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Your first project starts here

Turning practice into purpose - simple woodworking projects to help you begin with confidence

Whether you're brand new to woodworking or finally finding time to get hands-on, this collection of beginner-friendly projects, guides and tools is designed to help you take that first step - and enjoy every one after it. From simple indoor builds to outdoor projects and essential skills, this is where practice becomes something more.

Before you start

Before starting your next project, explore our beginner-friendly guides covering key principles and helpful tools for woodworking, woodturning, carving and machinery.

  • Before You Start - Machinery

    Machinery

    Before You Start - Machinery
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  • Before You Start - Carving

    Woodworking

    Before You Start - Carving
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  • Before You Start - Woodturning

    Woodturning

    Before You Start - Woodturning
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  • Before You Start - Woodworking

    Woodworking

    Before You Start - Woodworking
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    • Before You Start - Machinery

      Machinery

      Before You Start - Machinery
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    • Before You Start - Carving

      Woodworking

      Before You Start - Carving
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    • Before You Start - Woodturning

      Woodturning

      Before You Start - Woodturning
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    • Before You Start - Woodworking

      Woodworking

      Before You Start - Woodworking
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      Project inspiration

      Begin indoors. Start simple.

      Build confidence with straightforward projects that introduce core skills, essential joints and practical techniques. Each project is designed to be achievable, satisfying and a solid foundation for what comes next.

      First Bowl

      First Bowl

      An ideal introduction to woodturning. Learn the fundamentals while creating something genuinely useful.

      Watch the video
      First Table

      First Table

      A compact furniture project that introduces dovetail joints and clean, functional design.

      Watch the video
      First Cabinet

      First Cabinet

      A classic beginner cabinet build that teaches layout, assembly and practical installation skills.

      Watch the video
      Beat the Boredom

      Beat the Boredom

      Simple woodworking projects - for children and adults alike

      Beginner's Woodturning Tools blog

      Beginner's Woodturning Tools blog

      How to start creating with ease - a useful guide for new woodturners


      Take it outside. Get creative.

      From the garden to the greenhouse, outdoor projects are a brilliant way to build practical skills while making pieces that earn their keep. Simple, robust designs you can complete in a weekend.

      Garden Planter

      Garden Planter

      A straightforward outdoor project that's perfect for beginners and ideal for improving accuracy and assembly.

      Follow our step-by-step guide
      Boot Rack

      Boot Rack

      A compact furniture project that introduces dovetail joints and clean, functional design.A practical outdoor storage solution that introduces basic joinery and durable construction.

      Watch the video
      Greenhouse Grow Box

      Greenhouse Grow Box

      A simple build with big pay-off - ideal for gardeners wanting to make rather than buy.

      Read our step-by-step guide

      One Plank Project

      One Plank Project

      How to make a side stool with one plank

      Out of the Woodwork

      Out of the Woodwork

      Explore our recently launched video series


      Beginner Tools and Machines

      Starting out doesn't mean starting small-minded. We've selected beginner-friendly tools and systems that make learning easier, safer and more enjoyable - without outgrowing them after your first project.

      Axminster Workshop Bandsaw

      Axminster Workshop Bandsaw

      Packed with features not normally found on a saw of this size, it's perfect for small to medium woodworking projects

      Axminster One Handed Clamps

      Axminster One Handed Clamps

      The simple, single-handed operation (just squeeze the handles), leaves one hand free to steady your work

      Cascamite D3 Wood Glue

      Cascamite D3 Wood Glue

      The clear‑drying, fast‑grab formula can be applied directly from the nozzle - great for everyday joinery

      Einhell Router Kit 18V

      Einhell Router Kit 18V

      Together with a powerful motor and variable speed control, it can be adapted to any task in soft or hard wood


      Furniture Joints

      Furniture Joints

      Explore some of the most common joints - the backbone of any project

      Buying your first lathe?

      Buying your first lathe?

      Read our guide and understand why it's a smart investment