Review the basics often. Repetition builds confidence. Don’t be afraid to practice squaring a board multiple times before moving on.
Start with familiar tools. Use the miter saw, drill press, or sander to begin — then gradually add more complex machines.
Check the tool pages. Each machine in the shop has its own safety and how-to guide (link out to your existing wiki/tool pages here).
Here are some of the most common terms you’ll hear in the woodshop. Understanding these will help you feel more confident and follow along more easily in tutorials, conversations, and project plans.
Grain – The natural direction of wood fibers. Cutting “with the grain” is smoother; cutting “against the grain” can cause tear-out.
Face – The wide surface of a board.
Edge – The long, narrow side of a board.
End Grain – The surface exposed when a board is cut across its growth rings.
Square – A piece of wood with faces and edges that are 90° to each other.
Jointer – Machine used to flatten one face or straighten one edge of a board.
Planer – Machine used to make the opposite face of a board parallel and bring it to final thickness.
Miter Saw – Cross-cutting saw used for making accurate straight or angled cuts.
Table Saw – Versatile saw used for ripping boards (cutting along the grain) and other precise cuts.
Bandsaw – Saw with a continuous blade, great for curves and resawing.
Router – Tool for shaping edges, cutting grooves, or making joinery.
Kerf – The width of material removed by a saw blade.
Joint – The way two pieces of wood connect (examples: butt joint, dado, rabbet, mortise & tenon).
Glue-up – The process of applying glue and clamping boards together until cured.
Dry Fit – Assembling pieces without glue to make sure everything fits before final assembly.
Clamping Pressure – Even pressure applied with clamps to hold glued pieces securely.
Sanding Grit – The coarseness of sandpaper; lower numbers are rougher (remove material faster), higher numbers are smoother (for finishing).
Finish – Protective or decorative coating applied to wood (oil, varnish, shellac, polyurethane, etc.).
Stain – Coloring agent that penetrates wood fibers, often followed by a clear finish.
These channels are great for learning at your own pace. They mix beginner instruction with inspiring projects.
📺 Matthew Peech Woodworking – Clear tutorials and straightforward woodworking tips.
📺 Casual Builds – Simple, relaxed project builds and practical woodworking ideas for all levels.
📺 MWA Woodworks – Practical furniture and shop projects, explained step-by-step.
📺 Pask Makes – Creative, outside-the-box builds with approachable explanations.
📺 Newton Makes – Modern woodworking projects with an emphasis on design.
📺 EN Curtis – Tool-focused content and project walk-throughs for beginners.
📺 Jimmy Diresta – Legendary maker blending woodworking, metalwork, and creative problem-solving — always inspiring.
View our Full Library of Maker Channels here
These projects are approachable, low-cost, and great practice for your new skills. Each one reinforces the fundamentals you learned in the Woodshop Badge class.
Skills: Squaring a board, planing, sanding, finishing.
Why: Teaches the basics of milling and introduces food-safe finishes.
Tutorial: Cutting Board for Beginner
Skills: Measuring, straight cuts, basic joinery (butt joints, glue-ups, clamping).
Why: Builds confidence in accuracy and teaches glue-up techniques.
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Wooden Box
Skills: Jigsaw and a drill version vs power tools.
Why: Introduces practical furniture building without being overwhelming.
Tutorial: A Basic Stool
Skills: Handles, cross cuts, glue-up, durability. Has plans in description.
Why: Great practice project that also gives you something useful to carry tools or art supplies in.
Tutorial: How to Make a Simple Tool Tote
Examples: 8 different styles of push sticks demoed and created.
Why: Build your own shop aids while practicing safe tool handling.
Tutorial: 8 Push Sticks with plans
https://wiki.makesantafe.org/resources/where-to-get-materials
👉 Pro Tip: Start small, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect. The first few projects are all about building confidence, not flawless results.
Stop thinking and start building!