Easy as 1, 2, 3, Projects for Beginners
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Easy as 1, 2,
3 Beginner Projects
Getting a new portable sawmill can make any day feel like Christmas. The anticipation, the excitement once it arrives, and the fun of setting it up is just the beginning. Once you start milling you'll keep finding new projects you want to create - the hardest part is deciding what to build first! Here are some great project ideas from your fellow Woodland Mills sawyers perfect for newbies and veterans alike.
Build Yourself a Shelf
Building shelves can be a great beginner project that shows off the beautiful grain in your lumber. Not only can shelves enhance the look of a room, but they also help to maximize your space by giving you more room to organize. Milling your own lumber allows you to customize the look and shape of your shelves so that you can fit them into any sized space or aesthetic that you please.
Nicholas used his HM130MAX to mill up the lumber for these simple, yet beautiful bookshelves. He made the creative decision to leave the live edge on the boards. Though they are clearly a matching pair of shelves, each one is still quite unique. This is a great project for beginners and experts alike and add attractive, rustic storage to any room.
A Simpler Take
If you are looking for a simpler storage idea, check out David's modern wall shelves. He milled up some Elm logs and, like Nicholas, he decided to leave the live edge on the boards. Utilizing simple black brackets to attach the shelves to the wall, this is a great way to make functional use of that wall space while adding some character to the room.
You Can't Beat a Seat
Milling can be hard work, so why not build yourself somewhere to sit and relax? Benches are versatile and can built simple or include a back and armrest. You'd be hard-pressed to find a room where a bench would not be handy.
Put a bench in your front hall, in your kitchen, or like Marty did - in his horse barn! He found some old metal legs, cleaned them up and painted them black. Then he milled up some Rock Maple on his HM122 to complete this adorable and very functional bench. The best part was that it cost him practically nothing.
A Simpler Take
Serge created this work of art out of a single live edge slab. By adding simple legs, all the attention can go to the beautiful grain pattern of the wood. If you are newer to milling, this is a great starter project. Remember that it does not have to be complicated to be impressive. This bench would be great at the end of your bed to sit on while putting on socks, or the mudroom for setting down your bags as you come in the door.
Take a Chance on Plants
If you are a gardener, there are many wonderful things that you can build with your portable sawmill that will help your plants during the growing season. You can create anything from a trellis, raised garden beds, or even a full-blown greenhouse.
When Jeff needed a space for his house plants to live, he jumped on his HM126 and put together this large wooden plant stand. The slat shelves securely hold the pots while allowing light to come through. The twists and turns of the wood and the grain add character to this sleek stand and his plants seem very happy in their new home.
A Simpler Take
A good potting bench can make gardening even more enjoyable by giving you a nice workspace to plant as well as saving your back from unnecessary bending. Bruce had some leftover branches piled up from a tree that he cut down and decided to mill them into something more useful. A simple potting bench can be sturdy and functional and is a great starter project.
With some hand-sawn lumber and a little creativity, you can create a wide range of beautiful and functional woodworking projects. Thank you so much to the sawyers who shared their amazing work. For more inspiring ideas or to post your own, join the Woodland Mills Product Owners & Community Facebook group.