Category Archives: Tools
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 [...]
Carved box progress
I managed to finish the end panels this afternoon while the kiddo was sleeping. I’m taking my practice panels and making them into a box, because I’m pretty happy with the carving. I’m going to rabbet the ends, nail it together with some wrought iron head nails I got from Rockler. For the carving [...]
Tools from History, 1427
Another classic tools painting, this time from 1427 from a painter known as “Master of Flémalle” which I found on the ever so handy site Web Gallery of Art. In this painting you can clearly see Joseph working in his carpenters shop (this is the right side of a larger painting) and the artist put [...]
Peter’s Carving Tools interpreted…
I follow a fantastic blog by a fellow who goes by the name Peter Follansbee. He works as a joiner at the Plimoth Plantation and has done some incredible research into period techniques for carving and joinery. Just browse through his blog, you’ll be blown away. A bit ago he posted pictures of his basic [...]
Tuning up a Dado Plane
Old German Workbench
Drawing some Gothic Tracery for carving layout