Woodworker

By TACP Staff on July 12, 2021

Woodworkers are experts in the various types and properties of wood materials and wood products. Job opportunities in the field include constructing cabinets, furniture, window coverings, and wood sculptures; as well as providing expertise for both large and small scale wood-based commercial or industrial projects. Professionals have extensive knowledge in areas such as veneering, laminating, machinery operation and safety, milling, boring, sanding, and proper cutting techniques.

What Is Woodworking?

Wood is one of the oldest raw materials known to man. It has been used for centuries to create functional objects as well as pieces of art. Since prehistoric times, wood has been used to make shelter, dishes, idols, toys, boats, and musical instruments, among other things.One of the biggest reasons that many individuals choose to build with wood is the fact that it is readily available. It is also one of the most beautiful and durable natural resources on the planet.

What Does a Woodworker Do?

A woodworker is a professional or hobbyist that creates items from wood. Woodworking is often nothing more than a hobby for many people, and they spend their spare time toiling away in their woodworking shops. Some woodworkers, on the other hand, are able to turn their passion and hobby into a career.

Many of a woodworker’s creations are works of art in their own right, but they are also functional. For instance, many woodworkers specialize in making furniture and toys. Professional woodworkers will usually design and create original pieces, either for sale or for mass production. This usually involves drawing a plan and patterns, cutting out the wooden pieces, and assembling their creations from the pieces.

In order to create items from wood, a woodworker must usually have several different types of tools. Some of the most common woodworking hand tools include hammers, saws, files, and chisels. Power tools, while not absolutely necessary, can also make woodworking much easier. Some of the most common power tools for woodworking include saws, drills, and planers.

Woodworking tools must be kept sharp and in top shape. Dull woodworking tools are not only ineffective, but they can also be dangerous, since they are more likely to slip off of a piece of wood when they are being used. To prevent this, most woodworkers must sharpen their tools regularly.

Unlike some other building materials, like metal or masonry, wood is also prone deterioration over time. This material will rot and decay over time, especially if it is exposed to moisture. To prevent this, most woodworkers will usually apply a protective sealer to the wood, which helps repel water. Some of these sealers, known as stains, may even have pigments added, which alter the color of the wood and enhance its beauty.

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Woodworker Education & Training Requirements

A career in woodworking generally starts out with a love for building and an eye for detail. Aspiring professional looking to become a woodworker should also have at least a basic knowledge of the different qualities of the different types of wood.

Woodworking can also be a bit of a dangerous career choice, so knowledge of and a willingness to follow basic safety rules is also very important. Failure to do so can result in potentially life threatening or at least disfiguring injuries. For example, it’s not unheard of for individuals in woodworking careers to lose digits.

Math skills are also very important when pursuing a woodworking career. Aspiring woodworkers should especially concentrate on their knowledge of measurements and geometry.

There is usually no formal training or education required for a career in woodworking. Most professional woodworkers learned their skills through practice and on the job training. Many technical institutes and vocational centers, however, offer diploma, certification, or degree programs in woodworking, cabinetmaking, or carpentry.

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