Progression of projects
This topic contains 14 replies, has 10 voices, and was last updated by 
BondiMacF 5 years, 6 months ago.
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I’ve not completed my bench yet, but when I do, I want to make sure I don’t run before I can walk.
Of these projects, which are suitable beginner projects, and which would I be advised to delay for a while?
Would it be possible to give each of these project a star rating, with for example 1 star being easiest and suitable for novices, and 5 stars most difficutl and suitable for the higher skilled craftsmen?
Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom
@bondimacf the clock is a fantastic project to start with the confidence it gives is amazing that is my recomendation for a frst project maybe others will give their opinions good luck which ever one you go with
Eddy .. Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
,I think the tool tote and a dovetail box are great starters. The clock requires grooves which might be more complicated right off the bat. I started with the dovetail box which now holds all my odds and ends.
i agree with rusty on the tool tote but not the dovetail box i found housing dado’s easier than dovetails but that may not be how everyone sees it
Eddy .. Liverpool, Merseyside, UK
,My first project after the bench was the walking cane, but I think the clock (I’m busy with it at the moment) is a better first project. As @edfly mentioned it really is a confidence booster.
All three of the projects stated above are good starters and are designed as work to build your skills. I’ve built many dovetail boxes and I’m still “building” that skill.. The clock was just plain fun and I’ve built a few of those (counting the one that went in the fire).
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
I would say start with the Tool Tote then move on to the clock I find it good were practical to make more than one of the projects, I would then have a go at making several of the dovetail boxes starting with open top trays and working up to the pencil box type.
The walking canes are a nice project, If you need saw horses I would fit them in. The only other project I have made in the masterclasses programme has been the cutting board which I found difficult.
I have also attended courses run by Paul were I made the shaker candle box, the small wall cabinet and the Oak table all good projects to work on I think Paul has a book and DVD that shows these plansWigan, Lancs. England :
I think I would approach it from what skill do you want to learn first…
Housing Dados
—Carrying Tote
—Wall Clock
————-grooves, edge detailing, panel raising
—Wooden Planes
————-shaping, metal work
Dovetails
—Dovetail Boxes
————-grooves, edge detailing, panel raising
—Dovetail Caddy
————-housing dado
Mortise and Tenons
—Walking Cane
————-shaping
—Cutting Board
—Coffee Table
————-edge detailing, shaping
—Bench Stool
————-shaping and design
Combined Skills
—Tool Chesthttp://hillbillydaiku.com
You guys are top notch!
Thank you very much indeed. When my bench is complete I’ll throw myself into these early projects to build up some fundamental skills.
Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom
I remember one of my first projects as a kid, over 40 years ago, I made some bookshelves. My mom bought me a stack of 1×6’s and a sheet of plywood. I had a handsaw, hammer, sack of nails, and my workbench was the front porch. I built some fine shelves that summer, at least that is the way I remember it, lol. I was hooked after that, been doing woodworking to some degree ever since.
So, my thought is, whatever you decide to do, keep it simple at first. Don’t overinvest, or overwhelm yourself to the degree that you don’t enjoy it. Paul’s approach will help you stay on track. I love the wallclock, it is a great skill builder, it is challenging enough for a beginner, and the finished project is impressive, folks will compliment you on your skills. The tote is a great one as well, and can be knocked out in a weekend. Your passion will grow with your successes, and you will be making fine furniture in no time.
Memphis, Tennessee
Have you done the spatula spoon and the nut bowl yet. If not I would do thoughts first. Its the most basic form of wood reduction and with out it would be tough to move forward.
Another consideration may be what tools do you have on hand. I had a dovetail saw, so I started with the dovetail boxed. I didn’t have a router plan or plow plane yet, so I waited a bit to do the clock with housing dados – though Paul shows dado techniques with a chisel only.
But Santa brought the new tools, so it’s time for some dados in my shop. 😉
i'd prefer to make it myself
Hi Guys again,
Some more superb advice there.Looks like the main consensus is not to overstretch on the first few projects but to build up skill and confidence with some smaller pieces.
Once my bench is done I’ll get down to it. I’ll learn a lot just building the bench. 🙂
Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Can’t wait to see the bench Bond! I had to build my bench first as well.
[quote quote=27224]Can’t wait to see the bench Bond! I had to build my bench first as well.[/quote]
I’ll send you a pic when it’s done. I started it a while ago and made half the top. I was so excited to get going and glue it all up, that I didn’t take out the twist from some of the beams – now I’ve got little gaps here and there. Properly kicking myself now – guess I’ve learned not to be so impatient.
I’ll use that top on the back and be more conscientious with the front bit.
You live and you learn. 🙂 Waiting for some nicer weather to get going again.
Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom
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