Learn Fine Crafts

Recently, I built a simple but elegant free-standing cabinet with White Oak and Black Walnut. All the material was Free! Continue reading to find out how you can find free woodworking material, free tools and free craft supplies in your area.

The wood was unused flooring from a local company that was moving to a new location and offered remnants for free on the Internet. How did I find this beautiful woodworking material?

Here is what you need to do to find all kinds of Free Stuff.

http://www.Craigslist.org has a variety of categories, but for the free woodworking materials, free tools and free craft supplies  in your area click on

1. Your State
2. Choose City
3. Go to “For Sale” Section
4. Then Click “Free”

Other Sections worth checking out are the “material”, “tools” and “wanted”.

The best times to check in for the latest posting are on Friday Evenings and Saturday Mornings. Don’t forget to check the past weeks postings because those items may still be available. If you are looking in the other sections other than the free section keep these points in mind.

1. Save some cash by negotiating, they usually are flexible
2. Keep your money and trade a product or service
3. Save your gas, ask if they can deliver

One other idea: If you have a place to store some items, a lot of what I see here in my area can be sold at garage sales. This might be an opportunity to donate items you have collected to your Church or Favorite Ministry to be sold at a garage sale fundraiser.

The Freestanding Cupboard above was built following a fine joinery tutorial and cupboard design by Mike Dunbar in “Fine Woodworking” Oct 2001 No. 151.

Like most plans that I follow, I made some changes to the dimensions and design. Most notable, I used  contrasting wood for the door panel, different hinges and a simple cove molding profile.

If you check in to Craigslist, you might find some very suprising free stuff. Keep taking the steps to improving your skills and expanding your creative talents. Always remember that a good craftsman isn’t one that doesn’t make mistakes, he or she just knows how to fix them.