[Taskmage]

I assume you're trying to make an Ash Pole. That's a level 8 synth, so with 0 skill you're going to have a high chance of failing the synth. For a reasonable shot, you need to raise your woodworking skill to within 4-6 levels of the synth. Try making a few stacks of Maple Lumber for skillups. That synth can take you as far as level 5.