HAND TOOL WOODWORKING Hand tool woodworkers choose to use classical tools and methods to build things. Hand saws, chisels, scrapers and planes are preferred over anything that plugs into a wall. Getting started can be very inexpensive. Hand tool woodworkers probably feel more of a connection to the process than any other type of woodworker. It takes patience, has a longer learning curve, it‘s a slower way to build and a lot quieter. But the personal fulfillment and satisfaction can be enormous.

POWER TOOL WOODWORKING - 90% of woodworkers today are power tool woodworkers. Power tools such as miter saws, table saws, drills, sanders are ubiquitous and can be a very affordable way to start building projects right away. Cutting a board on a table saw doesn‘t take anywhere near the skill and finesse of using a handsaw and takes a fraction of the time. They have the potential to cause serious injuries so awareness about the safety procedures is a necessity.

DIGITAL WOODWORKING The primary tool here is the CNC machine that makes precision cuts on flat pieces of wood using a router. One needs to layout and design all of the work on a computer and the machine will take care of the rest, cutting out all the pieces. The laser cutter or engraver allows to make even more precise cuts than a CNC and create some beautiful art. The biggest drawbacks to using digital machines are their cost. They have their limitations and one will probably still want a table saw and other power tools.

BLENDED WOODWORKING It is a mixture of hand tools and power tools. For instance blended approach to woodworking might make most cuts using a table saw, but use a chisel to hand cut dovetails. Some people find that hand tools offer greater precision and control for cutting technically demanding joints and enjoy improving their skills at these tasks.

SPECIALTY WOODWORKING There are two types of woodworking that some enthusiasts specialize in - Woodturning and scrolling:

Woodturning involves using a lathe to create bowls, spindles and other rounded projects. It‘s kind of like sculpting clay on a potter‘s wheel, only with wood and chisels. The only real downside to getting into woodturning is that lathes can be pretty expensive.

Scrolling involves using a scroll saw which is capable of cutting extremely tiny curves and intricate patterns. It takes practice to become proficient, but it‘s relaxing and one can create some stunning art with a scroll saw. Unlike a lathe, scroll saws are relatively inexpensive. They are pretty quiet and don‘t make a huge mess. One can certainly find uses for both tools in a standard woodworking shop, maybe needing to make occasional table legs or add some decorative scrollwork to a fancy bookcase, but in general they aren‘t tools that are used that often.