Steve Ramsey is quite easy to recognize in the YouTube community, having gained his esteemed reputation through the popular channel “Woodworking for Mere Mortals” (WWMM). He uses the platform to make woodworking approachable to connoisseurs of all sorts, especially attractive to inexperienced beginners. Most of all, it is his frequent use of rather cheap materials and tools that make him a cherished character in the do-it-yourself (DIY) world. He’s well-known for being an advocate of approachable and accessible woodworking, making it a hobby that anyone can engage in, regardless of skill or the depth of their pockets.
What keeps the audience
Steve’s career took a life-changing turn when he started up the YouTube channel in 2008, significantly older than most of his colleagues. The idea was to enable just about anyone to partake in what he loved most, relying on a down-to-earth, humane approach that made the impossible and complex seem relatable and achievable. Unlike most traditional woodworking channels, which can sometimes be based on showing off one’s expertise and costly tool collections, Ramsey undertook simple and fun projects that anyone with just a few resources could perform. He posts detailed tutorials, and woodworking tips with various tools, along with some project ideas to boot. His most famous projects include home furniture, decor, and other valuable items, all of which combine really well with his engaging and often humorous content presentation – a trait that keeps all the viewers coming back for more.
Ramsey has published hundreds of videos over the years, seeking to demystify this somewhat uncommon and misunderstood craft. He encourages all viewers to begin working on small projects, and increase their difficulty gradually as their skills and confidence grow, following along his own builds that are typically completed with easily sourced, inexpensive materials. Using this approach, he makes sure to emphasize that woodworking does not need to be a budget-busting hobby, and that it’s instead a product of passion and curiosity.
Bull’s eye
The channel stands at nearly 800 uploads and features more than two million subscribers, earned painstakingly over its 16 years of activity on the platform. Steve’s total views exceed 325 million, the bulk of which come from his best ideas. One of his most popular videos, with over 6.6 million views, is entitled “What Kind of Finish Should You Use? | WOOD FINISHING BASICS”. It opens with an overview of the value of the final woodworking task, as the star underlines that while not every project calls for a conclusion, those that finish what they started tend to gain much from it. While improving the inherent beauty of the wood, he says a decent finish shields it against UV damage, dampness, and scratches, thereby emphasizing how the color and texture shine out, as treatments help to make the wood more attractive.
Appropriate preparation is very important before applying any finish, and so Steve advises beginning with sanding and working up to 220-grit from 120-grit sandpaper to create a smooth surface, underlining the need for cleaning any dust off the project as it could compromise the finish. To completely clean the surface, he suggests using a lint-free cloth, tack cloth and a vacuum. Wiping the wood with mineral spirits or paint thinner can also assist with highlighting any flaws, and thus provide a preview of the final result.
Steve talks about two basic kinds of finishes – oil and layered. The former, such as lacquer and polyurethane, lay on top of the wood and provide strong protection, but can sometimes they give a plastic-like look. Though they provide less protection, oil finishes, including linseed oil and tung oil, impregnate the wood and provide a more natural appearance. He lists the advantages and drawbacks of every kind, pointing out that although oil finishes are preferred for their natural look, polyurethane is popular for its longevity.
The content offers thorough methods for applying the discussed solutions, as Steve advises avoiding bubbles and streaks by layering the finish in long, even strokes, with a quality brush for polyurethane. He advises many applications, with mild sanding between to guarantee a smooth final product. Another choice is lacquer, which dries quickly, and may be sprayed or brushed on, though he prefers spraying it for smaller jobs because of its simplicity. He also discusses the ease of use in oil finishes, which is simply wiping them on and off with a rag, though that calls for several coats for best protection.
Personal Life
Steve has been married to Vicky for a long while. While he mostly remains quite secretive regarding his love life, it’s established from the little information available online that his family fully appreciates and supports his woodworking efforts. Vicky, though not often in the limelight, is a stable presence in Steve’s life overall, always with him through the highs and lows of his business dealings. They have a son together, whom Ramsey mentions in some of the videos. Regardless of the intricate behind-the-camera details, Steve seems to be enjoying a stable and fulfilling family life that has been crucial to his willingness to go above and beyond for his faithful online audience.
That said, one of the more significant challenges for Ramsey has been to manage content creation at a pace that keeps up with the building expectations while still preserving the quality and integrity of his projects. As the following increased, so did the viewers’ standards, but Ramsey always found a way to produce meaningful videos that stayed true to his mission: accessible woodworking.
What is his net worth?
Some of the most reputable sources available at the time have suggested that Steve’s current accumulated wealth is close to $2 million. This impressive sum is the result of various sources of revenue all converging into a broad, extensive business model that the YouTuber has spent years curating. First and foremost, his YouTube channel is estimated by Social Blade to bring in an as much as $25,000 per annum from ads alone, while the channel has also been known to endorse or promote various niche-specific products throughout its existence.
Steve also has a business website, The Weekend Woodworker, on which he offers three distinct courses, all tailored for complete beginners and including step-by-step guides for each section of the projects undertaken within the course material. Using just this website, his fans are able to step into the shoes of a professional, seasoned woodworker, and get rid of their inexperience and apprehension in no time.
There’s also a channel-specific store website, featuring various builds that were initially completed throughout the creation of content for YouTube, including tables, chairs, benches, planter boxes, bar stools, mallets, doormats, and even children’s toys.
In addition to everything else, he runs a podcast entitled “Creative Culture with Steve Ramsey”, which features numerous creative and well-recognized creators from the platform.
To help boost his business prospects and build brand relatability, Steve also offers a number of free plans through a newsletter system, a bonus list of all the essential woodworking tools that he personally employs throughout his time in the shop, and numerous other advantages for his dedicated fans. Altogether a complete coverage of his endeavours.
