The art of woodworking is a time-honored and detailed craft that has been around for centuries. Some of today’s most advanced woodworks are able to create unbelievably detailed and beautiful pieces out of wood in ways that many may have never thought was possible.
Woodworking is not a craft that is learned overnight. It takes a great deal of patience, skill and practice. It also required a great deal of insight into the world of woodworking in order to really understand this process. Whether you are a beginning woodworker, working on honing your skills or a seasoned vet looking to stay up-to-date, the more that you know about woodworking and its origins the better.
The following resource guide touches on many of the main topics that every woodworker at every level needs to know. These resources can help you become a more well-rounded and proficient craftsman no matter where your skill set lies.
GENERAL WOODWORKING RESOURCES
The following resources will provide you with a basic overview of woodworking, getting started with the craft and general information that every woodworker should know.
Glossary of Woodworking Tems– These are the common terms and phrases used in woodworking and what they each mean.
Getting Started With Woodworking– This resource and coordinating videos are designed to help any beginner looking to get started with woodworking and covers all of the basics of this craft.
Learning Woodworking– This guide for beginners will walk you through how to get started with the basics of woodworking so you can turn yourself into a pro in no time.
5 Skills You Need to Know for Woodworking– There are a few woodworking skills that every crafter needs to know. Not even the best tools can replace the right skills.
How to Start Woodworking in a Basement or Apartment– If you are ready to get started with woodworking, you don’t need an expensive or fancy shop to do it in. This guide will show you how you can get started right in your apartment or basement.
How to Start Woodworking– This article will tell you everything you need to know in order to get started with this intricate craft.
RESOURCES ON WOODWORKING TOOLS
Proper woodworking often comes down to having the right tools. With so many different tools available for everyday woodworking projects, the more you know about the options out there, the safer you will be.
Information on Power Tools– This resource details everything you need to know about the most common woodworking power tools.
The 3 Table Saw Blades Woodworkers Should Have– The table saw is an important tool for any woodworker. This resource details three of the basic woodworking blades every woodworker should have.
Basic Plane Sharpening– This guide will tell you how to safely and effectively sharpen plane blades while woodworking.
What Tools Do I Need to Start Woodworking? This basic rundown will highlight the tools and accessories that you need to get started.
How to Use a Wood Chisel– The chisel is one of the most commonly used tools in woodworking. Make sure you know how to use it properly with this resource guide.
Get into Woodworking with Hand Tools– This 10 step guide covers the basics of traditional woodworking and will show you how to safely and effectively use tools to accomplish your woodworking goals.
WOODWORKING SAFETY RESOURCES
Safety is paramount when working with all of the sharp knives, chisels, and tools in woodworking. Make sure you are staying as safe as possible with these resources.
The Ultimate Guide to Woodworking Safety– Woodworking can be a dangerous craft, make sure you aren’t putting yourself or others at risk while woodworking.
Woodworking Safety Rules Every Woodworker Should Know- These rules are the law when it comes to safe and effective woodworking.
Woodworking Safety Equipment– This is the safety equipment that should be in every wood shop to make sure the environment isn’t dangerous.
The 10 Safety Rules Every Woodworker Should Know– Woodworking can be both safe and enjoyable—if you know the basic safety rules. This is what every person should know before picking up the hobby.
Wood Magazine’s Safety Tips– There is no such thing as being too safe in the workshop, even for the most seasoned woodworkers. This guide is filled with tips that can help make your workspace even safer.
Safety Rules for Tools in Your Woodshop– Tools are a great resource for woodworkers, but they also can be unsafe if not used properly.
RESOURCES ON WOOD TYPES
The right wood can make all of the difference in any woodworking project, these resources will highlight the basics of working with and choosing different woods.
What Do Lumber Fractions Mean? Most lumber is classified by lumber fractions. This resource will detail what the most common fractions mean.
Sapele Wood Finishes for Better Woodworking Projects– Sapele lumber is a very popular option for furniture and cabinetry. This guide details three different Sapele finishes that can be used for projects such as this.
Types of Wood for Woodworking– This straightforward guide will give you the lowdown on all of the most popular types of wood used in woodworking.
10 Great Woods for Woodworking– Bob Vila’s guide to choosing wood for woodworking will cover some of the most popular wood types used in this craft, along with the estimated cost for each type of wood.
How to Choose Wood Lumber for Woodworking– This guide will help make sure you are choosing the right pieces in seven simple steps.
The Wood Database– Interested in learning more about a specific type of wood for your next woodworking project? Let this resource be your guide.
RESOURCES ON MAKING FURNITURE
Making your own wood furniture may seem like a huge undertaking, but with practice, it may actually be easier than it seems. These valuable woodworking resources will help guide you through the process of making wood furniture.
The Ultimate Guide to Wood Furniture Design– These free tutorials will help you learn how to make three simple, yet beautiful, pieces of furniture.
How to Make Living Building Furniture- This guide will show you how to build furniture like a professional, from the experts at Fine Woodworking.
Basics of Furniture Making– Fundamentals of Woodworking details some of the basics of furniture making and woodworking techniques that can help bring these concepts to life.
Learn to Build Your Own Furniture– Looking for a detailed resource on how to build your own furniture? This carpentry and woodworking guide will help you get started.
The Basics of Cabinet Making– making your own cabinets can seem like a huge undertaking, but it may actually be easier than it seems by following this guide from Woodworking Projects.
Making Furniture– Start Woodworking has an entire library of project ideas and plans designed solely for those who want to stretch their creative muscles and start making projects from wood.
WOODWORKING PROJECT IDEAS
If you are looking for some smaller or simpler projects for your next woodworking venture, look no further than these project ideas. They may just inspire you to try something new!
Surprisingly Simple Woodworking Projects for Beginners– These projects may look like they are super complex, but they are actually easier than most people think. This resource will walk you through how to complete these simple, yet beautiful projects in no time.
Practice Your Dovetail Joints– Mastering the art of dovetail joints is an important step in proper woodworking. This guide can show you how to master the process in no time at all.
Free Woodworking Projects– Popular Woodworking Magazine has an extensive listing of different woodworking plans, all laid out in easy-to-follow plans.
Woodworking Projects for Beginners– If you are looking for easy-to-follow projects that even beginners can handle-look to these free woodworking projects for beginners in order to learn the best way to make something exciting out of basic wood.
Woodworking Projects– If you want detailed plans of different woodworking projects, look no further than the Woodworkers Guild of America, where their detailed list of projects will give you the plans that you need to create all types of wood projects.
DIY Woodworking Projects– Designed with the avid DIY-er in mind, this resource is filled with woodworking tips and projects plans and details.
WOODWORKING TOOLS
- Circular Saw
- Cordless Drill
- Arbor Press
- Tool Box
- Framing Hammer
- Miter Saw
- Jigsaw
- Impact Driver
- Wood Router
- Stud Finder
- Belt Sander
SHOP AND WORK AREA RESOURCES
The right shop or workspace can make all of the difference in any foray into woodworking. Here are some guides on how to make sure your shop is set up correctly.
Work Area Information– This resource details how to set up a safe and functional work area for all of your woodworking projects.
Set Up a Shop on a Budget– Setting up a woodworking shop doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This detailed guide will show you how to set up an effective shop on a budget.
How to Set Up a Woodshop– This 10-step guide will show you how to set up a safe and effective woodshop.
12 Shop Layout Tips- The experts at The Wood Whisperer put together 12 layout tips for those looking to create the most efficient workshop possible.
Setting Up Shop: Which Machine First?- Most woodworkers would love to buy all of their dream equipment in a single purchase when setting up their woodshop. However, this isn’t always a reality. This guide will help you decide which machine you should set up first, and why.
Shop Design Ideas– Take a look at different sources of inspiration for different types of wood workshops.
WOODWORKING BLOGS
Many times, the best information on woodworking comes from those who practice the art themselves. The following blogs from dedicated woodworkers are a great resource for anyone practicing the craft.
Paul Sellers– Lifestyle Woodworkers and Blogger- This is the ultimate resource for all things woodworking from a man who has more than 49 years of experience in woodworking. How good is his work? A lot of it is actually in the White House right now.
The Unplugged Wood Shop– Written by Tom Fidgen, this woodworking industry magazine is filled with detailed tutorials, tips, tricks, and ideas.
Tom’s Workbench– Tom’s Workbench is the creative genius of Tom Lovino, who has been creating one-of-a-kind wood masterpieces from his garage since 1998.
Matt’s Basement Workshop- Matt’s Basement Workshop isn’t just a blog—it’s so much more. It’s also a podcast run by Matt Vanderlist, who provides so much detailed information on how to be a great woodworker. He not only has videos, recordings and blog entries but plenty of digital project plans as well.
Ana-White’s Blog– This is a great woodworking blog for people who want easier, DIY projects that are easy to execute. The perfect blog for beginners, or proficient woodworkers looking for quick and easy projects, this is one blog that you are sure to enjoy reading.
Flair Woodworks– This blog, created by Chris Wong, is filled with examples of his beautiful pieces and creative designs. The blog is also filled with tips and ideas on how to achieve great results with your own woodworking projects.
Fun With Woodworking– If you are looking for a woodworking blog that is fun and geared towards beginners, this is the one for you. Author Donald is also a beginner and he shares his journey and experiences, along with his mistakes with all of his readers.
