Friday, October 5, 2012

The History Of Woodworking Tools



Ever since humans figured out that we could build with wood, we have been trying to invent new and better ways to cut and shape the wood. The earliest tools allowed for only a rough fitting of the pieces while today's tools provide for more precision joints and angles. The history of woodworking tools is essentially a study of man's development and his ability to design better implements for building.

The invention of woodworking tools goes as far back as mankind himself. In order to provide food for the family and himself, man had to create weapons in order to hunt his prey. The development of the spear as well as the bow and arrow required some type of carving device to create arrows that would fly straight as well as spears that were strong enough to withstand killing an animal. The first carving implements would be made from flint rocks found on the ground and sharpened by running the edge along another rock until it was sharp enough to cut the wood. This would be the beginnings of the invention of the knife.

Several early civilizations would develop more useful tools to work with wood, most notably the Egyptian, Babylonian and Chinese civilizations. These cultures are well-known for their ability to build and design very intricate and majestic structures. The use of tools for shaping wood played an important part in their construction. It was from these societies that the saw, chisel, hammer and axe were created among many other implements.

The history of woodworking tools would take a giant leap forward from the start of the renaissance period onward as the invention of better tools was required to keep up with the growing populations. Europe was finally coming out of the dark ages and societies felt more freedom to create and develop newer and better buildings. The skilled trade of furniture making also began to grow, requiring more intricate woodworking tools.

Between the years 1600 to 1900, a number of inventions would be added to the growing number of woodworking tools, including wood planes, more precise chisels, better saws, handles for the tools and better hammers. There were also many devices that were created to assist with woodworking, such as the vise, sawhorses, squares and clamps. The invention of better woodworking tools would be advanced in the early days of America as advancements in building and design moved forward. Improvements were made on many of the tools to create more efficient designs that were easier to use.

By the early 20th Century, the history of woodworking tools would take another leap forward as more efficient ways to create woodworking tools that ran by electricity would be invented. This would increase the speed in which wood could be cut and shaped, making woodworking a more productive enterprise. With the invention of the modern rechargeable battery pack, woodworking tools were made to not only be more efficient, but could also be portable, allowing them to be used anywhere without the need of an electrical cord attached to the tools.

Woodworking tools continue to be redesigned and great advancements made to make them easier to use and work with. As the population grows and needs arise for better woodworking equipment, it is certain that a new invention to meet the need will be created. 

Do you have an invention idea? Click here to find out how to submit your idea.
 

No comments:

Post a Comment