Synopsis: Pressed for time? In the workshop, just as everywhere else, it’s tempting to take shortcuts in the hope of getting quicker results. But this is one place you should not yield to the temptation. From choosing what to build to buying lumber and milling it, from cutting joints to assembly and finishing, a mistake made or a corner cut will show in the final product. Follow these tips, take your time, and the results will be worth it.

We’re all busier these days, feeling the pressure for quick results in every area of life, even in the last place we woodworkers should tolerate it—the shop.

So we take shortcuts—at least, I do. I trick myself into believing I can skip vital steps that prevent mistakes but slow me down. I ignore the quiet voice in my head that tells me I am gambling.

Temptation arises at every stage of a project, from choosing what to build to buying lumber and milling it, from cutting joints to assembly and finishing. And a mistake at any stage can show in the final product.

On the other hand, if you go the extra mile, you’ll appreciate the gorgeous surfaces, tight joints, and flawless finish for years to come. I’ve never regretted taking my time on a piece.

The payoff

If you are a hobbyist like me, don’t put yourself on a deadline. Leave those for your day job. Take a breath, clear your mind, and let that quiet voice guide you. It will warn you about every shortcut, and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

Spend time on design

When I was starting out, I couldn’t wait to begin cutting and building, so I designed pieces without much forethought. As a result, my work wound up with proportions, moldings, and other elements that I didn’t like. I keep my first bookcase well hidden in a basement playroom.

If you’re creating a design from scratch or even from a photograph, you’ll need to iron out the details before you buy lumber. The best approach is to make scale models and mock-ups—a tall order for a beginner. So build your first projects from trusted sources, such as books or magazines like this one. After the bookcase, I built a cradle from a plan in a book. That one came out great, and sits proudly in my daughter’s bedroom.

From Fine Woodworking #214

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