A comprehensive guide to learning new woodworking skills, mastering jointmaking, advanced techniques and fine wood finishing, this book demonstrates the basic techniques, providing a solid foundation on which to build your skills and knowledge. Learn about your material with a useful guide to using softwood and hardwood, and all about hand tools and power tools – what you need to start with and how to use them safely, as well as practical advice on setting up your own workshop at home. The book covers all the ways of jointing furniture a beginner will need. It also provides information on advanced techniques, such as carving and woodturning, plus instructions on finishing wood, varnishing and French polishing. There are 20 practical projects, including a simple magazine rack, a classic mirror frame and an elegant ash table. With step-by-step instructions and over 1200 photographs and diagrams, this is an essential guide to creating beautiful objects with wood.