Book excerpt: Nearly half of all new woodworkers are female--but few guides focus especially on their needs. Here’s one that does. Written by professional woodworker Marilyn MacEwen, it gives women the skills and confidence to enter this traditionally masculine preserve, from mastering complex techniques to handling advanced projects. In detail, MacEwen covers wood types and their characteristics, shows how to set up an efficient workshop, discusses and demystifies tools, explains how to read woodworking plans, and offers 16 practical and great-looking items to make, including a bed, chair, CD cabinet, and dining room table. Plus, there are invaluable tips on the ergonomics of working with wood with a woman’s physique, and how to deal with the macho culture of the lumberyard.