7 things I wish I knew when I started woodworking
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- Опубліковано 27 чер 2024
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One of the best things about woodworking is the element of discovery. It’s a hobby filled with challenges to overcome and problems to solve. And while this is part of the process, there are a few things that would have saved me some unnecessary struggles, frustration, and self doubt.
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#woodworking - Навчання та стиль
I started woodworking in my backyard under a canopy in the blazing sun of summer just a few weeks ago because I watched some of your videos and it really made me feel like I can do this. So I made "the box", and I thought to myself omg this thing is garbage. I painted it my oldest daughters favorite color and my wife sent it away through the mail to her in another state. She messaged me and said dad I love this! She said I cant believe you made this for me! I've made two more boxes since then and I admit they look and fit way better than the first one. So if a hillbilly from Tennessee can do it and learn to get better so can the rest of ya'll. Ty Steve for the encouragement that you provide in your videos and keep up the good work man. I'll be attempting the cross cut sled next week so wish me luck lol.
That's a huge step forward. As Steve has mentioned in one of his previous videos......95% of your builds will probably be a "box" of some sort.
As a young woodworker with a proclivity for anxiety and perfectionism, I feel both called out and encouraged by this video. Thank you for this Steve!
Same here. I’m an engineer by trade where we measure things in picoseconds and I’ve had to overcome the precision and perfection traps. I just built a gorgeous piece with my new crosscut sled that DIDNT use the 5-cut method and instead just used a square between the blade groove and fence. It’s “square” enough.
Perfection doesn't exist and we're all our own worst critics anyway. Let that go. I said on an earlier comment that it's the imperfections make all things interesting. Embrace them. You'll only torture yourself with it. I did. For YEARS.
Yup. I definitely have a problem with perfection on anything I do. It almost always bites me. Sometimes it's ok or the right thing to do, but in fabrication that doesn't actually require perfection it is a waste of time and energy. If you really don't like the end result, redo it... but 8 out of ten times I am satisfied that most people will never see the "imperfections" that I do.
Remember: It's hand made. you're not a machine, and it shouldn't look like a machine made it
called out and encouraged... the word you're after is "challenged" :)
I so agree with this. I always say, after finishing a project: it's not perfect, but I made it myself, and I am proud of it.
I tell people it comes down to 3 things to make a project a success
1 - did you have fun?
2 - are you proud of your work?
3 - did you learn something?
I try to go by a similar philosophy myself.
The way I say that is: "if I didn't do it, who would?"
I learned pretty quickly that fine woodworking is the art of knowing that only fellow fine woodworkers are going to see the dozens of mistakes you left in, and they'll only respond by telling you about theirs. ;)
Tis better to finish it imperfectly than leave it perfectly incomplete.
Such great tips! Especially love the woodworker does NOT = Handyman. If I had a nickle for every time someone asked me...
I tell people: honey, at my pace, you can't afford me.
Congratulations on being name dropped by NPH on Hot Ones! Also thanks for videos like this for Mere Mortals like me.
Came to the comments because I thought, "Did I just see NPH's face flash up on screen?" Nice!
One of the biggest and most embarrassing revelations of my own woodworking vocation is that a good chunk of time spent doing a project is also about learning how to do that project, hands on or otherwise. When I started contextualizing my projects in terms of learning experiences, I was able to cut off way more of the stress of doing things perfectly. Instead focusing more on experimenting and improving technique, trying things out, and looking at any less-than-satisfactory outcome as one I can learn from.
true. The only way you truly fail is by not doing it.
My grandfather did a lot of woodworking and work around the house and he would always say "You are never actually qualified to start a new job until about halfway through it."
@@Dhssoccer08 What an excellent saying, I'm totally stealing that.
This reminds me of a time when my daughter and her friend were in the kitchen talking. The subject went to mistakes and how they both HATED making mistakes and how they were both so Afraid to make mistakes. I asked them why they hated mistakes so much and both agreed it was because they always felt so bad after making one. "I mean the teacher always makes a big deal out of it when we make mistakes". I told them their teacher needed teaching. I told them that they shouldn't HATE mistakes. Yeah, sure none of us Like making them but some of the best lessons I've ever learned, and the ones that have stuck with me the longest, were the lessons I learned from making a mistake. As Bob Ross says "No such thing as mistakes. Just happy little accidents". Perfection doesn't exist. I don't know why anyone would strive to achieve it. It's the imperfections make everything interesting. Including humans. Thanks for sending me down memory lane Adam.
@@bluecurlygirl I used to tell my young engineers that I did not want them to make mistakes but I wanted them to learn from them. I also told them that if they were not making mistakes, then they probably were not doing anything significant.
I started wood working 4 years ago by watching one of your video accidentally on UA-cam and here I am building cabinets today. I consider you as my Guru or Master to learn from and I always admire your presentation style. Thanks for all your knowledge and wisdom 🙏🙏
Steve, it never ceases to amaze me, your profound ability to just calm everybody down about their eccentricities when it comes to wood working and remind us all, we're here to enjoy this craft. Thank you for that.
Thank you for including safety. I have worked my entire career in the mining industry and as a result have a high awareness of safety. You really cannot take too many precautions around high speed saw blades and other woodworking tools.
I’ve absolutely saved money making things. I made king size bed with extra fencing material from my brother-in-law, a coffee table for about $40, a spice rack from a pallet
I'm so glad that when I started woodworking as a hobby, a few years ago, your videos were the first I watched. The best thing I've learned is what is woodworking and the approach to it as a hobby.
Thanks so much Steve for being a mentor for so many people around the world.
As an addendum to #5 (I think), part of building something yourself is that even if it isn't cheaper or better, it can be "just right" for the spot you want it to go in. I thought of this as I watched you maneuver that hall tree into position. That thing fit THAT SPOT in YOUR HOUSE perfectly, and it can be impossible sometimes to find that at the store.
Agreed. And I was going to say that if you build a "bespoke" piece for your house you probably DID save money on that, because getting someone to do it to order would actually have cost a packet!
Ikea and other manufacturers have economies of scale and highly tuned factories on their side that you will never beat in price. But your project is your project 😉
I agree with you on every point you made. I’m retired and started this woodworking hobby last year. This year is the work shed build and continue on my path. I’m not looking for perfection but more on original one of a kind project for whoever wants. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 💭 ❤❤❤
Steve: I so appreciate (might even be close to love here) your philosophy on hobby woodworking. I have learned, finally, after 77 years, that attention and focus on process is what gives me the most happiness, whatever chores/hobbies I'm engaged with. You are spot on.
I think you outlook on this subject is spot on. Thanks for keeping it real
Even after all these years, you stay humble and true to yourself and your message. I've grown into WW with your help, and still these tips need to be repeated to keep me grounded. I appreciate your guidance Steve!
Steve... I never get tired of your ability to encourage people to not take woodworking so seriously and just enjoy the hobby.
I have been watching every upload for the past 10 years. You inspired me to create my own channel! Thank you so much, and keep up the great work!
by the way I started helping my dad at a very young age " while he babysat me " I learned a lot of carpentry skills from him and that inspired me to build stuff ...some things not so good but I always have said ( I made it that way ) I'm 66 now and I still trying to make or start something everyday even if its ugly . Woodworking is the best therapy .
As a person who got into woodworking less than three years ago, I regularly amaze myself with the level of stupidity I reach when working on projects. It seems like most of my projects include obligatory detours in which I'm forced to find ways to fix the mistakes I just made.
I got into woodworking after watching a PBS show, right around the start Covid. It was someone with a crazy expensive workshop and every machine and tool imaginable. Then I found Steve’s channel. He brought common sense and reality to it. I’ve been a fan ever since.
Steve Ramsey is the Allfather of my woodworking.
I love learning what Steve has to teach, and I love the gentle and steady pursuit he presents our craft as.
Steve, you are truly now a folk hero here in the online woodwork community =]
You have been my first teacher to woodworking...i started my journey 4 years ago, and I'm still learning frome you even just listening to your insights. I can say that although i shifted towards hand tools ( 90 percent ) the shifting towards that was more easy to accepted that is because of listening to you!
My dad was a master craftsmen (he didn't raise me but.. thank God for good step dad!) He did come and visit from time to time and he told me once that the difference in a bad craftsmen and a good one is the good one knows and has learned to hid or fix his mistakes. LOL Good video Steve. By the way great name I'm a Steve or Stephen also. LOL Thank you for all the inspiration you given us over these years.
Iam a beginner blacksmith and I also enjoy wood working. I love the beauty of wood and metal together!!
I do what I do and it comes out how it comes out! Usually a bit off!! Lol!!
Your right!
I made my first serving tray out of oak and walnut ,for my RV, and 45s weren’t perfect. A little wood glue and saw dust in joints and no one will ever know.
Luv you woodworking brother.
Steven Storm.
"The world has been nerfed." Great quote! Thanks for posting, and thumbs up.
For me, woodworking is a lot like the love of music. As a late teen the Rolling Stones became my favorite group, and they still are. With my interest in their music, I learned who their inspiration was and began a lifetime of listening to that music as well. When I became interested in woodworking at a much much later age, I started out like many others with a few tools, but my interests branched out to other types of woodworking. For example, I've become more interested in antique tools and have even taken classes at Roy Underhill's school to learn the correct ways to use them. I'll confess I've spent too much money in the antique tool store above his classroom, but I use them whenever I can.🙂
I wouldn't necessary say I'm a woodworker, but I am an artist/artisan/craftsperson and a lot of this really rings true to so much of the creative world. Very sound words of advice 👍
4:07 - Hugely important statement there Steve, I personally enjoy both, but it's also important to know that just because you CAN doesn't mean you're obligated, or even that you should. Like you said it may be cheaper, or more time efficient to just bring in the heavy hitters and hire a professional. For the projects I do for myself, I like to keep separate tools for house work from my woodshop tools. Same for my automotive tools. It's more expensive, but there's something to be said for having a specific set of tools for any job that you can just grab and go without accidentally removing it from your workshop.
Oh here you are, one of the entering-class of 2008. Loved your video on the ‘wood working’ video progression.
Needed to finish a remodel and wanted a stair rail/banister out of cherry. It was going to probably cost to 4-5K or more. I built it for 4-500 bucks. Now I have built a reading nook cabinet and a bathroom vanity. Saving lots of money... plus I enjoy it.
Steve, these are the reasons I started following you so many years ago.. I'm just a "piddler" trying to make "rustic stuff".. so in my little world, "close enough"... is good enough. Thank for all you do !
At least for me, your channel is THE reference for woodworking. I follow your videos for more than 10 years now, and it had the value of a woodworking course. Nice video as always!
Congrats on the shoutout from NPH on Hot Ones :)
I’m in my second month of woodworking. I can already tell this video is going to be extremely helpful. Thanks Steve
I really injoyed reading about the history of woodworking on UA-cam, it's been a must watch for me for years...I've learned a lot from watching and designing my own projects...In 1962 I made a drafting table from plywood and 2 x 4 's, I was an apprentice welder and had drafting home work, that was not the first object I built, where I come from we had shop classes in 6 th grade, learned many trades...wood working was one of them...I appreicate what all you people in the UA-cam world have contributed to woodworking, I keep learning every day...by the way, I'm 87 yrs.old, I still have some of the tools I had from the `60's...Thank You all again...
Thanks for all the videos. Been watching for a few years. Just finished my first project yesterday.
Scam alert, not the real Steve
@@LLOR Blocked and reported
If I'm 90, you probably won't be around anymore... So I'll just do it now, thank you Steve! Keep up the good work
Steve, with so many people on UA-cam doing woodworking videos, you are still #1. Thanks for these good reminders for everyone.
Seriously the best woodworking advice I have ever heard!!!Your basic way of explaining is amazing!You help teach in the safest and most cost effective way!You should be proud of what you do Steve👍Thank you!
man thank you for adding more creative content. most creators builds are things I don't care about.and tools too make. or tools the got for free ( festool). but you always seem to give information or inspiration. 🙏
"Follow Your Interests".... need to remember that quote and use it.
I somehow spend more time lately on my woodworking “shop” then the actual woodworking lol it all started with my first shop vac dust collection system and the OCD kicked in from there and if my shop isn’t “perfect” then I have to “fix” that before I start or complete the woodworking projects
I love you Steve. You are truly an inspiration. You got me started. 10 years later I still want to see what you’re up to and how you’ve been.
There’s nothing wrong with having no interest in carving dovetails. YESSSS!!! Thank you for saying it!
I started woodworking from your videos, I come from a construction background and a worm drive circular saw was the only power tool I've ever used. I'm now on my way to a fully setup workshop, under $1000 of course ;) I'm glad you made this video, my attempt at making everything "perfectly precise" has driven me crazy a few times and I started bringing the perfectionism to work where it really isn't necessary. Although I take pride in making things as perfect as possible this video helped my confidence for when I do make the inevitable mistake. Thanks for all that you've given us, don't stop making videos and teaching us the wonderful craft of woodworking.
This is kinda suggested in several points, but worth stating explicitly: ITS NOT A COMPETITION! If you’re trying to learn, you only have to do better than you did yesterday, not better than anyone else!
Thanks Steve, you helped settle my nervousness of tackling my first big project tomorrow!
thanks for sharing Steve. I find a lot of people do think they need to start with hand tools, which I always recommend IF its a trade, but for a hobby I teach my friends they proper safety and let them loose on the machines and power tools. I have friends that come over to make bits just to relax and spend quality time together, and they learn a new skill too. I wish I had use PPE when I first started, my lungs are bad but somehow I still have all my fingers and hearing is still good.
Perfection! Definitely, my moment was walking around my village and spotting issues with everything i saw made of wood
Thanks for bringing safety into this video
Hi Steve I didn't see a bit of woodworking technique here..BUT REALLY your words here are an eye opener for all..not only for beginners but also for the pro...nice content..God bless you Steve.
I'm not in a place to start woodworking right now but this is giving me some good info for when I want to start building my home in a few years.
Thank you for sharing your insights. My father isn't a great explainer so I never had that parent-child moment where he explained the woodworking stuff to me. thank you for doing the work
Thanks, Steve! Prior to the pandemic I hadn't built anything since 8th grade woodshop back in 1985. My family bought a new house just before the pandemic started and I had plenty of free time and needed some lawn and deck furniture. Your channel got me started with Adirondack chairs and I have built so much of our own furniture now. It is so rewarding when I sit down with the family to watch a movie and we all put our feet and our popcorn buckets down on the rustic coffee table I built!
Love you channel…it’s the reason I got serious about woodworking
Thanks Steve. Your encouragingly permissive attitude sets you apart from all the other fantastic established YT woodwork channels. I'm nearly a year in to my woodwork journey, SO many mistakes but no ruined projects or injuries. Learning all the time, and there's a particular (if rare) joy to working something out for myself. Cheers from the UK
First time I wished for a double like button on a video. Really great advice for better all round woodworking wellbeing
I love the guests you have on your podcast!
Steve; This was golden. I agree with everything you said. I’m regarded as the guy that is considered the ultimate handyman and knows everything. Let me say this instead……..uh I’m just an HVAC guy by trade and woodworking hobbyist. I’m very versatile in my abilities in just about all things related to home building and diy. Good at many things, but absolutely not a master of any of them.
Your so right about people stressing for absolute perfection which is good, but every project has some room for imperfection and still turn out great in the end. People ask me to build custom furniture and other things. They don’t understand that in most instances it is better and less costly to simply buy factory built things over hand crafted items. Most every cut has to be set up individually vs specific factory machinery set up to perform one function and one function only thousand and thousands of times saving time and money. Think Henry Ford, an individual car or thousands
Carry on my brother, carry on. 👍
I learned woodwork about 5 years ago after a Pacemaker stopped me welding things. I learned by telling people “ I can make one of those “ and then figuring it out with books and youtube. I now make Ishitani type stuff, beds, lights etc and by repairing antique stuff for my local Lions charity - great fun learning and you are right,few expect pure perfection!
Steve Ramsey is a legend!
The "Handyman" bit crosses all kinds of disciplines. I am a photographer. I do fine art, illustrative work, stuff you hang on a wall in your home or office, gallery stuff. Yet the amount of people who ask me to do their wedding or baby photos is mind-blowing. It's not the same skill set.
Steve you told the absolute truth on this one!
I love your attitude. It keeps me going when I feel overwhelmed with a project
Oh and I now have my prescription safety glasses because of you!
You have no idea how much I relate to this Video. For that reason I’m a big fan of your channel.
Thank you for all the hard work you put in making this content.
Also, I’m trying to build my grand baby a toddler bed/toy box (mattress platform as a toy box lid with sides as the “fall off” safety), and I’m paralyzed because there’s thousands of videos out there on toy boxes and thousands on building toddler beds. Nothing on combining the 2 into one piece. I can’t figure out how to get started, because I’m unskilled really. I came across your channel while falling down the rabbit holes that lead to one or the other but in search of both. Your videos have given me the confidence to start. Unfortunately, I still lack the energy and time off babysitting said grand daughter to have time lol. Thanks a bunch!😊
All very good points Steve! It's good to be reminded of everything you mentioned, if for nothing else, to keep the hobby fun and enjoyable.
If it's not fun, it's work. If a job is fun, it's not really work, either. Only a few of the jobs I've had weren't work, they were challenging and rewarding because they were fun.
a most down to earth, commonsense commentary with every point valid , great vid now get back to making something lol
Love you, Steve. You are a fantastic person ❤️
been watching for around 11 years and I really needed to hear these things
Heard you mentioned on the newest episode of Hot Ones with NPH and it was such a cool surprise to hear your name come up!
I've been into woodworking for a few months now and your videos have been a tremendous help, just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you!
Thanks for this video! I definitely fall into the "STEM" background category so it is nice to know not to focus too much on precision.
My father didn't teach me very much but I will always remember his mantra, oft repeated when doing this and that with wood and a saw, "well, that'll do, it doesn't have to be perfect."
The sound effects and the theme music around styles of woodworking 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Steve has the perfect humour
Excellent as usual. And the cooler signs back there!! Myers and Vorhees thumbs up!
"Tools are not as important as you think". Steve Ramsey. I think that was first video I watched of his, and he is correct. A novice can turn good wood into trash with the most expensive tools, while a veteran can make works of art with big box brand tools. Having a particular tool and what it can do, is more important than top brand. Especially for us weekend warriors. Start small and scale.
I love watching your videos, your sense of humor is great, I love the cut away videos. I just did my first project after moving. I now have a garage and have been brainstorming ways to make it a shop. I have to contend with household storage. I converted a flip down cupboard to a normal opening cupboard using my router, circular saw and pocket hole jig. A handy man project but I was really proud of myself without a ton of experience. Looking forward to making many more projects. Thanks for all your help!
Sold me on checking out your podcast. Great video Steve! Thanks for all you do for us mere mortals
I like the way you approach things and have not seen anything I disagree with.
"If it fulfills its job, it's good.“ can I get that on a t shirt please?
The greatest thing I realized in the recent past is that your channel exists. I mean your videos completely changed the way I work and use my tools, and everything in my garage is now either on a wall or on wheels! :D
NEEDED THAT! Thanks again, Steve.
Thank you, Steve. After I became a WWMM and started working on projects, things just took off for me and I have put my God given talents to work. Knowing that I can't do a perfect job on any project I work on has been a blessing. Yes, I make mistakes, but you build those in and most people don't even see them, lol! We moved to NC from Western NY back in 2013. Before that, my wife would come out to my workshop and say "are you ever going to make anything with all this equipment?" Thank you, Steve for getting the engine started!
I love to see Steve talking about woodworking again!
I started woodworking some 10 years ago when I wanted to make a birdbox and had no clue about doing anything, and I eventually learnt a LOT from watching Steve, not least lowering your shoulders and mentally and technically strive for 'good enough'. Now I make three types of bird boxes from cheap, simple pine cladding that I give away or sell, but I probably created several cubic meters of scrap wood in the process. Failing improves your projects! The only power tools I have is a miter saw and a drill. The rest are cheap hand tools and some patience. My other projects have been a foldable baking table for our kitchen (copied an IKEA design haha), a garden workbench for the missus, a couple of caged birdfeeders, a firewood shed, basement shelving, simple storage boxes and some kitchen cabinet improvements made from free scrap wood from the local lumber yard.
Probably none of this would have happened without Steve's practical down to earth guidance, wacky humour and videos on just about every topic there is. So thank you Steve!
Letting the process unfold and discovering yourself. I absolutely love that. Great video. Thanks Steve.
There are a lot of woodworkers out there I just can't connect with but Steve lays it out in a way which I can understand! So love these videos!
Thanks from Ireland.
Steve, great information. You’re still my #1 on YT.
Hi Steve, I’ve always loved woodworking since I was at school, my father was a builder so there were tools and bits of wood to attack. When I retired I started to live in my workshop and of course I spent time watching UA-cam videos.
These days I’m one of those annoying people that don’t feel happy unless they have some hand cut dovetails or mortice and tenons cut with a chisel in a project (you can guess where I come from by my spelling). I never use nails and I use screws for attaching hinges. Joinery is for holding things together.
I still watch your videos because you are an honest guy who loves woodworking.
I have two young grandsons and I have made so many of your projects for the boys. I’ve just finished a version of Shut the Box for one of their birthdays. These ideas are gold.
I agree with you on trying to achieve perfection and making mistakes. Everything I’ve made has at least one mistake. The first rule of mistakes is to fix it, the second is don’t tell anyone.
Thank you Steve
FOUR Buster Keatons! You could have chosen any silent star's clips. You chose the best. Well done.
Love this! Thanks! Especially the bit about being the tool guy and the handy man. My wife thinks I could single handily build a house 😂
Woodworking taught me to be more forgiving of myself. And Steve, I’ve learnt so much from you. Thank you.
Love you stuff. I've been working with wood for along time and one thing I found is that every project is a learning experience. Learn from you mistakes and move on!
Man, my favorite zombie film used (Day of the Dead) and some tips about my hobby. Life is great. Thanks. Bub was underrated as a zombie.
“Perfectionism” is exactly why I don’t make anything to sell. Everything I make is planned for a home purpose. I’m afraid to work on things to sell, because I’m not good at this at all. That was a good tip. Thanks 😊
I see you’re also into 70’s/80’s horror films. Man after this ole girl’s heart! Love it!
I love your background decorations.
You have helped me so much with this kind of advice. I have really enjoyed all your reasonable work with tools I can afford, and teaching like i don't know much but not like an idiot. You have some of the best content out there and I am glad you are still making videos.
This has always been my favorite wood working channel. Years ago I followed your steps on an end grain cutting board with different colors. I gave it to my mom for Christmas and she still has it on display in her kitchen. I made a lot of mistakes with it, had to plane it with a belt sander and and it's shaped like an hourglass, but it looks like it was meant to be the shape it is. Anyways, never said thanks for your help and cool videos. You've been gifted with a great voice for what you do. Only Norm Abram gives you a run for your money.