7 Woodworking Projects From The American Woodworker

Wood is quite a versatile material. The process of creating functional or decorative objects from wood is called woodworking. A person skilled in the craft of woodworking can create many things from wood. There are

several resources online that can equip you with the knowledge to get you started in woodworking. One of the very popular one is the ‘American Woodworker’ magazine. For those looking for some good projects to hone your skills in this craft, this article is definitely going to prove quite helpful. Here we have listed 7 varying projects from this famous woodworking magazine along with the links for the instructions which will help you develop your skills and grow as a woodworker. Some of these projects can take a bit of time while others can be completely in a couple of days, either you they are going to help you create something nice and useful out of wood.

Pure & Simple Jewellery Box:

(http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2014/04/29/pure-amp-simple-jewelry-box.aspx) American Woodworker has a number of projects listed on this site – right from easy to the more complex ones. If you are a novice woodworker and want to start with something simple, this jewelry box project would be the ideal one for you. There are quite a few tools you will need and some woodworking techniques that you would need to apply. It makes a great gift – you can gift one to your mom on mother’s day. For all the details of the project please check the link from American Woodworker cited above.

Mission Blanket Chest:

(http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2012/01/31/ws-mission-blanket-chest.aspx) Mission style furniture has a character of its own and one of the simplest mission style furniture that you can try your hands from the American Woodworker is the ‘Mission Blanket Chest’. It is also great furniture to have to store blankets and beddings. You need to start with three frames and a back preferably of plywood to make the basic structure. Other parts can be added just as per one’s need. The process described on the American Woodworker site is described in details along with pictures leaving no room for doubt.

Pedestal Picnic Table:

(http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2014/03/24/pedestal-picnic-table.aspx) Summer is here in its full glory and now is the time for picnics and barbeques. There could be no better time than now to build a simple pedestal picnic table that will adorn your patio or deck. This project from the American Woodworker is ideal for those who have some experience in wood working and are looking for a challenging project. The design of this table is its unique selling point. With its pedestal support, everyone gets the space they need without having to worry about the leg. It features a 48” round top that can easily accommodate 6 people, the top is fastened from below, thus there are no screws or nails visible on the top.

Cottage Bookcase:

(http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2014/04/27/aw-extra-cottage-bookcase.aspx) This project is our absolute favorite. Here it is made from reclaimed fir, so every part of it exudes a rustic charm and character. If you get your hands on some reclaimed fir boards, nothing better than that. However, if you do not have them, you can use any other suitable wood. You will have to use quite a few tools to build this one, like the tablesaw, a jointer, a router and a biscuit joiner. Be prepared to spend anywhere between 3-5 days in your workshop to complete this piece.

Sliding Dovetail Bench:

(http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2012/01/03/ws-sliding-dovetail-bench.aspx) This bench is one of those pieces that can make you nostalgic. It is one of those benches that have been made since ages. It features simple construction and pretty sturdy interlocking joints, the pieces of which fits like parts of a puzzle. The sliding joint is a bit tricky, but it has been explained well how to use a simple jog, router and router table to execute it. Constructing this bench can take a weekend or two, so make sure that you have the time in hand to complete it properly.

Arts and Crafts Bedside Table:

(http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2012/01/31/ws-arts-amp-crafts-bedside-table.aspx) Woodworking is an art and a craft. This project from the American Woodworker is an example that uses both these style to create a harmonious design that is aesthetically pleasing as well functional. This is a project best undertaken by one who has certain experience in woodworking. If beginners hope to try their hands on this one, make sure they do it under the guidance of an experienced woodworker.

Show Case:

(http://www.americanwoodworker.com/blogs/projects/archive/2012/03/14/ws-show-case.aspx) This can be by far one of the most expensive if not ambitious projects that you can undertake. But, once it is finished the satisfaction you will have of creating it can be beyond measure. Show cases are a must have piece of furniture in any household. You can display a variety of valuables, your precious china set, trophies, treasured books, crystal show pieces, and so many other things. This particular project from American Woodworker uses tempered glass for the shelves which really adds a charm to it. It also shoots up the overall cost of making it. If you like you can substitute them for wooden shelves, but they would not look as elegant.   These were just of a few projects handpicked from a number of woodworking projects that are available on the American Woodworker site. If you would like to browse through more such projects, feel free to browse their site. There are quite a few of them that can catch your fancy. Just a few words of caution before you start working on any of these projects. The first thing that you have to do is read the instructions mentioned in the project. Read it again and again, until each and every point and instruction is very clear to you. Once, you have done so, scan through the list of tools and various other materials you will need. When you have all of them in your workshop, you are good to start working. Lastly, always follow all the safety instructions while working with wood as nothing is more important than your safety.