As I’ve begun to spend more time teaching woodworking in my little DC studio, I have been reminded of just how daunting it can be to start on the path of this craft. Not only do you have to overcome the very natural fear of moving your hands near sharp steel spinning at 1000s of RPMs, but there’s a lot to learn. When I first started, I soaked up information anywhere I could. As a resource for my students, and anyone else out there looking for good instruction, I offer my top choices here. I’ll note that not only are these fantastic resources for woodworking, but each of these organizations/people has worked very hard to make what has traditionally been the land of old white guys, very inclusive for all people. This is an ongoing effort for us all, there is always room to improve, but I applaud them for it.
Your first stop: Fine Woodworking Magazine
For decades, Fine Woodworking magazine has been a go-to source for woodworkers at all levels of experience. The magazine has for decades featured in-depth instruction on a wide array of topics, from woodworking basics to advanced techniques and design inspiration. Their in-depth articles, expert tips, and stunning project showcases provide an endless source of inspiration and education. In recent years, Fine Woodworking has moved beyond the traditional print magazine and into videos and paid online classes. The “unlimited” subscription is one of the best deals out there. The Fine Woodworking “Unlimited” subscription includes access to videos with some of the best craftspeople in the world. It’s one of the best deals out there. Additionally, there is a biweekly podcast where members of the staff and professional craftspeople answer listener questions.
Books: Lost Art Press
Lost Art Press (LAP) has been steadily growing over the past several years. I believe this is due in part to the organization’s efforts to grow the craft. LAP offers quality, made in the USA books that are dedicated to fair pricing for the readers, writers, and the publisher. Some of the titles are reprints of woodworking classics that went out of print; others are brand new books by some of the best people in the craft. The content is largely focused on hand-tools and traditional techniques, as well as design. But I would argue that one of the overriding principles of the company is make this information accessible to people. To help people learn the craft. I typically recommend people start out with learning about the medium: Wood. LAP has 2 great books here: Cut and Dried and With the Grain. The Essential Woodworker is a great place to learn about hand tools and hand tool skills. And The Anarchist Tool Chest will walk you through the essential hand tools you need.
The Godfather of online video instruction: Woodwhisperer.com:
When it comes to learning woodworking online, Woodwhisperer.com is a treasure trove of knowledge. Run by the talented and passionate Marc Spagnuolo, this website offers a wide range of educational content, including instructional videos, articles, project plans, and a supportive community of fellow woodworkers. Marc's clear and engaging teaching style makes complex techniques accessible to beginners, and his attention to detail is inspiring. No matter your skill level, Woodwhisperer.com is an invaluable resource for honing your woodworking skills. There are tons of free videos available on the web site or on YouTube as well as incredible videos and plans that are for sale. I learned a ton from Marc and it has been a real joy to watch this guy grow and evolve with his craft and his family over the years. When I first started my woodworking journey, YouTube was mostly cat videos and pratfalls. Marc paved the way for a lot of the content creators you see today. And while many Youtubers are newer to the craft, or focused as much on entertainment as instruction, Marc has always prioritized quality instruction and information (he’s also entertaining). His humility and expertise are refreshing to me in the online world.
No Excuses: The Minimal Minimalist Woodworker, Vic Tesolin
One of the things I hear a lot is that people don’t have space for woodworking. True, you need some space, but you would be amazed at the places where professionals have worked and made a living. So as a new hobbyist, there really is no excuse. If you need some help figuring it out, check out Vic’s book. Vic is an incredibly talented craftsman and instructor (and an entertaining guy). This book will empower you to create remarkable pieces with limited resources, emphasizing the true essence of woodworking: skill and imagination.
Get Started
The main thing is to get started. If you just have time and space to read a book or watch a video, I recommend doing that. If you can set up something on your back porch, or a corner of your basement, whatever, just get a few tools and get started.