Woodworking is an ancient art that can be practiced with any type of wood, including reclaimed or exotic species. Traditional woodworking techniques have proven effective throughout history and still provide the strength and durability necessary for a wide variety of projects.
Whether you’re just getting started in woodworking or you have been doing it for years, there is always something new to learn. Classic Woodworking is a resource filled with first-rate information that will guide you through all of the basics.
Techniques
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, the techniques of classic woodworking carry over from projects as small as carving a spoon to larger ones like building cabinets. These techniques include the basics of cutting, bending, and joining wood.
Often, fine woodworking projects use multiple types of wood to achieve specific design goals. Some are functional while others are purely decorative, but all of them take advantage of the natural qualities of the wood they’re made from.
When making furniture, the artist must consider the structure of the piece and its ability to stand up to frequent use. These items are also usually made from kiln-dried lumber to prevent warping, which can cause the pieces to crack or chip.
The techniques of classic woodworking may also involve creating intricate designs, such as scrollwork, that display the natural qualities of the wood they’re constructed from. These can range from simple shapes to intricate letters or even embellished legs for a piece of furniture.
Tools
A well-stocked tool collection is essential for any woodworker. From hand tools and power tools to safety equipment, the right tools will make any wood project easier and more enjoyable.
When choosing tools, start with the basics: a tape measure, pencil and rule. These are great for making accurate measurements and transferring lines to the material.
Then add a few more powerful tools, like a table saw, if your skills and experience level demand it. The more powerful the tools, the faster they’ll cut, and the longer they’ll last.
If you’re a newbie, a few basic hand tools are essential for beginning woodworking projects. A wooden pencil, ruler and a folding square are all useful.
A marking knife can help you mark where to cut with chisels or other tools, particularly for tight-fitting joints. A marking knife should be a high-quality one that will stay sharp for many years. It also must be light enough for you to hit with a wooden mallet, but not so lightweight that it’s difficult to hold and chop with a chisel.
Materials
Using a small budget to your advantage, classic woodworking can be accomplished with an eye for design and a bit of imagination. The most important piece of equipment in any home shop is a well conceived workbench. The tools are a close second. Among the most important is a good set of chisels in the right size for the job. Fortunately, these are not a shoddy affair; the best ones are built to last. The wood encased chisels are a pleasure to hold and to use. The trick is keeping them from splintering. A quality set of chisels will pay dividends in spades when you’re ready to tackle some serious woodworking. This includes some of the more difficult projects like boxy tables and cabinets. You’ll be rewarded with a sense of satisfaction, pride and, most importantly, more fun.
Finishing
Finishing is the final step in woodworking, and it includes the application of coatings to make a project look more beautiful or fancier. These finishes include wax, shellac, drying oil, lacquer, varnish, and paint.
Before finishing, wood surfaces are prepared by sanding to remove defects that will interfere with the finished object’s appearance and performance. These defects include cutter marks, burns, scratches and indentations, small glue spots and raised grain.
In classic woodworking, the finishing process can involve sanding by hand or using a power sander. It also involves painting or staining the wood to change its color.
Staining is an important finishing technique because it alters the appearance of the wood, making it look more colorful and attractive. It can be used to make furniture, boxes, and other objects look more unique and interesting.
