The most intimidating thing for someone just starting out in woodworking is the joinery. Tenons, mortises, dovetails, box joints, it can can be over whelming. There is plenty of time to learn it, let's just get you started. The question starting out is how do I join together these two boards and this is a really simple way to get you started.

Step 1:

All I'm going to is glue these two board together where I want them to be in the final assembly of whatever it is I'm building.

Step 2:

Then I will run down to the local hardware store and buy a dowl stick, oak is a pretty common one. Once the glue has had time to dry I will use a drill bit that matches the diameter of the dowl I purchased and drill a hole through the first board going into the second board.

Step 3:

Once my hole has been drilled I will cut a section off the dowl rod a little longer than I need and with glue applied to it using a hammer I will drive it in the full depth.

Step 4:

After the glue has dried I can trim off the excess dowl using a flush trim saw and clean it up with a piece of sand paper.

Step 5:

This is a really easy way to create a solid joint to help you get started on your woodworking adventure that can be used where ever your imagination takes you in whatever you build, it's the key to help you open the door on your journey.