Sovereignty Module: Shape the Timber
Complete Woodworking: From Tree to Furniture
Wood is the most versatile building material. This campaign covers tree selection, harvesting, seasoning, joinery, and building everything from bowls to buildings.
Chapter 1: Wood Selection and Properties
| Species | Hardness | Workability | Durability (outdoor) | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oak (white) | Hard | Moderate | Excellent | Furniture, boats, barrels, framing |
| Maple (hard) | Very hard | Difficult | Poor | Cutting boards, tools, flooring |
| Walnut | Medium-hard | Excellent | Good | Furniture, gunstocks, carving |
| Cherry | Medium | Excellent | Moderate | Furniture, cabinets |
| Pine (white) | Soft | Very easy | Poor (untreated) | Construction, interior, carving |
| Cedar (red) | Soft | Easy | Excellent | Shingles, fencing, chests, boats |
| Hickory | Very hard | Difficult | Moderate | Tool handles, bows, smoking |
| Ash | Hard | Good | Moderate | Tool handles, bows, furniture |
| Douglas fir | Medium | Good | Good | Construction, beams, masts |
Chapter 2: Harvesting and Seasoning
Felling: notch on fall side (1/3 diameter), back cut opposite side (2 inches above notch floor). Tree falls toward notch. Clear escape route 45 degrees behind. Seasoning: stack with stickers between layers, cover top, open sides. 1 year per inch thickness. End-seal with wax/paint. Target moisture: 6-8% furniture, 12-15% construction.
Chapter 3: Joinery
| Joint | Strength | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mortise and tenon | Very high | Moderate-high | Furniture frames, timber framing |
| Dovetail | Very high | High | Drawers, boxes |
| Tongue and groove | Moderate | Moderate | Flooring, paneling |
| Half-lap | Moderate | Low | Simple frames |
| Wedged tenon | Very high | Moderate | Permanent assembly |
| Drawbore | Very high | Moderate-high | Timber framing |
Chapter 4: Essential Projects
Workbench → Table → Chair → Chest → Door → Bed frame. Start with mallet and cutting board for practice. Build workbench as first serious project — it enables everything else.
Chapter 5: Finishing
Linseed oil (natural protection), beeswax (soft sheen), shellac (warm amber), pine tar (outdoor), charring (excellent outdoor). Apply to all surfaces including hidden ones.
Reference Card
- Sharp tools above all else. 2. Work with the grain. 3. Measure twice, cut once. 4. Season wood properly. 5. Master mortise and tenon. 6. Finish protects. 7. Secure work before cutting. 8. Practice on scraps first.