🛠💰 5 New Woodworking Projects that Sell

Fresh inspiration for your shop!

Author

Matthew Peech
May 13, 2024

Hey Makers!

It’s Matthew Peech here, bringing you another dose of woodworking wisdom directly to your inbox. As we all strive to turn our woodworking passion into profit, I’m excited to reveal 5 brand new projects that are not just fun to make but are also big sellers. Ready to dive into what’s trending and transform those ideas into your next big project? Let’s get started!

“Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind.”

- Johannes Brahms

 🛠️ Diving Into the Plans

  1. Nesting Cutting Boards

    A fresh take on the old classic. These boards fit into each other like nesting dolls, making them a unique and functional kitchen item. Made with 15-inch square wood, only 5/8 of an inch thick, but I recommend using thicker material to prevent warping.

  • Cost to Make: $10-$15

  • Big Box Store Price: Up to $80

  • Cost to Make: $5-$10

  • Big Box Store Price: Up to $50

  1. Hanging Crates for Plants

    Utilize your wood scraps to create beautiful hanging crates for plants. This project is versatile, made from common 3/4-inch cut-offs, perfect for plant lovers.

  1. French Cleat Wall System

    An elegant solution for hanging shelves and crates, offering versatility and a clean look. This project allows for various configurations, adapting easily to different spaces.

  • Cost to Make: $15-$25

  • Big Box Store Price: Up to $100

  • Cost to Make: $20-$30

  • Big Box Store Price: Up to $200

  1. Rustic Log Stool

    Transform a simple log into a stylish and functional stool. This project highlights the beauty of rustic, handmade furniture and can be made with basic tools like a chainsaw or circular saw.

  1. Abstract Wall Art

    Create stunning abstract wall art using scrap wood. This project allows for endless creativity and can make a big impact in any room.

  • Cost to Make: $30-$45

  • Big Box Store Price: Up to $4,250

📐 Etsy Plans for an In-depth Breakdown

For those who prefer detailed guidance, I've crafted comprehensive plans available on my Etsy shop. These include exploded views, cutting layouts, and step-by-step instructions tailored to this project. Get 10% OFF with “NEWS10”

🏆 Top Woodworking Wednesday Builds


We got some really talented folks out there!

🪓 Mastering Milling in Woodworking

Milling in woodworking is the process of transforming rough lumber into precise, flat, and dimensionally accurate boards suitable for various projects. This foundational skill is essential for achieving professional results in carpentry and furniture making. Understanding the steps, tools, and techniques involved is crucial for efficient and effective milling. Let’s explore the process of milling and how to master this critical woodworking skill.

Tools of the Trade

  • Jointer: For creating a flat surface on the wood, which becomes the reference face.

  • Planer: To make the opposite face parallel to the first.

  • Table Saw: For cutting the wood to width.

  • Thickness Planer: For achieving the desired thickness and smoothness.

  • Calipers and Rulers: For precise measurements.

  • Moisture Meter: To check the wood’s moisture content, which affects the milling process.

Step-by-Step Execution

  1. Inspecting the Wood: Check for defects like knots, cracks, and warps. Decide how to minimize waste while cutting out defects.

  2. Flattening the First Face: Use the jointer to create a flat face. Run the wood across the jointer table, keeping the board steady.

  3. Squaring an Edge: Once you have one flat face, turn the board and square up one edge to this face, creating a right angle.

  4. Planing the Opposite Face: With one face flat, run the board through a thickness planer to make the opposite face parallel and smooth.

  5. Cutting to Width: Use a table saw to trim the board to the required width, ensuring each cut is straight and consistent.

  6. Final Thickness Adjustment: Pass the board back through the thickness planer to reach the final desired thickness, checking for uniformity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Snipe: Occurs when a planer cuts too deeply at the end of a board. Reduce snipe by supporting the board as it enters and exits the planer.

  • Tear out: When chunks of wood are ripped from the board during planning. To minimize tear out, ensure your blades are sharp and adjust the cutting depth.

  • Warping After Milling: Wood can warp if it has internal stresses or uneven moisture content. Allow the wood to acclimate in your shop environment before final milling and assembly.

Pros:

  • Precision and Accuracy: Proper milling results in boards that are consistent in size and shape, crucial for high-quality woodworking.

  • Customization: Allows you to customize lumber dimensions to suit specific project needs, offering flexibility in design.

  • Cost-Effective: By milling your own wood, you can save money and make use of rough lumber that is often cheaper than pre-milled wood.

  • Quality Control: You have control over the entire preparation process, ensuring the best possible material for your projects.

Cons:

  • Time-Consuming: Milling can be a lengthy process, especially when dealing with large quantities of lumber.

  • Requires Skill and Knowledge: Effective milling requires understanding of wood grain, moisture content, and proper tool use.

  • Tool Maintenance: Keeping tools sharp and well-maintained is crucial for effective milling, requiring additional time and resources.

💌 Let’s Craft Success Together

As we delve into each unique woodworking project, remember that today’s ideas are just the foundation of what can be an exhilarating and rewarding journey. Each item you craft is more than just a product—it’s a piece of your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, a step towards carving out a successful niche in the marketplace.

Moving forward, I will continue to provide you with innovative project plans, insightful tips, and creative inspiration to push the boundaries of what you can achieve in your workshop. Together, we will explore and exploit the expansive opportunities that woodworking offers to those willing to innovate and excel.

Keep making,
Matthew

P.S. Embrace each project with passion and precision. Ready to start your next creation? Here are the plans to get you going.