It’s a no-brainer that power tools add efficiency to any woodworking job. The problem is they can be dangerous and damaging to the environment, making many environmentalists interested in green woodworking.
Not everyone knows this traditional method, so our resident woodworkers took the liberty to discuss why it’s a valuable skill to add to your woodworking repertoire.
Introduction
True to its name, this traditional woodworking process involves using untreated or “green” wooden materials.
Unlike the typical workshop, projects under this method don’t rely on electric-powered machinery or power tools.
It’s a sustainable technique that advocates using simple hand tools to reduce carbon footprint production. Although time-consuming, this alternative can achieve a rustic charm that no machine-made materials can offer.
Why Consider this Method?
You may not know, but using freshly cut wood helps lessen your carbon footprint as a woodworker. It eliminates the need for materials to undergo drying procedures, which are often energy-intensive.
Moreover, this approach can be beneficial for beginners who have a restricted assortment of tools at their disposal, providing them with a practical solution.
Our woodworking experts often recommend projects using this method because it doesn’t need a massive workspace or expensive tools.
Most freshly cut lumber pieces have different properties, from pattern to color. This attribute will give the final workpiece a natural and visually appealing design.
Key Benefits
Considering its eco-friendly perks and high accessibility, here are the primary benefits you can enjoy if you opt for this alternative method:
- Untreated wood pieces are soft and work well with standard hand tools.
- It eliminates the need for power tools, which lessens the chances of accidents and experiencing health risks.
- You can execute this method outdoors to get your creativity connected with nature.
- You can execute this method outdoors to get your creativity connected with nature.
- Most products from this method are harvested through coppicing. It’s a process that includes trimming trees to preserve their life span.
- Hand-cut materials carry zero embodied energy [1].
What Can You Do to Learn or Improve?
If you’re interested in going greener with your craft, the best advice we can give is to take a course or find more woodworking books that discuss this traditional method. You can start by buying basic hand tools, as well as a shave horse and pole lathe.
It may sound cliché, but the best way to improve your woodworking skills is still through experience and practice. You don’t need to worry because this technique includes many projects, from kitchenware to furniture.
To further improve your woodworking skills, you might want to check the following:
Which is it Best For?
This method works well with materials often seen when making kitchen items, like wooden bowls, spoons, and spatulas. You can also incorporate it with figure carving projects for decorative handles.
You can use this method to craft pieces that require conical joints and tenons for larger projects. These workpieces are then mortised to create furniture, like chairs, stools, or benches.
Tools Used
Whether you’re a tool collector or a wee beginner, traditional woodworking will fit your style because it involves a minimalist tool kit that can handle different tasks. Here are your essentials:
- Sloyd knife: It wields a blade about 2 to 4 inches long with a single, flat bevel design.
- Carving axe: It should weigh more than a pound with an extensive, curved edge for controlled wielding.
- Hook Knife: This tool has a bent edge that allows users to carve spoons and bowls.
- Froe: An excellent alternative for splitting wood materials.
FAQ
What does a green carpenter do?
A green carpenter uses eco-friendly materials and tools to fulfill carpentry tasks. It includes opting for undried or untreated wood and not relying on electric-powered tools.
Conclusion
It’s not a practice we often see in the industry, but we can’t deny that green woodworking offers a unique insight into self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Trust our resident woodworkers when we say that working with limited materials and tools can provide a fresh perspective on your creative mind and help you enhance your skills.
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