Ever feel like your woodworking community debates the same old topics? Unpopular opinions can spark fresh conversations and bring hidden perspectives to the surface. Use these templates to encourage respectful debate and keep your community engaged.
Plan your content calendar and auto-post to Skool, Circle, or Mighty Networks
Inviting members to share their unpopular opinions challenges the status quo and encourages critical thinking. When people see that it's safe to express diverse viewpoints, they become more likely to participate, leading to richer discussions and a more vibrant community.
This approach also helps uncover hidden expertise and lesser-known techniques in woodworking. By surfacing unconventional wisdom, you empower members to learn from each other while building a culture of respectful dialogue. Properly managed, unpopular opinion threads create a space where everyone feels heard, valued, and inspired to share.
Unpopular opinion: Using plywood is just as good as solid wood for most furniture projects. Agree or disagree?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Using plywood is just as good as solid wood for most furniture projects. Agree or disagree?"
I think sanding between every coat of finish is overrated. What do you think?
💡 Example: "I think sanding between every coat of finish is overrated. What do you think?"
Hot take: Hand tools create better results than power tools. Do you agree or prefer power tools?
💡 Example: "Hot take: Hand tools create better results than power tools. Do you agree or prefer power tools?"
I believe wood stain hides the natural beauty of wood. Who else feels this way?
💡 Example: "I believe wood stain hides the natural beauty of wood. Who else feels this way?"
Unpopular opinion: You do not need expensive chisels to get pro results. Thoughts?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: You do not need expensive chisels to get pro results. Thoughts?"
I do not see the hype about live edge slabs. Anyone else?
💡 Example: "I do not see the hype about live edge slabs. Anyone else?"
Hot take: Pocket holes are just fine for joinery, even on high-end projects. Agree or not?
💡 Example: "Hot take: Pocket holes are just fine for joinery, even on high-end projects. Agree or not?"
I think shop-made jigs are a waste of time. Do you prefer to buy or build?
💡 Example: "I think shop-made jigs are a waste of time. Do you prefer to buy or build?"
Unpopular opinion: Traditional finishes like shellac are not worth the hassle. Who agrees?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Traditional finishes like shellac are not worth the hassle. Who agrees?"
I never use wood filler and think it is unnecessary. Anyone else skip it?
💡 Example: "I never use wood filler and think it is unnecessary. Anyone else skip it?"
I believe expensive brands of wood glue are not better than generic. What has been your experience?
💡 Example: "I believe expensive brands of wood glue are not better than generic. What has been your experience?"
Unpopular opinion: Tapered legs are out of style. Do you agree or still use them?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Tapered legs are out of style. Do you agree or still use them?"
I think using reclaimed wood is more trouble than it is worth. Who else feels this way?
💡 Example: "I think using reclaimed wood is more trouble than it is worth. Who else feels this way?"
I do not sharpen my blades as often as most recommend and get fine results. Anyone else?
💡 Example: "I do not sharpen my blades as often as most recommend and get fine results. Anyone else?"
Unpopular opinion: Router tables are overrated for small shops. Agree or disagree?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Router tables are overrated for small shops. Agree or disagree?"
Hot take: Pre-finished wood is better for most home projects. What do you think?
💡 Example: "Hot take: Pre-finished wood is better for most home projects. What do you think?"
I do not see the point of dovetail joints for drawers. Anyone else use simpler joinery?
💡 Example: "I do not see the point of dovetail joints for drawers. Anyone else use simpler joinery?"
Unpopular opinion: Finishing is the least enjoyable part of woodworking. Does anyone actually love it?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Finishing is the least enjoyable part of woodworking. Does anyone actually love it?"
I think buying tools used is smarter than buying new. Do you agree?
💡 Example: "I think buying tools used is smarter than buying new. Do you agree?"
Hot take: Pine is underrated for furniture. Who else loves working with pine?
💡 Example: "Hot take: Pine is underrated for furniture. Who else loves working with pine?"
Unpopular opinion: Spending hours on grain matching is not worth it. Thoughts?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Spending hours on grain matching is not worth it. Thoughts?"
I think shop safety is overcomplicated sometimes. Do you follow every safety guideline?
💡 Example: "I think shop safety is overcomplicated sometimes. Do you follow every safety guideline?"
Hot take: Prefab cabinets are just as good as custom ones for most homes. Agree or disagree?
💡 Example: "Hot take: Prefab cabinets are just as good as custom ones for most homes. Agree or disagree?"
I do not see much difference between oil-based and water-based finishes. What is your experience?
💡 Example: "I do not see much difference between oil-based and water-based finishes. What is your experience?"
Unpopular opinion: Sketching out plans is overrated. Who else likes to build as they go?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Sketching out plans is overrated. Who else likes to build as they go?"
Hot take: CA glue is the best all-purpose adhesive in the shop. Who disagrees?
💡 Example: "Hot take: CA glue is the best all-purpose adhesive in the shop. Who disagrees?"
I think dust collection is not as important in a small shop. Do you run a dust collector?
💡 Example: "I think dust collection is not as important in a small shop. Do you run a dust collector?"
Unpopular opinion: Fancy tool organizers are overrated. Who else prefers simple storage?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Fancy tool organizers are overrated. Who else prefers simple storage?"
I do not use measuring tapes for small cuts. Anyone else just eyeball it?
💡 Example: "I do not use measuring tapes for small cuts. Anyone else just eyeball it?"
Hot take: Table saws are not essential for a good woodworking shop. Who agrees?
💡 Example: "Hot take: Table saws are not essential for a good woodworking shop. Who agrees?"
Unpopular opinion: I rarely use clamps and still get strong joints. Does anyone else skip clamping?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: I rarely use clamps and still get strong joints. Does anyone else skip clamping?"
I think following trends like epoxy pours leads to boring projects. Who agrees?
💡 Example: "I think following trends like epoxy pours leads to boring projects. Who agrees?"
Unpopular opinion: You do not need every tool brand in your shop. Who else mixes brands?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: You do not need every tool brand in your shop. Who else mixes brands?"
I think making your own finishes is a waste of time. Store-bought is just as good. Thoughts?
💡 Example: "I think making your own finishes is a waste of time. Store-bought is just as good. Thoughts?"
Hot take: Gluing before dry-fitting is fine for simple projects. Who else skips dry fits?
💡 Example: "Hot take: Gluing before dry-fitting is fine for simple projects. Who else skips dry fits?"
I believe you can learn woodworking without formal classes. Who else is self-taught?
💡 Example: "I believe you can learn woodworking without formal classes. Who else is self-taught?"
Unpopular opinion: Tool upgrades do not improve your work as much as practice does. Agree?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Tool upgrades do not improve your work as much as practice does. Agree?"
I do not think exotic woods are worth the extra cost. Anyone else prefer local species?
💡 Example: "I do not think exotic woods are worth the extra cost. Anyone else prefer local species?"
Hot take: You can make great projects with only three tools. Who has tried this challenge?
💡 Example: "Hot take: You can make great projects with only three tools. Who has tried this challenge?"
Unpopular opinion: Cabinet scrapers are better than sandpaper. Who uses scrapers exclusively?
💡 Example: "Unpopular opinion: Cabinet scrapers are better than sandpaper. Who uses scrapers exclusively?"
I think painting wood projects is not a waste. Who else paints instead of staining?
💡 Example: "I think painting wood projects is not a waste. Who else paints instead of staining?"
Copy and paste a template to start a new discussion thread or as a social media post. Clearly invite members to respond with their own takes and explain their reasoning. Pin or feature the best conversations to highlight thoughtful, respectful exchanges. Always step in early to set the tone for civil discourse and gently moderate if debates get heated.
On all platforms, use clear rules and active moderation to keep discussions respectful. Use pinned posts or featured comments to highlight thoughtful responses. Adapt the template length and format for each platform's content style.
Frame prompts carefully, acknowledging the merits of both approaches. For example, use statements like 'Power tools have made hand tools obsolete—agree or disagree?' and encourage members to share personal experiences. Remind participants to respect different skill levels and preferences to maintain a positive atmosphere.
Yes, post prompts such as 'Oil finishes are overrated in modern woodworking—what's your take?' and ask members to share results, photos, or stories. Highlight the variety of finishes and invite pros and cons, which encourages nuanced discussion rather than just polarizing arguments.
Use provocative but respectful phrasing like 'Reclaimed wood is more hype than substance in quality woodworking—do you agree?' This draws out strong opinions and real-life experiences, but set clear guidelines for civil discourse since these topics can touch on craftsmanship values and environmental concerns.
When posting about controversial joinery techniques, such as 'Pocket hole joinery has no place in serious woodworking,' encourage members to share why they use certain methods and for what projects. Remind the community that all skill levels are welcome and that practical solutions are valid for different circumstances.
Safety topics can be sensitive but valuable. If including them, clarify that the goal is respectful discussion and education. Provide context, invite differing viewpoints, and remind users that safety practices vary by workshop. Always reinforce the importance of safety regardless of opinion.
These prompts can boost engagement by challenging accepted norms and encouraging members to share alternative beginner projects or their reasons for sticking with classics. They often lead to valuable exchanges of advice, new project ideas, and a broader appreciation for the craft's diversity.
Skool · Circle · Mighty Networks