RoseWoodWorkUSA

If you've visited RoseWoodWork recently, you may have noticed that things look a little different.

Over the past few weeks, I've been working behind the scenes to refresh the website and make it a better place for fellow woodworkers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys handcrafted projects.

This redesign isn't just about changing the appearance—it's about creating a cleaner, easier experience for everyone who visits.

Why the Change?Like any workshop, a website benefits from an occasional cleanup and reorganization.
As RoseWoodWork continues to grow, I wanted the site to better reflect where the journey is headed. That meant simplifying the layout, improving navigation, and making it easier to find woodworking projects, blog articles, videos, and future shop updates.

My goal was to create a space that feels as welcoming as a well-organized workshop.

What's New?The updated website features:

• A cleaner and more modern layout.
• Easier navigation between projects, videos, and blog posts.
• Better organization for woodworking content.
• A stronger focus on the projects and tools that inspire RoseWoodWork.

Whether you're looking for your next DIY idea or following along with my latest builds, I hope you'll find the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Looking Ahead this redesign is only the beginning.

Over the coming months, I'll be adding more woodworking projects, tool reviews, shop tips, and behind-the-scenes looks at what I'm building in the workshop. My goal is to make RoseWoodWork a place where creativity, craftsmanship, and learning come together.

Thank you for visiting, for your encouragement, and for being part of this journey. Every project I build and every article I write is inspired by a passion for creating something with my own hands, and I'm excited to continue sharing that process with all of you.

I hope you enjoy the new look, and I invite you to check back often as RoseWoodWork continues to grow.

Happy woodworking!

​— McKenzie
RoseWoodWork

For the past little while, my content has been a bit all over the place. I’ve been experimenting, trying different types of videos, and testing what works — from woodworking projects to tool tests and even a few electronics-related shorts.

But recently, something became very clear to me: the content that feels the most natural, and connects the most with people, is woodworking and shop-based work.

So I’m getting back to the core of RoseWoodWork.

Finding the focus again when you create for a while, it’s easy to drift. You start trying new ideas, new formats, and sometimes even new topics outside your original direction.
That’s what happened here.

But the more I looked at what was actually working — and more importantly, what I enjoy making — the answer was simple:

I want to build, sand, finish, and create things in the shop.

Woodworking is where I feel the most at home.

What RoseWoodWork is becomingGoing forward, I’m simplifying the direction of the channel and blog.
RoseWoodWork will focus on:

• Small woodworking projects
• Shop builds and setups
• Tool use in real projects
• Sanding, finishing, and material work
• Simple, satisfying maker content

In short: real work happening in a real shop.

The MFT and my workflowOne of the biggest “centerpieces” of my shop has been my MFT-style workbench.

It’s where everything happens — cutting, sanding, assembling, and finishing. Recently, I even did a full refresh on it and brought it back to life with sanding and cleanup.

That project reminded me of something important:

You don’t always need something new — sometimes you just need to improve what you already have and keep building from there.

What’s next from here, I’m focusing on consistency over complexity.

Short woodworking videos, simple shop projects, and real progress — even in small steps.

No overthinking. No jumping between unrelated topics. Just building things in the shop and sharing the process.

Thanks for following along — there’s a lot more woodworking coming soon.
​
— RoseWoodWork

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to take a moment to say that this past February 2026 we hit the 600 mark, thank you for helping this channel reach 600 subscribers!

When I started sharing my woodworking projects, tool reviews, and ideas from my workbench, I honestly didn't know where it would lead. Like many of you, I'm just a regular person who enjoys building things, learning new skills, and making the most of the tools and materials I have available.

Over the past months, you've watched me try new projects, test tools, solve problems, and sometimes figure things out the hard way. Every view, comment, like, and subscription has helped keep me motivated to continue creating and sharing.

What makes this milestone special isn't the number itself—it's knowing that 600 people decided my content was worth following. That's something I don't take for granted.

Whether you've been here from the beginning or just recently discovered the channel, thank you for being part of this journey. There are still plenty of projects ahead, more birdhouses to build, more tools to test, and more lessons to learn.

My goal has always been simple: to show that you don't need a huge workshop or expensive equipment to enjoy woodworking and create something useful with your own hands.

Here's to the next project, the next lesson, and the next milestone.

Thank you for 600 subscribers, and thank you for being part of the RoseWoodWorkUSA family.

​See you in the next build!
— McKenzie
RoseWoodWorkUSA 

Some days in the workshop don’t go exactly the way I plan them — and honestly, I’m learning that’s okay. Yesterday started with woodworking, I worked on my bird feeder, a project that has been evolving over time. At first, it was doing its job well, but after adding a roof, I noticed a problem. The extra weight made the structure unstable since it had originally been assembled with nails. So I took it apart and rebuilt the key sections using screws instead. Once finished, the feeder became solid and stable again — strong enough to handle the birds it was meant for.

There’s something satisfying about fixing a problem like that. Woodworking always teaches you that things don’t always go right the first time, but that doesn’t mean the project is a failure. It just means it’s not finished yet.

After that, though, something else completely took over my day: the FIFA World Cup.
I’ve been a fan of the World Cup since 1986, which was the year I first truly understood what football meant. That tournament left a deep impression on me. It wasn’t just the matches — it was the emotion, the skill, and the feeling that anything could happen on the pitch. That was the moment I fell in love with the sport.

Since then, I’ve followed every World Cup, collected every album, and carried that same excitement through the years. I’ve always been an Argentina fan, inspired by Maradona’s magic, but I also deeply admire Cristiano Ronaldo for his discipline, talent, and longevity in the game. Football has never been just entertainment for me — it’s something that has been part of my life for decades.

So when the World Cup games were on yesterday, the workshop naturally faded into the background. I found myself fully absorbed in the matches — the intensity, the skill, and the energy on the field. It reminded me why I’ve loved this sport for so long.

By the end of the day, I realized something important: not every day has to be perfectly balanced between productivity and hobbies. Some days are for building things in the workshop. Other days are for watching the world’s best players do what they’ve trained their entire lives to do.

And sometimes, a single day contains both.

The bird feeder is still there, solid and improved. The games are still in my memory. And the workshop will be waiting for me again tomorrow.

​That’s just how real life works.

Recently, I decided to take one of my woodworking projects a step further — not just building birdhouses, but actually following what happens after they are placed in the yard.

After making several birdhouses over time, I became curious about whether birds were using them, how often they were visited, and what kind of species might be nesting inside. That curiosity led me to discover the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch program.

NestWatch is a citizen science project that allows everyday people to monitor bird nests and contribute real data to ongoing research. It is designed to help scientists better understand bird populations, nesting habits, and environmental changes over time.

Signing up was surprisingly simple. I created an account and logged in through ORCID, which I learned is a system used for researchers and academic tracking. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what ORCID was, but I went ahead and used it just to get started. It turned out to be an easy way to access the NestWatch platform.
Once inside, I was able to begin exploring how to record nest locations, track activity, and log observations. It felt like a meaningful extension of my woodworking — not just building something functional, but actually participating in something larger that connects craftsmanship with nature.

Alongside this project, I also build and sell birdhouses designed specifically for bluebirds through my woodworking site, RoseWoodWorkUSA. Each birdhouse is crafted with care, focusing on the proper size, ventilation, and design needed to attract and support bluebird nesting habits. It has been rewarding to see my woodworking extend beyond the workshop and into something that directly supports local wildlife.

There is something special about building a birdhouse with your own hands, offering it to nature, and then being able to follow its story over time. It turns a simple project into something alive and ongoing. Each birdhouse becomes more than wood and nails — it becomes part of an ecosystem.

I am still learning how to use NestWatch fully, but I am excited about what comes next. I plan to continue documenting my birdhouses and hopefully contribute useful observations along the way.

​What started as a woodworking project has now turned into something more personal — a connection between craft, patience, and the natural world right outside my door.

After building my first bird feeder and watching the birds use it in my backyard, I noticed that larger birds, such as Blue Jays, had trouble using it because it was small and lightweight. That inspired me to build a bigger and sturdier feeder using scrap wood I already had in my garage.

The project was simple, fun, and a great opportunity to put my new Bauer orbital sander to work.
​
To build the feeder, I cut all the pieces on my miter saw and assembled everything using wood glue, brad nails, and a few screws in key areas to make the structure stronger and more durable. The roof was probably the trickiest part of the build, but once I figured out the angles, everything came together nicely. It provides shade and protection for the birds while they eat.

I also used the Bauer sander to remove old stickers, smooth rough edges, and get rid of splinters. It worked like a charm and made the finishing process quick and easy.
I'm very pleased with how the bird feeder turned out. This project was a great learning experience and gave me several ideas for making an even better version in the future.

The birds are happy, and I'm happy. Now I'm looking forward to building my next project!

Today I've finally did a video after a year of being MIA. So anyway, I got a new orbital sander from Harbor Freight I was in need of one for my other project I'm working on. So I didn't know they had this Bauer Orbital Sander for sale for $20, so I had to get one, watch the video I see what my opinion is about this thing. Is definitely something I need because I don't know where my other orbital sanders are.

Sometimes the smallest projects carry the biggest meaning.

​A few days ago, I was moving things around in my garage and uncovered some of my woodworking tools. My miter saw, compressor, and brad nailer had been sitting quietly, waiting for their next project. Nearby, I found a few pieces of scrap wood leaning against some boxes. Instead of throwing them away, I decided to build something simple: a bird feeder for my garden.

There were no plans, no measurements drawn on paper, and no intention of selling it. I simply wanted to make something with my hands.

About forty minutes later, the feeder was finished.

The tray was made from a painted scrap board I already had, while the rest was built from pine and protected with a coat of polyurethane to help it withstand the weather. It wasn't a complicated project, but it was exactly what I needed—a reminder that creating something useful doesn't always require expensive materials or perfect conditions.

The real surprise came after I hung it from a tree branch in the garden.

Not long after filling it with seed, a cardinal arrived.

Of all the birds that could have visited first, it was a cardinal.
Many people believe cardinals are symbols of hope, prosperity, and good fortune. Others see them as messengers that remind us of loved ones who are no longer with us. Whether those beliefs are true or not, I have always felt there was something special about cardinals. Their bright red feathers stand out against the green landscape like a spark of life and energy.

As I watched that cardinal visit the feeder, I couldn't help but think about my father.

Years ago, when I chose the name Rose Wood Work, it was more than a business name. It was a connection to my father, who worked in the wood industry and loved woodworking whenever he had the opportunity. He wasn't a professional craftsman, but he enjoyed creating things with wood, paint, and simple hand tools. He passed away in 2002, but his influence never left me.

Growing up, he called me his "Little Viking."

As the years have passed, woodworking has become more than a hobby. It has become a way to honor that connection and carry something forward. Every project teaches me something new, and every piece I build represents growth, patience, and creativity.

So when that cardinal landed on my handmade feeder, I chose to see it as a sign.

Not a sign that success will arrive overnight.
Not a sign that every project will be perfect.
But a sign that Rose Wood Work is moving in the right direction.

The cardinal reminded me that even small beginnings matter. A bird feeder made from scrap wood can bring joy, attract life, and inspire future ideas. In the same way, every project, every lesson, and every step forward helps build something greater over time.

The feeder may have started as a simple afternoon project, but it became a reminder of why I started woodworking in the first place.

And if the cardinal truly is a symbol of prosperity and success, then I welcome its visit and the future it represents for Rose Wood Work.

After all, every craftsman needs a little inspiration.

​Sometimes it arrives in the form of a bright red bird

Having the ability to create things with wood is not a easy task, however is like everything else it has a learning curve. I've failed on keeping up with my woodworking business not because of laziness is because I don't have time and space. I really want to make this a profitable business for me and I have to focus.

First step learning from the Pros, 731 Woodworks is one place I love to seek for advice, here is a very interesting video that inspires me to start with a strong view for my woodworking business.

I've got a couple of Wera screwdrivers following the hype of being one of the best screwdrivers in the market. These tools are made in Germany and are very well loved by the makers and electricians community. So since I love tools I wanted to see the big deal about them. 

I've order a Wera Ball-Grip Phillips, I was curious since a lot of people suggest this kind of grip for comfort. First impression, they look very nice, the grip in the handle is very grippy and the material that is metal seem t be like a quality material. The tip of them are laser engraved so the screwdriver grip on the screw and you get a better experience screwing whatever you are working on. I really do like the feeling of the tool in my hands, makes me my job easier and easy on the hand. I've also order a Wera Square 0,0 for those electronics that need attention and a little bag to put your tools for those little jobs around the house. The bag is sturdy very well made and I really like it very much. I'm looking forward to have a couple of more of this screwdrivers to work comfortably. Overall I did enjoy assembling one of my wood birdhouse that I've made to sell on my website you can check it out here.

So my final opinion about Wera tools and bag, these are great to work with however they are a little pricey and I would probably say if you want quality screwdrivers in your shop, yes go for it however there are so many brands that offer excellent screwdrivers so is really a thing of  preference.