iii
Introduction Introduction
Exploring Woodworking is designed to as-
sist you in learning the fundamentals of work-
ing safely and effi ciently with hand tools and
power tools. In addition, the book acquaints
you with the different types of woods and their
uses. It also introduces you to the industrial
woodworking environment, and describes the
technology used today to produce the many
wood products
The information included in Exploring
Woodworking is presented in an easy-to-under-
stand format. New terms are listed at the start
of each section and are introduced within that
section. This allows you to be introduced to a
new term in context, resulting in the best un-
derstanding of the material being presented.
Safety is stressed throughout the text and
is highlighted using a predominant second
color. This enables you to easily locate impor-
tant information regarding the care and safe
operation of tools and equipment.
Exploring Woodworking emphasizes the
important role that wood and wood by-products
play in our everyday lives. Wood is also a vital
part of our future. Improved technology, conser-
vation, and recycling will be critical to ensuring
an adequate supply of wood for the future.
Color is used throughout the book to clarify
details and highlight important parts of draw-
ings. Color photographs are used to show you the
natural colors of various woods, and to enhance
the appearance of new tools and equipment.
The contents of this book are presented in
an orderly and organized manner. Information
regarding the materials used in woodwork-
ing, safety, and product planning presented
fi rst. Subsequent chapters focus on hand tools,
portable power tools, and power woodwork-
ing machines, including information on safety
and proper use. Updated information in the
areas of project construction, wood fi nishing,
lamination, wood bending, and adhesives also
covered. A special chapter provides information
and details on incorporating entrepreneurship
and manufacturing enterprise into the shop.
Chapters presenting information on automated
manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and careers
are also included in this book. Many operations
that occur in an industrial setting are different
than those that occur in a woods laboratory.
However, the theory and principles of operation
remain the same.
The fi nal chapter of Exploring Woodworking
provides construction details of carefully select-
ed new projects. These projects provide students
with exciting, easy, fi rst-time projects to build.
A special section also shows simple to complex
woodworking projects completed by students.
Exploring Woodworking is intended for
students in middle schools, junior high schools,
and high school technology education programs.
Since this is a beginning level exploratory wood-
working book, it could also be used for adult ed-
ucation classes and by the do-it-yourselfer.