I Can’t Sleep - Woodworking | Gentle Reading for Sleep

Episode Date: February 25, 2026

Drift off with calm bedtime reading that invites sleep and eases insomnia. This calm bedtime reading supports sleep and offers comfort for insomnia as you settle in for the night. Tonight, we gently explore the world of woodworking, from its ancient roots to the careful craft of shaping timber into useful and beautiful objects. You’ll learn about traditional tools, evolving techniques, and the quiet satisfaction of working with wood, all while your mind gradually unwinds. Benjamin’s steady, soothing cadence guides you through each detail with no whispering, just fact filled, peaceful education designed to help with insomnia, stress, and anxiety. As knowledge replaces racing thoughts, your breathing slows and your body softens into rest. Press play, get comfortable, and let this calm journey into craftsmanship carry you toward deep, restorative sleep. Happy sleeping! Read with permission from Woodworking, Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodworking), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're listening to a Glassbox Media podcast. What if I told you that most of the modern day self-help advice you've been hearing could actually make you worse? The key to a better life isn't about feel-good gimmicks that sound catchy. The Mentally Stronger Podcast gives you access to a licensed therapist who shares science-backed tools that will actually change your life. Hi, I'm Amy Morin, psychotherapist, mental strength trainer, and international best-selling author. In each episode, we cover research-back strategies, like how to stop relying on willpower and start creating habits for lasting change. And the five mental strength-building exercises you can do from your couch. I also speak to world-class experts like Dr. Nicole Kane, who shares how to permanently heal anxiety by addressing the root cause.

With over 200 episodes in our catalog, this podcast is for you if you're ready to crush self-doubt, conquer challenges, become stronger than ever with therapist-approved strategies that can change your life. Listen to Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin, wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to the I Can't Sleep podcast, where I help you drift off one fact at a time. I'm your host, Benjamin Boster, and today's episode is about woodworking. Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood and includes cabinetry, furniture making, wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and wood turning. Along with stone, clay, and animal parts, wood was one of the first materials worked by early humans. Microware analysis of the mysterious stone tools used by the Neanderthals

show that many were used to woodwork. The development of civilization was closely tied to the development of increasingly greater degrees of skill in working these materials. Among the earliest finds of woodworking are shaped sticks, displaying notches from Colombo Falls in Southern Africa, dating to around 476,000 years ago. The Clacton Spearhead from Clacton-on-C., England, dating to around 400,000 years ago. The Scheringen spear from Scheringen, Germany, dating around 300,000 years ago.

And the Leringen Spear from northern Germany, dating to around 120,000 years ago. providing some of the first examples of wooden hunting implements. Wooden tools likely used for domestic activities, including probable alls, have also been found at Schoeningen. Flint tools were used for carving. Since Neolithic times, carved wooden vessels are known. For example, from the linear pottery culture wells,

at Quarkofen and Isra. Examples of Bronze Age wood carving include tree trunks, worked into coffins, from northern Germany and Denmark, and wooden folding chairs. The site of Felbach-Schmeden in Germany has provided fine examples of wooden animal statues from the Iron Age. Wooden idols from the Lottin period, known from a sanctuary at the source of the Sen in France.

There is significant evidence of advanced woodworking in ancient Egypt. Woodworking is depicted in many extant ancient Egyptian drawings, and a considerable amount of ancient Egyptian furniture, such as tools, chairs, tables, beds, chests, have been preserved. Tumes represent a large collection of these artifacts, and the inner coffins found in the tombs were also made of wood. The metal used by the Egyptians for woodworking tools was originally copper, and eventually, after 2000 BC, bronze, as ironworking was unknown until much later.

Commonly used woodworking tools included axes, adzes, chisels, pull saws, and bow drills. Mortis and tenon joints are tested from the earliest pre-dynastic period. These joints were strengthened using pegs, dowels, and leather or cord lashings. Animal glue came to be used only in the New Kingdom period. Ancient Egyptians invented the art of veneering and used varnishes for finishing. though the composition of these varnishes is unknown. Although different native acacias were used,

as was the wood from the local sycamore and tamarisk trees, deforestation in the Nile Valley resulted in the need for the importation of wood, notably cedar, but also Aleppo pine, boxwood, and oak, starting from the Second Dynasty, Woodworking was essential to the Romans. It provided materials for buildings, transportation, tools, and household items. Wood also provided pipes, dye, waterproofing materials, and energy for heat.

Although most examples of Roman woodworking have been lost, the literary record preserved much of the contemporary knowledge. Vitruvius dedicates an entire chapter of his de architectura to timber, preserving many details. Pliny, well, not a botanist, dedicated six books of his natural history to trees and woody plants, providing a wealth of information on trees and their uses. The progenitors of Chinese woodworking are considered to be Lu Bonn and his wife, Lady Yun. from the spring and autumn period. Luban is said to have introduced the plain, chalkline, and other tools to China. His teachings were supposedly left behind in the book Luban Jing.

Despite this, it is believed that the text was written some 1,500 years after his death. This book is filled largely with descriptions of dimensions for use. in building various items, such as flower pods, tables, altars, etc. And also contains extensive instructions concerning feng shui. It mentions almost nothing of the intricate glueless and nailless joinery for which Chinese furniture was so famous. With the advances in modern technology and the demands of industry would work as a feat field has changed.

The development of computer numerical control CNC machines, for example, has made it possible to mass produce and reproduce products faster with less waste, and often with more complex designs than ever before. CNC wood routers can carve complicated and highly detailed shapes into flat stock to create signs or art. Rechargeable power tools speed up the creation of many projects and require much less physical strength than in the past, for example when boring multiple holes. Skilled fine woodworking, however, remains a craft pursued by many. There remains demand for handcrafted work such as furniture and art. However, with the rate and cost of production,

the price for consumers is much higher. Modern wood carving usually refers to works of wood art produced by woodcarvers in the form of contemporary art. This type of wood carving often combines traditional techniques with more modern artistic styles and concepts. Modern wood carving can be produced in a variety of forms and styles from realist to abstract carvings, and often uses unusual wood materials,

such as rain tree wood or wood with unique textures to highlight the uniqueness of the work. In recent years, the art of modern wood carving has become increasingly popular among woodcarvers and visual art enthusiasts, not only in Asia, but also around the world. the world. Modern wood carving art is often exhibited in art galleries and museums and can be seen in several global contemporary art exhibitions. Woodworking, especially furniture making,

has many different designs or styles. Throughout its history, woodworking designs and styles have changed. Traditional furniture styles usually include styles that have been around for long periods of time, and have shown a mark of wealth and luxury for centuries. More modern furniture styles are commonly used over the past few hundred years. Traditional and timeless styles. Jacobian, Dutch, Victorian, Art Deco, Sheraton. Modern furniture styles. Antique, American colonial, traditional, vintage, rustic, retro, modern, minimalism, contemporary.

Historically, woodworkers relied upon the woods native to their region, until transportation and trade innovations made more exotic woods available to the craftsmen. Woods are typically sorted into three basic types. Hardwoods typified by tight grain and derived from broadleaf trees, soft woods from coniferous trees, and man-made materials, such as plywood and MDF. Hardwoods, botanically known as angiosperms, are deciduous and shed their leaves annually with temperature changes. Softwoods come from trees botanically known as gymnasperms, which are coniferous, cone-bearing, and stay green year-round. Although a general pattern,

softwoods are not necessarily always softer than hardwoods, and vice versa. Softwood is commonly found in the regions of the world with lower temperatures and is typically less durable, lighter in weight, and more vulnerable to pests and fungal attacks in comparison to hardwoods. They typically have a paler color and a more open grain than hardwoods, which contributes to the tendency of fell to softwood to shrink and swell as it dries. Softwoods usually have a lower density, around 432 to 592 kilograms per meter squared.

which can compromise its strength. Density, however, does vary within both softwoods and hardwoods, depending on the woods's geographical origin and growth rate. However, the lower density of softwoods also allows it to have greater strength with lighter weight. In the United States, softwoods are typically cheaper and more readily available and accessible. Most soft woods are suitable for general construction, especially framing, trim, and finish work, and carcassing. Hardwoods are separated into two categories, temperate and tropical hardwoods, depending on their origin. Temperate hardwoods are found in the regions between the tropics and poles,

and are of particular interest to woodworkers for their cost-effective aesthetic appeal. and sustainable sources. Tropical hardwoods are found within the equatorial belt, including Africa, Asia, and South America. Hardwoods flaunt a higher density, around 1,041 kilograms per meter cubed, as a result of slower growing rates and is more stable when drying. As a result of its high density, hardwoods are typically heavier than softwoods, but can also be more brittle. While there are an abundant number of hardwood species,

only 200 are common enough and pliable enough to be used for woodworking. Hardwoods have a wide variety of properties, making it easy to find a hardwood to suit nearly any purpose, but they are especially suitable for outdoor use due to their strengths and resilience to rot. and decay. The coloring of hardwoods ranges from light to very dark, making it especially versatile for aesthetic purposes. However, because hardwoods are more closely grained, they are typically harder to work than softwoods. They are also harder to acquire in the United States, and as a result are more expensive. Typically, furniture such as tables and chairs is made using solid stock from hardwoods due to its strength and resistance to warping.

Additionally, they also have a greater variety of grain patterns in color, and take a finish better, which allows the woodworker to exercise a great deal of artistic liberty. Hardwoods can be cut more cleanly and leave less residue on saw blades and other woodworking tools. Cabinet fixture makers employ the use of plywood and other man-made panel products. Some furniture, such as the Windsor Chair, involve green woodworking, shaping with wood while it contains its natural moisture prior to drying. Cedars are strong, aromatic softwoods that are capable of enduring outdoor elements, the most common of which is the Western Red Cedar.

Western Red Cedar can sustain wet environments without succumbing to rod, and as a result is commonly used for outdoor projects, such as patios, outdoor furniture, and building exteriors. This wood can be easily found at most home centers in the U.S. and Canada for a moderate price. Within the United States of America, fur, also known as Douglas fir, is inexpensive and common at local home centers. It has a characteristic straight, pronounced grain with a red-brown tint. However, its grain pattern is relatively plain, and it does not stain well. So fur is commonly used when the finished product will be painted.

While commonly used for building, this soft wood would also be suitable for furniture making. White pine, panderosa, and southern yellow pine are common species used in furniture making. White pine and ponderosa are typically used for indoor projects, while southern yellow pine is recommended for outdoor projects due to its durability. Ash is relatively easy to work with and take stain well. However, ash is much more difficult to find than other common woods and will not be found at the local home center. Larger lumber yards should have it in stock.

Hardwood of the European species, Phagus of Attica, is widely used for furniture framing and carcass construction. and plywood, musical instruments, like drum shells and piano blocks, and turned items like knobs. Whether yellow or white birch, these hardwoods are stable and easy to work with. Despite this, birch is prone to blotching when stained, so painting birch products is probably best. Birch is easily found at many home centers and is a relatively inexpensive hardwood. Easy to work with, cherry wood is in high demand for its reddish-brown color and ease of staining and finishing. Cherry likely will not be at the local home center, but should be at a lumber yard for a somewhat expensive price.

This hardwood is a very common material for food. furniture and is resistant to normal wear and tear. A hardwood, mahogany, has a trademark reddish-brown to deep red tint, and is known as one of the great furniture woods. However, mahogany is not typically grown in sustainable forests and thus runs a steep price at local lumber yards. With two varieties, red and wide, oak is known to be a very. easy to work with and relatively strong. However, furniture makers often opt for white oak over

red oak for its attractive figure and moisture resistance. Depending on the kind needed, oak can probably be found at a local home center or a lumber yard for a bit pricier than other hardwoods. With strength, sturdiness, and durability, maple is a common material for furniture, for the bedroom and even china cabinets. Maple is moisture-resistant and frequently displays stand-out swirls in the wood grain, an aesthetically pleasing differentiator from other hardwoods. While most commonly a lighter color,

maple also can take stains and paint well. There are many factors to consider when deciding what type of wood to use for a project. One of the most important is that, the workability of the wood, the way in which it responds when worked by hand or tools, the quality of the grain, and how it responds to adhesives and finishes. When the workability of wood is high, it offers a lower resistance when cutting and has a diminished blunting effect on tools. Highly workable wood is easier to manipulate into desired forms. If the wood grain is straight,

and even, it will be much easier to create strong and durable glued joints. Additionally, it will help protect the wood from splitting when nailed or screwed. Coarse grains require a lengthy process of filing and rubbing down the grain to produce a smooth result. Another important factor is the durability of the wood, especially in regards to moisture. If the finished project will be exposed to moisture, e.g. outdoor projects, or high humidity or condensation, e.g. in kitchens or bathrooms, then the 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. 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 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 what's a defined grain. It is also a popular wood for furniture making. 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 woodworkers still choose to use only hand tools for several reasons,

such as tradition, the experience, and the added character to the work. While some choose to use only hand tools simply for their own enjoyment. Hand tools are classified as tools that receive power only from the hands that are holding them. Edged hand woodworking tools need to be sharpened, which is done using the sharpening jig and sharpening stone. A more novel method involves the use of sandpaper. The more common modern hand tools are clamps. Clamps are used to hold a workpiece while being work. in work. Clamps vary in all shapes and sizes, from small sea clamps to very large bar or strap clamps. A vise is a form of clamp, temporarily or permanently mounted as required.

A woodworking vice is a vice specialized to the needs of a woodworker. Numerous types have evolved. Chisels. Chisels or tools with a large. long blade, a cutting edge, and a handle, used for cutting and shaping wood or other materials. Clawhammer. The claw hammer which can hammer, pry, and pull nails is the most common hammer used in woodworking. Hand plane. A hand plane is used to surface aspects of a workpiece. Square.

The square is used to mark angles on a work. angles on any workpiece. An adjustable square also includes a ruler. A speed square can mark 90 and 45 degree fixed angles and any angle between 0 and 90 degrees using its long axis. Tape measure. A tape measure is a retractable or flexible ruler that has measurement increments as small as 1.30 second of an incher inch or one millimeter. Hand saw. A hand saw, according to Cambridge University, a saw that is operated by hand rather than using electricity or motor.

Files and RASPs. Both files and RASP are used to grind down wood material, either to make the surface flat, rounded, concaved, or many other shapes. Raspes make deeper cuts, while files make smaller and less harsh cuts on the wood. The difference between the two is mainly their teeth size. Power tools are tools that are powered by an external energy, such as a battery, motor, or a power cable connected to a wall outlet. The more common power tools are drill. The drill is a tool used to drill a hole or to insert a screw into a workpiece.

Palm sander. A palm sander is a small powered sander that uses either a vibration or orbital motion to move a piece of sandpaper upon the workpiece, making very fine modifications and smoothing your product. Compound miter saw. A compound mitre saw, also known as a chop saw, is a stationary saw used for making precise cuts across the grain path of a board. These cuts can be at any chosen angle that the particular saw is capable of. Table saw. A table saw is intended to make long, precise cuts along the grain pattern of the board, known as rip cuts.

Most table saws offer the option of a beveled rip cut. Thickness planer A thickness planer is used to smooth the surface of a board and make it the exact thickness across the entire board. Jointer A joinder is used to produce a flat surface along a board's length and to create a square or 90-degree edge between two adjoining surfaces.

Band saw. A band saw is used to make both irregularly shaped cuts and cuts through material thicker than a table saw can manage. It is much more robust than the jigsaw or more delicate scroll saw, also regularly used in woodworking. Drill Press A drill press is an important tool used in woodworking.

It is similar to a hand drill but is a table floor mounted machine that uses a shaft with a spring loaded handle to lower the drill bit into the wood or material. A hand drill is used by many woodworkers, but a drill press is even more accurate and powerful. A drum sander is a machine that uses a wide rotating sandpaper drum. drum to sand down a piece of wood as it rolls through the tool similar to a planer and how it operates but instead of blades a drum sander uses sandpaper