Woodwork Merit Badge Requirements

7 Requirements Updated January 21, 2026 View Official Page ↗ Download Free Pamphlet ↓

Learn woodworking safety, timber processing, tool care, and build projects using saws, planes, and joinery techniques like mortise and tenon to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. Copy link to requirement 1
    Do the following:
    1. Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards you may encounter while participating in woodwork activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these hazards. Explain what precautions you should take to safely use your tools.
    2. Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Show that you know first aid for injuries that could occur while woodworking, including splinters, scratches, cuts, severe bleeding, and shock. Tell what precautions must be taken to help prevent loss of eyesight or hearing, and explain why and when it is necessary to use a dust mask.
    3. Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Earn the Totin’ Chip recognition.
  2. Copy link to requirement 2
    Do the following:
    1. Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Describe how timber is grown, harvested, and milled. Tell how lumber is cured, seasoned, graded, and sized.
    2. Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Collect and label blocks of six kinds of wood useful in woodworking. Describe the chief qualities of each. Give the best uses of each.
  3. Copy link to requirement 3
    Do the following:
    1. Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Show the proper care, use, and storage of all working tools and equipment that you own or use at home or school.
    2. Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Sharpen correctly the cutting edges of two different tools.
  4. Copy link to requirement 4
    Using a saw, plane, hammer, brace, and bit, make something useful of wood. Cut parts from lumber that you have squared and measured from working drawings.
  5. Copy link to requirement 5
    Create your own woodworking project. Begin by making working drawings, list the materials you will need to complete your project, and then build your project. Keep track of the time you spend and the cost of the materials.
  6. Copy link to requirement 6
    Do TWO of the following:
    1. Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Make working drawings of a project needing beveled or rounded edges and build it.
    2. Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Make working drawings of a project needing curved or incised cuttings and build it.
    3. Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Make working drawings of a project needing miter, dowel, or mortise and tenon joints and build it.
    4. Copy link to requirement 6.d
      Make a cabinet, box, or something else with a door or lid fastened with inset hinges.
    5. Copy link to requirement 6.e
      Help make wooden toys for underprivileged children; OR help carry out a woodworking service project approved by your counselor for a charitable organization.
  7. Copy link to requirement 7
    Talk with a cabinetmaker or finish carpenter. Learn about training, apprenticeships, career opportunities, work conditions, work hours, pay rates, and union organization that woodworking experts have in your area.