Let’s look at a few of my first woodworking projects to see just how BAD they really are. I think it’s important to look at old woodworking projects to see how we did and what we learned.  I can provide us with some perspective.  If someone constantly beats themselves up over mistakes, perhaps a look at those first woodworking projects will provide a different outlook.  I know it does for me.  In this video, I look at a few of my first woodworking projects, primarily a humidor and a dartboard cabinet.  I see a ton of mistakes.  I see simple joinery because I was afraid to do anything complex.  I see terrible sanding.  I see that applying woodworking finishes really kicked my butt!  But I also see progress.

When I started woodworking, I found myself being my worst critic.  I hated everything I made and I hated myself for making it.  Every mistake felt like I ruined the entire project.  I put too much pressure on myself to be perfect, when I didn’t have the woodworking skills, tools, or knowhow necessary to rebound from mistakes.  That comes with time.  Now, I don’t get phased by mistakes.  They happen; admittedly way less often than when I started.  But I don’t get mad.  I don’t take a Bob Ross approach to woodworking and let things be how they are.  If I make a mistake I either incorporate it or I fix it and move on.  Getting mad doesn’t do anything to address the issue.  I need to give myself credit for this progress, but I also need to look back at my old woodworking projects to have that really sink in.

If you are a seasoned woodworker, I urge you to go back and review your old work.  Reflect on your progress.  If you are a newer maker, then maybe this video will show that we all struggled when starting out and to cut yourself some slack. 

I used Woodsmith Shop’s dartboard plans, which can be found here: https://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/dartboard-cabinet/

•• About NewtonMakes••

I’m Billy and I make fun things.  Sometimes, it’s something I need like tool storage ideas.  Other times it’s silly or nerdy stuff that I want to build. If you want to get ideas for making stuff, or just want to watch something entertaining then make sure you subscribe.

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