WOODWORKING

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WOODWORKING

There is significant evidence of advanced woodworking in ancient Egypt.[1] Woodworking is depicted in many extant ancient Egyptian drawings, and a considerable amount of ancient Egyptian furniture (such as stools, chairs, tables, beds, chests) have been preserved. Tombs represent a large collection of these artifacts and the inner coffins found in the tombs were also made of wood. The metal used by the Egyptians for woodworking tools was originally copper and eventually, after 2000 BC bronze as iron working was unknown until much later.[2]

Commonly used woodworking tools included axes, adzes, chisels, pull saws, and bow drills. Mortise and tenon joints are attested from the earliest Predynastic period. These joints were strengthened using pegs, dowels and leather or cord lashings. Animal glue came to be used only in the New Kingdom period.[3] Ancient Egyptians invented the art of veneering and used varnishes for finishing, though the composition of these varnishes is unknown. Although different native acacias were used, as was the wood from the local sycamore and tamarisk trees, deforestation in the Nile valley resulted in the need for the importation of wood, notably cedar, but also Aleppo pine, boxwood and oak, starting from the Second Dynasty.[4]

The progenitors of Chinese woodworking are considered to be Lu Ban (魯班) and his wife Lady Yun, from the Spring and Autumn period (771 to 476 BC). Lu Ban is said to have introduced the plane, chalk-line, and other tools to China. His teachings were supposedly left behind in the book Lu Ban Jing (魯班經, "Manuscript of Lu Ban"). Despite this, it is believed that the text was written some 1500 years after his death. This book is filled largely with descriptions of dimensions for use in building various items such as flower pots, tables, altars, etc., and also contains extensive instructions concerning Feng Shui. It mentions almost nothing of the intricate glue-less and nail-less joinery for which Chinese furniture was so famous.

With the advances in modern technology and the demands of industry, woodwork as a field has changed. The development of Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Machines, for example, has made it possible to mass-produce and reproduce products faster, with less waste, and often with more complex design than ever before. CNC wood routers can carve complicated and highly detailed shapes into flat stock, to create signs or art. Rechargeable power tools speed up creation of many projects and require much less body strength than in the past, for example when boring multiple holes. Skilled fine woodworking, however, remains a craft pursued by many. There remains demand for hand crafted work such as furniture and arts, however with rate and cost of production, the cost for consumers is much higher.

Hardwoods are separated into two categories, temperate and tropical hardwoods, depending on their origin. Temperate hardwoods are found in the regions between the tropics and poles, and are of particular interest to wood workers for their cost-effective aesthetic appeal and sustainable sources.[9] Tropical hardwoods are found within the equatorial belt, including Africa, Asia, and South America. Hardwoods flaunt a higher density, around 1041 kg/m3 as a result of slower growing rates and is more stable when drying.[9] As a result of its high density, hardwoods are typically heavier than softwoods but can also be more brittle.[9] While there are an abundant number of hardwood species, only 200 are common enough and pliable enough to be used for woodworking.[11] Hardwoods have a wide variety of properties, making it easy to find a hardwood to suit nearly any purpose, but they are especially suitable for outdoor use due to their strength and resilience to rot and decay.[9] The coloring of hardwoods ranges from light to very dark, making it especially versatile for aesthetic purposes. However, because hardwoods are more closely grained, they are typically harder to work than softwoods. They are also harder to acquire in the United States and, as a result, are more expensive.[9]

Typically furniture such as tables and chairs is made using solid stock from hardwoods due to its strength and resistance to warping.[10] Additionally, they also have a greater variety of grain patterns and color and take a finish better which allows the woodworker to exercise a great deal of artistic liberty. Hardwoods can be cut more cleanly and leave less residue on sawblades and other woodworking tools.[10] Cabinet/fixture makers employ the use of plywood and other man made panel products. Some furniture, such as the Windsor chair involve green woodworking, shaping with wood while it contains its natural moisture prior to drying.

Each area of woodworking requires a different variation of tools. Power tools and hand tools are both used for woodworking. Many modern woodworkers choose to use power tools in their trade for the added ease and to save time. However, many choose to still use only hand tools for several reasons such as the experience and the added character to the work, while some choose to use only hand tools simply for their own enjoyment.

Plans include a variety of projects such as shop furniture, including shelving, cabinets, and storage. Woodworking jigs to enhance accuracy and safety on tools like the table saw, miter saw, bandsaw, and router table. Numerous other functional woodshop items including woodworking clamps, vises, and more.

When it comes to woodworking, Gary Forte is possibly the most gifted man I know. He does it all. He builds, he repairs, and he creates. My husband and I first asked Gary to repair a wobbly bed. He took it apart, and put it back together--good as new. Next, we asked him to repair another bed, chest of drawers, and vanity. Again, a "new" set of furniture came back to us. When we decided later to remodel our kitchen and laundry room, we naturally thought of Gary. He helped demo the original kitchen, then took measurements to custom build new cabinets--top and bottom. He also salvaged the old cabinets, cut them down to size, and installed them in our "new" laundry room.

Hand tool woodworking has had a huge revival in the last 20 years. Hand tool woodworkers choose to use classical tools and methods to build things. Hand saws, chisels, scrapers and planes are preferred over anything that plugs into a wall.

Most people have a mixture of hand tools and power tools in their shops. For instance blended approach to woodworking might make most cuts using a tablesaw, but use a chisel to hand cut dovetails. Some people find that hand tools offer greater precision and control for cutting technically demanding joints and enjoy improving their skills at these tasks.

The Wood Whisperer Guild is your go to online woodworking school. Develop your woodworking skills through project focused courses. We have free project courses to get you started, a huge catalog of premium project courses, and new projects that are being added all the time.

In this 12-week woodworking intensive, learn properties of various woods and inlay processes. Focus on the aesthetics of form as well as function. You will design and make a final project incorporating all learned techniques. This class requires ALL students to have taken Intro to Furniture Making (or have extensive previous wood shop experience) in order to register. NO CLASS 5/6

Have you ever wanted to make something with wood? This project is an opportunity for you to create and construct items using wood and woodworking tools. From the basics of using a tape measure and a hammer to advanced equipment like routers and table saws, there is something for everyone. Have fun by learning new things and creating useful items.

Seneca FTI has opened a new location in Smiths Station, AL, 1.5 hours from Atlanta. Part of The ICAFe Companies, which make and sell spraying and curing systems, the location will serve the woodworking industries with a focus on automation.

Bison Woodworking is what happens when a couple of individuals with a passion for woodworking come together to make something great. Starting in a garage in 2006, Bison Woodworking was a one man show, turning out beautiful and unique kitchen islands and butcher blocks. Each one, built by hand, one at a time by Craig himself.

The employment outlook for cabinetmakers, machine operators and repair people is favorable. There are many changes taking place in the woodworking industry, and current training is a marketable asset.

Paul writes and presents on Woodworking Masterclasses and Common Woodworking. Both these sites are rich with hand tool woodworking information, projects and inspiration. Common Woodworking is geared towards people who are getting started in hand tool woodworking. Woodworking Masterclasses has a whole range of content aimed at different levels but going up to much more complex concepts and projects.

Learn by studying the work of major designers and artists, then develop your own designs through sketching, model making and creating full-scale drawings. You can apply for a variety of internships and make professional connections as you travel to attend conferences, view exhibitions and visit professional furniture design studios.Throughout the process, professors will emphasize creative problemsolving, craftsmanship and innovation in design so you will be well-prepared for a career in the woodworking and furniture design field.There is no portfolio review prior to admission. Just bring your passion for the arts and a desire to work hard in a multidisciplinary, highly supportive environment. 041b061a72