wood needs to be especially durable in order to prevent rot. Because of their oily qualities, many tropical hardwoods such as teak and mahogany are popular for such applications. Woods with good working properties Agba (Gossweilerodendron balsamiferum) Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Basswood (Tilia americana) Obeah (Triplochiton scleroxylon) Pine (Pinus) Western cedar (Thuja plicata) Very durable woods Teak (Tectona grandis) Iron (Milicia excelsa) Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) Chestnut (Castanea) Oak (Quercus) Cedar (Thuja) Woods used for carving While many woods can be used for carving, there are some clear favorites, including aspen, basswood, butternut, black walnut, and oak. Because it has almost no grain and is notably soft, Basswood is particularly popular with beginner carvers. It is used in many lower-cost instruments like guitars and electric basses. Aspen is similarly soft, although slightly harder, and readily available and inexpensive. Butternut has a deeper hue than basswood and aspen and has a nice grain that is easy to carve, and thus friendly for beginners. It is also suitable for furniture. While more expensive than basswood, aspen, and butternut, black walnut is a popular choice for its rich color and grain. Lastly, oak is a strong, sturdy, and versatile wood for carving with a defined grain. It is also a popular wood for furniture making. Common tools Each area of woodworking requires a different variation of tools. Power tools and hand tools are both used for woodworking. Many modern woodworkers choose to use power tools in their trade for the added ease and to save time. However, many choose to still use only hand tools for several reasons such as the experience and the added character to the work, while some choose to use only hand tools simply for their own enjoyment. Hand tools Hand tools are classified as tools that receive power only from the hands that are holding them. The more common modern hand tools are: Clamps are used to hold a workpiece while being worked. Clamps vary in all shapes and sizes from small c-clamps to very large bar or strap clamps. A vise is a form of clamp, temporarily or permanently mounted as required. A woodworking vise is a vise specialized to the needs of a woodworker; numerous types have evolved. Chisels are tools with a long blade, a cutting edge, and a handle. Used for cutting and shaping wood or other materials. The claw hammer, which can hammer, pry, and