Woodworking Resources
Plans, apps, and free video tutorials.
Free YouTube channels
- Steve Ramsey — Woodworking for Mere Mortals.
- Stumpy Nubs — beginner to advanced.
- Jonathan Katz-Moses — clear instruction style.
- April Wilkerson — DIY furniture builds.
- The Wood Whisperer — pro-level techniques.
- Hundreds of free project videos each week.
Free plan websites
- Ana White — hundreds of free woodworking plans.
- Wood Magazine — free plans monthly.
- Popular Mechanics — classic project plans.
- Reddit r/woodworking — community + plans.
- Instructables — step-by-step with photos.
- YouTube channels often link plan downloads.
Paid plan resources
- TedsWoodworking — 16,000 plans for $67 lifetime.
- Fine Woodworking magazine — $35/year subscription.
- Wood Magazine subscription — $30/year.
- Popular Woodworking — $30/year, video archive.
- Etsy — buy individual plan PDFs ($5–15 each).
- Free options usually enough.
Useful apps
- iHandy Carpenter — level + ruler + protractor.
- Bob Vila's Hand Tool — tool reference guide.
- Wood Magazine app — read on phone or tablet.
- SketchUp Free — design plans in 3D.
- Cut List Optimizer — minimize wood waste.
- Most apps free or under $5.
Senior shop safety
- Hearing protection — over-ear muffs, not foam plugs.
- Safety glasses always — not just goggles you forget.
- Dust mask or respirator for sanding.
- Push sticks for table saw — never fingers near blade.
- Don't work tired or after medication.
- SawStop technology — auto-stops blade if it touches skin.
Senior-friendly tool tips
- Battery tools = no cord trips.
- Lighter cordless drills + impact drivers.
- Easy-grip handles — soft padded.
- Magnifying lights for fine work.
- Standing aids + stools at workbench.
- Smaller projects — no need to build huge furniture.
Start with YouTube + Ana White
Before paying for plan packages or magazine subscriptions, check Ana White's free plans (AnaWhite.com) and watch a few Steve Ramsey YouTube videos. Both are free and absolutely beginner-friendly. Pick a small project — a simple birdhouse or stool — to get started. Many seniors return to woodworking in retirement and rediscover a lifelong hobby they put on hold.