Simple Woodworking Project Examples
Woodworking is an ancient craft. For centuries human beings have tapped the impressive qualities of wood to build shelters, transport, and even luxury items. Being both durable and versatile wood is the perfect material for the craft-making of even the very young. Schools for toddlers have incorporated woodworking for the four-year olds to develop their coordination and creativity. Adults engage in woodworking, mostly as a hobby, to relieve stress and express their creativity. Below are examples of simple woodworking projects from the kitchen that both beginners and experienced builders can take on when their creative juices begin to build up.
The kitchen is a rich source of ideas for woodworking projects. Many tools used for cooking and serving food are best made of wood. Aside from the practical purposes that these items provide, kitchen products made of wood look warm, inviting, and very homey. Examples are the cutting board and serving tray.
Cutting board
As always, in any woodworking project, the first step is the design. With this on-hand you will be able to identify how much wood is needed in your project. A classy shape for your cutting board would be a simple rectangle with a handle. It could be one-inch thick (or thicker if you wish). You then get your full pattern and transfer this to the hardwood. If necessary you can glue the pattern on the wood. Cut out the shape and smoothen the edges as well as all the surfaces. The last step is putting on the finish. As the board will directly handle food, a non-toxic finish should be used. You can use a salad finish for this project.
Serving Tray
In terms of difficulty, the serving tray is less easier than the cutting board as this project entails fitting together several parts. Hardwood is required for this project and a design or a pattern is necessary. After transferring the pattern into the wood, you then cut out the different parts. The biggest part is the bottom side while smaller pieces would be glued to the sides, two of these smaller pieces are the handles. Salad finish should be used for the tray.
Even beginners would feel comfortable making these simple woodworking projects. Other similar items are wooden tongs, pasta spoons/forks, and napkin holder. All these kitchen essentials are simple projects that would definitely transform into classy products when completed.
Getting Started with Simple Woodworking Projects
Preparation is the key to a successful craft. Think space, tools, and fixtures. Woodworking is fun. To enjoy the hobby, here are a few things to remember when you begin those simple woodworking projects
Find the ideal work space
The basement and garage most often are the choices. It has to be where you have enough room to let go of your creativity while the rest of the household are able to maintain their sanity. You’ll get noisy, with all the cutting, sanding, and drilling. You’ll get messy– the sawdust, the varnish, paints. You’ll get smelly too. Your adhesives, finishers, dust. Thus, a certain degree of isolation would keep everyone happy. If your winters are cold, the basement is a good choice. Just install windows to disperse odors from chemicals you’ll be using in the future. The garage works better for those in more temperate weathers. There are more space for the long boards and lots of ventilation when you open the door.
Choose appropriate tools and fixtures
You’ll a need a workbench. This is where the creative process takes place. Have tools and supplies readily accessible from your workbench. Decide whether you’ll go with the power tools or stick to the portable ones. Whatever your choice, always make safety your priority.
Begin the woodworking project
You’ve got the space, the drill, the saws, the lumber. Now, it’s time to start the work. Begin with the easy ones. If you have no workbench yet, you definitely can start with that. Simple woodworking projects are great motivators. When you complete one, you feel you’re ready to embark on another right away. Items that have a practical use for you or for a loved one are good choices. You’ll push yourself to continue with the project especially at times when you hit a bump in the road.
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