3 Traditional Hand Tools Plus 1 Hand Skill
Tools solve problems in wood. Hand tools bought just to collect do not serve you well. But tools bought when you need them will serve many projects to come. Don’t hesitate to buy a good hand tool [...]
The No. 1 Plane
It sure is cute – but is it useful? Few tools spark the affection of so many as the Stanley No. 1 size bench plane. Regardless of one’s interest, the small plane has a way of catching everyone’s [...]
Father’s Day Gift Guide
Does your Dad love woodworking? Here are some great gift options for him this upcoming Father’s Day. Travel Mug Turning Kit • $13.99 Remember when you were real little and made your [...]
Anvils for the Woodshop
Should an anvil be among the first tools to be recommended to new woodworkers? The answer is probably no. But as our shop grows and with the diversification of our work I can wholeheartedly [...]
Tools To Make Shop Clean Up Easy
Seven Essential Tools The easiest path to a clean shop is to control the dust while working. Even with the best dust collection systems, things are still going to get dirty though. Here are the [...]
Gimlets and Other One-Hand Manual Drilling Tools
When we think about modern woodworking, gimlets are probably not on our radar and most likely would not make the cut for the short (or even the longer) list of essentials when we envision a shop [...]
How to Use a Plow Plane
Plow planes are some of the easiest joinery planes to use , once you know a few tricks to getting good results. I struggled with the tools until Don McConnell (now a planemaker at Clark & [...]
Boring in the 18th Century
Today’s array of bits has nothing on historical practice. In my attempts to recreate period work, I’ve many times come across the need to make holes that no modern tool can practically create. My [...]
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Does your Mom love woodworking? Here are some great gift options for her this upcoming Mother’s Day. Milwaukee 4 1/2 Trim Square • $11.47 We loved this square when it came out, and [...]
Features and Functions of A Drill
Have questions about the features of your drill? We have answers. Check out the short video below, then keep on scrolling for more detailed breakdowns of the clutch and gear adjustment settings. [...]
Are Lasers Just a Gimmick?
Lasers are popping up on all sorts of tools. Are they useful – or just clever marketing? We investigate. Editor’s note: David asked this question way back in 2005, but with tool [...]
All You Need to Know About Strops, Part 2: Make a Strop From Scratch
One of the strops that I tried in my efforts to find a high-quality yet economic tool was the Lee Valley strop. (Read part 1 of the story here). This strop is made of plywood and comes with [...]
