Beginner woodworking projects accomplish two very important things. They help upstarts develop basic woodworking skills such as familiarity with power and hand tools. Second, simple woodworking projects provide a tangible reminder you can create something in just a few hours. That being said, these rank among the DIY projects that can help someone develop their woodworking skills.
1: Make A Cutting Board
This project ranks among the more simple beginner woodworking projects. Cutting boards are typically made from hardwood materials such as walnut, maple, cherry, and others with tight grain. The material should be at least 1.25 to 2 inches thick. You’ll need woodworking tools that include a circular saw (or table saw), jigsaw, orbital sander, food-safe mineral oil, and possibly a router.
Map out the design of your cutting board directly on the wood with a pencil. Cut using the appropriate saw and proceed to smooth the edges. This may involve employing the router to round them nicely. But rough grain sandpaper can round the edges as well. Proceed to sand the entire board down to a refined finish. Rub with food-safe mineral oil and let dry.
2: Repurpose Picket Fencing For Folk Art
Reclaiming old wood materials remains a trendy way to create country-style decorative items. These small wood projects involve collecting fencing that has declined but is not quite rotted. Many aging fences are a mixed-bag of sturdy-grained material and unusable boards. Check the pickets and support lumber to ensure it’s viable for a DIY woodworking project.
Cut a section to suit your decorative needs. Consider using screws to stabilize the pickets to the cross-boards from the rear or side not facing viewers. Sand the reclaimed material thoroughly and use a quality primer such as Kilz if you plan to paint it. Stains can also sustain and protect the wood, and products such as linseed oil offer a lovely natural finish. Folk art enthusiasts often hang these small wood projects like paintings. You can integrate family photos, dried flowers, or items that reflect your personal taste.
3: Build a Birdhouse
More than a few beginners are surprised by how this seemingly simple woodworking project tests their basic skills. You may come across how-to videos that feature children assembling a simple birdhouse. Many leave out the precision, measuring, tool usage, and basic skills necessary to complete small woodworking projects.
DK Builds has a comprehensive YouTube tutorial that better highlights the hands-on nature of these beginner woodworking projects. This DIY project provides excellent practice in terms of measuring, cutting, and assembly. Along with having a physical example of your current abilities, these and other projects help everyday people enhance their skills in preparation for more comprehensive woodworking undertakings.
