Category Archives: Tools
Oilstone Sharpening Level Up!
Last weekend at the Hand Plane Essentials class that I took from Port Townsend School of Woodworking, we covered sharpening extensively. they devoted half of the second day to the subject. Unfortunately for me they focused on waterstone sharpening to the exclusion of all other methods, except some on the topic of “sand paper on [...]
The #4 vs #4 1/2 Smooth Plane Dilemma
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks USA | No. 4 versus Lie-Nielsen Toolworks USA | No. 4 1/2 I got a little bonus at work, and I wanted to drop some on a new plane from LN. Now I can’t decide which #4 version to get… I have the Low Angle Jack from them already, and a #4 Stanley [...]
Quick Stock Removal Tip – Drawknife
I’m thinking of starting a regular feature on this blog called “things I learned in the shop” because it feels like every time I go down there I feel like I learn something new. Which is part of why I do this stuff, I love to keep pushing and challenging myself. I had to trim [...]
The “Anarchists” Saw Bench Box
Apologies to Mr. Schwarz for tagging onto his book title, but I felt it was appropriate. I’m a good way through a project that I’ve drawn the inspiration from his fun essay on tools as well my own personal research into historical forms. It’s also very fashionably “on trend” with the use of nails, bonus! [...]
Another Power Tool Replaced
I’ve been slowly moving away from the use of Power Tools in my shop as I delve more into the Hand Tool world. One of the last ones I couldn’t and didn’t want to let go of was my trusty cordless drill. Lately though, the batteries have been running out sooner and sooner. To the [...]
A few thoughts on nails
** EDITED POST – Added link to TFWW Nail Shop ** Recently there have been a few posts around the the blogo-sphere, the best being on the ever fantastic blog Village Carpenter, about the WIA class on nailed furniture. I recently had a similar revelation in my shop while working on my “Anarchist’s Saw Bench [...]
Working towards my own “Anarchist” tool set. (part 2)
Continuing on the topic of building out a tool set inspired by the book “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” and seeing how I’ve fared of late. Before this weekend my tools were scattered all over the shop, and in piles. It was very frustrating for me, and was probably risky for my tools. Also, I’d lost [...]
Working towards my own “Anarchist” tool set. (part 1)
I recently read through the latest work by Chris Schwarz, titled “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest” and enjoyed it quite a bit. I’ve been drifting in the direction of fewer, but higher quality tools for a bit, and inspired by other much older writings a semi-minimalist tool kit. The kit listed in Our Workshop, or shown [...]
Two new shop planes
The ever dangerous (to my bank account at least) Hyperkitten has gone and tempted me again. This time with a pair of planes to add to my shop set. Seriously, Josh is dangerous. But I’m a sucker for good tool at a good price, especially when they fill a need in my shop. I [...]
Making a Textured Punch
I’ve been swamped at work, and laid out with a nasty cold so I’ve had very little time in the shop which makes me a sad panda. However, I did get a little time tonight to work on a side project while working on a commission for a repeat customer of my pens. While some [...]
Oak Furniture The British Tradition Reprinted? Yes!
Carving in Alder
Oilstone Sharpening Level Up!