Practical woodworking for small shops and beginners

Mark Ellis Woodworking is an independent site for hobby woodworkers working in a garage, shed, basement corner or apartment. You'll find plain-language guides on first projects, tools, safety, reading plans and choosing wood, plus honest reviews of plan resources, both paid and free.

Beginner guides

Best First Woodworking Projects for Beginners
Six beginner-friendly woodworking projects, what each teaches, and how to pick one that fits your tools and space.
Essential Hand Tools for a Small Home Workshop
The hand tools worth buying first for a small home shop, what to look for, and a sensible buying order.
Woodworking Safety Basics
Protective gear, workspace setup, hand and power tool habits, finishes and dust control for beginners.
How to Read a Woodworking Plan and Cut List
Understand plan drawings, lumber sizes and cut lists, and turn them into a shopping list without wasting wood.
Choosing Wood for Beginner Projects
Softwoods, hardwoods and sheet goods explained, plus how to pick straight boards and store them at home.

Reviews

Ted's Woodworking Review
An independent look at the Ted's Woodworking plan library: what the vendor says you get, pros and cons, and free alternatives.

Where to start

New to woodworking? Read Woodworking Safety Basics first, then pick a project from Best First Woodworking Projects. If a plan's drawings or cut list look confusing, this guide walks through them step by step.