Arturs Zeltiņš
Senior Woodworking Educator & Baltic Timber Specialist
Helping Latvian hobbyists discover woodworking the right way — with respect for materials, proper safety, and confidence in every project.
Who I Am
I discovered woodworking as a teenager in my grandfather's workshop in Sigulda. He was old-school — no shortcuts, no wasted wood. That hands-on learning shaped everything I do now. I graduated from Riga Technical University's Applied Arts program in 2008 and spent the next decade building furniture and refining my craft in my own workshop.
What changed everything was realizing how many people wanted to learn but felt intimidated by the craft. They'd see complicated projects or hear horror stories about expensive mistakes. That's when I decided to shift from making furniture to teaching others how to make it safely and affordably. Since 2015, I've developed a beginner-focused curriculum specifically for Latvian hobbyists — one that emphasizes understanding local timber, selecting the right tools without breaking the bank, and building genuine confidence through practical, incremental skill development.
Over the past 16 years, I've trained more than 800 woodworkers across Latvia. Three local schools now use curriculum materials I've developed. At nexovant SIA, I translate workshop experience into clear, practical guidance that helps beginners avoid costly mistakes and develop real craftsmanship. My philosophy is simple: anyone can learn woodworking if they understand the wood, respect the tools, and approach the craft with patience.
What I Teach
My work focuses on making traditional Baltic woodworking accessible to hobbyists. Here's where I specialize.
Baltic Timber Types
Understanding oak, spruce, pine, and ash — where to find quality local wood, how to assess grain and moisture, and which species work best for different projects.
Tool Selection & Maintenance
Choosing the right hand tools without overspending. I'll teach you what you actually need versus what's nice to have, plus proper care to make tools last decades.
Beginner Projects
From cutting boards and simple shelves to small furniture pieces. Projects designed to teach real skills while building confidence and delivering something you'll actually use.
Workshop Safety
Safety isn't boring — it's foundational. Proper technique prevents injuries. I cover tool handling, workspace setup, personal protective equipment, and how to develop safe habits from day one.
Problem-Solving
What to do when wood splits, joints don't fit, or something doesn't go as planned. Real solutions based on workshop experience, not theory.
Fundamentals & Technique
The essentials that experienced woodworkers take for granted. I break down proper grip, body mechanics, measuring accuracy, and reading wood grain — the building blocks of every project.
Background & Credentials
Riga Technical University
Graduated from the Applied Arts program with specialization in furniture design and timber craftsmanship.
Opened Personal Workshop
Established my own woodworking workshop in Riga, focusing on custom furniture and design commissions.
Beginner Curriculum Development
Created specialized curriculum for Latvian hobbyists emphasizing local timber varieties, affordable tool selection, and safety-first approach. Now used by three woodworking schools across Latvia.
nexovant SIA Educational Content Lead
Developing practical, accessible woodworking resources for beginners across Latvia and Northern Europe. Focus on demystifying the craft and preventing costly mistakes through clear guidance.
My Teaching Philosophy
"Anyone can learn woodworking safely with proper guidance and respect for materials. The craft isn't complicated — it's just methodical. Once you understand how wood behaves and why tools work the way they do, everything else follows."
— Arturs Zeltiņš
Respect the Material
Wood isn't just a medium — it's alive, with grain, moisture content, and movement. Understanding these properties prevents mistakes and helps you work with the wood, not against it.
Safety First, Always
Proper technique protects your hands and your workspace. Safe habits become automatic. I teach you how to work safely from the very first session — no exceptions, no shortcuts.
Incremental Skill Building
You don't start with a cabinet. You start with basic cuts, joinery, and finishing. Each project builds on the last. Real confidence comes from mastering fundamentals.
Accessibility Over Perfection
You don't need expensive tools or rare wood to start. I show you how to learn with affordable Baltic timber and basic hand tools. Craftsmanship isn't about budget — it's about intention.
Featured Articles & Resources
Here's what I've been writing about lately. Start here if you're new to woodworking.
Essential Hand Tools Every Beginner Needs
A practical guide to selecting quality tools without overspending. Learn what you actually need versus what's nice to have.
Understanding Baltic Timber Types
Oak, spruce, pine, and ash. Learn which species work best for different projects and how to assess quality local wood.
Workshop Safety Essentials You Can't Skip
Proper workspace setup, tool handling, and personal protective equipment. Safe habits start from day one.
Build Your First Project: A Simple Cutting Board
Step-by-step guidance for a practical beginner project. You'll learn real techniques while creating something you'll actually use.
Ready to Start Learning?
Browse my beginner-focused articles on woodworking fundamentals, Baltic timber selection, and workshop safety. Whether you're picking your first tools or planning your first project, I've got practical guidance to help you succeed.
Explore All Woodworking ArticlesAbout nexovant SIA
I develop educational content for nexovant SIA, a Latvian company focused on making woodworking accessible to hobbyists. Our resources emphasize practical learning, respect for materials, and safety-first approaches.
Have questions? Want to discuss a topic in depth? You can reach out through the contact page.
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