What are the best DIY and maker video channels for learning a new hobby with clear step-by-step projects?

Here are some of the best DIY and maker video channels if you want to learn a new hobby through clear, step-by-step projects. I’m focusing on channels that are beginner-friendly, practical, and good at showing the process.

Best overall DIY / maker channels

1. This Old Tony

• Great for: machining, metalworking, shop projects
• Why it’s good: extremely clear project-based videos, great for learning tools and techniques
• Best if you like: hands-on fabrication and a bit of humor

2. Laura Kampf

• Great for: creative builds, woodworking, metal, upcycling
• Why it’s good: visually clear builds and inspiring project ideas
• Best if you like: inventive, artistic maker projects

3. My Mechanics

• Great for: restoration, repair, precision handiwork
• Why it’s good: mostly no talking, just very clear visual steps
• Best if you like: calming, detailed restore-and-fix content

4. Adrian’s Digital Basement

• Great for: electronics repair, retro tech, soldering, troubleshooting
• Why it’s good: detailed explanations and learning-by-doing
• Best if you want: electronics skills with clear demonstrations

5. Punished Props Academy

• Great for: cosplay, prop-making, painting, foam work
• Why it’s good: beginner-friendly and very step-by-step
• Best if you like: costume and prop projects

Best beginner-friendly DIY learning channels

6. Home Repair Tutor

• Great for: home improvement, tiling, plumbing basics, renovations
• Why it’s good: practical, easy-to-follow instruction
• Best if you want: household skills with straightforward tutorials

7. Essential Craftsman

• Great for: carpentry, framing, general construction
• Why it’s good: clear explanations and good fundamentals
• Best if you like: building skills from the ground up

8. Fix This Build That

• Great for: woodworking, shop projects, beginner builds
• Why it’s good: very accessible tutorials and project plans
• Best if you want: approachable woodworking projects

9. Humble Mechanic

• Great for: car maintenance and automotive DIY
• Why it’s good: teaches real-world repair steps clearly
• Best if you want: a hobby in car work or maintenance

10. Practical Engineering

• Great for: understanding how things work
• Why it’s good: not a “project” channel, but excellent for building foundational intuition
• Best if you want: background knowledge before starting hands-on projects

Best for crafting / making at home

11. Ben Uyeda / HomeMade Modern

• Great for: modern furniture, concrete, plywood, home décor
• Why it’s good: clean, simple builds with a stylish result
• Best if you want: DIY furniture and design projects

12. Bourbon Moth Woodworking

• Great for: woodworking, furniture, shop builds
• Why it’s good: entertaining and informative, with practical steps
• Best if you want: woodworking that’s fun to watch and learn from

13. Andreas Waatz / DIY creators

• Great for: tools, shop setups, jigs, woodworking techniques
• Why it’s good: very useful for learning how to improve your workflow
• Best if you want: maker skills and shop efficiency

Best for electronics / coding / small tech projects

14. GreatScott!

• Great for: electronics projects, circuits, DIY gadgets
• Why it’s good: clear explanations and lots of project examples
• Best if you want: beginner-to-intermediate electronics

15. EEVblog

• Great for: electronics troubleshooting, test equipment, deep dives
• Why it’s good: extremely educational, though less beginner-structured
• Best if you want: serious electronics learning

16. Raspberry Pi / Arduino-focused makers

• Search for channels covering:
  • Arduino beginner projects
  • Raspberry Pi tutorials
  • DIY electronics for beginners
• These are great if your hobby is coding physical things, automation, or smart gadgets

Best for calm, very visual step-by-step learning

17. ToolBox DIY

• Great for: home projects, workshop builds, useful hacks
• Why it’s good: practical and accessible
• Best if you want: easy project ideas without a lot of fluff

18. Mr. Chickadee

• Great for: woodworking, restoration, traditional tools
• Why it’s good: careful, methodical demonstrations
• Best if you like: slow, detailed craftsmanship

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If you want the shortest “best of the best” list:

• This Old Tony — machining and maker skills
• Fix This Build That — beginner woodworking
• Home Repair Tutor — home repair
• Punished Props Academy — cosplay/craft projects
• GreatScott! — electronics
• My Mechanics — visual repair/restoration
• Laura Kampf — creative maker inspiration

How to choose the right channel for your hobby

• Woodworking: Fix This Build That, Bourbon Moth, Essential Craftsman
• Electronics: GreatScott!, Adrian’s Digital Basement, EEVblog
• Home repair: Home Repair Tutor
• Metalworking/machining: This Old Tony
• Cosplay/props: Punished Props Academy
• Creative builds: Laura Kampf, HomeMade Modern
• Restoration/repair: My Mechanics

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a beginner-only list,
2. the best channels by hobby category, or
3. a YouTube starter playlist plan for a specific hobby you want to learn.