Off-Grid & Self-Sufficient Living
Being self-sufficient is as much about skills as gear. If you can build a workbench, a shed or a small timber-frame structure by hand, you are less dependent on contractors and power tools. A good first project is Will Myers' portable Moravian workbench video, which Wood and Shop recommends for beginners; it teaches joinery mostly with hand tools and leaves you with a bench for every later project. For larger builds, the Ellis Brothers' three-day timber framing class covers timber selection, layout and plan reading, then has students cut and raise a small timber-frame building. Before booking an in-person class, check the dates, location and what tools you need to bring, and ask about safety gear and class size.
Why it's hereStep-by-step class for building a sturdy, portable workbench mostly with hand tools; Wood and Shop's own guide recommends it for beginners.
Troy's pick (Wood and Shop)Stream + download; 2-disc DVD is $34.99
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | "Building the Portable Moravian Workbench with Will Myers" (HD video)Troy's pick (Wood and Shop) | Step-by-step class for building a sturdy, portable workbench mostly with hand tools; Wood and Shop's own guide recommends it for beginners. | ~$39.99Price checked Oct 20, 2026at store.woodandshop.com View product | |
| Runner-up | Timber Framing Class with the Ellis Brothers (3 days)Troy's pick (Wood and Shop) | In-person class: learn timber selection, layout and plan reading, then cut and raise a small timber-frame building. | ~$699Price checked Oct 20, 2026at store.woodandshop.com View product | |
