More Than a Course. A Supportive Woodworking Community.
Start in the Right Place.
Learn Real Woodworking Fundamentals in 9 Days of Instruction.
No Workshop. No Experience. No Problem.
Jumping between random tutorials.
Buying tools before understanding the basics.
Attempting advanced joints too early.
That creates frustration, not progress.
This course fixes that.
No expensive machinery.
No prior experience required.
Just clear guidance, practical fundamentals, and a supportive community to grow alongside.
✔ No prior experience needed
✔ No workshop required
✔ Hand tools only
✔ Self-paced learning
✔ One-time payment (lifetime access)
✔ Supportive community included
The Problem Isn’t Motivation. It’s Direction, the Right Sequence, and Technique.
You’re not lacking motivation. You’re lacking a clear path.
Most beginners don’t struggle because they “aren’t cut out for it.” They struggle because nobody shows them what to learn first and what to ignore for now. So they jump between tutorials, pick up tips that don’t connect, and end up second-guessing everything.
The biggest frustrations?
Tool technique
Order of operations.
You can own the tools and still feel unsure about how to proceed.
You watch someone do it in a video, then try it yourself… and it doesn’t feel the same. Your saws and chisels seem to have a mind of their own. The tools don’t behave the way they “should.” After a while, it starts to feel like the problem is you. It isn’t.
It’s the sequence.
It’s the technique.
Online advice is noisy. Everyone has a different opinion. Comment sections can be blunt. Asking a “simple” question can feel uncomfortable, so most people stop asking… and stop progressing. This course is built to change that.
You’ll learn from home, with simple hand tools, inside a beginner system that gives you the right order, so you’re not guessing. You’ll build real control and confidence with the tools first, before complexity gets added. And you’ll be learning alongside a supportive, moderated community where questions are normal and progress is encouraged.
Because real skill doesn’t grow from scattered information. It grows from a clear path, steady practice, and the right instruction.
What Our Beginner Students Say
"I recommend Mcdcourses to keep you progressing your woodworking journey. I’ve found the videos easy to digest, and think they’ll scaffold your understanding well as they take you from start to finish with each concept."
- David Ashby (Novice in 9 Days Student and Beginning ITD Teacher)
"I've started working through the course and it is so bloody professional! Extremely user-friendly and set out perfectly!
- Andrew Carter (Novice in 9 Days Student)
"I tried the Novice in 9 Days course by MCD because I'm always looking for ways to better assist beginner woodworkers. The communication is very clear and concise without coming across as patronizing. Brenden's background in education was clearly a key factor here in making this an effective and enjoyable learning experience. The community-based structure of the membership is also a great way to connect with like-minded people at a similar place in their creative journey."
- Mike Lagesten
(Novice in 9 Days Student @stonewallwoodcraft)
Meet Your Instructor
My name is Brenden McDonough
I still love helping beginners discover they’re capable of more than they think. I spent nearly 20 years teaching woodworking before moving into professional cabinet making and joinery, eventually building my own design and manufacturing company.
Throughout my teaching career, I specialised in helping beginners move from zero experience to confident skill in structured, efficient learning periods.
This course brings that same approach online clear sequence, practical fundamentals, and real technique training without overwhelm.
Why This Course Works for Beginners
Clear 9-day structured learning path
No workshop required
Lifetime access (one-time payment)
Private beginner community
Guided tool selection
Technique-first teaching approach
Small tightening.
9 Days Structured for Real Skill
These aren't random lessons.
It’s a deliberate sequence.
Each day builds control and confidence in the right order, so you’re never guessing what to practise next.
Nothing rushed.
Nothing skipped.
No prior experience assumed.
What You Get Inside NOVICE IN 9 DAYS
The 9-Day Fundamentals System.
Step-by-step technique training.
Tool guidance (what to buy & why).
Sharpening & maintenance instruction.
Practical joint exercises.
Beginner project plans.
Private community access.
Lifetime access (pay once).
Bonus monthly demonstration videos.
Who Is This Couse For?
Novice in 9 Days is for you if -
You’ve wanted to start but didn’t know where.
You feel unsure about tool technique.
You don’t have a full workshop setup.
You want structure instead of random tutorials.
14-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
Full access to Novice in 9 Days
$149 — One-Time Payment
For perspective:
Many private woodworking lessons cost $150+ per hour.
This entire program costs less than a single session.
No subscriptions.
No hidden fees.
Just clear instruction and lasting skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have Access to the Course?
Once you sign up, you have lifetime access. You’ll receive immediate access to the Welcome Module, with lessons released progressively. After launch, the full foundation is available, with new bonus content added over time based on community feedback.
Can’t I Learn All of This on YouTube?
The short answer is: Yes and No.
YouTube is a fantastic resource. However, finding the right beginner-appropriate content can be time-consuming. Many videos assume prior knowledge, skip foundational steps, or focus more on entertainment than structured education. If you have unlimited time to search, filter, and interpret advanced instruction, YouTube may work for you. If you value your time and want a clear, step-by-step sequence designed specifically for beginners, this course removes the guesswork and provides a supportive community alongside the instruction.
Do I Need a Workshop and Tools Before Starting?
No.
While it’s helpful if you already have a bench and tools, it’s not required. Inside the course, you’ll be shown exactly which essential tools to acquire, including affordable benchtop and vice options that can be clamped to a standard dining table. You do not need to spend thousands of dollars to begin.
Should I Invest in the Course Before Buying Tools?
Yes.
The course gives you clarity on what you actually need. Without guidance, it’s easy to spend money on unnecessary tools or equipment that won’t help you as a beginner. This program ensures you invest wisely and build your setup intentionally.
Is There a Guarantee?
Yes.
Novice in 9 Days includes a 14-day satisfaction guarantee.
If it’s not right for you, request a full refund within 14 days.