There's a lot of choice when it comes to rip saws. And unfortunately options usually just make things more complicated.So hopefully the video above will help clear up some of the confusion around which saw to reach for or at least give you something to think about when you've got a lot of ripping … [Read more...]
Second Hand Jointers – Hand Plane Buying Tips
I’m always going on about how much I love a minimal tool kit, but in this post I’m going to rant on a bit, and give you a few pointers if you feel limited by the length of your hand plane. A Number 5, or Jack plane, will comfortably see you through most jobs, but as you get more experienced or … [Read more...]
Used Hand Tools – What’s Worth Buying Old?
I truly believe that most people quit woodworking because they don't ever get started. Obsessing over the perfect workbench and buying too many used hand tools can lead to this problem. You should dedicate a weekend to build your workbench. Get it done and stop over thinking. And then another … [Read more...]
Which Hand Tools Do I Need To Get Started?
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...]
Choosing The Best Mallet
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...]
Drill Bits For Hand Drills
I'm always whinging about something. So the thing this blog is good for is that someone always has an answer. And it shuts me straight up. When I was moaning about drill bits in the marking knife post, we got plenty of suggestions for bits that you find overcome my problem. You weren't … [Read more...]
Dead Expensive Dovetail Saws…
... and why you need one. Most of you will know that the vast majority of my tools are what I would call good quality 'workman like' tools. I have a few modern posh things, but they're not in daily use. It's nothing against them, but my old friends are like comfy old work boots. They let in … [Read more...]
The Best Woodworking Marking Knife
All my tools are fairly rough and basic. I've never had much bother finding tools that work, although two things have always troubled me. The first; finding drill bits that don't rag out the work in slow hand powered drills. And finding a good marking knife. The drill bit hunt … [Read more...]
Chisels For Dovetailing
No matter how quick and functional a build may be in everything we make, we should be aiming at clean, tight joints. I don't like excuses for shoddy joinery. For the most part my Marples bevel edge chisels are up to this task. But some joints demand a bit more refinement and more importantly, … [Read more...]
Chisels For All Needs (Almost)
Chisels are a simple tool. Simple but useful. For hand tool woodworking, we really can't be without them, so your skills with a chisel should be built up early. But which chisels do you need? Traditionally, there was a different chisel for just about every job. But like a lot of areas with … [Read more...]