Short answers, pulled from the story.
Woodworking began long before recorded history with shaped sticks from Kalambo Falls in southern Africa dating to around 476,000 years ago. The Clacton spearhead from England dates to approximately 400,000 years ago while Schöningen spears from Germany date to around 300,000 years ago.
Ancient Egyptians originally used copper for woodworking tools before bronze became common after 2000 BC. Commonly used tools included axes adzes chisels pull saws and bow drills while they imported cedar Aleppo pine boxwood and oak starting from the Second Dynasty.
Hardwoods have a higher density around 1041 kg per cubic meter due to slower growth rates and are more stable when drying but heavier and sometimes brittle. Softwoods have a lower density ranging between 432 and 592 kg per cubic meter which compromises strength though it allows greater strength relative to weight.
The development of Computer Numerical Control machines made it possible to mass-produce products faster than traditional methods. CNC machines often produce less waste and can create complex designs that were previously impossible to achieve manually.
Alvar Aalto designed furniture that remains iconic in modern design circles while Norm Abram became known for television demonstrations of carpentry techniques. Jimmy Carter practiced woodworking during his presidency and later years and George Nakashima brought Japanese joinery principles to American furniture making.