Woodworking, by definition, is the process of making, carving or building something using wood. Whether you are an artist, an architect or furniture maker, woodworking is used by all types of professions and in various hobbies. Along with animal parts, mud and stone, wood was one of the first types of materials that humans worked with. The relationship between the development of civilization and the skill level of working with these types of materials were closely tied to each other.

The Chinese and Egyptians were the initial two ancient civilizations that first used woodworking. The most well-known Chinese woodworker was Lu Ban, who is said to have brought the chalkline, plane, and other woodworking tools to China. It is depicted in a large amount of ancient Egyptian furniture and drawings. A significant amount of ancient furniture in Egypt, such as wooden chests, beds, tables, and chairs, have been preserved in tombs. Inner wooden coffins have also been found inside the tombs. Tools that were commonly used in woodworking include bow drills, pull saws, chisels, adzes and axes, and were originally made by the Egyptians using copper. Historically, woodworkers are said to have used woods native to the regions in which they lived, up until transportation and trade came into effect. Woods used in woodworking can be sorted into three different categories: hardwoods derived from broadleaf trees, softwoods derived from coniferous trees, and man-made wood such as MDF or plywood.

Woodworking Tools

• Tools ��� An article explaining some of the different types of woodworking tools.
• Tools & Hardware ��� Information on some of the different woodworking tools that can be purchased.
• Kids Woodworking ��� Some of the different tools to use and woodworking projects that kids can do.
• WMIA ��� The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association.
• Types of Tools ��� Various woodworking tools in a wide range of categories.
• Tool News ��� Online resource for woodworking tools and supplies.

Wood Information and Identification

• Wood Identification ��� List of links to pictures and additional information on identifying wood.
• Wood Identification Study Guide ��� Complete document with information on identifying different types of wood.
• Wood Identification Guide ��� Step by step guide on how to identify wood.
• Wood Collections and Wood Identification ��� Information on wood collections and classification.
• Woodworking Information ��� Exotic and Canadian wood, plans and information.

Methods of Woodworking

• Proven Woodworking ��� Techniques and tips to improve woodworking skills.
• Woodworking Joints ��� An introductory guide on woodworking joints.
• Intermediate Woodworking Methods and Techniques ��� Article that discusses methods and techniques for the intermediate woodworker.
• Woodworking Techniques ��� Comprehensive list of the various methods of woodworking.

Woodworking Plans and Techniques

• Woodworking Plans, Projects and Patterns ��� Ultimate resource for plans, projects and patterns in woodworking.
• Jeff Greef Woodworking ��� List of links to projects and plans for woodworking.
• Woodworking Projects, Plans and Techniques ��� Projects, techniques and other woodworking information.
• Woodworking Plans and Techniques ��� Information on plans and techniques available on CD.
• Woodcrafting and Woodworking Plans ��� Downloadable guides on woodworking and woodcrafting.
• Woodworking Plans, Tips and Videos ��� Ultimate resource to an online magazine full of plans, tips and videos.


 

How-To Guides

• Ultimate Woodworking Guide ��� Expert information, tips, guides and video on woodworking.
• A Guide to Honing and Sharpening ��� A complete informational guide to honing and sharpening.
• Woodworking Tips and Guides ��� List of articles, tips and guides on woodworking.
• Beginning Woodworking ��� An essential guide on tools for beginners.
• Woodworking Tips and Guide ��� Extensive list of links to videos and manuals for woodworking tools.

Home Building and Home Improvement (plus furniture building)

• Furniture Plans ��� Woodworking plans and information on furniture plans.
• Woodworking Tips ��� Woodworking, custom cabinets and furniture refinishing tips.
• Woodworking Home Improvement Projects ��� Article on the top five home improvement projects.
• Dave's Shop Talk ��� Ultimate resource for everything woodworking including plans and information.
• Home Improvement Woodworking Projects ��� Resourceful list of information on woodworking projects for the home.

Safety

• General Safety Tips ��� General safety tips for woodworking.
• Safety and Health Topics: Woodworking ��� Complete and comprehensive article on all safety aspects of woodworking.
• Woodworking Safety Rules ��� Important safety rules every woodworker should know.
• Woodworking Shop Safety ��� A list of 10 safety tips to post in your woodworking shop.
• Woodworking Machine Safety ��� PDF document that explains the importance of safety in woodworking.

Books and Magazines

• Woodworking Magazines and Books ��� List of magazines and books that deal with woodworking.
• Fox Chapel Publishing ��� Comprehensive site on woodworking books and magazines for the inspired woodworker.
• Woodworking Magazines, Books, Videos and DVDs ��� Collection of woodworking books, magazines and more.
• Books, Magazines and Publications ��� Complete list of resourceful links of books, magazines and publications that have to do with woodworking.