25% off all series throughout December!

 Use code  XMAS2023  at checkout.

Browse the projects here.

Woodworking Hand Tools

Understand Your Woodworking Hand Tools – Improve Your Woodworking

Hand tools are the core of what we do and how we build.
There’s many ways to approach your woodworking, but I’ve always believed that a minimal tool kit is the best.

Fewer tools means we  get to understand each one that bit better. We learn how they work, and build up skill with less confusion.
And in all honesty, woodworking by hand is simple. So you really can be minimal.

Below you’ll find all our posts on hand tools.
From saws to hand planes, & drills to marking tools.

There’s thoughts on buying, videos on setting up, and ideas for building you own…


Bandsaw Alternative

Bandsaw Alternative

Despite writing my sensual spiel about the whys of the bandsaw, I haven't actually used it since closing the workbench business. That's because I discovered the frame saw (that thing that the savages use). Prior to four months ago, the most experience I had with one...

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Non Tweak-Able Tools

Non Tweak-Able Tools

My most well used tools are like mates; I accept them warts and all, and they're dependable without needing to be pampered. I'm careful not to cross the line though, and some job's around our building site of a home would be plain abuse of a good friendship. For those...

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Cap Iron Fatigue

Cap Iron Fatigue

Since ranting about using the cap iron for dealing with tear out, the question 'why do you only use it when smoothing?' comes up a lot. This question is best answered by me asking you to go and do something. Go and set your hand plane up to take a shaving with the cap...

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When Is It A Luxury?

When Is It A Luxury?

I doubt that any two tool kits are the same. They're brought together in such an individual and accidental way, and with so many varieties of tool, the probability of any two collections matching exactly must be infinitely small. My tools for example are a fairly ugly...

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25% off all series throughout December!

 Use code  XMAS2023  at checkout.

Browse the projects here.

Related Posts:

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...

Saw Horses – Do You Need A Set?

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...

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...