Practice makes perfect, and that is just as true with woodworking projects as it is with anything else. While you've likely pondered becoming a woodworker with the hopes and dreams of building an entire bedroom set of lavish furniture, keep in mind that it takes time to reach that level of craftsmanship. The lowly birdhouse may seem like a poor substitute for more intricate types of furniture, but there is simply no question that starting small and working your way up to a higher level of skills and knowledge is the best way to ensure that you enjoy the art of woodworking without facing too much frustration.
The best choices for your first woodworking endeavor are certainly smaller, less complicated projects. The aforementioned birdhouse is one example. A doghouse or simple chair are also good choices. Even a small outdoor storage shed can be a fairly easy way to begin your woodworking adventure, and one that will also provide a hefty feeling of accomplishment. Whatever you decide to begin with, be sure that you utilize an often overlooked tool. A good set of plans are essential to building with confidence, and too many builders attempt to begin their new job without one only to end in disarray.
Follow the plans carefully. Measure twice, cut once is the old carpentry rule that still holds sway today. Frustration is the main reason that many new woodworkers give up the hobby before they've truly begun, and following a set of plans closely will all but eliminate that frustration. It's also another reason to start with smaller projects. Learning on a dog house or bird feeder will allow you to get used to following plans and using your tools so that when the time comes to build that oak dresser you can do so with the confidence of a professional woodworker instead of the haphazard confusion of a beginner.
Work your way up, following that bird house or shed with a set of patio furniture. Furniture requires much more precision than other projects, and a picnic table or patio chair are great starting points to build your skills upon. Once you understand the intricacies needed to ensure that your furniture sits level and true, you can move on to more ornate pieces of furniture. The wood you'll be using on your dining room table will be far more expensive than what you used on the picnic table, so having experience will help you avoid costly mistakes. Patience is a virtue in woodworking, and it's truly best to build up your skills in order to excel.
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