The Sword and Laser discussion

Hope somebody might be able to help me remember this book! I was quite young when I read it, but it had a lasting impression on me and I'd love to find it and read it again. I've done many internet searches without any luck.

I read it sometime in the late 80's / early 90's.

The things I can remember from the plot are:
-Protagonist is a young man who becomes an apprentice wizard
-In the book 'good' magic is associated with the colour black and 'evil' with white
-In the book the main character settles down and becomes a furniture maker, but inadvertently imbibes what he makes with magic. The description of the day-to-day practice he carries out leads to a useful skill really stayed with me.

Sorry it's all a bit vague, but it was a long time ago. Any help would be much appreciated!

This sounds like the The Magic of Recluce. First in a series of books (however, i only read this book).

That's it! I recognise the cover. Thanks a million Richard :)