Make things that outlast the weekend.

Free project plans, beginner lessons and honest shop notes from Sona Patil: twelve years of sawdust, splinters and still learning.

New to woodworking? Start with the basics

What do you want to build?

Start here: three lessons before your first cut

The order Sona teaches her friends. Do them in sequence and your first project will go a lot more smoothly.

  1. Set up safely

    Eye and ear protection, a dust mask, and a clear, well-lit space. Learn where your hands should never be, then where push sticks go.

  2. Measure, mark and cut straight

    Use a combination square and a sharp pencil, cut on the waste side of the line, and test every new setup on scrap first.

  3. Join and finish

    Glue, screws and pocket holes cover most beginner projects. Then sand through the grits and wipe on an oil finish.

Projects

Every plan is free. Each one lists the skill level, time, approximate cost and the tools you'll need.

Weekend build series

Projects grouped so each one teaches a skill you'll use in the next.

Hi, I'm Sona.

I started woodworking with a borrowed drill and a wobbly bookshelf that's still in my garage as a reminder. Twelve years later I've built furniture for most rooms in our house, taught weekend classes for beginners, and made just about every mistake you can make with a table saw (safely, thankfully).

This site is where I share the projects that worked, the ones that taught me something, and the advice I wish someone had given me on day one. Plans are free, because the best part of this hobby is seeing what other people make.

Sona Patil

My woodworking path

  1. 2014First project: a bookshelf that leaned a little. Learned why square matters.
  2. 2016Bought a table saw, took a safety class, and built our dining bench.
  3. 2018Started selling cutting boards at local markets.
  4. 2020Built a full garage workshop with a French cleat wall and mobile carts.
  5. 2022Began teaching beginner weekend classes at the community centre.
  6. 2026Launched this site to share free plans and lessons.

Sona's tips

Short, practical advice from the shop, grouped by topic. Open any topic to read it.

Built one of these? Tell Sona.

Questions about a plan, photos of your build, or ideas for the next project are all welcome. Sona answers every email, usually within a few days.

Email Sona

Want a new plan in your inbox each month? Email with the subject “Monthly plans” and you'll be added to the list.