handcrafted woodworking projects for everyday people--with only 12 basic tools!

Lots of people want to try woodwork, but they get intimidated by dangerous power tools and difficult techniques. Good news: there are lots of ways to work with wood and anyone can get a few tools and start making projects.

Everyday Woodworking starts at the very beginning--with wood. How can this common material make everything from furniture to houses? What makes it so strong? Why does it break? More importantly, what can you do to a piece of wood? Sometimes we cut it with a saw. Other times, we split it with an ax or shave it with a knife. This book explains why we choose each tool and how to pick the right cut for any project. As Rex likes to say: "Trust me, it's not hard."

Once you get a few tools and learn some simple techniques, you'll start making things right away. You'll begin with a simple mallet and some wooden wedges and then advance to splitting green logs into usable lumber.

Next you'll pick up a knife and a drill and after just a little practice, you'll be making things you can give to your friends; things they'll actually use:

• A wooden butter knife
• A desk organizer
• A few pieces of sturdy furniture
• Sawhorses
• A small workbench

Each project is shown step-by-step with the beginner in mind. The projects are simple but not primitive. Everyday Woodworking will give you skills that you can build on as you grow as a craftsperson.