If you have a passion for woodworking like I do, then you will be very picky about choosing your next project.
You have many choices when it comes to woodworking projects.
Whether you are picking outdoor or indoor projects to build from scratch, or just looking to fix something that is broken, you will soon realize there are many options.
Choosing the option that fits your skill level will make your project more enjoyable.
Do you know that there are a variety of different woodworking trades, and that they are marked by how they approach a woodworking project? I use a scale of "measurement accuracy" to rate the skill level of each.
In my opinion the entry point for most woodworkers or furniture makers is as a framing carpenter.
This type of individual works to within a 1/8" or ¼".
Think about it.
When you are framing a house, it really doesn't matter how good your joints are as long as they are within a ¼" they are fine.
If you take this approach in your furniture making, get ready for furniture that falls apart.
The next on my scale is the finishing carpenter.
This is the person that finishes the trim on the inside of your house.
You can tell how good this person's skills are by how good the joints on your trim are.
If you find a lot of silicone then you probably got the apprentice.
These guys are happy to get within about 1/16" or 1/32".
The next on the list is the cabinet maker.
Now we are getting into the really skilled woodworker.
Cabinet makers ARE the furniture makers.
You know you have something from a quality craftsman if everything is flush and true.
Look at the joints on the drawers, and you will find that they are dovetailed.
Check the spacing around the drawers, and it will be even.
These are all signs that a quality craftsman made this piece of furniture.
The last trade that you may not be aware of, is the pattern maker.
This is a dying trade in north America because of the advent of computer drawings and machining.
Pattern Makers are industrial woodworkers that work to within a few thousandths of an inch in accuracy.
They work in wood and understand the concepts of shrinkage and mould making.
I believe they make the best furniture makers because of their attention to detail, and an eye for minute inaccuracies in the design.
I am also a little biased because I am one.
Regardless of where you are starting from, if you are going to build furniture, you need to pay attention to detail, and learn the skills of the cabinet maker.
When you choose the next furniture plan that you are going to build, take baby steps based on your current skill.
If you are a framer, then start with garden furniture plans because they tend to require less accuracy.
Then work your way up to building that curio cabinet for your mother in laws dining room.
The best thing about the learning process is that you need only get started, have fun through trial and error, and don't quit.