7 Tips and Tricks Beginner Woodworkers Should Know

Cut lumber as you go (if possible), even if you have access to a cut list. It’s frustrating to have cut your lumber at the beginning of a project, only to find out that a few are incorrect or you need to make adjustments. Have large pieces cut down at the lumber yard to make transporting the lumber easier (especially the MDF boards because it could be cumbersome to carry and transport if you don’t have help or a flatbed truck).

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2. Measure twice, cut once! Save yourself some money and another trip to the lumber yard. Always measure twice because no one is perfect, and we’re all prone to mistakes. The frustration of being short on lumber because of measuring errors is painful.

3. Build according to your needs and modify plans as necessary. There are so many plan options out there. All you have to do is a quick Google search for “DIY workbench,” and you will be surprised at how many search results you’ll get. No matter how tempting it might be, do not just choose the first or second option.

4. Keep your tool batteries charged before you begin work and plugged up for work. Failing to plan will slow you down and hinder your progress.

5. Learn about the nominal dimensions of wood. As a beginner woodworker, you might have purchased some 2×4 boards only to find out that the boards were 1.5×3.5. How dare they lie, right? It’s not a lie.

It is, but there’s a good reason for it. There was once upon a time when 2x4s were 2x4s. However, they are planed down to remove imperfections and for easier handling. Doing away with the decimal convention has become universal and easier to communicate.

6. Always plan out your project! I still love to use the pencil and paper style but gone are those days when that was the only option. Some Apps help you plan out a project these days. For example, Furnitology, KerfMaker Woodworking, and Shared Vision – DIY.

7. Learn how to use basic woodworking tools – check out some resources below.