The days when wood shop was a component of everyone’s high school education are gone—but that doesn’t mean woodworking has disappeared. Far from it—it’s just moved to YouTube. Whether you’re a just-the-basics beginner or an experienced craftsperson, one (or more) of these YouTubers will no doubt appeal.
Steve Ramsey’s Woodworking for Mere Mortals
Lots of cottage-friendly projects and step-by-step instruction, plus a fun and engaging host—there’s a reason Steve Ramsey shows up on everyone’s list of top woodworking YouTube channels.
John Heisz’s I Build It
If you’ve don’t have quite the right tool for your job, never fear—John Heisz, an Ontario woodworker, can show you how to make your own, including a router table, hand screw clamp or woodworking vise.
WoodWork Web
Totally beginner-friendly, WoodWork Web features both projects and technique videos. Make a Lazy Susan for your cottage picnic table, or learn the finer points of using an electric hand plane—they’re all there.
Jon Peters Art & Home
A woodworking channel that also has lots of cottage-friendly home improvement projects, including spring boat maintenance and how to put together an outdoor kitchen. There’s also a healthy dose of art projects, too.
April Wilkerson
She’s not a pro, but she does tackle a wide range of projects on her DIY channel—and takes viewers along for the ride. You’ll learn from her process, even when things don’t quite go as planned.
Jay Bates’ Jay’s Custom Creations
Workshop projects and hacks to help you make the most of your space, along with tool tutorials and furniture how-tos. Check out the series of projects made only with 2x4s for beginner-friendly ideas.
Paul Sellers
Paul Sellers is a British woodworker and furniture maker who will teach you everything you need to know about working with hand tools—how to set a plane, how to sharpen a saw, and everything in between. You won’t see any roaring bandsaws in Sellers’ video, but you’ll love his purist’s approach.
Darbin Orvar
Hint—Darbin Orvar isn’t actually someone’s name. Swedish-American wodworker Linn Orvar explains that her YouTube channel’s name is actually a play on her dog’s name. Whatever the name, you’ll find a ton of interesting projects on the channel—not all of them are woodworking, but the ones that are are both interesting and useful.
Izzy Swan
If you’re on a budget, DIY guy Izzy Swan has a bunch of projects you can complete for $50 and under. He’s also got an entire playlist devoted to workshop hacks, many of which show you how to reuse old wood and pallets.
I Like to Make Stuff
OK, maybe you don’t need to know how to make a lightsaber (but actually, you really do), but maybe you’d like to know how to make a non-rustic front hall bench. Or a wooden digital clock. Or a secret door that opens by pulling a book off a shelf. Whatever project interests you, chances are Bob Clagett’s done it.
Frank Howarth
The projects are great, but the production values are spectacular. Time lapses, stop motion, and animation all combine on architect Frank Howarth’s channel to delight the eye as well as inspire the hands. He’s got lots of smaller scale projects on offer, including toys and ornaments. Plus, he’s got a whole playlist dedicated to his cinematography.
Drunken Woodworker/Make Something
Dave Picciuto offers lots of slightly quirky projects (a table with a hot dog inlay, for example) along with tips, techniques, and tool tutorials. He’s high-energy, which means a 10-minute video won’t seem long—and the finished project is worth it.
Who did we miss? Who’s your favourite woodworking YouTuber?
