The English Woodworker

Learn Woodworking Online

  • Blog
    • Video Posts
    • Hand Tools
    • Techniques
    • Workbenches
    • All Posts
  • The Videos
    • The Nest of Tables
    • Build A Danish Stool
    • The Trestle Table
    • The Industrial Desk
    • Build A Retro Sideboard – Online Video Series
    • Build A French Workbench
    • The Raw Edge Coffee Table
    • Chair Building – The Basics.
    • Build A Hall Table
    • Get Sharp – Sharpening Edge Tools
    • The Side Table & Bridle Guides
    • How To Build A Workbench – Online Video Series
    • The Spoon Rack – Hand Tool Course
  • About Us
  • Gallery
  • LOGIN

Iron Cambers – Optimising Your Hand Planes

May 11, 2018 By Richard Maguire 15 Comments

hand plane iron cambers

To become efficient in anything I find it's much better to specialise rather than use one size fits all. So how can a minimal hand tool kit become anything other than a set up for getting you started? The answer is in understanding your cutting edge. We can use various cutting angles and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Hand Planing, Sharpening

Saw Horses – Do You Need A Set?

May 4, 2018 By Richard Maguire 24 Comments

wooden saw horses

Saw horses are a clat to get out and I'll only use them if I have to (perhaps I'm lazy). But of course they are extremely useful, and it’s nice to know there’s a couple stashed away ready to grab if needed. Whether you need something cheap and nasty, or a sturdy work of art will depend on how … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Make Your Own Tools, Sawing

Which Hand Tools Do I Need To Get Started?

April 26, 2018 By Richard Maguire 88 Comments

essential woodworking hand tools

It’s a question that we’re asked weekly, and whilst I’m often babbling on about specific tools, I wanted to use this post to bring together a list of the essential stuff that will get a beginner going. You probably know that I like to use minimal tools throughout my woodworking. It’s an … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Buying Hand Tools, Woodworking Hand Tools

The Route To A Profitable Workshop

April 18, 2018 By Richard Maguire 21 Comments

how to become a furniture maker by hand

For most of you time is not money when it comes to your workshop. But I will always stand by my belief that it could be. Small scale furniture making can be a profitable business, and as crazy as it sounds hand tools are the key. Single maker, small workshop, minimal tools. It’s perfect for low … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Hand Tool Approach

Choosing The Best Face Vice

April 12, 2018 By Richard Maguire 73 Comments

Cast Iron workbench vice for woodworking

Recently I wrote a post about why you don't need a tail vice on your workbench. now we're looking at the other end of the bench and going through my favourite options when it comes to choosing a face vice. What Do We Want From A Workbench Vice? A face vice should be strong, dependable and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Vices & Work Holding, Workbenches

Want To Design, Can’t Draw?

April 6, 2018 By Helen 9 Comments

designing and building a chair

Design is a balance between function and looks. It won't work if you focus too much on one and ignore the other. But if it involves both art and science, then surely design must be skill that only very few are capable of? The truth is, anyone can do design, and the secret is just having a bit of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Designing Furniture, Premium Videos

Choosing The Best Mallet

April 3, 2018 By Richard Maguire 28 Comments

thor mallet for woodworking

I'm the most untraditional woodworker who came to traditional woodworking. I just can't stand wooden mallets. To get any sort of clump from them they have to be massive; these huge cumbersome things. And on top of that, they absorb everything. It doesn't matter how hard you hit it, nowt … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Buying Hand Tools, Woodworking Hand Tools

Chair Building Basics – New Video Series!

March 29, 2018 By Richard Maguire 11 Comments

how to build a chair online video

https://youtu.be/NBTqW5t3HGs   In our latest series we learn how to build a chair. Chapter One is already live. This series can be purchased by Clicking Here. If you're already a Member then you may need to Login First. Chair building can require specialist tools and joints that are less … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Designing Furniture, Premium Videos, Woodworking For Beginners, Woodworking Projects

Why Your Workbench Needs One Vice (Or Less)

March 23, 2018 By Richard Maguire 43 Comments

workbench - using the face vice

A workbench is only a success if it can keep itself still and provide means to hold your work. A woodworking vice is not an essential feature of this. Typically though we can expect to see two vices on a workbench today. One will be installed on the front of the bench, towards the left. We … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Vices & Work Holding, Workbench Designs, Workbenches

Removing Twist, Or Creating It?

March 15, 2018 By Richard Maguire 17 Comments

Sighting to remove twist by hand

Teaching and woodworking are two very separate skills. That's something I realised when we started making our videos. The big difference is, you can't work on auto pilot while you demonstrate. Everything has to be deliberate, almost exaggerated so it can be replicated by those … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Hand Planing, Woodworking Techniques

  • Blog
  • The Videos
  • Sign Up!
  • Contact Us
  • Keep Up To Date
  • LOGIN
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • …
  • 39
  • Next Page »
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • YouTube

We Teach Online.
Practical Hand Tool Education.

  • Watch immediately on PC, tablet or mobile

BROWSE THE PROJECTS

  • Blog
  • The Videos
  • Sign Up!
  • Contact Us
  • Keep Up To Date
  • LOGIN
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2023 · The English Woodworker

Scroll Up