Green Woodworking………Yesterday and Today
Green woodworking is enjoying a revival now that the planting of trees is recognised as an important way of reducing global warming.
Indeed wood loving craftsmen of the past are now regarded as the first conservationists, as they harnessed the attributes of wood in a sustainable and renewable way.
The common thread in green woodworking is the use of freshly cut, moist wood that has not been dried or seasoned. This allows for easier manipulation of the wood and the development of unique, organic shapes as the wood dries and settles over time.
The craftsmen working with green wood not only enhanced the woodland where they lived and worked, but also created a habitat for a wealth of wildlife from birds to insects and fungi to fauna.
The Equipment of a Woodsman
The Shave Horse
Shave horses are used to hold rough pieces of wood, whilst they are being shaped with a two handed spoke shave or draw knife.
The craftsman (or woman) sits at one end of the ‘horse’ and uses a foot lever to hold the work in place.
Shave horses are mainly used to make spoons, small bowls and chair legs.
The Pole Lathe
A pole lathe, also called a spring pole lathe, is used for wood turning. A cord is wrapped around a raw billet of wood. The woodsman presses the treadle, which unwinds the cord, thus turning the wood. The elasticity within the long pole acts as a return spring to reset the treadle.
The Woodsmen
The men, who used pole lathes, were called bodgers. Years ago they lived an itinerant life, setting up their lathes close to fallen trees. The craft was particularly popular in the woodland around High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, where Windsor chairs were made. Today’s bodgers have an association, The Association of Pole-lathe Turners and Green Woodworkers, also known as the bodgers.
Books
Here are a couple of books you can dip into……
Discover hundreds of projects for working with unseasoned wood in this essential book. From wattle gates to lemon juicers, chairs, benches and stools to baskets, whistles and door wedges.
Practical information, with good clear diagrams and practical instructions for projects.
Videos
The craftsmen’s skills are brought to life by watching videos…..here is a selection…..
How To Turn A Wooden Bowl On A Pole Lathe – Raleigh Klotzek
By Wild Crafted Home
How to use a Shave Horse and Drawknife for GreenWoodworking
by Wood and Shop
How to Make a Spokeshave by Wood by Wright
Find A Craft – Woodwork
Greenwood Days Courses for 2026
Enjoy making a bowl, a spoon or whatever you choose with green woodworking.
