Open Works

Projects for Makers

Open Works

Projects for Makers

Learning a news skills is a lot of fun, but it’s also a challenge. As much as we want to just pick up and start creating that big project we’ve been planing, there’s usually a few steps between learning how to operate a tool safely and feeling comfortalble and creative with it. Here are a few resources to help find some fun and reward projects so you can keep building those skills.

Wood

Boxes

Boxes are a great project for beginners and experienced woodworkers because they’re a great way to practice some foundational technique and you have a useful item when you’re done. This straightforward tutorial video for WoodWorkWeb is nice because of how easy it scales, giving you a lot of options when it comes to materials.

If you’re looking for more box designs, Fine Woodworking has a whole series of projects that focus on learning through making boxes

Kreg Tools Project Library

Kreg makes a variety of tools like pocket hole jigs, saw guides, and router accessories. They also have a sizable library of projects on their website. Unsurprisingly, their projects feature a lot of the tolls they make, but don’t worry, this isn’t a Kreg commercial! Our woodshop has just about any tool you’d need to complete a project from their library. Their projects range from beginner to advanced and include a furniture styles and ideas.

They even have some plans for a quick, $30 rustic bench that can be made in one afternoon.

Kreg $30 Rustic Bench

Laser Cutter

Looking for some laser cutter ideas? Maker and youtuber Greylightening has put together this whirlwind tour of 40 different project and is a great place to start looking the variety of different ways to use the laser cutter to create!

Metal

 

metal stool from welding tutorial

Learning to weld opens up a world of possibilities. Maker Audreyobscura of instructables and Echo Echo Studios put together this great guide to making this sleek metal stool. It practices cutting, welding, grinding, and finishing and results in an attractive piece of furniture.

CNC Router

CNC scissor chair and CNC Ukulele

The folks at CNCSouced have put together this great list of 7 Cool & Useful CNC Router Projects. The projects vary in size and complexity and include a jigsaw puzzle, a ukulele, some creative shelving, a teddy bear coin bank, CNC scissor chairs, a cryptic calendar, and a equatorial sundial. Looks like there’s a little something for everyone!

Also, be sure to check out ShopBot’s youtube page. They don’t have much by way of project tutorials, but they have hours of instructional content.

Digital Embroidery

Rack of thread for embroidery machine

Machine Embroidery Geek as a great list of project ideas with tips for beginners along with a bunch of other resources.

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Looking for something else? Open Works has all the tools and resources you need to bring an idea to life, learn a new skill, find a space for your new business and so much more.

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1400 Greenmount Ave,
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