Woodworking Projects (What are Some Cool Projects That Aren't Too Difficult for a Beginner?)
Throughout the years I have picked up, kept and dropped many hobbies. Whether it be playing a musical instrument, video games, exercising or even woodworking, it is always an exciting challenge to grow yourself in a new field. Some hobbies can be more daunting than others, and woodworking is prime example of this. Not only are there hundreds of species of woods, dozens of joinery techniques and countless projects to create, but in the woodworking hobby finances can play a major role unlike other hobbies. Tools are expensive, materials are expensive, and in this hobby mistakes are expensive. So, I'm going to offer a few beginner woodworking projects that will combat and mitigate financial loss as well as loss of moral in your new hobby.
1.) Bird Houses
In my opinion, there is no other project that holds a light to bird houses as a beginner woodworking project. The options with a project like this are endless. They can be as large or as small as you would like. Bird houses will introduce you to new angles and joinery that you otherwise wouldn't come across for years in the hobby. This is even a project you could get the entire family involved in. The greatest advantage to making bird houses as a beginner is that if you feel that your project is a failure, or feel that your creation isn't good enough, your local birds won't mind a bit. I can assume that your project is more appealing than the bare branches you have outside right now.
2.) Hardware
This suggestion is not here to give you a specific project to focus on, but to encourage the practice of using different hardware in your future projects. Hardware can significantly improve the function and look of many projects but why take the time to build a full-size project just to feel defeated because your hinges don't quite swing right. I recommend keeping your projects small while practicing in order to avoid feelings of defeat, and also to avoid wasting money. A good starting point would be to create yourself a custom bottle opener. This will allow you to practice hardware mounting and even embedding neodymium magnets for mounting your project to fridges and tool boxes. You are much less likely to give up on woodworking when failing on a project like this rather than having to scrap the full entertainment center you may have jumped the gun on.
3.) End Table / Nightstand
Creating an end table or nightstand for yourself is a perfect point to move into functional furniture making. They can be as simple or as complex as you feel that you are ready for and aren't so large that you are required to waste a ton of money on material. This is a great project because it will force you into ensuring that your projects are straight and square. This is also a prime opportunity to begin practicing making and installing functional drawers.
Starting with projects such as these can help to instill more advanced techniques into your woodworking without the waste and frustration. Don't get discouraged at the very beginning of your woodworking journey. Good luck!
