in general it works like a dream, particularly for funky wood coloring or grains. 4). When buying pine lumber it is better to buy from 84 Lumber or local lumber yards. Their wood is much more stable than Lowe’s and HD. The big box stores want to offer wood with minimal knots so they take the cuts from the middle of the tree which is the least stable wood in the tree. If it is straight in the store it is because it has been strapped in a bundle so when you get it home and let it set for a day or two it will no longer be straight. 84 Lumber and local lumber yards have the better wood cuts for stability. This is primarily an issue with 2-by wood dimensions. I hope this helps someone.

[@fnelowet]

Something that I learned when setting up my workshop is to use 3" casters. The larger casters roll so nicely you'll thank yourself every time you move a tool.

[@thegardenofeatin5965]

I use 4" casters. My workshop is so small that several of my benches have to go outside on a regular basis for use.

[@jannezack]

Thank you!!! I don’t have a huge budget for tools. I’m never going to be a professional so I bought some Less expensive tools to build out a series of boxes to make a camper in the back of my truck. I’m OLD and just want some tools that will last a few years. I don’t feel badly now that I went cheap(er). I grew up with 2 woodworkers in my life and though I’m really late to the game I have wanted to do this for too long. I’m biting the bullet and doing it! Thanks for your encouragement!

[@FlySwann]

Another tip for beginners. Go to goodwill or thrift stores to get damaged furniture cheap then fix it and sell it. You'll learn tons trying to copy the original look. And you may even make a little change doing it to fund your bigger project.

[@GregNickoloff]

I like that. Good idea.

[@dannyoktim9628]

GREAT TIP been re-hacking furniture for years, cut the legs shorter, add a draw, best way to learn and U can't screw it up. . . .don't like it , sell it as a project. win win

[@the-mush]

sounds like real fun! never thought that...

[@PaulChristenson]

SAD thing is that Goodwill Industries USED To TEACH furniture repair to its workers by doing just that...but the quality of today's furniture is mostly stapled junk...:(

[@lobitome]

And if nothing else, you may get some decent wood and hardware for a fraction of the price of what it would cost normally.

[@stepheneberly1112]

"What's that brilliant, blinding light over there?" "Oh, that just Steve's incredible attitude of positivity and encouragement."

[@ekgravesrn]

Hi Steve, I am a brand new retired lady with ALL the toys and puttering under my belt. I am now ready and able to learn and to get serious when I hit on your youtube. I love your style and sense of humor and stopped weeping hysterically when you said you make mistakes!! I tried to make a box. Like your wife's knitting box. My first box. No drawers. Just 4 sides and a bottom. Six hours later, 2 complete 4x8 plywood boards and contemplating heavy drinking, I quit for the evening. [I don't drink so that part was pretty drastic.] I discovered my FENCE is off, my boards were not flat to begin with and no amount of screaming and crying were going to make things square. I'll get there. Thanks for being you. PS I'm a retired RN. I kept watching the scratch on your arm for infection. In the shop and with all the dust, I would have advised a long sleeve shirt, but that's just me. Looking forward to being a student with you.....

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

I really appreciate your encouragement to newbs not to get too wrapped around the 'must have fancy tools / must be perfect / must, must must...' trap. My first ever project was making a set of lifeboats for my ship model. I used a tree branch and a jack knife. In the half-century then, I've built all manner of furniture, kitchen and bath cabinetry, turned bowls, magic wands, house framing, etc. But nothing has ever surpassed the satisfaction of that first whittling adventure. It's all about the work.

[@marceaton3128]

I watched The New Yankee Workshop from 1989 till he ended his show. I bought a cheap table saw at Lowes and made a set of saw horses that Norm had made and I was hooked. We didn't have youtube back in 1996, it all came from watching Norm and This Old House on PBS. I upgraded to a newer older Craftsman table saw and made a set of screen doors for my shop I shared with my retired neighbor. I found books at Ollies and magazines that I would use the pictures to build projects from desks for my kids to Shaker tables for the wife. Most of my tools have come second hand and now off of Craig's list. I would love one day to have a Saw Stop, I did cut the tip of my right thumb off not with a table saw but with a band saw. Now I am just really more aware of the saws and would like to have one for the safety. One other thing, don't be a troll, people. I just turned 58 and I am still not to the point where I feel comfortable in life to tell anyone else how to do things the best way. I enjoy pocket holes, dovetails, and all the other ways to join material together. If someone takes the time to make a video be nice and give encouragement and don't pick on the small things. It isn't easy to put out content every week or every other week. Appreciate the Maker's taking time to show us their work and what they do, we all do things differently and that's the cool thing about what we all love to do. Be yourself and enjoy watching someone build something. I find several new people a week to follow who may be put out one or two videos a year. I found Steve many years ago when I did a search on Norm and Steve popped up talking about Norm retiring. Been following him ever since. Be nice to each other and share ideas because that's what this is all about.

[@gmdille]

Love the love for Norm, Marc! As a young guy (27) I spent many of my early years glued in front of This Old House. I agree with everything you said 100%.

[@mikedkc]

Yes, well said, Marc. I ignore the trolls as most of us do. I am 63 and still have much to learn in the wood shop. It is time well spent.

[@meyogy2414]

Respect❤

[@thomask4836]

Marc! I resemble that! :)

[@TheKidnappedOne]

Got to love Ollie's, my town recently had one added to it, instead of heading put of town. The other go to, and oddly enough our Ollie's next door neighbor is Harbor Freight, sure I wouldn't rely on their tools to save my life, but for the cost many of the tools I've purchased from there have held up under what punishment I've dealt out.

[@joshhendrickson]

So much truth on tools, but you forgot: "You'll probably need exactly two more clamps than you have." ^_^

[@christofix]

Hahaha i can see myself in this. Yesterday i was filming a new video for my channel and i needed exactly 2 clamps extra. when i will go to the store buying clamps i'm going to buy 4 of them. When i only buy 2 i will need 2more on another next project 😂

[@michaeltempsch5282]

@@christofix No doubt you'll find that you actually needed 6 more...😁

[@christofix]

@@michaeltempsch5282 hahaha i was thinking the same after i wrote this comment!

[@RCPoliComm]

I never have enough, and I'm going broke more on clamps than buying tools! (Well, clamps are a tool, but I'm sure you got what I meant.)

[@fermitupoupon1754]

I'm pretty sure that there's a formula that sums up the number of clamps you need. And the formula is "n+2" where n is equal to the number of clamps you currently own. It's also what the woodworkers in my social circle buy for each other's birthdays. My girlfriend even got that figured out, so when people ask her what I want for my birthday, the answer is always "clamps" unless she can think of something else. Which is wonderful, can't have too many clamps in the shop.

[@SVisionary]

Steve's words of encouragement (in all it's various forms) are endearing and why I keep coming back. What a stand up gentleman and a great wood shop role model.

[@mianarshed]

after watching this video, i went into weekend woodworking and in ~12 weeks i've prepared almost 20 different things mostly kitchen & daily use items like Trays, Cutting boards, shoe rack, coffee table, center table, etc. etc. thank you Steve. You are truly an inspiration for me.

[@raphaelrtw]

Let me get a little personal here. I just ended a very difficult relationship and decided to embrace my woodworking passion. I never made anything that was worth showing to someone, most of my projects were attempts to solve some problems but turned out worse than the problem itself. I almost gave up on trying; Then I found this video. I watched it before, but never in a moment like this. I needed to hear this, and it changed my mind on giving up. Your enthusiasm and positivity towards new woodworkers are amazing. Thank you.

[@tristanrios2463]

Hope things are looking up. Make anything you're ready to show yet? You got this.

[@AnxiousCowboy]

is your ex still single

[@jasonanderson8660]

Like Steve says in the video, it doesn't matter if it's not "good" to anyone else. You created something brand new that wasn't in the world before you started. That's pretty cool to think about. I hope you're doing better (personally and woodworking-ly). Like Tristan said, you got this.

[@deplemon010]

@@AnxiousCowboy if she/he is, would you still be interested 7 months later?

[@tabafication]

So how's your life Raph? Let us know!

[@erykahbadont6605]

one part in particular stands out for me and it’s this: “you created something... from nothing! just let that sink in!” THANK YOU! you’re absolutely right! i needed to hear that. other people probably did too! THANK YOU from Seattle!

[@brianpalmer4280]

You tell that sink to come back with a warrant

[@Fraggr92]

@@brianpalmer4280 Sir, do you have a license for that dad joke?

[@ldj7039]

human kind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. to obtain, something of equal value must be lost. that is alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange.

[@greywolf369]

I've always been interested in taking up woodworking, and you've given me the positive push to go for it, Thank you 🙏.

[@neensgoldman4178]

Steve, thank you for being so encouraging and bringing lightheartedness to this craft, coming back to the essentials - building stuff! The world is a big place, there is so much for us to get angry with - it shouldn't be how people put tables together!

[@maleahlock]

When I started out I had so many guys telling me I was doing it wrong (no solutions, just wrong) or using the wrong brand, or that what I was making was just girly crafting not woodworking. I wish I had been able to hear your speech about ignoring the naysayers back then. Your words have reminded me to be an active encouragement to those around me and drown out the insecure haters. Thank you!

[@TeamChaosPk]

You are like the Bill Nye of woodworking.

[@ohdannyboy33]

I was just about to say this! He just has that Bill Nye feel

[@mysterymanforu]

That's insulting to Steve. The bill nye of 20 years ago, maybe, not anymore.

[@juniorzoramac]

Bunch of bill nye haters lok

[@DoberDudeProductions]

Triggered the anti-science Cult45 Trumpanzees. They melt like snowflakes when they hear or read Bill Nye's name.

[@DiegoIvanchavez]

No. He's Hank and John Green's dad

[@carenecitter2435]

I’ve never been more glad to have stumbled across a video on KZbin. You remind me of my late father, positive, funny, helpful and kind (to say the least). Thanks for making and sharing this video!

[@toddpowers4406]

Thank you for this video!! I've been pouring over videos, tool reviews, woodworking advice and this has been some of the best practical advice I've come across. It was fun watching at 2x speed as well.

[@thespanishpipedream413]

"The other 25% are live edge resin river tables". This is going to make me laugh all day.

[@rouge5140]

the sad thing is that it's true. of all the rive tables i saw the only 2 i liked were one made from aluminium instead of resin and one thag was actually a shelf that lit up wit led lights for a child's room

[@gorkyd7912]

LOL, my thoughts exactly. Every time I see resin furniture I'm thinking if I wanted plastic furniture there's Walmart down the street.

[@teiaperigosa]

had me dyyyyying lmao

[@davejoseph5615]

On my very first trip to Woodcraft and I heard someone in the back talking about a resin river table.

[@NobleNobbler]

I lol'd when I heard this

[@SS-du7tr]

"the other 25% are live edge resin river tables." 😂 Never thought I'd LOL from a woodworking video

[@tcarney57]

Yeah, the blue resin river table is the other pandemic I'm hoping will end soon.

[@puja21]

legit laughed at that too

[@mrcartwright85]

Yeah literally loled there too :)

[@hali22996]

Steve just has that naturally funny bone in him

[@kafibertv]

About fiberglass Pls support may page

[@ericpratt9573]

Hey Steve. Been a woodworker for about 25 years. You pretty dead on with everything you said in this video. Learned the basic from my dad. Honed my skills through trial and error. But it's always been a matter of pride for me to make something out of nothing and thinking outside the "box". Great insight into the world of woodworking.

[@kevincollins989]

Your videos are great, Steve. Thanks for your encouragement & your positivity! The world needs more people like you! I'm an electrician by trade, but I LOVE woodworking in my spare time. I'm currently working on overhauling my crappy little garage to turn it into my shop, and I couldn't be more excited! The first "real" project I'll put out will be the arcade cabinet I'm building with my 8 year old son.

[@danieltaylor8347]

I like the message of this video. Great information to any and all working with their hands. Thanks for doing this.

[@SteveRamsey]

Thanks Daniel.

[@CDN_Torsten]

I agree with you Daniel - this is a great message. This isn't about the tools, this is about being creative and building stuff that is unique. I've been doing this for many decades and it's a wonderful hobby that doesn't need to be expensive.

[@darinnetherland3466]

Another great tip I once read, consider EVERYTHING you do in the shop an essential part of a project, even calibrating tools and sweeping the floor/organizing. When I started out, without realizing it I considered all of these things annoying time wasters getting in the way of actually making stuff, and the projects and my happiness woodworking suffered from it. It wasn’t until reading this tip elsewhere that I realized what I was doing to myself. Since then I approach everything I do in the shop with the same about patience and care as I would making a critical cut, even sweeping the floor. It has made my shop time less frustrating and much more enjoyable.

[@simonhopkins3867]

That's a great tip bud.🍺

[@royball7005]

I agree. I work in a small space, and to function properly I have to tidy up continuously, so I have to consider this as part of the woodworking process.

[@Romans828girl]

Wow. This is really great advice. I needed to hear this. I think you just pinpointed my biggest stumblingblock. Thank you, Darin.

[@messenjah71]

That's how Buddhists think and it works. Leave no trace

[@louisvictor3473]

@@messenjah71Or ninjas. I'd rather be a ninja.

[@timlansdown988]

I just wanted to say thank you and I always enjoy your tips/advice. I began woodworking about six months ago as part of my physical therapy. I found I have a knack and love it. You've been my go to guy for cutting through the clutter and drowning out the noise. Thanks again my friend.

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

You are honest, straightforward, no nonsense guy, excellent advisor, I respect you, you are the best. 👍👍. You keep it simple and less complicated. Thank you very much.

[@rays.5800]

Steve spot on! About 4 1/2 years ago my oldest daughter got pregnant, a idea popped in my head I need to build her a rocking chair. I was 52 and had not made a piece of furniture since high school. I did some research and decided on a Malloff style rocker. I started and quickly realized I did not have the skills or expertise, so I watched you, and some other maker on KZbin. You thought me and inspired me, your no nonsense way of explaining things help make it to the finish line before Eli was bore. There are many mistakes in it but no one sees them they just see a beautiful piece of furniture. Thanks for all your help!

[@ishanisule4792]

I have taken up woodworking about a year ago. Everything you mentioned here is so relatable! Watching most of the vidoes on KZbin gives me an inferiority complex. This gives me hope that I can build almost everything in my modest shop! Thank you so much, you are amazing!

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Thanks for making these videos helping beginners. I'm about to dip my toes into this hobby and have been watching woodworking videos for at least a year or two and always wanted to do some of this stuff but never knew where to even begin. Thankfully, through a friend who is a woodworker, I've found the owner of a local mill who does 1 on 1 building seminars with anyone interested in the hobby where you tell him what you want to make and he teaches you everything as you build it yourself and end up with something you've made yourself. I've seen finished projects that his students who walked in with zero experience finished and they are really inspiring. The guy has over 40 years of woodworking experience and hopefully can help me get started on the right foot. It's intimidating watching "beginners" videos with people trying to tell me these things but with a wall of Festool, Grizzly and Woodpeckers stuff. I get it...it's your job and you need good stuff that's reliable but I don't want to buy garbage that will break or give unsatisfactory results or something that is hard to work with because it's cheap but I also don't want to spend hundreds more for something that's nice but unnecessarily nice when something a bit cheaper will be just as good and something I can still work with as I get better and better. It's a fine line...I've been playing guitar for over 20 years and play $2000~3000 amplifiers and $2000+ guitars but I make money with them on stage. I could realistically get by with FAR cheaper stuff but I've worked my way up to it and can tell the difference between a guitar or amp that's "pretty good" and one that's exceptional that may cost twice or three times the cost of the pretty good stuff.

[@colinfisher767]

What a beautiful down to earth encouragement for those just starting out. Indeed ,your videos that you take so much time and care in producing are like going to carpentry school and I am really grateful to you for that. I have even started to make cash thanks to your teachings , not much , but hey we have to start somewhere. All the things you say in this video are so so true..you don't need to spend a lot on equipment as consumerism is everywhere .. Yep it's going to cost less in Ikea...but the satisfaction is zero. Hide those mistakes or redo that bit...with experience it gets better. Thankyou Steve for giving this so much time and effort..it is appreciated by even less than the 1% you talk of but it is appreciated. Thankyou...

[@twiggs0]

Steve - I'll be purchasing a house as a 34 year old in a few short weeks. I've always had an interest in wood-working because it's hands-on, and that's how I learn best. The house has a basement shop space, as well as a two-car garage. To mitigate dust-collection issues, I'll probably find a different use for the basement space and go with the garage. To the point - I posted about my excitement in r/woodworking that I'd finally be out of renting and into owning a home, and that said home had space for wood-working, and asked for recommendations for woodworking resources. Overwhelmingly, you came up. I can clearly see why. You have an inspiring presence, you are incredibly positive and welcoming for new people. I've been watching all of your beginner videos, and with each passing minute, my excitement to get started sets in deeper. If you've got any haters, it's because your attitude exposes their ego. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to making that first cut on my journey into this new and wonderful arena. Thank you for spending the time to share your space and knowledge.

[@eswift8318]

I've experienced (but never owned) both styles of shops. Garage is better except for one HUGE exception. It is often hard to keep a garage shop as a functional garage shop, especially if you don't live alone. Little by little stuff creeps in and piles up on your workbenches and storage areas. The same can happen for a basement, but if there's a space in the basement for the other stuff to pile up, it's usually going to end up there. Also, it's good to clean up sawdust in general, but sawdust getting all over that extra junk will deter people from putting their junk in your shop.

[@jimmcdiarmid7308]

Twiggs McGee don’t neglect dust collection, very important

[@johnthompson5370]

I use my 2 car garage. All of my tools, including my table saw fold up and out of the way. I don't have a traditional work bench. I use a Workmate with a 24x36 too I hold on with c-clamps. I also use old kitchen cabinets for my workspace. The bonus is all of the storage for tools they hold. I found the cabinets by picking others "junk" on trash collection days. There is also a habitat for humanity warehouse locally. My latest cabinet has 4 drawers and cost $10.00. Can't beat it

[@andy.elliott.foreverpens]

Start Small, don't run before you can walk. Make a crappy box,(and keep that one) Make more and burn them later. The idea of keeping the first one is to show yourself how far you have come over time! Don't expect to obtain 100% accuracy 100% of the time, even the best make mistakes. My Mantra is that its only a mistake if you do not learn from it. Don't stress over the, think about to fix it and move on. Know what you want to make and think hard about it before you start. As Steve said, Plan it out first. Cut lists are a must! You will save so much time, and money, by having a cut list, plus your project will go much quicker and easier once you have all the pieces cut. Take a break when you feel jaded. Stay out the shop for a week or two to recharge your creative mind and your love of the hobby we all enjoy.

[@bretmaples]

Thank you, I will keep that in mind.

[@jasonmickley4835]

Keeping the first box is good advice. I'm a bowl turner and I like to keep a "fail shelf" in my garage. Keeps me humble, ND reminds me of how I've progressed. It's nice to see improvements even through failures.

[@bobbymckevitt4665]

Those that never made a mistake, never made anything.....

[@Windandsails]

Taking a break is good advice. The pressure to finish means you push yourself to keep going and that is when a laps in judgment get you cut something you shouldn't be that wrong side or yourself. Impossible seems not so bad after a glass of water and putting your feet up for 1/2 hour.

[@andy.elliott.foreverpens]

@@Windandsails too true! I've often walked away and gone for a cup of tea and a hobnob biscuit before going back to it!!

[@azza1946]

This was so wholesome to watch and as a newbie woodworker this was just the advice I needed to hear, so thank you.

[@peterjordan9321]

Dude, your messaging is the best. I’m new to woodworking, and I’m all thumbs. But your videos are inspiring and very helpful. Thanks!

[@pawemichalak6275]

Man, you are made for this. I'm watching woodworking youtube channels for last year and it seems to be so easy and enjoyable for you. dont stop uploading. thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@thomasgough1451]

Paweł Michalak Amen amen and amen

[@RR-gw2uj]

This video is so true. I built a wooden gate for my deck with only a hand drill, a jigsaw, and a coping saw. I see hundreds of people on Reddit posting pics of their brand new thousands of dollars worth of tools, yet they make nothing with them. They all post pics of their fancy, massive shops, which never have any ongoing projects in them lol. I built my gate on a small foldable table next to my washing machine. Great vid!

[@dacaricadacar7709]

the most simplest and concise explained video I've watched so far, hats off. thank you.

[@mattholmes955]

Great video. I have been woodworking for over 20 years and this is the most honest and accurate general video of woodworking I have seen. Thanks Steve.

[@_VICK_]

I love your tips! Thanks for the encouragement and words. I’m taking up woodworking on my own and this was a really good wake up call to not take it to serious and to just enjoy the experience, learn and have fun.

[@BradfordNeedham]

My favorite tip: when buying pine boards at that blue or orange store, look down the long edge of each one and pick the straightest ones. Your work will be much better if you start with reasonably straight boards. P.S., I do go ahead and buy bent boards sometimes when the bends won't make any difference in the project.

[@jt13579]

I really like this guys videos and his practical friendly approach. As a beginning woodworker I really appreciate all that I am learning from his videos and that it isn't all about blowing the bank on fancy equipment.

[@meeutoube]

I think Steve is one of the best out there. Thanks for all your insights on Woodworking, I've been enjoying/ learning a lot from you over the past 3 months or so. God bless!

[@roadweary5252]

Steve I love how you and your channel have grown over the years! You have provided many hours of knowledge and entertainment to me and thousands of others across the world. Wishing you may more years of great success!!!

[@brianmurray667]

Sound advice. You’re one of the best when it comes to “fine woodworking”and a sense of humour.

[@maheshchauhan9290]

I am a hobbies house renovator and woodworker for years and I feel you have shared some valid and sensible tips here. Spot on. 👍

[@xIliveyourdreamx]

Steve, you're fantastic! Thanks for the quick tips with the side of esteem boosting. I am just getting into this hobby and find your videos in making woodworking very approachable. Thanks for making this hobby fun to learn.

[@shadowdrinker83]

I really love your vibe and easy going approach!! It's so encouraging!!

[@RCPoliComm]

I love your attitude and approach. I 100% agree with every single thing you said here!! If you built something out of wood, you're a woodworker!!!

[@jonathonhazelhurst]

Thank you soooo much Steve! I'm new at woodworking and really needed your words here. I'm looking forward to making those pieces that need the mistakes facing the wall 😊

[@seals70]

Helpful list of tips but even better attitude. As a beginner, thank you for your positivity, encouragement and holistic perspectives.

[@vatsaladharani3642]

I love u Steve Ramsey!!! You make anyone believe in themselves. Thank you for that! And thank you for the video

[@spencerabdo9868]

Aaaaaand this is why Steve is in my top 3 favorite woodworkers: Something for everyone, not a snob and very encouraging. I do both woodworking and wood turning (arguably the same thing) and I always love the ease and accessibility of Steve's approach. Thanks for another great video, Steve!! Also, pocket holes are great.

[@zaphlo]

You are awesome. Thanks for the good vibes and encouragement. Also, just watched your circular saw video and am about to dive in for the first time!! Very excited.

[@AKMAshrafuzzamanJitu]

I am not a woodworker and have not done any work but I love watching your channel. And I love your perspective.

[@BENABONZO]

As someone who is about to start a Carpentry Foundations course in a couple months, this was quite encouraging. Very down to earth and common sense advice. Thanks very much.

[@dansherwood2486]

Steve, started watching you a couple of years ago. Then my feed was overwhelmed by other woodworking videos. I recently found you again and love that you are doing shorter videos and publishing less often. I will be on your website more. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@UncleMinecraft]

Love your comment about being proud of your work. I love the fact that my projects look homemade.

[@INK1217]

I am a newer woodworker. I love it. Truly. This video empowered me. FOR REAL. I’m on a 2020 Covid budget ya know! What you said about being proud of a small project really hit me in the feels. Thank you sir.

[@alj9023]

I've been woodworking since i was a MICROJIG! MAKER OF THE GRIPPER

[@CrafterMaker]

🤣😂🤣

[@TheMrAshley2010]

+

[@darfboony824]

I miss those ads.

[@yanivbitan4768]

He should totally delete this video, and upload new one with this sentence

[@PeppersPlantsnPowerTools]

Ebaa Dabbour 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnme7049]

Hey Steve, I haven"t commented in a while but I just wanted to say thank you. These are some of the best tips I have seen in a while. So many want to put us down for whatever reason. Your comments are up-building and positive and always encouraging. Let me leave you with two words that will open many doors in life for you... Push and Pull. Keep on creating

[@michaelvandenheuvel9093]

Hey Steve! I've been lurking for a few days now but I absolutely love your woodworking videos and you've boosted my confidence significantly when it comes to being able to get started. Assuming everything goes okay with my home close, I should have my own workspace here in the next month or two! Looking forward to getting a little something going. I appreciate your genuine enthusiasm for the craft and how willing you are to put things into easy terms for us beginners. You have a great channel and I can't wait to learn more.

[@loricraig3306]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have no idea how your simple explanations make for great inspiration for those just getting started.

[@PMichaels]

Awesome video, Steve! I love this advice. Far too many woodworking snobs make beginners feel bad for using pocket screws, paint, etc. Your approach is great and I hope all new woodworkers see this video. Keep up the great job you are doing! 👍🏼

[@CaveFreediving]

I appreciate your honesty, humility and POV. I'm a self taught wood worker and continue to learn and experiment with it. After looking around online and seeing what other people are doing, I felt so inadequate that I didn't consider myself a wood worker at all. But your video validates my feeble skills. Thanks. The reason I got into woodworking was to save money. Then I quickly discovered that the things I built were much better quality than what I would buy. Those 2 factors, cost and quality, have motivated me to continue to design and build. Plus, I like to design things and I really enjoy seeing my finished product. But I won't lie, it is a lot of work.

[@sailorpetetattoos8186]

Just found out your channel right now and I must say: I love your positivity and your free advices, it encourage people to have a purpose in their lives! Cheers, buddy!

[@jamescush6114]

Steve watching this video helped me quit worrying about the perfect shop ,tools etc. and just make something.I completed a cedar glider and it turned out great.Thanks for your videos and your honest opinions

[@ferrouswheel]

Thanks, this is refreshing after lurking in wood working groups full of opinions about tools and people sharing gigantic woodshop pics. Just finished a 24m2 deck, and while it looks good I succumbed to "pointing out mistakes"... won't do it in future. Took me all summer to do (partly due to working with the weather) and there was so much I could have gotten wrong, but the end result was very satisfying!

[@erickessler6094]

Steve, Thank you for saying that beginners should not obsess over expensive tools because it's encouraging to someone like me who only has jobsite folding table saw, and an even cheaper miter saw. To make the best of what I have, I am planning to build a Crosscut Sled. My beginner attention so far has been to build a French cleat wall and a practicing on a few very rough looking tool holders. Regardless of how crude they look, they are a starting point to help me develop some skill before I build my 1st table for my $89 drill press. I love your idea about learning sketch up too! Thx.

[@domcrisen3548]

you are humble, logical, honnest and straight to the point... i am proud of you and deserve a subscribe! keep it up sir

[@wojtekeksner]

I have just started my journey with woodworking and this chanel is more than perfect for me. Thanks Steve - you are my master since today want to lean from you. Thanks

[@islaya85]

I've been a teacher for 13 years, and after leaving the classroom in January I'm embracing my artistic side. My grandfather and dad were both woodworkers - dad still would be if he could move his shop across an ocean easily, but I don't think he plans to start over. I got my table saw as a birthday present from my in-laws - they were like, are you sure she doesn't want a stand-up paddleboard?? Watching all these videos to get ready, I really feel like I'm back in my grandfather's shop, smelling the sawdust. I can see his old faded comics taped up, the retirement plaque. How I wish I could have learned some of this from him. I am so grateful for the internet and down to earth, honest, friendly guides like you that can help coach us on the basics, spark new questions and ideas (without making us feel dumb), and be our surrogate grandfather/dads/uncles/guy next door along the way. Cheers, and I'll be sure to come back to share once I've got my first finished box. :)

[@ebrooks24711]

Thank you so much for the tips. I just inherited my dad's woodworking tools and I'm having a blast. He is my biggest encourager. I love how you said don't point out your mistakes. My biggest issue right now is that I can never line up the screws perfectly, but you mentioned a laser, great idea. I also have noticed , because the price of lumber has skyrocketed I look for wood everywhere. The other day my son and me were driving and this huge truck just started dropping off two by fours on the highway. I looked at my son and said let's pick it up! He said mom we are in the Miata! Thanks again

[@bxhitter]

This is my new favorite KZbin channel! As someone who is not super handy but has an interest in working on projects around the house, these videos are giving me the confidence to try!

[@leveneziadvm]

I just came across this video although I've watched others by Steve Ramsey. It's is loaded with good advice and I appreciate the effort in making it. Thanks, Larry

[@nathanjxaxson]

A lot of great messages here, even for the note experienced. Thanks - I think I really needed to hear this.

[@sttk913]

I've been working with wood for about 10 years now and I just started my first epoxy project, and quite frankly I found the prospect pretty daunting. But watching this video and reading the comments has kind of put the wind back in my sails, so thank you for that. Time to get back to work!

[@annettekouba3631]

You are just fun to watch and verrrry helpful! I started woodworking (aged 64 smile) because I needed solutions that IKEA wouldnt offer, like a wardrobe in a small space of the entrance. It all started from here... and I do love my new hobby! Thanks for all your advise. Annette from Bavaria, Germany.

[@rosiesrun]

thanks steve. I'm just starting out and don't really have any family or friends to look to for advice, so I'm grateful to still have an opportunity to learn thanks to content creators like yourself! Ryan

[@martinmaier34]

Man I love your Attitude. I often catch my self judging people for using pocket holes and stuff like that but you are right. It's about having fun and creating things, very nice video man! :)

[@tylersmith293]

Love how positive he is about everything.

[@drneroli]

It's mad how applicable this video is to... well, every flavour of creativity, not just wood working. Top work.

[@PaulPictures]

I think that this is a guy i would love to work with on some projects, like just look at him! He is so happy while speaking to his viewers. Much respect.

[@romanbaczynski8656]

Love the positive and sensible thoughts. Anyone can do it!

[@lorikinney3931]

So glad I found you!🔆 I now know I can and will make my outdoor sofa!!!❤❤❤

[@jsol2480]

im starting to love your channel steve! very minimalistic woodworking. it is true about watching someone with highend tools - very deflating! i like that you are realistic and simple!

[@swolebot4944]

this is so encouraging to watch as a new woodworker! thank you Steve for your positivity!