I'm involved with a local Men's Shed, which is essentially a community workshop, and I'm on the hunt for some woodworking project ideas. The goal is to help the members develop their woodworking skills focusing on joinery techniques. Here are a few points I'm considering:
- I want projects that are small enough to be easily stored and have the potential to sell at craft markets.
- I'd like to concentrate on skills like pocket holes, dowels, biscuits, routing, and traditional joinery methods.
- I can gather some hardwood for these projects but am also interested in ideas that could use softwood or sheet materials.
- We have access to tools like a mitre saw, bandsaw, drill press, router table, and other standard power tools—but no table saw, so projects like fancy cutting boards wouldn't work. I do have a planer/thicknesser at home if that helps.
I'd love any suggestions that fit within these parameters!
2 Answers
A great starting point could be making various types of boxes, like simple storage boxes or organizers. You could teach different joint techniques—dovetail, butt, mortise and tenon, etc. Once they grasp making a basic box, you can level up to building cabinets using pocket holes or dowels. You might also introduce bandsaw boxes later on, which are fun and creative. I've always found that starting with a box helps beginners latch onto essential skills like achieving square corners and getting a lid that fits just right.
How about designing nightstand organizers? These can have built-in spots for charging gadgets and storing everyday items like wedding rings or smartwatches. Think of having a charging slot for an iPad, USB ports hidden in the back, and maybe a small drawer. Starting with a box is great, but this could be a really engaging next step for the group!
Excellent idea, thanks! The boxes are a great idea but I was also looking for some more specific items - this fits the bill 🙂
Sounds good advice, thanks! (And somehow I've never actually made a bandsaw box so it will be a learning experience all round...)