Wood Working – When and Where It All Started

Crafting furniture and other equipment from wood are not new. It could be more advanced and efficient than what it used to be many centuries ago, but it is still the same trade. Technology has only made it better. Now, before we all get lost in the present, let us have a look at how carpentry has evolved through the years.

Way back in 8,000 BC, ancient Greeks and Stone-age Europeans used stone axes to split timber and make buildings that went up to 100ft long. This was the beginning of carpentry as we know it today. During this time it was all about erecting buildings. The copper age followed next. Only that it happened in ancient Egypt in 6000 BC. Woodwork tools had now been upgraded from stone to copper. As the years went by and the trade passed from one generation to the next, new inventions came to the place and the profession grew.

By 2000 BC, the Egyptians had moved from using copper tools to bronze tools. They were able to cut, mortise, dovetail, and drill timber with ease. Everything was working out perfectly, and wood had become one of the most used building material. Thanks to their ready availability.

The Chinese and Japanese came into the picture in 720 BC and 7^th century respectively. The former came up with the use of precise measurements to make various pieces of furniture, while Japanese carpenters are renowned for erecting durable wooden buildings. They built most of the ancient wooden structures that are still standing today.

The last phase of the evolution happened in the middle ages. During this time tools were being made using steel. This has stuck to date, with only a few modifications to enhance efficiency.

Now that you know about the history of woodworking, how about you learn a few tips on how to make your wooden chair? It could come in handy one day and save you lots of time and money.

First, make sure you have enough timber for the legs, seat, and backrest. They should be as follows;

• Two 2-inch-by-24-inch-by-1/2- inch wood for the seat and backrest slats
• Two 1/2-inch-by-16-inch wood for the front legs
• Two ½-inch-by-16 ½-inch wood for the back legs

You have to start by placing the backrest rails 22 inches apart on your work table. Screw in six 2-inch-by24-inch-by-1/2-inch backrest wood slats 1 inch apart. Always start from the top. Next would be the seat rails. They also need to be 22 inches apart and screwed in with six 2-inch-by24-inch-by-1/2-inch seat rest slats. Attach the front legs at the bottom of the seat rails on either side followed by the back, directly opposite. The backrest should be appended to the back legs using big screws. By now your wooden chair is almost ready for use. You only need to attach two 1/2-inch-by-16-inch arms rest to the outer sides of the backrest.

Lastly, you should know that nothing could substitute the essential value of a skilled and experienced carpenter. His skill and expertise are invaluable. He not only gets the job done but also does it perfectly. It is always advisable to consult one before making any woodwork related decisions. In Pretoria, you need not look any further than Carpenter Pretoria. They are the best in the business. As far as beautiful furniture and quality woodwork are concerned, they have got you covered. Give them a call today on 012 004 1825 and get value for your money. Carpentry is their forte, and they are exceptionally good at it.