Every Woodworker Should Know This!

I did know everything in the video. I have been a hobby woodworker for 35 years. But I watched anyway because even after 35 years it’s good to have these basics reinforced once in a while And you never know when you might learn something new. It’s easy to take these things for granted. Really well done. Gotta tell ya it’s the first time watching one of your videos and by the title I was expecting some stupid gimmicks,not true basics that every woodworker really does need to know.

I have over 20 year experience in building cabinets. I agree with all the tips suggested here. The only thing I would add is on the tip at 5:50, I always reference my piece in the corner of the cabinet. This way, if there is a bow in the hanging rail or face frame, when you mark, cut and install it it will be too long. Marking your piece in the corner of the cabinet insures you get that piece the exact width it needs to be. That puts both the hanging rail and face frame iin the proper alignment so the cabinet ends up the exact same width in the center as it is on the ends.

Simple, basic, direct, essential and to the point. Bravo 👏

I work at a well known national woodworking chain store. Every week I mentor/speak with loads of people that are just getting started in woodworking. I think this is due to the bone headed decisions by school districts in getting rid of "shop" classes. These videos seem so simplistic and redundant; BUT they are so important! The dearth of basic knowledge and innate understanding is just not there in todays younger folks. The other thing is this; we old timers need to step up and mentor the younger ones. We have to step out of our dusty shops and encourage the next generation to try this amazing craft. Keep up with this style of video. It is very much needed.👍

I would really appreciate a part 2 and why stop there? I am going to attend a woodworking school at the end of this month in the great state of Florida and I hope to see you there as an instructor. Keep the videos coming. Thank you.

this should be mandatory shop class intro for every school

I'd like to add that I've been to numerous hardwood dealers and I've not met a single one that isn't happy to teach you the ropes (and lingo) of the hardwood store. If you don't know what 8 quarter, or rough sawn, book matched, or quarter sawn means, they are happy to teach you. These guys (and gals) LOVE wood and the only thing they love more than wood is imparting their knowledge of wood onto the new comer.

Hi. I would like to say, I enjoyed your video titled "Every woodworker should know this". I think it would be great to have a part two (2). It was a pleasure watching your class. Yours with kind regards, Wayne Gammon. From Cornwall, UK.

You sir, from a career educator, are a natural born teacher. Thank you!

This was an incredibly helpful video! I've never seen anyone put this kind of information in one place and make it very straight forward and easy to understand. Thank you!

Thanks for the reminder on the shop rags. They certainly can spontaneously combust if not properly handled.

I've been woodworking since the age of 10. My grampa, a master cabinet, and furniture maker, taught me. I loved spending time in his shop since I could walk. By 10, I had already learned to sharpen chisels and plane irons, and Grampa thought it was time to teach me about both handwork and the machines. My point is at 63, I've learned a lot since 10 and I have to say that was an excellent presentation. You covered all of the important subjects that I think are vital to any new woodworker. There are too many YouTube woodworkers who skip safety procedures or teach shortcuts, which can lead to dangerous accidents. But they do care as long as they get the clicks for their videos. You should do a part two. I like your style and you are well-spoken. I'm going to keep following to see what is next!

I work in marketing and I’ve seen, reviewed, critiqued tens of thousands of videos in my time; I’ve been a part of TV commercial shoots, photo shoots, and I have to say that your presentation skills are excellent. You’re clear and concise, and your content is easy to understand because of your style of delivery. Keep up the good work! I’m now a fan!

Ian grateful for the thought that went into this video. Your presentation abilities are top drawer. Don’t stop now. Great stuff

I've been actively woodworking for 5-6 years but I've been watching woodworking videos here on YT for at least a year before that. I learned much of this stuff before I even built my first project. I build and sell bird and squirrel feeders on Etsy. It wasn't what I intended to sell on Etsy but it's what caught on so I'm ridin' the wave. Anyway, I use cedar fence pickets for my material. One of the problems with using the fence pickets is cupping. I have worked around it for the most part but some time ago I learned something, on my own, that has made my products so much better than when I started. The grain direction. My first shot at a good project is picking the right fence pickets, of course. At the big box stores you don't always have good choices but if you look long enough, you'll find some good boards. The first thing I look for is the grain on the end of the board. The more of a "rainbow" it is, the more likely it is going to cup. I try to find something with the most vertical grain I can find. However, if I have to settle for something with a "rainbow" grain, I know that it will want to cup opposite of the grain. Like flattening the "rainbow". Knowing this, I cut and assemble my pieces in a way that minimizes the cupping effect as much as possible, and in other cases, takes advantage of it. Like using a cupped board to create a crowned base that allows the seed to fall out towards the edges and also allows water to drain away. I still don't know a lot of about wood, like how it's sawn, but using these cedar fence pickets and making these feeders, I'm learning. It's been a great experience. I love it.

Your knowledge is top notch, and your delivery is perfect. The, "can I get a cup of Walnut" sealed it for me. You're now my new #1 go to for all things WW.

I did know just about everything you had to say, excellent tips and I feel they are essential. The only thing I could add to your video would be safety Tips. Always wear your PPE and remove loose items when working. Scary results if you don't.

Awesome video, great information and terrific delivery of the material. Since almost every project starts with a box of some kind I would recommend discussing the importance of squaring and some tips on how to make and keep your project square. Thanks again, Dan.

I’m really glad you informed the public about one thing in particular because it happens way too frequently but few talk about it. Wadding up rags after staining and leaving them. They certainly do generate heat and combust. I either lay them out like you mentioned or put in a metal container full of water and put a metal lid on it. Good presentation on the video too without having to go sliding across your garage floor and acting goofy. I have never played when woodworking, I’m intensely focused on what I’m doing safely and thinking a few steps ahead to avoid mistakes ahead of time. My grown son who works with me thinks I’m always angry because of this. I explained that I just really get involved and I enjoy woodworking. I’m just concentrating.

I am getting back into woodworking now that I'm retired (im 70) and like a lot of people here I found your presentation spot on. I last did woodworking at school so am very greatful for tips and advice.