Having the ability to work with wood is a skill of immense value. It provides the opportunity to make alterations to existing objects as well as fabricate one’s own artistic creations. Through sufficient practice and knowledge acquisition, one can even craft their own furniture.
The internet is considered to be one of the most valuable resources we have today, even for activities like woodworking that require physical involvement.
There is a multitude of online woodworking classes available, but determining which ones are the most valuable requires considering factors such as cost, comprehensibility, and the skill level they cater to. These courses cater to individuals at various skill levels, including beginners, intermediate learners, and expert craftsmen, enabling you to enhance and progress your woodworking abilities.
would like to clarify that all membership fees are non-refundable.
At a relatively affordable cost, the Woodworkers Guild of America provides a diverse range of high-quality content suitable for all levels of skill.
The Woodworkers Guild of America offers a range of woodworking skills, from beginner level to advanced, to students with an active membership. The membership is available for $6 per month or $65 per year for a Premium membership.
By upgrading to the Gold membership level for an annual fee of $139, students gain access to additional benefits such as the option of personally reaching out to an expert for individual assistance.
The classes on the site are taught by woodworking experts. Students have the option to access projects either in video format or as downloadable plans. This allows them to work on projects at their own pace and refer back to the material whenever they need clarification.
Despite its limited search functions, the Woodworkers Guild of America offers a vast collection of online woodworking classes, encompassing over 100 hours of content such as cabinet making, finishing, furniture making, and joinery lessons. Moreover, students have the opportunity to watch live demonstrations and ask questions in real-time.
2. The Weekend Woodworker
The classes offered by The Weekend Woodworker are designed for beginners who lack space for long-term projects. They provide easy-to-learn information that can be finished in a weekend, as the name suggests. These classes can be bought individually, with prices ranging from $97 to $197.
After the classes are bought, the student can access the content for a lifetime without the need for a recurring subscription. Nevertheless, the content library is rather restricted and not designed for experienced woodworking students, so proficient woodworkers should search for other options.
The video format of the classes provides guidance to students on the tools used for a project and their usage.
In addition, the classes consist of color-coded diagrams and plans that are suitable for beginners and help students visualize the projects while they watch the video tutorials. The classes also provide detailed material lists divided by week, ensuring that students are aware of the specific requirements for each part of the course.
3. Woodworking Masterclasses
Tool basics and woodworking fundamentals are essential for the completion of woodworking projects; however, there is no need to reexamine them in every class for intermediate and advanced students.
Woodworking Masterclasses are specifically designed for experienced students, enabling them to take on more intricate projects with the help of video tutorials. There are both free classes and a complete content library available for a $16 monthly subscription fee. Every week, new video tutorials are released, ensuring that students need not be concerned about running out of projects.
Students who desire to improve their understanding of the fundamentals can refer to Common Woodworking, which is the sister site of Woodworking Masterclasses.
It should be noted by students that the site does not have casting capabilities. This means that they may not be able to cast the content from their phone or computer to a larger screen. However, the site specifies that students who are using a Google Chromecast device should be able to cast without any problems.
4. Woodworking Class by Instructables
Due to the need for beginners to meet a certain level of knowledge, numerous online woodworking classes are exclusively open to intermediate and advanced woodworkers.
Instructables offers a variety of free online woodworking lessons in The Woodworking Class, specifically designed for beginners. This allows new students to easily grasp the fundamentals of woodworking without the need to spend a large amount of money right from the start.
The purpose of this series of articles is to help students gain familiarity with tools and various techniques such as making cuts, glueing, drilling, sanding, shaping, creating bevels, and finishing. The articles contain detailed text-based instructions and high-quality pictures from different viewpoints.
The video format may be more suitable for learning certain concepts or woodworking techniques, such as making cuts, as it allows for a step-by-step understanding. However, for new students who prefer a slower pace and prefer to process information through reading, this format is well suited.
5. Woodworking for Mere Mortals
Rather than being a specific course, this resource serves as a valuable tool for acquiring knowledge on various aspects of woodworking. It can be particularly beneficial for beginners as it provides guidance on setting up a workshop, learning the fundamentals of woodworking, and numerous other topics.
Woodworking for Mere Mortals is a comprehensive resource that covers everything there is to know about woodworking. One course provides extensive guidance on setting up the perfect workshop. Another course focuses on starting with simple projects that can be completed over the course of six weekends. This gradually leads to the creation of more complex and visually impressive handcrafted pieces.
If you are a beginner in the field of woodworking, this is an excellent starting point that will assist you in developing foundational skills that will be beneficial in your woodworking endeavors. In addition, it will contribute to your growth as a well-rounded woodworker.
6. Make Your Own Furniture by SkillShare
For those who are embarking on their woodworking journey, it might seem like a far-fetched idea to be able to build their own furniture one day, but it is a common aspiration among woodworkers to achieve enough skill and experience to accomplish this goal.
With SkillShare’s course, people who are new to woodworking and experienced woodworkers can both learn how to make exquisite furniture. The course is both straightforward and inclusive, guiding students through each step efficiently and without confusion. This course is suitable for individuals with limited focus and guarantees the completion of all necessary steps.
The course includes instruction on furniture design and the selection of appropriate tools. Additionally, it provides guidance on selecting suitable wood, cutting out the necessary pieces, and ultimately assembling them together. By following these steps, you will be able to create an impressive final product that will surprise you.
7. All About Wood by Udemy
Having an understanding of the various types of wood and their respective advantages for each project is crucial in woodworking. Often, novice woodworkers prioritize aesthetic appeal rather than the suitability of the wood for the task at hand.
Udemy’s “All About Wood” course offers amateur woodworkers the opportunity to enhance their knowledge about various types of woods, their uses, and the advantages they bring to projects. The course covers a wide range of man-made materials including melamine, particleboard, plywood, as well as softwood and hardwood. Additionally, participants will learn about milling lumber, hardwood grading, veneers, and other related topics.
In order to make better decisions about which wood to choose for your next project, it is important to have a deeper understanding of the various wood options available. Having a good knowledge of different wood types will help you determine what is suitable for your project.
8. Fundamentals of Hand Planes by Taunton Workshops
To become a more effective woodworker, it is beneficial to have a comprehensive understanding of the hand planer as it is both a common and valuable tool in the woodworker’s arsenal.
The instructor in the “Fundamentals of Hand Planes” by Taunton Workshops will cover topics such as grain reading, utilizing grain information, understanding the significance of blade angle, and preventing tear-out.
By following each step in a logical sequence, students will acquire the ability to utilize their hand plane for a multitude of purposes. These include eliminating machine marks, incorporating attractive edges, properly connecting pieces, achieving impeccably smooth surfaces, and effectively addressing challenging wood grains. Upon completion of the course, individuals will possess exceptional expertise in hand plane usage, granting them a powerful tool in their woodworking endeavors.
9. Professional Woodworking for Beginners by Domestika
Not every individual possesses prior experience in woodworking. We all have to commence at a certain point. Initiating as a beginner implies lacking comprehension of even the fundamental aspects of woodworking. It is completely acceptable, but it necessitates the assistance of a course.
Even students with no prior knowledge can gain a comprehensive understanding of woodworking for beginners through Domestika’s course “Professional Woodworking for Beginners”. The course covers topics such as tool usage, creating a basic project like a seat, discussing materials and design, and learning about assemblies and adjustments.
The course includes a few simple woodworking projects designed to familiarize beginners. It is ideal for aspiring woodworkers without prior experience. It provides the necessary groundwork for future woodworking mastery.
10. Handheld Router Tips & Techniques by Craftsy
To become skilled at woodworking, it is crucial to not only have a greater comprehension of your tools but also a more efficient grasp of how to utilize them. The efficacy of the tools relies solely on your ability to maximize their potential.
Craftsy’s “Handheld Router Tips & Techniques” is an excellent course that teaches the essential aspects of one of woodworking’s most valuable tools. Knowing how to use the router correctly is absolutely necessary as it proves helpful for various woodworking projects.
This course provides a concise introduction to the handheld router, including the recommended bits and accessories. It covers important topics such as proper setup, safety, and lighting tips to enhance your experience. Lastly, you will acquire the skills to profile edges and perform flush trimming. By the end of the course, you will have the confidence of an expert in using a handheld router.
