Wood work is a termed used in arts and crafts to describe the process and produce of wooden crafts. There are several different methods of woodwork which can be used to create different objects and effects for decorative and functional purposes.

Wood working is the most accessible and common form of craft involving wood. Wood working is described as building, making or carving objects from wood. Wood working and carvings have been created by mankind for thousands of years as it requires little skill to get started using simple tools or implements.

Woodworking involves different disciplines such as joinery and carpentry and other specialised production jobs. In arts and crafts a lot of wood work produce is known as cabinet making. Cabinet making not only involves the making of cabinets but also shelving, cupboards, furniture and other decorative items for storage.

Wood burning is also known as pyrography and involves the controlled use of heated implements on wooden surfaces to create decorative patterns and marks.

Wood burning has been practiced throughout history by different cultures. Traces of wood burning activity have been discovered in Egypt and Africa dating back centuries. The process has changed little over time as its simplicity is the key to its effectiveness.

Notable innovations include the introduction of using water based paint to add definition (such as tinting and shade) during the late nineteenth century. In the early twentieth century electrical methods were introduced for etching finer detail with great success.

Wood turning involves turning pieces of wood on a lathe or a similar object whilst carving them with blades to create intricate patterns and effects.

Similar to other forms of wood work wood turning has been practiced for centuries throughout different cultures. Origins of woodturning can be traced back over two thousand years ago to ancient Egypt. Using primitive lathes operated with ropes craftsmen were able to etch designs into the surface of wood. With later innovations the system became more sophisticated up until the arrival of the modern day lathe.

In woodturning there are two essential main forms of woodturning called spindle turning and face plate turning. During spindle turning the grain of the wood is placed lengthwise alongside the bed of the lathe. In faceplate turning the grain of the wood is held at a ninety degree angle allowing control from a different point.

Depending on which method is used different effects can be achieved. Faceplate turning is effective for producing bowls, platters and other curved objects. Different methods are also better for different consistencies of wood to preserve the quality.