Category Archives: Handtools

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A basic set of hand tools – Part V

When working with wood, most projects start by getting all the lumber flat and square, even if in the end the piece will have some curves or other compound shapes. Starting with four square stock is the first step to accurate joinery and makes it easier to draw other shapes since you can reference all the measurements from the straight edges.

After the joinery is cut and maybe you dry fitted everything so you won’t have any surprises in the end, it’s time to start shaping the piece to its final form. Continue reading this post…

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A basic set of hand tools – Part IV

Handplanes are often associated with a high level of craftsmanship, smooth surfaces and beautiful curly shavings.

Handplanes

Choosing the first handplane may not be an easy task, there are many models to choose from and while each one has it’s funcion, some of them are quite versatile and can be used for various tasks. Continue reading this post…

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A basic set of hand tools – Part III

Choosing a set of chisels may be a fairly simple affair…. they even come in sets! But which one set should you get? I’d say none!

Chisels

If you are on a budget, a set of three bevel edge chisels (1/4″, 1/2″ and 3/4″) will get most of the job done. It’s nice to have a few more sizes, but I’d rather have only these three and have quality chisels than have all the sizes available from 1/8″ to 2″ of lower quality steel. Continue reading this post…

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A basic set of hand tools – Part II

With so many types of saws to choose from, it may be difficult for the beginner woodworker to decide where to start shopping and where to stop. To make things worse you have both western and Japanese saws to choose from.

Saws

Every toolbox should have at least two handsaws, one filled for rip cuts along the grain and another for crosscut. The rip saw, if used for ripping rough lumber, should be around 26″ long with 5 tpi. Continue reading this post…