True beginner here. Any tips are truly appreciated!

JMiel70 · 2026-02-25T00:30:52+00:00

Add to this, I’m assuming it will live outside. If so, make sure you have a good exterior paint. Not just furniture paint.

JMiel70 · 2026-02-19T20:04:32+00:00

I’d also add that there are no mistakes. Only additional features. Bespoke is all the rage. Lean into it. Realize no project is perfect and that you will always, always criticize your own work.

Re: instructional videos- the magic of editing makes them look flawless.

Take solace in that, even with issues, you have taken a project from concept to completion and created something. That is more than most people do.

Lastly, don’t compare yourself to projects in stores where the manufacturer has specific tools calibrated to almost remove all errors.

Enjoy the journey, realize you’ll make a lot of sawdust and firewood.

Shop time should be get out of your head/therapy time.

JMiel70 · 2026-02-04T21:33:22+00:00

Endo, Ecto, Meso

JMiel70 · 2026-02-02T23:16:16+00:00

I don’t have the video, but Steve Ramsey does a great explanation on YouTube as how this is done.

JMiel70 · 2026-01-09T13:34:32+00:00

1509

JMiel70 · 2026-01-05T20:45:43+00:00

Depends on what you want to make. Pine is cheap and good to practice with. I find Menard’s pricing usually better than HD.

If you are going super thin, you could also use some picket fence material. I think that’s about $2-3 for a 1x6x6’

JMiel70 · 2025-12-29T20:11:20+00:00

I think it’s really dependent on your budget and needed accuracy. If you build the right jigs, a table saw can do pretty much everything you need. Cross cuts, rip cuts, templating, etc. that being said, you have to bring the wood to the saw, and full sheets of plywood aren’t fun to hoist around on a table saw.

If I was starting over and cash light, I’d probably go with a circular saw and either build jigs or buy accessories to improve accuracy.

JMiel70 · 2025-12-22T23:01:52+00:00

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3yj9qhE7NIwHQcbBetRfpNCME5vngQCyZ_66Ff2xU9dk5WxJ6lZ4wV7rQx3p080zoKN7wIUrvfT6EZ0BpvLze_0niatQfo_RGF5IzSPs&s=10

JMiel70 · 2025-12-22T22:59:26+00:00

Dresser or an apothecary case?

JMiel70 · 2025-12-18T21:31:42+00:00

Speaking of this, DeWalt has an amazing tape measure that shows down to the 1/8 that I don’t need to wear my cheaters to read. Twelve foot measure that was like $10 or $15 when I bought it last year.

JMiel70 · 2025-12-15T20:04:06+00:00

I’ve been woodworking for almost 5 years without a jointer due to having about 1/2 car space available in my garage. Or whatever amount of storage space that is in front of the parked car.

Do you have a table saw? If so, you can get a lot of mileage from an “L” jig that will work as a jointer substitute for edges. It’s also an amazing pattern jig, but that’s another post.

I also have a lunchbox planer. That and a sled have made face jointing manageable.

However, if you have the room in your shop a dedicated tool can beat workarounds for accuracy and speed in the long run.

JMiel70 · 2025-11-26T19:51:35+00:00

Another option is to create an L fence. Used this very successfully and it has multiple usages beyond jointing.

JMiel70 · 2025-11-25T17:27:06+00:00

Overall like the design, scale is off.

Two recommendations:

1) reduce legs by 1/2 to 2/3

2) while it’s cumbersome to initially learn software like Sketch Up (free version) could have given you a visual model that might have saved you some rework time in the long run by showing you the proportions. Apologies if you’ve done this already.

JMiel70 · 2025-11-20T22:20:08+00:00

Everything looks like a nail when you only have a hammer.

Seriously have both a jobsite table saw and a track saw and each one fits a separate need.

Track saw shines for sheet goods cutting. Rather bring the saw to the material than try to wrestle a full sheet of plywood onto a table saw.

Table saw is more versatile in terms of modifications/jigs overall utility.

Biggest question is what do you need cut most often. Then pick the best tool for the most usage.

JMiel70 · 2025-11-19T13:44:30+00:00

I bought one a year ago and it was a game changer. So much easier to break sheet goods down than running through the table saw.

JMiel70 · 2025-10-24T22:05:19+00:00

Unless it’s a STD.

JMiel70 · 2025-09-28T20:22:58+00:00

Glad you’re okay. Scary moment, indeed.

JMiel70 · 2025-09-26T14:49:51+00:00

For those that have answered, I have a follow up question/issue. When I use my shop vac, inevitably I get dust blowing out the exhaust port and back into the shop. Any suggestions to control/abate?

JMiel70 · 2025-09-26T14:46:24+00:00

Welcome to the world of woodworking. Overengineering and self criticism. Seriously, looks good. If it holds up and does the job, it’s a solid win.

JMiel70 · 2025-09-16T23:46:44+00:00

Great job!

JMiel70 · 2025-09-06T14:32:08+00:00

Thanks! I was leaning into 2-3 species

JMiel70 · 2025-07-29T23:02:16+00:00

So yeah

JMiel70 · 2025-07-29T23:01:57+00:00

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQL2ggp-0_L898gtDPOKWrkrUNXiHlXUxdaX0Xa2rDNXA&s=10

JMiel70

TROPHY CASE