Hey everyone! I'm just getting started in woodworking and I'm eager to learn more about handy skills like using a hammer and chisel, and mastering joints. One of my goals is to create quality furniture that I could eventually sell. I've been particularly interested in tackling projects like castle joints and bed frames. My main question is whether building a bed frame is too advanced for someone like me. I have a plan, but I'm worried about making mistakes and whether it's worth diving into such a big project right now. Any advice?
5 Answers
If your goal is to get good at furniture making, I’d recommend starting with shop furniture. It doesn't have to look perfect, which gives you the freedom to try out any joints you want to learn. I started with a French cleat wall for tool storage, then moved onto my workbench and carts. There’s so much to learn from projects like that!
I was in the same boat! My grandfather advised me to start small and work my way up. Bed frames use a lot of materials, and costs can add up quickly. I would suggest beginning with simpler projects like a chair, bench, or even a picnic table. Check out free project plans available online!
Starting with small boxes is a fantastic way to get some practice in! You can mix and match sizes, experiment with different woods, work on your joints, and try out various finishes. Plus, there are tons of tutorials on YouTube for making small boxes that can guide you along the way.
Building a bed frame is definitely doable for beginners, but keep in mind it's a larger project. If things don’t go as planned, you might end up spending more on materials than you would with a smaller project. It all comes down to the tools you have as well, so consider your setup.
If you don’t have a proper workbench yet, consider building the Rex Krueger quick stack bench. It's a great starter project and will give you a solid workspace for future projects. While it might not win any beauty contests, it’s super functional and can be built with just basic tools!