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 familiar to the general … [Read more...]
Learning Through Limitation
I'm in a unusual position for a learner. I can observe Richard working, then pick up his tools and try for myself. I know the tools work well, and you could envy that. But the thing is, it takes away the one excuse that all novices need. I can't blame my tools. When things aren't working I get … [Read more...]
Learning To Set Wooden Planes
When I decided to start woodworking I chose do it with wooden planes. Perhaps this was heavily influenced by what Richard felt would be a good route to take, but also because I've always felt a great attraction towards them. Setting up a wooden hand plane is not intuitive. Not for me … [Read more...]
Hand Cut Dovetails – Beginner’s Joints
Yesterday I made my first hand cut dovetails. I've watched Richard cut dovetail joints over and over, and I've practiced cutting to my saw lines over even more. But I knew if I was left on my own, with just a few pointers, then I would still be about to make a mess of things. Luckily for me, … [Read more...]
Hand Tools For Beginners
Spider-Man Senses Learning to woodwork with hand tools brings you a whole new awareness of your own senses. I feel like I'm a fairly co-ordinated person, used to doing tasks which require good control over your hands. But whenever I learn something new in woodworking I feel more like Mr … [Read more...]
Smoother Restoration
Wooden planes can be quick and easy to restore compared with metal ones, as material can be removed quickly with sand paper and chisels, unlike the relatively slow material removal when working with metal. By the same nature though, wooden hand planes can often be extremely worn and warped, which … [Read more...]
Tool Haul
All I'm missing now are a few chisels, apparently. I had expected Richard to find me a little saw, and perhaps a plane to show willing. But between conversations at Mr Arnold's recent charity sale, he filtered through boxes and tables and kept adding to his stash. By the end of the day a … [Read more...]
Stepping Up
I promised myself this year, I would find time to learn how to make things from wood. It's been hectic, but I've managed to get myself addicted to picking up Richard's tools and making a few shavings and saw cuts. The only thing I have successfully made so far is a large wooden composting box. I … [Read more...]
Learning to Saw
Seeing all the variety of work that Richard does I had almost certainly overlooked the technicalities of simply sawing to a line. I've been pottering now and then as mentioned in my post earlier this year and I'd finally found the time this past weekend and persuaded Richard to put a bit of thought … [Read more...]
Trying My Hand
Over the past couple of weeks I've had to remind myself that's it's January. A few bright and mild days and a little chipping up in the trees had put that unmistakable hint of Spring in the air around here so I was almost pleased to see a thick blanket of frost covering the floor this morning. … [Read more...]