Things change, to be sure, and woodworking is no exception. New tools come on the market, older tools are upgraded and a number of new, finely made hand tools are now available. Regardless of the subtle changes, the basic principles used by woodworkers have remained constant. The novice woodworker can produce satisfactory work following these unchanging woodworking traditions and using just some basic tools. Once these lessons are learned, all woodworking tasks are only a short step away. Power tools can take much of the drudgery out of woodworking, hand tools bring you closer to your work to teach you the characteristics of wood and how to make the most of the material.