Ignore them. Beginners can make nice projects. Here's How

[@Lincolnstww]

The Best Beginner Woodworking Course...Period Sign Up - www.bestbeginnerwoodworking.com/

[@craigcollier7184]

Awesome video for new or seasoned! Where can I find the plans for this table? I love it! I went to your plans link above but nothing there. Thanks!!

[@rw7532]

Really good advice. I am 57 and about seven years into woodworking. Would not have happened without KZbin. Pretty sure most folks have looked at a finished project and said to themselves “ if I did this again I would do it ________ differently”. The process and the learning are what, to me anyways, makes this craft so interesting and enjoyable. Loved the tip with the oversized screw hole to account for wood movement. That one was new to me.

[@Lincolnstww]

Glad it helped!

[@chrisvanderwielen1530]

Yeah, that's one of the things I remember most when first watching the KZbin pros. Everything they did seemed flawless, because they would cover their mistakes. Only when I started watching this channel, and Mike Farrington, did I begin to realize that one of the most important skills of woodworking, is correcting your mistakes. No project will be perfect, but how you recover from a bad cut or drilling, separates the pros from people like myself ;)

[@BootlegCraig]

I love that last bit… during a project I was working on (and felt like I was failing, badly) a buddy of mine grabbed me by the shoulders, looked me dead in the eyes, and said “ALWAYS remember this… TAN. This Ain’t NASA. This doesn’t need to go to outer space. This isn’t life or death. It can be imperfect and still be great.” I carry this with me, always.

[@brandonlaird6876]

I love it. I'm adding that to my arsenal, including "KISS" for Keep It Simple, Stupid. I'll KISS TAN, now I just need to find a woman who enjoys simple woodworking and a good tan lol. I usually take a quick look at people's channels I comment on, and I hope your shoulder is doing better all these years later. My dad's shoulder is messed up pretty bad right now but he can't afford getting it looked at.

[@Lincolnstww]

Love that. Stealing TAN for sure

[@a9ball1]

One of the common beginner mistakes when they make things for others is the tendency to point out the mistakes. Trust me, unless they are as experienced as you they won't see them. Keep your mouth closed or just say thank you.

[@obiwuncanoly]

@@a9ball1 Good advice. I'm quite guilty of that - pointing out my mistakes. Most people who look at your work aren't searching for mistakes; they're probably genuinely impressed that you made something.

[@mattelias721]

In a similar vein, I'll say something like, "It's not brain science... or rocket surgery." Same sentiment, but helps those paying attention self-identify.

[@mullingreen8370]

As someone with decent experience, this is THE channel to watch for beginners to pro. Even with lots of experience, it’s good to come back to someone with so much basic common sense

[@mattrinne]

I also like Wood Working for Mere Mortals. He lives John's message but without the expensive tools in the background. Don't get me wrong I love John's content. This video was great. I just like WWMM's approach as well.

[@CapitalJ129]

@@mattrinne I love me some Ramsey as well!

[@theelmagoo]

Having gone through this over the past 2 to 3 years, I 100% agree with your points. I'd also add 2 more that I think are important. 1) when you do make the step up to "fixed" tools like a table / miter saw, it's worth investing in a digital calibration set like what Rockler offers and learn to properly calibrate them! It makes a world of difference when the tools are set as good as they can be, not just for quality cuts, but also peace of mind and knowing that if there's a mistake it's a user-error issue that can be fixed through practice and learning. 2) If wanting to use oil based finishes, understanding how to safely dispose of rags!! Since my shop is in my garage, I pretty much only use water based stuff for now to avoid self combusting rags due to user-error. Thanks for all the great info and encouragement!

[@way2foxy69]

Dang look at those drawrbinets

[@rickyelement7783]

Definitely needed to hear this today. Been beating myself up about foolish mistakes in wood joinery. No one’s perfect. Thanks for the vid.

[@fxm5715]

On the other hand, I wish I had started with a combination hand saw, a #4 hand plane, and two chisels. I think the difference is product vs process mindset. Both are perfectly legit, and it's far from binary, but the human tendency online for self isolating subcommunities makes this concept difficult to find.

[@philipspeicher889]

Going middle out with the slats was smart. Provides optimal tip-to-tip efficiency.

[@Lincolnstww]

One of my favorite scenes of all time. MJT

[@philipspeicher889]

@@Lincolnstww 😂 I knew there was no way that line in the video wasn’t intentional. Well done.

[@wilburrrrr742]

Definitely nailed it when talking about the priority of an assembly table. I can't even count how many Tylenol it took me to learn that assembling projects on the floor was killing me.

[@cocogarcia1454]

Pre-sanding batches of like pieces long before assembly… game changer. I’ve actually grown to enjoy sanding with this increase-the-surface-area efficiency. Great tips! Thank you as always.

[@AndrewAlex92]

And people say a level headed response gets no views.. thank you for presenting all the arguments and context behind decisions, not just "rules" that folks should blindly follow

[@devinteske]

12:15 I really like the way that profiled edge looks with a round over on top and chamfer on bottom. It’s like a simple molding. Clean. Effective. Nice.

[@Lincolnstww]

Yeah its a really nice look

[@BigCityBoyyyy]

I was going to say the same. I am going to use that on the coffee table I am making now.

[@LarryB-inFL]

Add on to this: I got sucked into the "Only General Finishes Arrn-R-Seal is a good poly". HOGWASH! I started w/ Minwax Poly, using it as a wipe-on, but then I listened to "them" and I spent a LOT of money on those $28 to $40 quarts of the General Finishes stuff...and it MAY be better, but I sure couldn't see it when I compared it to MinWax poly ($15), thinned down to a wipe-on poly. And That is another part of the expense: Arm-R-Seal is "already thinned"...so it actually is twice the price to begin with!

[@petenelson8136]

Love your approach to woodworking. I'm new/old to woodworking as a hobby (started some 30 years ago, raised 4 kids, restarted 2 years ago) and KZbin has vastly changed my learning curve. I used to buy magazines that kind of explained what I was trying to make and then I'd figure out, and screw up the rest. Your statement about good woodworkers being obsessed with making jigs hit home. Now at 65 years old, I purchased some quality tools, 36" 3hp SawStop vs. Craftsman Construction Saw, but still have my old 8" Delta Jointer and 12" Delta planer (looking to upgrade jointer to a helical head, and probably buy a new planer, old one only 1 speed still works), and my trusty drill press and 5 year old Hercules Miter saw. Got the SawStop because I'm teaching my grandkids how to woodwork so I don't want/need any unplanned missing fingers. There are enough hazards around the shop, so eliminating one help me with my sanity. Your comment about destroying a project in 2 hrs by not putting on a finish properly also hit home, alone with sanding before assembly. I purchased a 3M 6" sander (my arthritic hands thank me) which I love, and it's completely changed my attitude on sanding, I actually enjoy it now ... some what 🙂. BTW, I convinced my wife (of 39 years) to watch the video you did on finishes. I'm making a built in pantry (two base cabinets and 5 shelves) for her with hard maple. We got the maple from a tree my son cut down. I had it cut and kiln dried, we got 587 board feet out of it so plenty of maple to work with. Also got 327 bd feet from a hickory tree my neighbor gave us. Sorry, I digress (I was thinking about your comments on buying boards). Well, she opted for the clear hard wax finish. Easiest by far finish I've ever applied. Thanks for showing her all the options and helping me with finishing this project. As for pocket screws, I just purchased a Kreg 720 pocket hole machine (haven't used it yet), for my upcoming build of a bookcase, more cabinets and a desk for her sewing room. Now if I can get my sore back to cooperate maybe I'll get all these done without killing myself. Love your channel!!!

[@datamasked8632]

Amateur off and on sawdust creator here, for the last 50+ years, and I really enjoyed this video and your style of delivery 😎.

[@mattlastnamehere6403]

I’m thoroughly enjoying your videos. I’ve built a few random projects, and have always been somewhat handy with tools, but recently got into woodworking seriously. I stumbled across your channel and have been watching your back catalogue whenever I get a chance. Overall you are a good mix of entertaining and educational.

[@williamtaylor6252]

Dude that new miter saw station looks so damn cool as a backdrop and the upper cabinet drawer idea is genius. 💪🏾💯

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks! I’m really liking it so far

[@G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Nice reset John. Excellent point on making jigs for repeatable tasks. It’s so refreshing to see someone who recognizes that we were all new to woodworking at some point. The main reasons I subscribed is your knowledge, but also your humility. No point elaborating on how you’re a better woodworker, i already know that. I watch your videos to increase my knowledge. It’s harder to learn from makers who are snooty & have invested $30K in tools. Bravo sir. Thanks too for teaming up with two of my other fav. channels to make us even better makers. Suggestion for a topic to cover: making your own finishes from commonly found ingredients (e.g. mixing your own shellac, or turpentine-beeswax-linseed oil).

[@jasonsiebold]

I've been away from woodworking due to a divorce and some health issues. Hoping to get a shop set back up after the new year. Found your channel again and this is exactly what i needed. Between you, Tamar, and Stumpy Nubs i feel like I'm coming back home. Thanks for your advice. Will say a prayer. Go do the honey do now!!!

[@serenityhillhomestead5392]

I cut extra pieces when making raised panel cabinet doors. I ended up using 3 of the 4 "extra" pieces. Great piece of advice. Beats having to duplicate the setup. I've also found that very few people notice mistakes unless I point them out.

[@richpeggyfranks490]

After retiring, I still have a steady stream of friends, neighbors and family who want custom woodworking pieces. My simple rules: they come to the shop, use my stuff, build their own piece and I assist. Most people agree. So, I have had the pleasure of teaching lots of folks about woodworking. Measuring everything seems to be a big misconception. A neighbor showed up with a tape measure clipped to his belt. After he "whipped it out" a couple dozen times, I took it and hid it from him. Cutting to fit is the most important measurement. Also, I get the comment about tools every time. I explain that my collection is the result of 50 years of woodworking. Another good point you made is the strength of glue. I still haven't figured out a good way to convey trust in glued joints without a home tour demonstrating glue-only joinery. Another very good info-taining video. Thx.

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks Rich. Always like reading your comments!

[@jamesparker8317]

I have been interested in wood working for years, But I couldn't get "traditional" Joinery right/correct. so, I would give up just to try again sometime in the future, and again give up. Then I found pocket hole jigs, game changer I made heaps of stuff. Then gave up again because I couldn't cut strait and I would buy precut/cut to order from the store , that felt like i was just assembling not making. Plus it was expensive. Then in 2021 I was given a miter saw for fathers day, out came the pocket jig (a cheap rip off) and I was away again. I upgraded the jig to a Kreg again game changer. I bought more tools (cheap one's) and then bought a decent table saw. Last year I went back to school (at 57 I'm not the youngest in the class) and I'm now learning hand tools and joinery. I am now replacing my cheap tools with decent ones. My point I guess is don't diss any tool that get's you into a hobby or path that you enjoy.

[@Lincolnstww]

That is a great journey! There are lots of ways to get into a hobby!

[@georgetumillo446]

Bravo! Rather than mention individual items that I liked about this video, I will just say that this should be mandatory watching for everyone just starting out.

[@JeffreyMoon1974]

Buying tools as you need them is indeed one of the key tips for a beginner, along with purchasing used tools. Your point about the Festool and DeWalt routers doing the same job is also on point. Nice build!

[@sgsax]

Really great advice here. Good reminders even for those of us who are slightly beyond the beginner stage. Thanks for sharing!

[@jayneal8293]

Awesome video! I've been woodworking for over 40 years, and you are so right. Start where you are and work from there! Keep up the great work!

[@Lincolnstww]

Much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!

[@robandsharonseddon-smith5216]

Great advice. Should be shared with all beginners.

[@danielreynolds9631]

Love that clamp jig that spreads them out evenly for the table tops, Would love to make a small version of that for doing serving trays. Great video. Thanks for all the tips!

[@Paulscreativeprojects]

I love your videos man, including this one where you address a lot of issues I dealt with so far ranging from thinking what tools to buy based on my needs and dealing with so called “experts” or “ gatekeepers” which often times come out as negative and over critical and eager to tear down other people’s work. Thanks a lot and will watch your other videos. I’m kinda a beginner but have done quite a few projects so far and debating whether I want to do this long term since I do enjoy woodworking quite a lot even though it’s got challenges sometimes

[@tradermunky1998]

I'd get a soft hardwood starting out. I started out doing a red oak project long ago and quickly found out how inadequate my cheaper tools were in working it. By the end of the project I was cursing my choice in wood as I had only used pine before. Think some tools broke too. 😂

[@qadirtimerghazin]

Honestly, I actually like natural SYP color and grain, I would stick to it anyway even if things like oak were not as expensive

[@tremolobar]

I bought cheaper tools too, some are good and some, like a table saw need a higher quality one. I started with ryobi table saw and upgraded to dewalt which I recommend for a beginner one. I also upgraded to festool sander because of the vibration and turns out the sanding was faster and higher quality. I still use my other 2 sanders when needed. My other tools are all ryobi with the exception of my routers. I have a skill and dewalt compact.

[@Roroxane]

3:39 OMG this inverse table saw jig is so cool! 🔥 I'll definitely get your guys' course when I start my tiny house project, I love all three of you for different reasons, I'm so glad you collaborated and I'm sure the end result is extremely high value ❤

[@Sebastopolmark]

For me, when I started I found 3 content providers that I trusted on the Tube. Steve Ramsey, Jay Bates and Matt Cremona (when Jay and Matt were actually building things) and watched and watched their videos. Then as the skills provided, I ventured to someone like Rob Cosman. I will never be that good but after all isn't woodworking about being within 1/4". Everything you say here is true, just get going! !! !!!

[@RonaldCorrao]

Those drawerbinets look amazing in the background, just saying.

[@Lincolnstww]

hell yeah

[@robinhewitt2819]

Excellent video! FWIW, I've made items I like very much that have a round-over made by sanding. My sanding block is an 8" piece of old-growth 2x4 that had been thrown out (side of the street) with a strip of sandpaper wrapped lengthwise around it. Hand-sanded round-overs don't have that factory-made look one can get with a router, but they can look very nice with careful sanding. I maybe even prefer the handmade look. I recently did spring for a router and bits but haven't used it yet -- still making round-overs by hand-sanding

[@hoongfu]

so many years in and your humor is always on point. Thanks man. Hope you're making bank. Keep it up.

[@Lincolnstww]

Thanks!

[@josephnoll2754]

Thank you for this video. I needed to hear this... I am a perfectionist. It's tough. I also can't seem to read a tape measure mark to making an accurate cut kinda beginner but learning every attempt. Most of my tools were given to me, yard sale or harbor frieght over time. My goal is making projects for my daughters - they're very young.

[@keithklein4538]

Hi John, That was one of the best woodworking videos I have ever watched. All the lessons I learned the hard way you learned and ,more importantly, teach here. Bravo. Cheers, Keith

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video Thanks for sharing I’m new to woodworking and 58 years old I’ve bought all my tools off FB marketplace because I’m on disability and can’t afford to buy new tools. And I love watching your videos I’ve learned so much. Thanks for sharing

[@OperationDarkside]

Maybe that outs me as a beginner, but I love my water-based brush-on clear poly paint meant for stairs and hardwood floors. 2 coats with sanding in between is usually enough. It's super hard and gives my construction lumber furniture a slightly more luxurious feel.

[@kellyb7321]

A professor liked to tell us that "perfection is the enemy of good enough." Some of the best advice I ever heard. Aim for perfect, but don't get yourself down over the little mistakes. They just create character.

[@Lincolnstww]

amen

[@JackAceINC]

John, you couldn't be more right about the smaller dogs. I also always had bigger dogs, labs in particular. Then about 14 years ago decided to "kill some time" at a local animal shelter because I was early for a meeting in the area... Left with a 20 pound Schnauzer Poodle mix... she doesnt shed, she doesnt eat a ton, she doesnt tear up my yard and she is a great shop and truck dog along with the 3 others we have had over the years. Fast forward to today, I still am a General Contractor but my wife and I own Dog Resorts now because of this one rescued dog. She never did well at our local resort so we said we can do it better, and we did.

[@oldfreddyfrenchfry1]

Excellent video - great advice all around! Most significant is to not be afraid to fail, but be proud that you gave something a try and found things to learn along the way.

[@Lincolnstww]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@Nomeh2]

Just purchased the course. Beginning to get my starter tools now so will be ready by release date. Really excited for it!!!

[@Lincolnstww]

Awesome!

[@cyberfemme319]

Have you guys considered adding a second hand no. 4 hand plane to the beginner tool set? It's a hell of a lot more fun than sanding, and it comes in very handy for flattening panels and straightening boards that aren't too warped - without costing an arm and a leg.

[@fidgetshouse]

I tell my students that learning is a journey, not a race. The journey is more fulfilling. Thank you for your videos. Happy New Year.🎉

[@mxss115]

I’m a beginner, taking my time with my first project since I just have a plastic picnic bench, some cheap sawhorses, and a whole lot of mdf spacers to try and keep things level lol. Basic circular saw, router, sander, drill. Making a corner shelf from some plans I bought online out of cherry. It’s a lot of time measuring, and some screw ups/redos, but it’s not impossible. I did make the simple zero tolerance edge guide for this project and it’s been a big help.

[@lemhanback9595]

Really enjoyed this video. That last tip was something I hadn't heard before. Thanks. Btw sometimes, used tools cause bigger issues. Like a used bandsaw. That after you buy it you discover the main bearings are bad. Lol

[@cottrelr]

Regarding jigs, there's one thing people tend to forget about beginner woodworkers. The most important resource to this craft, which most shops are overflowing with, is SCRAP WOOD -- which, by definition, is non-existent in a new woodworker's shop! When cutting your first 2x4, you can't prop it up on a few scraps of 2x4. When building your first project using walnut, you can't do a test cut on a scrap piece of walnut. In the 3 years since I started, I've lost count of the number of times I've gone to the Big Box store to buy wood for a jig that "you can easily make out of the scraps you already have". In fact, the first piece of hardwood I ever bought was a red oak 1x4, so I could make runners for a crosscut sled. Even today, if I needed a scrap of 2x4 longer than about 18 inches, I'd have to go buy it. And the only time I ever buy MDF is when I want to make a jig that requires a scrap piece of MDF.

[@briancota4544]

I’m not a novice but not an expert. I know enough to know I don’t know much. One thing that dawned on me a few years ago is how much you can do with a circular saw. The game changer for me was being able to breakdown 4x8 into straight accurate cuts with little waste. Circular saw jigs a BIG help. The new course looks awesome!

[@lauramarshall6376]

Nice video! And ... those dogs are soooooo adorable! I've never seen a dapple/merle poodle before. And I have a LOT of dog experience.

[@BigBoy-kf2dh]

I'm a noob at woodworking and I only have a circular saw, drill, Kreg crosscut station and kreg rip cut. This video was very informative and inspiring thank you. The thing about buying vs making it yourself has come across my mind like you said but to me it's about learning to build it. I'm from Southern California so I don't know if that's the reason why but lumber seems to be vary expensive at my local lumber yard and don't mean walnut or cherry type wood. A 2x10x12 yellow pine was going for $105.

[@Soleya9]

My guess is since Yellow Pine comes from the south east, that might have something to do with the cost (though $105 is quite a lot for pine) You'll likely find Douglass Fir to be cheaper on the west coast. Everyone says to avoid the box stores, but my experience so far has been that local lumber yards are 2-3 times the price for construction grade lumber. And although our hardwood store near me has really nice quality hardwoods, but the cheapest was Alder at $8 a board foot. Which is about 10x as much as a typical 2x4 from Home Depot (which is 75 cents a board foot).

[@jrm523]

Thanks for this. I purchased your woodworking course and look forward to learning more.

[@murderXnumbers]

Guy's a great source of information. Just like playing music, it never hurts to go back over the basics now and then, even if you're a pro. Just finished building my shop and these tips are just what I need to freshen up on what I thought I knew about building the finer things 👍

[@Lincolnstww]

Appreciate it!

[@bjoernwuest7483]

I like your style of making videos and would love to see more on actually building stuff. One sentence in your video is quite true: you do not build cheaper than carpenter, but you build to your likings. I started with furnitures for my son's room. Carpenter asked for approx. 40k€ (approx. 50k US-$), so I decided to buy wood for 5k€ and the tools. Now, I invested more than 50k€ in tools, it is real fun, and I build multiple capinets, tables, desks, etc. for my home. Unfortunately, I am in Germany and not allowed to sell furnitures, since I have no masters degree in carpentry. But never mind, it is a great hobby and gives you some good time to relax.

[@meperson]

Nice video encouraging folks to make things! One advice you should mention, get affordable tools but immediately upgrade the blades, router bits and sand paper (consumables) as they make much bigger difference in quality than tools.

[@wfo0070925]

Yes to agree with your statement "You could find a bookshelf or a coffee table online or in a big box store for less" (Most of the Time) but you will never and I mean NEVER get to the quality of material as you choose what to build with and you are the one building it with pride. We have lost this across ALL walks of skill based working over the last 2 generations. I am just getting started in this adventure of wood working after 50 years of growing up around automotive racing/hobby. It is a bit daunting but no more then if I look back now at the tools and knowledge acquired from cars/trucks, as you also stated...."It's a Marathon not a Sprint"

[@daviddura1172]

GREAT ADVICE... nicely done.....

[@DonsWoodies]

Excellent video - funny and informative at the same time. Some of the best advice on youtube I've ever seen. Also, really nice looking table design. Looking back, the first piece of furniture I ever made was an ottoman with a nice puffy stuffed top. It was made from 2x4's with only a 3/8" drive hand drill and a handsaw. Oh, and some sandpaper and a tape measure. I now have a whole shop full of tools, some of which I don't really need and should never have bought. With all that I've never made anything I'm more proud of than that damn ottoman.

[@jamescrawford9565]

That sort-of track saw guide was really cool looking, as was the circular saw to miter saw jig.. I have never seen either before!! Great video.

[@roblewisjr2]

I have been a wood finisher for over 35 years. I totally agree about the staining. If you MUST stain wood NEVER apply the stain directly to the wood. Especially if it’s something like pine or a lighter wood that you would prefer to be a darker tone. The only way to do it and have it not get blotchy is to mix your stain with either polyurethane or lacquer and spray it on and build up the darkness you want the results will amaze you and it’s super easy to do. But you do need the space to spray obviously. Otherwise, I totally agree. Use the tone of wood that matches the tone you’re looking for. But if you can’t do that, you can stain it without putting stain directly on the wood as I described above. Another thing to keep in mind about staining wood is that the smoother you sand, the bear wood the less the stain will penetrate in clear areas, but the more it will penetrate in Natier rougher woodgrain areas. If you absolutely must apply stain directly to the wood make sure you sand it only to 100 grit so the whole surface is equally rough. Then when you stain it, the stain will take more evenly across all of the wood. With a little practice, you can actually make it look quite good. Another good practice is to thin down. You’re staying 25 to 50% with mineral spirits and then wipe it on wipe it off. Let it dry if it needs more wipe it on wipe it off again, but remember to make sure you have not sand it to a super fine 400 grit smooth surface. I’m sure this is obvious enough, but I also would add. Make sure you always sand with the grain and never in a circular motion. Any slight swirl. Mark will show up horribly in the staining if you’re applying it directly to the wood not so much if you’re spraying on polyurethane or lacquer that has stain mixed in with it. But definitely if you’re wiping it on.

[@ltandrepants]

bare

[@naturelovertx]

Totally agree! I am always asked for stained furniture. When staining pine or other notably splotchy wood, I take ready to use shellac and dilute 50% with denatured alcohol. After sanding to 120 grit, I apply the diluted shellac brush it on liberally so it can soak in. The alcohol evaporating may cause the surface temp to drop a little, so once the surface has warmed back up to room temp, I know the shellac has dried. I then sand again with 120 grit and stain. Here's another tip: If your are planning to stain your project, be very mindful of glue drips on your exposed surfaces, especially if you will be using a dark stain. Most glues will prevent the wood from accepting stain causing a bare spot. Gorilla white wood glue seems better than Titebond in this regard. But when I do get a glue drip, I used to use a wet rag to wipe it off. Instead, I will put a piece of tape next to it to remind me it's there and let it dry. Once dry I will use a chisel or scraper to scrape the glue spot being careful not to create a divot that will be visible in the light reflection of the finish. But sometimes I don't see it before it's time to stain. When that happens, I will fix it immediately instead of waiting for the stain to dry. First, sand or scrape the glue out and repeat the sanding process on the spot and a couple of inches around it remembering to use a larger radius with each grit, then re-stain the whole area before the original stain has dried. If you catch it before the stain dries, you won't even know it was there, but if not, you will see it. Alternatively, you can leave it and use an artists brush and disguise the spot by dabbing it with a 50/50 mixture of stain/finish during the finishing process. This is very hard to hide so I try to avoid this option.

[@Lincolnstww]

great info here

[@ljackson8220]

Good points. I'm still using stuff I built with minimal tools 35 years ago.

[@JosephMoore-i7w]

What is the accordion structure you have for your panel clamps? Was this a prior project? I struggle with holding and spacing clamps for panel glue ups and this looks like a great solution. Thanks.

[@dogedogego]

Also wondering the same, would love to build with that

[@mrector23]

@@dogedogego- Woodpecker has the xpander clamp system.

[@Codexane]

I believe this is the Izzy Swan X-CLAMP SYSTEM. Woodpeckers also makes an Xpander setup in two sizes.

[@Nachoze70]

Excellent video with awesome messaging. Really enjoyed your take on beginner woodworking and think you hit some excellent points. Everyone would benefit from seeing this!👍👍👍

[@Lincolnstww]

Much appreciated!

[@scottguitar8168]

There are certainly times you can save money building it yourself, but when I got into woodworking it was because we wanted custom pieces that fit in specific areas and the box stores only sell generic sizes. The other nice thing is you can add any features you would like. If a generic piece will work, we usually buy it over building it, unless I have the time and am just looking for the enjoyment of working out in the shop. Pocket holes are usually my go to if they will be out of sight. Occasionally I will use them in seen areas but use plugs to hide them but usually I turn to glue and pins for a better look and speed of not using clamps.

[@markdarragh6620]

While I agree that glue is perfectly adequate to hold the legs to the table, a couple dowels drilled through at each of those joints would have looked very nice! This was a really great video. Solid advice.

[@mattelias721]

John, I often watch your content even though I'm well past the 'beginner' stages. I agree with all your points here... except the 'cheaper to make it' idea. You've got business smarts so you know that each project will decrement the cost per project of say, your table saw. If you stick with woodworking, you'll make very high quality stuff for far less than you'd pay in a store or commission. And I don't even think stuff like Ashley Furniture should be used to compare - it's freaking generica. I get exactly what I want, every time, and will last longer than AF generic stuff that everyone else has. Plus, I get to do woodworking. Other random comments: - Wow, you're really accumulating some serious trolls here since last I checked - makes me LOL - You can absolutely refurbish that router with new brushes - Thanks to you, Chris and Shaun for carrying on where Steve Ramsey left off

[@BigCityBoyyyy]

Once I accepted the fact that I will make mistakes and that nothing I make will ever be perfect, it allowed me to enjoy the hobby more and accept mistakes as learning the craft better. It went from being constantly worried about making mistakes to just enjoying myself in the process. It made a huge difference.

[@donproctor3445]

Speaking of shop managers, my 1st ever woodshop build is still in progress. I commandeered my father's 24' x 24' detached garage/dog kennel for my shop. Due to physical issues, he no longer used it so yeah me. I say dog kennel because outside is a dog run 6x24 fenced in for his hunting dogs over the years. Basically a concrete slab building 24 x 30 with a matching roof for a high-end dog run. It comes complete with a large 4x5 foot interior insulated and cedar chip mulch bed dog box inside the main building. Nice and cozy. Now that I have taken over I added a Mini Split and installed a dog door inside so the 12-year-old Black lab has full run of the shop inside and out and now refuses to sleep in his box. I mean why not. Its 70 degrees year round. The problem is dog hair it's everywhere. He also gets lonely (its 1.5 hrs 1 way for me) so when I'm around he wants to be under foot. He also loves belly rubs, a lot, and looks like a cookie rolled in sugar with floor dust. So it's a work in progress. I don't think Im going to get him to wear ear, eye, and dust mask so we have issues. *** Also he's a cookie monster and knows that word better than any other. He also knows they are kept in the refrigerator in the shop which is where he naps in front of. Sometimes he's allowed to retrieve his own ***

[@igoslomo]

OK. So I've been seeing y'all advertise the BBWCP... And just figured it would be the priced for, well, not me - a 62-year-old-I'm-not-your-demographic-woman… but I was watching Four Eyes this morning and decided to click and just see. I was so so so surprised that it is actually priced affordably for beginners like me! It’s still an investment but so was the last tool I bought and not used because I’m terrified. So, thank you. Thank you very much.

[@Lincolnstww]

Great to hear! We wanted to make it accessible. And there are individual chapters for each tool. I talk through safety, and show you how to make cuts. You will be feeling confident soon enough

[@pepperman5752]

As one who is just beginning my woodworking journey, your videos are golden. I have now put an assembly table at the top of my to do list, thanks to the advice given in this video. Another point that you made that resonated with me was the one about hardwoods. I have access to big box stores but haven’t located good sources for hardwood. Purchasing S4S boards for a given project makes sense to me but how reliable is online purchasing vice hand picking the wood yourself? I have heard good things about woodworkers source so might give them a try. Anyways, thanks for the videos they are welcomed and appreciated.

[@TankVgryazi]

I consider myself a reasonably advanced intermediate woodworker, but I still find this video great and very helpful. I think this might have been one of your best in recent memory.

[@Lincolnstww]

Much appreciated! made my day

[@dogedogego]

9:57 what is that fold out stretcher clamp? I have those same clamps, but the fold out mechanism seems super useful

[@rolfbjorn9937]

Water based, or hybrid* oil varnish meant for floors if you like getting done within a day with a very resilient finish! Or lacquer (brush on) or shellac for speed and ease. For blocking resin and knots (and before staining?), Apply Zinsser BIN shellac base (solvent is alcohol, ideally ethyl or isopropyl) it is heavily pigmented white and EVERYTHING sticks to it and it sticks to everything. You lose the natural color but gain sealed grain and it is a high performance primer. *(Hybrid = oil base in a water emulsion, cleans up like water base, dries faster than oil and is likely as durable as oil, will also likely yellow)

[@robertneely5148]

You have a schnauzer! My last dog was a schnauzer wonderful breed. Nice table, and I’ve made all the mistakes you mentioned except getting bogged down with traditional joinery. I’m a big fan of Peter Millard at 10 Minute Workshop and he convinced me that, because of the resale value, I could ‘afford’ a domino. Best investment I have made so far.

[@Lincolnstww]

No schnauzer, two little doodles!

[@RealJuanCastaneda]

2:18 You can also use stair gauges which you can find for under 8 bucks at Lowe's paired with a framing square if you don't wanna build the jig. Also, you don't really need an impact driver or cordless tools. You can use a corded circ saw and a corded drill(variable speed trigger for precise/cautious drilling).

[@Lincolnstww]

Oh wow. Never thought of that. Brilliant

[@jordanirvin]

Brushes for the router are easy to replace. They wear, so if there is less than 1/4” of carbon at the end of the spring, head to a good hardware store like an Ace with your old brushes (or the entire router). The fit doesn’t have to be perfect for it to work, and they are pretty cheap.

[@Lincolnstww]

awesome thanks for taking the time to comment on that

[@sus8e462]

So much of this applies to any hobby where you create items--e.g. garment sewing or leatherworking (latter is my business, sewing & wood is for stuff I want). You have ro enjoy the process & material--when i started it was PBS & internet still military secret--so ratio of really good info was higher than on yT now... New tools are always fun to admire, but get the best you can afford when needed... And practice the fundamentals. I also golfed... No matter the tool/hobby, it is always the squishy organic part that determines the outcome.

[@davidguinta4550]

Jon, great video...I think this is one i will watch again because i am sure i missed some things by finding myself being one of those guys!! Happy New Years!

[@BravoProject]

Thank you. My son in law asked for his first tools to start learning.

[@ssrrocks22]

Great advise, thanks.

[@ChrisWhitley-tx1oz]

What I have found on pine is that wood prep stuff will help the stain penetrate.

[@kevinmarzolo2632]

As a man who also has a laundry room to finish, I absolutely felt that outro lol.

[@williammatthews2948]

Please don't remind me.

[@Lincolnstww]

the pain is real

[@heathcliffflowen4134]

Hey bud can I ask you a question? KZbin woodworkers are always going on about wood movement, and using screws with space to move, like you have here. But what if you are building with traditional joinery, dowels, mortices, etc. and not screws or bolts? I am building tables using no screws, and I am concerned that I will run into problems with wood movement. But how can I know if a design will have future problems?

[@martinholden2281]

Excellent insight and advice. Thank you for sharing, I appreciate your time. All the best in the new year!

[@paul4124]

Excellent advice, there is not one thing that you said that l could find myself disagreeing with. I only wish; that l saw something like this many years ago. I have to admit though; l’ve been a “home woodworker” for many years now, and l still manage to make some sort of cock up on a pretty regular basis. Perhaps that’s where my lack of planning comes in? Have a great New Year ❤🇦🇺

[@sidicer33]

Prayers sent brother! Always great content!

[@williamherring5441]

I could build that with all those tools and you are gate keeping my procrastination.

[@coreyghayes]

I hope I run into you in a GVL brewery someday. Beers on me. You've been an inspiration in my woodworking journey.

[@Lincolnstww]

I’ll buy the first round

[@CountDabulaTV]

It's really easy to check if the brushes are going bad, just look for what looks like a big plastic flathead screw on the motor and remove it.

[@TKGP67]

Cool table, don’t see the plans on your site.??? Great channel and content! Thanks!

[@daphnevega1812]

This might be a dumb question- Do I need to use pocket hole screws in pocket holes? Can I use regular wood screws?

[@harlanbarnhart4656]

Good advice about finding affordable hardwoods. Red oak and Ash are out of fashion (affordable) and widely available.

[@SawForgeGarage]

This was very informative. Great video.

[@Lincolnstww]

Thank you!

[@susan_halla]

Like @tavarish says, “Wrench every day”. Similar with woodworking - get out there and work on something often enough and it will build your skills; once you have the skills, that tinkering will help refine them. Great video, Jon!

[@petrsidlo7614]

If the dewalt has used brushes you should be able to easily check it, most tools have accsible brushes from the outside, so you dont have to disassemble the whole tool, I dont have a dewalt, but my guess would be that if you undo the top cover you will see them.

[@johnmosier6899]

I would argue that it still is about saving money, but not against the cheapest Swedish furniture, instead it’s a (relatively) cost effective way to get high end furniture that will last a lifetime

[@chrisvanderwielen1530]

I think once you get a shop up and running, yes, that is a reasonable expectation. Think about the missus asking for a new closet, and you're staring at your garage full off tools (that youve bought over the years) + 400$ in wood vs a 12k quote from a local contractor.

[@IntrexinCustom]

Great video and I agree with most of what you said. But I'll throw out something, both when your starting out and oddly this got worse the more tools/wood I got. Big Assembly tables like yours are hard to fit in small single car garage shops, I'm totally agreeing with how important they are. Not having a good one screws me daily. Just more pointing out it's actually one of the harder things to fit into a tiny shop

[@CaptCha-p2q]

Congratulations! Very nice post with good info and specially without those bothersome: Permanent seals, “Subscribe and click” … “Like and Comment” … “Subscribe…” again, Music, Messages, Adds in tandem, Flashes when pictures are changed, etc.; that are other effective “Get away!” resources!

[@samsanderson7159]

Do you have a video on that parallel clamp setup? Or a link to where it can be bought?

[@bradboyer1381]

5:44 Best advertisement for your custom shop cabinets...is to actually show you using them, quick and casual like. Slick adverts we do not need; actual real-world demos, check. Overall, I like that your project is simple and uses simple tools and techniques, but it still looks sophisticated. Probably those angled legs.