While most kids were asking Santa for toys, I was asking for lumber!
There’s always been something magical about transforming a stack of raw materials into something real, something meaningful.
Over the years, people have told me how much they enjoy my teaching style…
I think that comes from my own journey—learning everything the hard way. Growing up, there were no YouTube tutorials or social media guides.
No one in my family knew carpentry, so I had to teach myself, relying on books, magazines, and any hands-on experience I could find. While my friends were reading comic books, I was poring over Wood magazine, eager to learn the next technique.
Starting out with secondhand tools and limited resources gave me a deep appreciation for woodworking’s core principles. It also taught me how to break things down in a way that’s approachable and easy to understand.
As I learned new skills, I shared them—first with friends, then family, my kids, and now, with the world through my YouTube channel.
I think that comes from my own journey—learning everything the hard way.
Growing up, there were no YouTube tutorials or social media guides.
No one in my family knew carpentry, so I had to teach myself, relying on books, magazines, and any hands-on experience I could find.
While my friends were reading comic books, I was poring over Wood magazine, eager to learn the next technique.
Starting out with secondhand tools and limited resources gave me a deep appreciation for woodworking’s core principles.
It also taught me how to break things down in a way that’s approachable and easy to understand.
As I learned new skills, I shared them—first with friends, then family, my kids, and now, with the world through my YouTube channel.
Because my “teaching a friend” style connects with both beginners and experienced woodworkers, I’m proud to say that woodworking classes worldwide use my educational videos in their curriculum!
Knowing this pushes me to do even more to reach and teach.
But even with the reach of YouTube, because of time constraints, I often felt like I couldn’t go deep enough into the fundamentals—the solid foundation behind the build that I was teaching.
And like anything in life, having a strong foundation is essential. Without it, nothing can grow or stand the test of time.
That’s why I created this course: to help you build that foundation regardless of skill level, so you can continue growing and advancing your skills long after the course is over.
But even with the reach of YouTube, because of time constraints, I often felt like I couldn’t go deep enough into the fundamentals—the solid foundation behind the build that I was teaching.
And like anything in life, having a strong foundation is essential.
Without it, nothing can grow or stand the test of time.
That’s why I created this course: to help you build that foundation regardless of skill level, so you can continue growing and advancing your skills long after the course is over.
Each project builds your skills step by step, making new techniques feel natural and approachable. You'll gain confidence, overcome tool anxiety, and smoothly tackle new challenges—turning uncertainty into mastery!
A rock-solid, mobile workbench is the foundation of every workshop. In this build, you'll develop critical skills like accurate measuring, precise cutting, and efficient assembly techniques.
You'll also learn how to make repeatable cuts using stop blocks—an essential skill for any project requiring consistency.
This classic storage bench introduces fundamental woodworking techniques that apply to both furniture and cabinetry.
You’ll learn how to create structural joints with dadoes, use a jigsaw for smooth decorative cuts, and prepare your materials properly with sanding and glue application for a clean, professional finish.
This classic storage bench introduces fundamental woodworking techniques that apply to both furniture and cabinetry.
You’ll learn how to create structural joints with dadoes, use a jigsaw for smooth decorative cuts, and prepare your materials properly with sanding and glue application for a clean, professional finish.
This coffee table is a major step forward in skill-building, introducing both structural and aesthetic woodworking techniques.
You’ll expand into new joinery methods like half-lap joints, learn how to rip and crosscut hardwoods on the table saw, and tackle glue-ups for a seamless tabletop. This project also introduces problem-solving—how to fix mistakes and adjust on the fly.
Small-scale projects demand precision, and this gift box is the perfect way to refine your skills.
You’ll master seamless mitered corners, learn techniques for achieving a flawless fit, and work with finer tolerances to improve accuracy. These techniques carry over to everything from furniture trim to cabinetry details.
Small-scale projects demand precision, and this gift box is the perfect way to refine your skills.
You’ll master seamless mitered corners, learn techniques for achieving a flawless fit, and work with finer tolerances to improve accuracy. These techniques carry over to everything from furniture trim to cabinetry details.
This shaker-style cabinet teaches you how to build strong, well-framed furniture with durable joinery.
You’ll cut precise dadoes for perfectly fitted shelves, install structural divider boards, and refine the look with clean trim and edge work. These skills form the backbone of larger furniture projects.
This heirloom-quality side table brings together everything you’ve learned so far, refining your craftsmanship with furniture-grade joinery.
You’ll create elegant tapered legs using a DIY jig, use advanced joint techniques like mitered half-laps, and apply a lacquer finish for a smooth, durable sheen.
This heirloom-quality side table brings together everything you’ve learned so far, refining your craftsmanship with furniture-grade joinery.
You’ll create elegant tapered legs using a DIY jig, use advanced joint techniques like mitered half-laps, and apply a lacquer finish for a smooth, durable sheen.
You also get access to exclusive bonuses that make this a fully comprehensive program, ensuring you have everything you need to build with confidence and keep progressing.
You also get access to exclusive bonuses that make this a fully comprehensive program, ensuring you have everything you need to build with confidence and keep progressing.
Before diving into the projects, get comfortable with the 5 essential woodworking tools. Each guide includes safety tips, tool setup, and practical usage to help you work confidently and safely with each tool:
- The Jigsaw Explained
- The Circular Saw Explained
- The Miter Saw Explained
- Random Orbit Sander Explained
- Table Saw Explained
Private Facebook Group Community
This thriving community of passionate woodworkers offers a space to share progress, exchange ideas, ask questions, and seek advice directly from your peers and instructors. Connect with others on the same journey, celebrate your successes, and gain inspiration from a diverse group of individuals at various skill levels. With ongoing support and camaraderie, this group ensures you’re never building alone.
Access a collection of foundational resources to enhance your woodworking knowledge and skills including:
- Woodworking Terms Glossary: Familiarize yourself with essential terminology to improve your understanding and communication in woodworking.
- Choosing the Right Saw Blade: Learn how to select the best blade for each project, ensuring clean cuts and maximizing tool performance.
- Woodworking Joints Guide: Dive into the different types of joints, from simple to complex, and master the art of creating strong, seamless connections.
Access to additional Bonus Content, covering advanced woodworking concepts to deepen your understanding of woodworking materials and techniques:|
- Dado, Rabbet, and Groove Joinery
- S2S, S3S, and S4S Lumber
- The Quarter System
- Old Growth vs New Growth Lumber
- The Evolution of the Nominal System
- Wood Grain: Joints & Finishes
- Softwoods vs. Hardwoods
- Controlling Moisture Content
- Construction Grade vs. High Grade
Unlock 21 exclusive, advanced project plans in addition to the 6 main project plans ($315 Value) designed to take your woodworking skills to the next level:
- Concealment End Table ($13): Refine your joinery skills with this sleek end table featuring hidden storage.
- Shiplap Garden Shed ($16): Construct a charming, functional garden shed, perfect for any outdoor space.
- Victorian Style Bird House ($13): Hone your detailing techniques with this beautifully intricate birdhouse.
- Classic Double Rocker ($13): Build a timeless double rocker that combines advanced joinery with comfort.
- Windmill Planter ($10): Add rustic charm to your garden with this decorative planter featuring a classic windmill design.
- Scalloped Picket Planter ($10): A stylish and sturdy planter with scalloped detailing, perfect for flowers or herbs.
- Transforming Shelf/Workbench ($15): A space-saving workbench that doubles as a functional shelf, ideal for small workshops.
- Hybrid Mobile Workbench ($15): A versatile, heavy-duty workbench designed for mobility, storage, and durability.
- Farmhouse Three Picket Planter ($10): A simple yet elegant farmhouse-style planter with three sections for your favorite plants.
- Fence Picket Caddy Planter ($10): A portable and compact planter designed to sit perfectly on fences, railings, or small spaces.
- Covered Bridge Bird Feeder ($10): Build a charming covered bridge-style bird feeder that attracts birds while enhancing your yard’s aesthetic.
- Bench Planer Plan ($15): A sturdy, practical bench designed for easy access to your planer, keeping your workspace efficient.
- Three Picket Box Planter ($10): A classic wooden planter with a simple, timeless design, perfect for patios or entryways.
- Picnic Table Condiment Holder ($10): Keep your condiments organized in this miniature picnic table-style caddy, perfect for BBQs.
- Ultimate Storage System ($20): A customizable storage solution designed for organizing tools, materials, or home essentials.
- Wide and Tall Raised Bed Garden Planter ($15): Grow your own vegetables or flowers in this deep, elevated planter, great for easy gardening.
- Geometric Bookshelf Plan ($13): A modern bookshelf with a unique geometric design, perfect for stylish storage.
- Concealment Coat Rack 2.0 ($13): A sleek and discreet coat rack with a hidden storage compartment for valuables.
- Concealment Mirror Plan ($13): A full-size mirror that doubles as a concealed storage space for security and organization.
- Martin Box Plan ($13): Build a multi-compartment birdhouse specifically designed to attract and shelter purple martins.
- 5 Box Tier Planter ($13): A cascading five-tier planter that maximizes planting space while adding height and dimension to your garden.
Try it for 30 Days—100% Risk-Free. Love it or get a full refund, no questions asked!
Woodworking Kickstart is designed for everyone—from complete beginners to those with some experience who want to deepen their skills. The course guides you step-by-step, so you can start building confidently regardless of your starting point.
What tools do I need to get started?
Getting started in woodworking doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In this course, I’ll guide you through everything you need to set up a simple, beginner-friendly workspace—without breaking the bank.
You'll need a few basic power tools, some measuring and cutting essentials, and safety gear. No massive workshop required—just a small space and a willingness to learn.
The course includes a detailed buying guide and step-by-step videos to help you choose the right tools, use them confidently, and build great projects. Plus, you can start with what you have and add tools over time!
Not at all! All of these projects can be done in a small workspace, like a garage or even outdoors. I’ve made sure the course is accessible to those working in compact areas with limited tools.
Yes, I emphasize safety in every project. You’ll find guidance on proper tool setup, handling, and the importance of safety gear throughout the course to ensure you work confidently and safely.
Yes! Every project plan comes with precise measurements in both metric and imperial units, so you can follow along easily no matter where you’re from.
Each project is designed to be manageable within a few hours to a weekend, depending on your pace and familiarity with the tools. There’s no rush—you can take as much time as you need to complete each build.
Absolutely. Once you enroll, you’ll have lifetime access to all course materials, including any future updates or newly added projects. This means you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher.
You’ll be able to download detailed digital plans that accompany each project, but the core course videos and content will be available online only to keep everything accessible and up to date.
The material costs vary depending on the project and the type of wood or finishes you choose. I provide budget-friendly options and suggestions in each project plan to help you manage costs effectively.
Yes, you can enroll with a one-time payment of $199 or choose between payment plan available at checkout.
Yes! You’ll also automatically gain access to any future short content, resources, or bonus materials at no extra cost as they are added.
If you have questions or need assistance with any part of the course, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re here to help you succeed on your woodworking journey!
This course focuses on the core skills and techniques of woodworking. However, I’ll be sharing a few tips along the way about creating pieces that have commercial appeal. A dedicated course on marketing and selling your woodworking projects may be available in the future!
6 Unique Projects – Build progressively challenging projects to develop real woodworking skills.
60+ Techniques Covered – Learn joinery, cutting, assembly, and finishing skills for any future build.
20+ Step-by-Step Video Tutorials – Watch and follow along as every project is built from start to finish.
Printable Project Plans – Easy-to-follow, downloadable plans with precise measurements and diagrams.
Complete Tool & Material Lists – Know exactly what you need for every build—no guesswork.
Tool Masonry Series – Master the jigsaw, circular saw, miter saw, sander, and table saw.
Private Facebook Community – Get support, feedback, and inspiration from fellow woodworkers.
BONUS #1: Fundamental Woodworking Guides – Learn key skills, from joinery to tool selection.
BONUS #2: Advanced Techniques Videos – Master pro-level woodworking concepts and finishes.
BONUS #3: 21 Advanced Project Plans – Build more challenging, high-quality projects.
Ongoing Learning Resources – Get new guides, tips, and tricks added regularly to keep building your skills.
6 Unique Projects – Build progressively challenging projects to develop real woodworking skills.
60+ Techniques Covered – Learn joinery, cutting, assembly, and finishing skills for any future build.
20+ Step-by-Step Video Tutorials – Watch and follow along as every project is built from start to finish.
Printable Project Plans – Easy-to-follow, downloadable plans with precise measurements and diagrams.
Complete Tool & Material Lists – Know exactly what you need for every build—no guesswork.
Essential Tool Guides – Master the jigsaw, circular saw, miter saw, sander, and table saw.
Private Facebook Community – Get support, feedback, and inspiration from fellow woodworkers.
BONUS #1: Fundamental Woodworking Guides – Learn key skills, from joinery to tool selection.
BONUS #2: Advanced Techniques Videos – Master pro-level woodworking concepts and finishes.
BONUS #3: 21 Advanced Project Plans – Build more challenging, high-quality projects.
@ The Maker University 2025