Ok. So. I make a lot of mistakes. One of the great things about woodworking is being able to fix these mistakes without anyone being able to see and without sacrificing the integrity of the piece you are building. Originally I would get upset anytime I made a mistake but as an old boss of mine would say “well… now you just have to unf*ck yourself”. Nowadays I realise that making mistakes is all part of the learning process. If you don’t make mistakes. You’ll never get any better.
Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or just starting, it's easy to become discouraged when things don’t go as planned. Mistakes happen—boards get cut too short, joints don't fit, finishes go wrong—but these slip-ups are not only inevitable, they're incredibly valuable learning opportunities.
The Benefits of Making Mistakes
You Learn Faster: Every time you screw up, you're learning something new. Whether it's how not to use a chisel or why you should always double-check your measurements, mistakes are like mini-lessons that stick with you. One thing I say to my staff when they make a mistake is “At least you won’t do that again.” And rarely has anyone repeated a major mistake.
You Get Creative: When a project goes sideways, you gotta think outside the box. Problem solving is a huge part of woodworking. For example: If you’ve ripped some timber to narrow, you might need to redesign the piece to have slat doors or something. Obviously this doesn’t work if you are working on a piece for a customer but is always fun if you are working on a piece for yourself.
You Build Character: Woodworking is tough. There will be days when you want to throw your tools across the room (and I definitely have). But when you persevere and finish a project that has been challenging, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that's hard to beat.
Deeper Understanding of Wood: By working with wood, we learn about its properties, its quirks, and its limitations. Mistakes can help us develop a deeper understanding of the material and how to work with it effectively.
Improved Confidence: As we overcome challenges and learn from our mistakes, our confidence grows. This newfound confidence allows us to take on more ambitious projects and push the boundaries of our skills. Never be scared to take on something that you think might be out of your realm of ability. Give it a go. You’ll make mistakes along the way but you will definitely come out the other end as a better woodworker.
Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced woodworkers. They can offer valuable insights and help you learn from your mistakes. I’m always harassing people in the industry about all sorts of things from finishing techniques to best workshop snacks.
Woodworking is hard work, frustrating, and incredibly rewarding. So the next time you mess up a joint or a router blows out, don't get discouraged. Just take a deep breath, count to ten, laugh it off, and keep on building.
Remember, even the most experienced woodworkers make mistakes. You can always unf*ck yourself.
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