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Brian Steckler

Learning objectives: 

You will learn the following in this course:

  - the essetial tools and their uses

  - what basic accessories are needed by every woodworker

  - what supplies you should always have on hand as a woodworker

Description:

This course is meant to inform the beginning woodworker of what is needed to accomplish almost any woodworking project.  The basic tools for measurement and layout are explained.  The various types of saws and their uses are outlined, including those for rip cuts, cross cuts and dovetail cuts. 

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Learning objectives: 

You will learn the following in this course:

  - the essetial tools and their uses

  - what basic accessories are needed by every woodworker

  - what supplies you should always have on hand as a woodworker

Description:

This course is meant to inform the beginning woodworker of what is needed to accomplish almost any woodworking project.  The basic tools for measurement and layout are explained.  The various types of saws and their uses are outlined, including those for rip cuts, cross cuts and dovetail cuts. 

We recommend a couple of key chisels in every woodworkers tool box.  For smoothing and shaping, the reason for a low angle block plane is explained, the Japanese rasp is discussed and how it is efficient for shaping, and of course, the ubiquitous smoother sandpaper is thoroughly covered .

Drills, drilling and screwing are also discussed including the range and types of drill bits, as well as what drill bit size to use for a screw pilot hole.  The countersink and auger bits required for proper fastening and drilling are also covered in this course.

Course content:

- Lecture 1:  Introduction (1:00)

- Lecture 2: Measurement and Layout (8:37)

    Tape measures

    Combination square

    Bevel gauge

    Rulers

    Compass

    Calipers

     Pocket knife

- Lecture 3: Saws - Making Wood Cuts (7:49)

    Rip saw

    Crosscut saw

    Japanese ryoba saw

    Zona saw

    Flush cut saw

- Lecture 4: Planing and Smoothing (8:17)

    Planes and Rasps

    Low angle block plane

    Japanese rasp

    Sanding blocks

- Lecture 5: Drills and drilling (17:08)

    Pilot holes

    Electric drills/ corded or battery

    Wood bits

    Countersink bits

    Driver bits

    Spade bits

- Lecture 6: Accessories (9:05)

    Clamps

      Quick acting clamps

      "F" clamps

      Pipe clamps

    Bench horses

    Bench hooks

    Cauls

- Lecture 7: Supplies - what you should have handy (10:41)

    Titebond glue

    Blue tape

    Packaging tape

    Crazy glue

    Epoxy glue

    Screws (#6, #8, 3/4 and 1 1/4 inch)

    Sandpaper (80, 100, 120, 180, 220 grit)

    Paste wax

    A deck of cards

    Pencils

    Red rubber eraser

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The essential tools and their uses
  • What basic accessories are needed
  • What supplies you should always have on hand

Syllabus

Understand the general aims of this course and what they will need for almost every woodworking project
Building basic woodworking kit - intro
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores essential tools like rip saws, crosscut saws, and Japanese ryoba saws, which are fundamental for making precise wood cuts in various woodworking projects
Covers accessories like clamps, bench horses, and bench hooks, which are essential for holding and stabilizing workpieces during woodworking tasks
Discusses supplies like Titebond glue, blue tape, and sandpaper, which are crucial for assembling, finishing, and refining woodworking projects
Details the use of planes and rasps for planing and smoothing, which are important techniques for refining wood surfaces and achieving desired shapes
Requires learners to acquire a range of physical tools and supplies, which may present an upfront investment for those new to woodworking

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Reviews summary

Essential woodworking tools for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the fundamental tools, accessories, and supplies needed for basic woodworking projects. Students appreciate that it clearly explains what tools are essential and why they are used, making it suitable for those just starting out. Many found the information on measurement tools, saws, and drills particularly helpful for setting up their first workshop or understanding the basics before investing in equipment. While it covers the 'what' extensively, some mention it could benefit from more hands-on demonstrations or showing how these tools are applied in actual project scenarios, suggesting it's a strong foundational course but may require supplemental learning for practical application.
Lectures are quite brief.
"The lectures are very short, which is good for quick learning, but sometimes felt a bit rushed."
"I noticed the lecture times are quite brief; some topics could perhaps go into slightly more detail."
"Short videos make it easy to fit into a busy schedule, but don't expect deep dives."
Helpful guidance on necessary supplies.
"The list of glues, tapes, and fasteners was surprisingly useful. It's stuff you don't always think about but definitely need."
"I liked the advice on sandpaper grits and what to keep on hand. Made shopping much easier."
"It was helpful to learn what basic supplies like glue and tape are crucial for almost any project."
Thoroughly explains key tools and their uses.
"The breakdown of different saw types and their specific uses was really informative. I finally understand rip vs. crosscut!"
"I appreciated the section on measurement and layout tools; it clarified which ones are essential for accurate work."
"The course does a good job covering the core tools you'll encounter in most basic woodworking tasks."
"Learning about the different types of drills and bits was very practical for getting started."
Excellent starting point for new woodworkers.
"This course is perfect for someone who knows absolutely nothing about woodworking tools. It gave me a great overview of the basics."
"As a complete beginner, I found this course incredibly helpful. It explained all the essential tools in a way that was easy to understand."
"If you're just starting your woodworking journey, this is a must-take course. It lays out exactly what you need without being overwhelming."
"I had no idea what tools I needed to start woodworking, and this course guided me through everything clearly."
Too basic for experienced woodworkers.
"If you already know your way around a workshop, this course will likely be too basic for you. It's strictly entry-level."
"This didn't offer much new information for me, having done some woodworking before. Definitely for absolute beginners."
"More experienced hobbyists won't find much value here; it's purely foundational tool knowledge."
Needs more demonstrations or project examples.
"While the course tells you about the tools, it doesn't really show you *how* to use them in a real project context. More demos needed."
"I wish there were some short examples of using the tools discussed, even just simple cuts or joinery."
"The course is very theoretical about the tools but lacks the practical, hands-on feel I was hoping for."
"It explains the 'what' well, but not the 'how' in terms of actual woodworking techniques."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Basic Woodworking Kit with these activities:
Review Basic Geometry
Reviewing basic geometry will help you accurately measure and mark wood for precise cuts and joinery.
Browse courses on Geometry
Show steps
  • Review geometric shapes and their properties.
  • Practice calculating areas and volumes.
  • Familiarize yourself with angle measurement and calculation.
Understanding Wood
Reading 'Understanding Wood' will provide a deeper understanding of wood properties and selection, improving your woodworking skills.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Understanding Wood'.
  • Read the chapters on wood anatomy and identification.
  • Study the sections on wood selection for different projects.
Practice Making Straight Cuts
Practicing straight cuts with different saws will improve your accuracy and efficiency in woodworking.
Show steps
  • Set up a practice piece of wood.
  • Use a marking gauge to draw straight lines.
  • Practice cutting along the lines with a hand saw.
  • Evaluate the straightness of your cuts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Watch Videos on Sharpening Tools
Learning to sharpen your tools will ensure clean cuts and efficient woodworking.
Show steps
  • Find tutorials on sharpening planes and chisels.
  • Gather the necessary sharpening stones and honing oil.
  • Follow the tutorial to sharpen your tools.
  • Test the sharpness of your tools on scrap wood.
The Complete Manual of Woodworking
Referencing 'The Complete Manual of Woodworking' will provide guidance on various techniques and project ideas.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Complete Manual of Woodworking'.
  • Browse the chapters on joinery and finishing.
  • Use the book as a reference for specific techniques.
Build a Simple Wooden Box
Building a simple box will allow you to apply the skills learned in the course and gain practical experience.
Show steps
  • Design a simple wooden box with specific dimensions.
  • Gather the necessary wood and tools.
  • Measure, cut, and assemble the box.
  • Sand and finish the box.
Document Your First Woodworking Project
Documenting your project helps reinforce learning and provides a reference for future projects.
Show steps
  • Take photos or videos of each step of your project.
  • Write a brief description of each step.
  • Compile the photos and descriptions into a blog post or video.
  • Share your project with others and solicit feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete The Basic Woodworking Kit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Woodworker
A woodworker crafts items from wood, utilizing both hand and power tools. This course, 'The Basic Woodworking Kit,' introduces essential tools for measurement, layout, cutting, smoothing, and drilling, which are all integral to the craft. A beginning woodworker will learn about the essential tools and their uses. The course covers the various types of saws, planes, drills, and the accessories needed for almost any woodworking project. This course helps lay the foundation for developing skills to become a woodworker.
Hobbyist Woodworker
Hobbyist woodworkers create projects for personal enjoyment. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' is designed for beginners and perfect for hobbyists looking to learn the basics of woodworking. The course provides everything one needs to know to get started from tooling to supplies. The course covers what basic accessories are needed, and supplies that you should have handy as a hobbyist woodworker.
Custom Woodworker
A custom woodworker creates unique, often bespoke, wood products. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' directly supports this role because it covers fundamental tools and techniques for projects. It is particularly useful for individuals who want to learn about the tools needed for measuring, laying out, cutting, smoothing, joining, and finishing wood for unique designs. A custom woodworker needs a solid foundation in the basics, which this course provides.
Cabinet Maker
Cabinet makers specialize in building and installing cabinets, often working with fine joinery techniques. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' directly relates to this field by introducing fundamental woodworking tools like saws and planes which are crucial for cutting, shaping and smoothing wood. Learning about the correct drill bits for screw pilot holes is also extremely relevant. A cabinet maker relies on the kind of precision this course teaches, helping one develop a solid foundation in the craft.
Carpenter
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures made of wood and other materials. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' is applicable to a carpentry career since it covers the use of saws for rip and cross cuts, drilling techniques, and the proper application of various fasteners. This basic knowledge is critical to any carpentry work and helps prepare one for more complex projects. Learning from the course how to measure wood, cut it, sand it, and fasten it prepares one for the variety of woodworking needed by a carpenter.
Model Builder
Model builders create scale models using a variety of materials, often including wood. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' helps any model builder gain a deeper understanding of woodworking tools, techniques, and supplies, which are indispensable in creating accurate models. This course covers measuring, cutting, shaping, and fastening wood, techniques which are key to building models. This course helps one gain the knowledge of the proper use of tools to make precision models possible.
DIY Enthusiast
DIY enthusiasts undertake a variety of projects for personal use. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' helps the DIY enthusiast gain fundamental skills in woodworking. This course introduces tools and techniques for cutting, smoothing, drilling, and fastening wood, which may all be necessary for projects around the home. The skills and knowledge gained in this course help build a solid foundation for more complex woodworking tasks.
Furniture Designer
Furniture Designers create plans for furniture pieces, which includes selecting materials, building prototypes and detailing joinery methods. While this course may not directly cover the design process, 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' provides the critical hands-on knowledge of essential tools and techniques, which helps build a foundation for a furniture designer understanding how to bring ideas to life. Knowing the uses and applications of different saws, planes, drills, and accessories is key to the building process, which is an important part of the design process.
Woodshop Teacher
Woodshop teachers instruct students in woodworking methods and techniques. While this course is not focused on teaching methodology, 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' will help a teacher who wants to refresh their knowledge of the tools and techniques used in the field. A woodshop teacher must be intimately aware of the uses of measuring and cutting tools. This course reviews the proper uses of these tools.
Artisan
Artisans create handmade items, often with a focus on traditional crafts. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' may help any artisan who wishes to work with wood, as it is an introduction to woodworking basics. This course provides the essential knowledge of tools, materials, and techniques needed to start making handcrafted wooden pieces and begin developing skills and experience. An artist working with wood will find this course useful for developing necessary skills.
Prop Maker
Prop makers create items for theatre, film, and television productions, often working with wood. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' will help a prop maker to better understand the tools, techniques, and materials needed for woodworking. The course covers the use of saws, planes, drills, and fasteners. Knowledge of these fundamentals is critical for constructing props that may need to be durable and also visually appealing.
Set Designer
A set designer is responsible for creating the visual environment of a theater, film, or television production. While this role is focused on the visual design elements, understanding the basic tools and techniques described in 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' may be useful when working with the construction teams who make the actual sets. Knowledge of saws, planes, drills, and various woodworking accessories, as covered in the course, can help any set designer in understanding the process of creating three dimensional spaces.
Construction Worker
Construction workers operate machinery and tools necessary to complete building projects. 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' covers the basic uses of tools used in construction. The course helps a construction worker understand the proper use of tools for measuring, cutting, smoothing, and drilling wood. The course content helps build important skills for anyone in the construction field.
Restoration Specialist
Restoration specialists are skilled craftsmen who work on historic buildings or antique furniture, often requiring a deep understanding of traditional woodworking methods. This course, 'The Basic Woodworking Kit,' may help anyone interested in the field to familiarize them with basic hand tools, such as saws, planes, chisels, and measuring tools, which are used in many restoration projects. The course provides a good foundation for learning about the tools and techniques that may be needed to understand more advanced restoration practices.
General Contractor
General contractors oversee construction projects, including managing subcontractors and ensuring project completion. While this role is managerial, 'The Basic Woodworking Kit' may help a general contractor gain a basic understanding of the woodworking process, which can be useful when communicating with carpenters and other tradespeople. The course provides an overview of woodworking tools and their uses, which may improve their ability to manage and direct projects that involve carpentry work.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Basic Woodworking Kit.
Comprehensive guide to understanding the properties of different types of wood. It covers wood anatomy, identification, and selection for various woodworking projects. Understanding Wood provides a deeper understanding of the material you're working with, leading to better project outcomes. It is commonly used as a textbook in woodworking programs.

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