Woodworking is a fantastic pastime that has the potential to develop into a practical talent centered around crafting both functional and beautiful wooden items such as furniture, utensils, and cabinetry. This activity encompasses the utilization of hand and power tools to accomplish tasks including cutting, trimming, drilling, hammering, chiseling, shaping, and sanding wood, ultimately transforming it into fresh creations.
Students have the opportunity to acquire these skills by attending local woodworking classes, trade schools, or participating in some of the top online woodworking classes. Even though online learning may not be suitable for all students, those who possess a self-motivated desire to learn can greatly profit from online woodworking classes.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced woodworkers are guided through a variety of projects using text, pictures, and videos in these classes. Those who are interested may refer to the list of the top online woodworking classes below to gather more information about factors to think about before enrolling.
What to consider when choosing one of the best online woodworking classes
It is important for students to conduct research on their options before starting, as online woodworking classes offer a wide range of classes, class formats, projects, and skill levels. In order to determine their specific preferences, students should familiarize themselves with the following factors when choosing an online woodworking class.
Class format and cost
Various formats are available for online woodworking classes, ranging from basic text-based lessons to project tutorials presented in a step-by-step video format. While text-and-photo-based articles can provide students with a wealth of fundamental woodworking knowledge, they may not be the most effective in guiding students through complex projects.
Video-based classes offer students a learning experience that closely resembles being in a traditional classroom, as they provide audio lessons and on-screen visuals to enhance understanding of the subject matter. However, it is important to note that these classes typically come with a higher price tag, with certain online courses costing hundreds of dollars.
Before deciding to pay for individual courses or subscription platforms to access more advanced material, new students may want to consider starting with free online woodworking classes to learn the basics.
Student’s skill level
Beginners who want to acquire a new skill often enroll in online woodworking classes. These classes offer a wide variety of tutorials that cover various techniques such as cutting, measuring, drilling, hammering, sawing, sanding, and more. The comprehensive breakdown of skills into easy-to-understand modules allows first-time woodworkers to learn and embrace woodworking as a new hobby.
The top-notch online woodworking classes are not just for beginners, but also beneficial for intermediate and advanced woodworkers who want to enhance their skills and discover new difficulties. It is essential for students, regardless of their level of woodworking expertise, to find a class that aligns with their experience and teaches the specific skills they desire to acquire.
Types of projects and supplies required
Woodworking projects for students come in various sizes, ranging from small decor to large pieces of furniture. Nevertheless, the skill level required to complete a project is not solely determined by its size.
Before enrolling in an online class, students should ponder the projects they wish to create, evaluate their level of proficiency, and find a class that accommodates both aspects. Students should desire projects that are engaging and demanding, yet not overly complex to the point of being unable to finish them.
Students must also keep in mind that online woodworking classes do not include the tools, parts, and materials required for completing these lessons.
It is recommended that students find a local home improvement store or a reliable online woodworking store to purchase or rent basic woodworking tools and the necessary parts and materials for each lesson’s projects.
Content access
There are several options available for accessing online woodworking classes. Some classes are free, allowing students to access a content library without any cost concerns. However, these lessons may have limitations in terms of skill level or complexity of projects.
In addition to buying single online classes from certain websites, woodworking students have the option of accessing content through monthly or yearly membership subscriptions, which can be a more cost-effective alternative as purchases of individual classes can accumulate expenses rapidly.
If their membership is inactive, students will not be able to access the content, although these subscriptions provide access to a comprehensive range of lessons and information, spanning from basic to advanced skills and projects.
Our top picks
1. Woodworkers guild of America
At a relatively affordable cost, the Woodworkers Guild of America provides a diverse range of high-quality content suitable for all skill levels.
The Woodworkers Guild of America offers a range of woodworking skills, from beginner level to advanced, for students through an active membership that costs $6 per month or $65 per year for a Premium membership.
By upgrading to the Gold membership level at a cost of $139 per year, students gain access to additional benefits such as the option to directly consult an expert for personalized assistance.
The classes on the site are taught by woodworking experts, and students have the option to choose from video format or downloadable plans for projects. This allows students to work on projects at their own pace and review the material whenever they need clarification.
Despite the limited search capabilities, the Woodworkers Guild of America offers a vast collection of online woodworking classes consisting of more than 100 hours of content, covering cabinet making, finishing, furniture making, and joinery lessons. Additionally, students have the opportunity to access live demonstrations and participate in real-time question and answer sessions.
2. Udemy
Udemy is our choice for the best online woodworking classes overall because it has a wide range of affordable lessons and allows you to preview classes before purchasing. In addition, its platform is user-friendly and offers numerous features, such as labels indicating the highest-rated courses in each category.
There is a selection of 53 woodworking courses available, varying in difficulty and price. Throughout the year, seasonal sales may occur, resulting in discounted or even free classes being offered.
When previewing a class such as SketchUp for Woodworkers, you have access to information such as the number of course takers, reviews, and content details. Additional noteworthy woodworking lessons comprise Woodworking: All About Wood, Woodworking: Fundamentals of Furniture Making, and Creating Wood Art—An Intro to Handcrafted Wood Sculpture.
If you have a favorable opinion of your instructor, make sure to explore their other classes mentioned in the “author bio” section on this website. This platform caters to intermediate woodworkers who have a basic understanding and are eager to undertake a fresh project or acquire additional skills for their range of abilities.
3. The purpose of Instructables is to provide step-by-step instructions and guidance.
Instructables provides free online courses that cater to individuals with limited financial resources. The Instructables platform presents a wide range of courses on different topics, where their woodworking classes, available at no cost, will equip you with essential skills required for undertaking a small project.
To obtain the material, all you have to do is register on the website for a free membership (there’s no hidden motive). Instructables provides a total of nine introductory lessons, and each lesson will enhance your confidence in skills with comprehensive guidance.
The written lesson is further explained by the “frequently asked questions” found at the bottom of each course. Nevertheless, if you are a visual learner, it may be more beneficial to begin with a video course as the free classes do not provide video instruction.
4. The individual who works with wood on the weekends
The comprehensive course provided by The Weekend Woodworker offers video demonstrations and skills walkthroughs in a step-by-step manner, which makes it ideal for beginners in carpentry.
Steve Ramsey, the creator of the well-known YouTube channel Woodworking for Mere Mortals, presents an exceptional and comprehensive course known as The Weekend Woodworker. Unlike teaching the creation of a single project, this class provides instruction on constructing six distinct projects.
Each of the designs has a purpose, as they provide the necessary skills to build various things. The course encompasses printable plans and diagrams, video demonstrations, detailed tool guides, and lists of materials.
While not the most affordable option available, this offering receives excellent reviews from enthusiastic learners. Additionally, it comes with a 30-day refund policy. For individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge, Woodworking for Mere Mortals offers two additional classes specifically designed for experienced woodworkers: The Weekend Workshop and Powered Up.
