After watching Our Planet with Sir David Attenborough I was inspired to create a tribute to the great whale. And I came up with this whale shaped chopping board/serving tray. I was feeling adventurous, so I decided to put some...
DIY wood projects
These DIY wood projects were all created in my garden shed using basic woodworking tools. In fact my biggest investment was my £90 bandsaw, so if you're looking to get started as a woodworker you don't need to spend a huge amount. For me the most important thing is to practice the basic woodworking techniques and continue to improve them. Even simple tasks like using a tape measure or drawing a pencil line could introduce errors into your work if not done correctly. So take a look at my DIY wood projects and feel free to try them out for yourself. Or if you've got better things to do feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to make one for you to purchase.
DIY wood projects - Top tips
I've learned a lot while working on these DIY wood projects, so I'd like to share my top tips for anyone who is just getting started:
Consider buying your wood from timber merchants and saw mills, rather than the usual high street retailers. You'll often find better quality wood at a cheaper price. And you'll probably get much better advice and support.
Give plywood a chance. I love it because due to the layered construction it's super strong and less likely to warp than solid wood. I often use plywood to build a carcass and then use more expensive wood to cover up the edges.
Take the time to learn how to use a plane properly, and what the different types of plane are used for. I actually did a planing course at the London School of Furniture Making, and this has made a huge difference to the quality of my DIY wood projects.
Make a plan before you start, but don't stick to it like your life depends on it. If the wood takes you in another direction, be ready to go with it.
Deal with the dust. When I started I didn't have a dust extractor or even a decent dust mask, and I realise now I was seriously risking my health. If you want to be woodworking into your 80s and 90s, this is really important.
Take the time to learn about the different techniques for finishing your DIY wood projects. There's nothing more soul destroying than ruining a perfect creation with a patchy stain.
Don't get too stressed out when things go wrong. Because things will go wrong! Embrace the flaws in your creations and use them to tell wonderful stories about your woodworking adventures
Best of luck creating your DIY wood projects. If you have any questions or comments you're very welcome to contact me.