Woodworking has been around for as long as we have record of man building. You can see examples of ancient woodworking by studying the ancient Egypt and Chinese cultures. In the beginning people would use the types of wood that they naturally found around them. As trade increased, so did the trade of building materials. There have always been skilled artisans that focused on woodworking, but there was a time when nearly everyone used basic woodworking sills around their home. As society has moved to a more technological environment woodworking skills have become less common.

When you first begin woodworking you may be looking for resources to help you buy the right equipment and the right materials for each project. You will also be looking for plans to help you complete each project. Tips can help your woodworking project to go much more smoothly. There are a lot of projects available online.

Where Can I Go to Find Free Projects Plans?

• Woodworking Plans: Offers plans for a variety of project
• About.com's Woodworking Guide: Offers a guide to free plans
• Allcrafts.net: Offers step-by[step project guides
• Wood Projects.com: Offers several project plans
• Drawyourownplans.com: Teaches how to draw your own plans

Different projects require different types of wood and different tools to complete. It is important to understand the best materials for your project, as well as find the best tools to complete it. The answers to these questions depend on the type of project you are doing.

What Woodworking Tools Do I Need?

• About.com's Woodworking Guide: Offers detailed tool reviews
• Popular Woodworking: Offers tool reviews
• Newwoodworker.com: Offers tips on buying new tools
• Woodworker's Auction: Offers a guide to the finding the right tools for your project
• Professionalpowertoolguide.com: Offers reviews on professional power tools

What Types of Materials Should I Use?

• About.com's Guide to Woodworking: Offers a guide on how to use recycled materials in your project
• Wood Bin: Offers a guide to understanding the quality of wood
• Woodworking Buying Tips: Offers tips on buying woodworking materials

Where Can I Find Woodworking Tips?

• Woodworking.org: Offers a woodworking central guide
• About.com: Offers basic woodworking tips
• Popular Woodworking: Offers projects and tips
• NewWoodworker.com: Offers tips for the beginner
• WoodZone.com: Offers tips and tricks for basic woodworking
• The Woodwrights Shop: A television show on woodworking
• DIY Network: Offers several woodworking videos full of tips

As with any craft, it is important to draw on the skills and experience of a true craftsman. Take time to talk to someone you know who has completed similar projects before you start a project. You can also get tips from these great online sources.