BEST First Woodworking Project for Beginners

The best first woodworking project is something you want to make that you're equipped for.. if that doesn't get you started, I recommend starting with a table! The principles in the video work for any table.. whether you need a side table, end table, sofa table, dining table, console table... just adapt to the size you need and buy material based on what you're equipped to work with!
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[@mattsoto4329]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I just completed my first project, a 2x4 ft mitered picture frame for my wife. She will use it to make a moss wall art decoration. I did it with a tape measure, pencil, carpenter square, miter box and hand saw, pipe clamps, and wood glue. I thought it looked terrible, but my wife was ecstatic. When she complimented my work, I remembered your advice and just said “thank you.”

[@TheRealPlato]

"thank you" is the only response to a compliment that is always correct

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Correct

[@KevinGuitarLessons]

Man! That last point you made about accepting a compliment really hits home with me. I am a musician, and I see it a lot in younger guys. "Hey man, you sounded great!" "Oh man I hit a bad note in the 9th bar of the 2nd chorus of my solo.." etc etc. I've been that guy before. Now I just smile and say thank you.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Rock on!

[@Goalsplus]

A good woodworker knows how to fix his mistakes. A professional doesn't mention them.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I like that

[@Goalsplus]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo I suppose it should start with, "Every woodworker makes mistakes...." to make it a complete statement. We figured that out at a Men's Shed.

[@gordonclark7632]

The table turned out great and I liked the profound discussion on accepting praise.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! Hope it was helpful

[@rohanblues]

I just finished building the handrail on my deck kzbin.infoUgkxfQ5_mgwq6PcudJvAH25t-I4D-3cTPz4z and used this great little router to clean up the top rail before the final sanding and stain. It was light weight but packed lots of power. Either size battery didn't seem to make it top heavy and I'm a 64 yr old women so I really appreciated how easy it was to use...................... CORDLESS only way to go !!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Milwaukee

[@markduggan3451]

That was great, not just the table but how you convinced me to take a compliment. Thank you.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! It’s a harder skill to learn than any woodworking technique

[@justingarland6839]

I’m just now finding my way into woodworking, and I have really enjoyed watching some of your videos so far as I try and get started. I just wanted to thank you and let you know I really appreciate you and the effort you give in teaching and sharing your experience with us. It’s very inspiring, and I can’t wait to start trying to make things too!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!

[@dv8ug]

Wise guy, I like him and I am going to make a table. Thank you.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Good luck!

[@atbarnes]

I loved the advice at the end to just take a compliment. It’s such an important thing to remember for us perfectionists. Thanks for the vid, makes me want to find some junk and make it beautiful!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@patrik6045]

Awesome 👏My first project was a workbench, I used glulam beam for the bench top so didn’t even have to glue it myself. Learned a lot and used it a lot since✊

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Great way to start!

[@fabio9752]

I watch a ton of woodworking videos, im not a woodworker, and i have made very few projects, i have half the tools you used, and still love to make something , im currently making a small barn, so i can make more stuff, with the minimum conditions, untill now i was making outside in the hot sun, and wind, and what really inspires me is that particular words, for some are scrap, trash, fire wood, for me its a future table, a chair, a box, its beatifull how we ca pick anything and transform it for a porpuse. Thanks man, in a ton of videos you where the first ive heard that work, you have erned a follower.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for watching! And yes.. we love to compare projects, but it's really about the journey for most of us

[@hyphend10]

Wow this was valuable and greatly appreciated

[@jimrosson6702]

Table looks great. But I always like how you explain things and the advice you give is so amazing and helpful thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks so much!

[@cecapfishing9882]

I pleasantly watched the whole video; but when you talked about taking a compliment... Instant subscribe and like, i need to listen to your advices more often 🙏🏻 thank you!

[@David.M.]

Thank you for this beginner project tutorial. Lots of great tips and help to create my own project. Cheers

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for watching!

[@timjohnson1578]

great video and compliments !!! subscribed and looking forward for more.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@chaboibenjammin]

You've inspired me to finally go and make that little coffee table I've been meaning to make. Thank you!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Yeah, do it!

[@RZ_Mask]

That was an awesome tutorial! Definitely a great starter project!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you!

[@tykirchoff2209]

Thank you for being detailed and going slow so other people can follow with you.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Happy to help!

[@jeremybolding3957]

Great video for a nice little project with a bit of challenge to it!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@tomsardo6984]

Nicely done. Thanks

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks

[@ericpetitclerc5519]

Thank you or your videos! For me, PPE is eyes, ears AND lungs, but I understand your air filtering unit(s) are very efficient! Your shop is so amazing it looks like a TV studio!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

For sure, lungs are important too! I have a ridiculous dust collector on all my stationary machines and three ceiling mounted air cleaners. That said, I should've put my mask on for the circular saw I was using..

[@JohnHenrySheridan]

Fantastic, thank you !

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Welcome!

[@houndogjr4290]

Wung it 😆. The point on perfection and purpose was awesome, people need to hear that more, thank you!

[@royalcooper2489]

Thanks, you are inspiring.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks

[@corywaugh8689]

Thank You. Well said

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@redgar6467]

Nice. Very therapeutic watching you apply the finish. I have not finished anything i have done, too scared to still.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Just go for it. Worst case, you can just sand it off and reapply. I recommend starting with a wipe-on wipe-off finish though, they're pretty easy.

[@UAL012]

New Subscriber here. Great video! Recently, I picked up a Craftsman Radial Arm Saw and have been getting it completely dialed in. Now I have something to build

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Welcome aboard!

[@houndogjr4290]

"Use the golden ratio" Fk ya! Seems like a no brainer but haven't thought of that. This video is full of gems, kudos!

[@demha03]

Great video man, I had a fun time watching this, felt like I was there hanging out in the shop. Also gave me a lot to think about; handy stuff to keep in mind. On a personal note I struggle with imposter syndrome, which makes it very hard for me to accept compliments. I like that you thought through a solution here 26:52. I have the easiest time accepting compliments that are subjective: “I really love that” or “I think this is cool.” I can’t argue with how I made someone feel. And I end up using those kind of compliments to my other friends who also struggle with accepting praise 😅 new sub!

[@howler5000]

Nice project! I need to check out those planes.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

They’re pretty handy!

[@Todjcam]

Nice! 👍🏻

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@vernsteinbrecker3759]

Nice job

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@liamrey]

Random words at the end (unexpected) but a message I needs to hear none the less. Cheers

[@joeplume8048]

Great job, new follower here, I’ve always wondered where you got your branding tool made

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thank you! It’s from gearheart industries

[@mctwist13]

I bought John Malecki's outfeed work table plan. I was worried I might have have bit off more than i could chew. Ive been building houses for years, typically framing, but a little trim work here and there. Ive accepted that i just dont have the most precise tools, with my jobsite Bosch table saw and Dewalt chop saw. So some things can move around the fence and the chop saw has at least a quarter degree play on the table. So far its been a massive learning experience and when a piece comes out a little off I just accept that my first project wont be perfect. Maybe after I build a few shoddy tables I'll have learned more and might be able to invest in some more precise tools.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

If you really wanna get that super tight perfect joinery but don't have tons of money to put into the machines. I recommend looking up shooting boards. Just need a good plane and an afternoon getting that jig made and tuned.

[@erichargrove2287]

To test myself i decided to build a farmhouse X style entryway table using 2x4s as my first real piece of craftsmanship and quickly realized im a hack but the next one will be better!!!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Just keep at it!

[@gregcorrell396]

Love it. How did you figure out the angle on the cross pieces were they join the legs

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Since it was a right triangle, I knew they were 45’

[@Book_Bird]

Shout out to the golden ratio!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

👋👋

[@Biltrax2]

That was a dad sneeze right there

[@milosgrujic9118]

Thanks for the video. I wonder, if I cut the board for the first time is it necessary for one side of the board to be perfectly flat in order to go to the fence of cirkular saw or it just fine if it is close to flat?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Depends on how flat it is, how long it is, and how straight you need it to be.

[@JCrugSR]

are there other ways to clamp the boards together if you don't have those long ones

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Always appreciated

[@lynhenderson7524]

Your 'nothing to say' was appreciation & a willingness to help in some way. That seems 'something to say' to me. 🙂

[@kenhejmanowski8281]

A very helpful video, thank you! One question: why do you directly attach the top to the base with screws instead of using some kind of attachment that will allow for movement of the top due to moisture? Is the top so small that the movement is negligible?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Correct. We’re talking a 1/32” maximum movement across the grain. No reason to over complicate it.

[@kenhejmanowski8281]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo Great, thanks for the speedy response and for confirming! 🙏

[@ST-0311]

I like it. The links on your tool-i-use page don't work. Actually they're not links, but just text. Would you have a link to that self-registering plane you used on your top boards? Thanks.

[@tykirchoff2209]

Do you have any advice on the table top for a table with a hidden drawer

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Keep tight tolerances so the hidden feature isn't obvious

[@robbiterry38]

if your saw is that far out of 90 degrees, you might want to fix it. mine is a pirfect 90

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

That’s great for you man. I don’t even have the equipment to verify mine being perfect 90 or not. I do know it’s consistently close enough that for wood I can treat it as if it’s perfect and not worry about it. But that’s this saw. I’ve had several that couldn’t be trusted to do that without checking and adjusting every several cuts. Don’t miss those days.

[@JCrugSR]

would help if there was measurements during the project

[@roberta.brokaw3829]

I know there were more than 2 opening takes - LOL. Observation - for as much that you talk about PPE (where was your mask when cutting the table tops and you weren't hooked up to your vac?) Gesundheit! Well you were correct with paper cut - since you use wood pulp to make paper. "Holy Cow" what a great job for such a piece of junk (just KIDDING) - nice job Sir. Stay safe.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Oh yes, so many more takes. And I absolutely should've put my mask on 🤦🏼‍♂️🤣

[@DanielMaldonado950]

How did you put the top together with the legs???

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Pocket screws 20:08

[@nathanmohr1027]

What angles was that apron and how do you determine that? ❤

[@nathanmohr1027]

Nevermind! I saw another fellow green belt got this question answered!

[@nathanmohr1027]

I do see that your apron is slightly recessed compared to legs. Is there a standard to that? (Vs flush)

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Not particularly. Depends on the size of the table. Think I did about 3/4” on this which was the same as the material thickness.

[@lillieberger2883]

My first project is almost done. A new roof for my dog’s house.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Awesome!

[@glazznailz]

What basic tools were you using?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Handsaw. Circular saw. Drill. Kreg jig. Sander.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Handsaw. Circular saw. Drill. Kreg jig. Sander.

[@Theandrew189]

Where did you get the "Pencil"?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

The Pentax graphing pencils I like? Amazon

[@kurtc3683]

Hi. Trying to get hold of you. Sent you an e-mail earlier this week.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Let me check

[@earlcummings3653]

looks like you cut an angle on some of the aprons.....I would guess 45 degrees; would have helped some to mention this

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I probably should have. That said, I've only gotten comments about how I should have to help others. But none from folks that actually forgot grade school geometry.

[@riba2233]

yo, why did you stop uploading, hope everything is ok!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks for the concern! Just been a busy summer.

[@Theandrew189]

Also, Did you intentionally try to put a Jerry Springer's final thought at the end, or is that something you do in every video?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

I’ve never watched Jerry Springer so couldn’t say

[@markdenomme5151]

Link to “tools I use” is a blank page with headlines only. Problem report…

[@youtuger]

can you make something without a million dollar equipment?

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

...I just did.

[@raisinggrainwoodworking]

3 legged tables DON'T ROCK, they will only be as flat as the floor they are on

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Yup

[@tektrixter]

This video is getting a lot of "jello" effect. I'd recommend changing camera settings to get rid of it.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

It's the stabilizer since it was hand held

[@bazagger6469]

Awesome video I subbed and liked

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks!

[@April-mk7xu]

Not trying to be smart, but this beginner definitely does not have a table saw, nor a workshop. I have a hammer and a drill. Id love to see a true beginner project done with no tools to speak of or at leave Very inexpensive in case this hobby doesnt pan out.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

That's a bit like saying "I have a wooden spoon and salt shaker, show me how to cook something without a kitchen." I think I mentioned in the video that hand tools can be quite affordable as a way to start. But if you're not sure you're really interested in the hobby.. you're better off finding someone that is in the hobby that'll let you hang out, or take a class in a shop, or find a maker space.

[@abushadow5794]

You used so many tools dude

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

The really amazing thing is how many tools I have that could've made it way easier and faster that I didn't use

[@DBiggsWoodworking]

Very affordable? That plane is 200 usd, which is magnitudes more than a basic Stanley plane from a garage sale and a basic sharpening stone set. Just learn how to sharpen and add that to your skill pile. Oh, and those blade replacements are ludicrously expensive as well, and you have to order all parts online, so good luck with wait time.

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

One my recent videos was entirely about those planes and the ideal market for them, if you care to hear my take.

[@brodrick3164]

Ok I am late to the show and just found this video. In the video the comment about hand planes being common I have to disagree. I have most woodworking tools from a lathe to a hollow chisel mortiser but only my grandfathers old barely working hand plane. Most of my tools were gifts from my father. I have searched yard/garage sales for years and the only hand planes I have found were so overpriced I may has well bought the ones mentioned in the video at the price mentioned in the above comment. I only even type this comment to point out that I disagree with the idea of hand planes being a common tool. Hammer common drill common hand saw maybe hand plane no. Now to finish what looks like a good video.

[@winddrake691]

So he said I'm going to use nothing but very simple and common tools. And literally, the first thing he uses is a table saw? Yeah bc that's what every household has! Smdh

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

1:12

[@stanleybacklund5614]

Quite common in my area to see them online for cheap. I believe he also says just buy the right size wood

[@elmoblatch9787]

no

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Okay

[@elmoblatch9787]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo not okay

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Alright then

[@SP-zu4zv]

1st thing I'll do is use an expensive saws no beginner has dont even start on sanders, pocket hole tools, braid nail gun etc. etc...😂 I get it & he's sharing lots of great tips...but we all start with hand saws.... & Yes u cld hand saw this or get it cut in store...but even sawing 🪚 with a hand saw is a whole learning process in itself....plus buying or getting wood cut costs money.... at least where I'm from....& Dont know any that sand. I have more tools than most but that took me such a long time to save up for each & I source old wood to this day.. but even then I often dont even have screws (as 🫰🤑) so have to make makeshift dowells......anyone making a real beginners video for those on a budget wld do so well!

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Go for it man, sounds like a great channel!

[@SP-zu4zv]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo make it my new side project 🤣 "Woodwork on a Budget 💸 (by a woman without a clue 🤣🙄😮‍💨🤦"! Saying all that I'm very aware running a KZbin channel is not as easy as some ppl think. Keep creating 🪵🪓🪚📐🤗 🩷🩶

[@SP-zu4zv]

P.S. My 1st comment wasn't a dig actually get a lot of great tips from yr channel😁

[@YouCanMakeThisToo]

Thanks! I wasn’t quite sure. I read it and was like “uhhh I have no clue what to do with this..?” And just tried to reply neutrally and kindly 🤣 glad it’s been helpful!

[@SP-zu4zv]

@@YouCanMakeThisToo 😬😬😬 yeah read it back to myself & thght oh that sounded bit harsh..not what I was going for 🙄. Well I'm in UK 🇬🇧& it's finally Fri night so I can get a bit of 'me' AKA 'woodworking time' to myself..hope u get some downtime too ..have a great one 👍