woodworking

Woodworking is the craft of shaping wood to create functional objects and decorative pieces. It encompasses design, material selection, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing. Woodworkers may work by hand with traditional tools or with power tools, and projects range from simple shelves to complex furniture.

Materials include hardwoods such as oak and maple, softwoods such as pine, and engineered woods such as plywood and laminates. Timber moisture content influences workability and stability. Common joints include mortise and tenon, dovetail, and various box joints; fasteners are used when appropriate. Finishes such as oil, wax, shellac, varnish and polyurethane protect and enhance wood.

Tools are divided into hand tools—saws, planes, chisels, rasps and mallets—and power tools—tablesaws, bandsaws, routers, drill presses and sanders. Successful woodworking relies on sharp edges, precise measurement, careful layout, and proper safety practices. Techniques include dimensioning, joinery, routing, carving and surface finishing. Projects range from cabinetry and furniture to musical instruments and small crafts, often combining several techniques.

Woodworking has ancient roots in many cultures, where timber was used for shelter, ships and tools. Over time, guilds and later industrialization shaped skilled trades and furniture design. In modern practice, woodworking blends traditional hand skills with computerized equipment and mass production. It is pursued as a hobby and a profession, with ongoing emphasis on sustainable timber sourcing, use of reclaimed wood, and responsible workshop waste management.