No matter how quick and functional a build may build, in everything we make, we should be aiming at clean, tight joints. I don't like excuses for shoddy joinery.For the most part my Marples bevel edge chisels are up to this task. But some joints demand a bit more refinement and more … [Read more...]
Chisels For All Needs (Almost)
Chisels are a simple tool. Simple but useful.For hand tool woodworking, we really can't be without them, so your skills with a chisel should be built up early.But which chisels do you need?Traditionally, there was a different chisel for just about every job. But like a lot of areas with … [Read more...]
Perfect Tracking & Japanese Hand Saws
I've been standing on top of my workbench again. Strangely I'm up there quite a lot. Sometimes I just lay on there... and think.I've been a long time obsessive of Japanese woodworking. I find it truly fascinating and have promised myself if I make it to retirement, I'll treat myself to a nice … [Read more...]
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 of these savage implements … [Read more...]
ECE Hand Plane Review
We don't do many reviews. That's because I'm human and that makes me biased. But sometimes, something comes along that's quite special, it's then that I find it hard to shut up.I discovered this hand plane when looking at commercially made frame saw blades for some future planned...plan? I ended … [Read more...]
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 jobs I call on something … [Read more...]
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 iron nice and close to … [Read more...]
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 lot. I'm no collector, just a … [Read more...]
The Hand Plane Build – Getting Prepped
UPDATE - The Full Build Is Now Available! CLICK for details.What You'll Need If you plan to build along with us then here's what you'll need to follow the same Jack Plane design:Iron - I'm using a Hock blade complete with cap iron (chip breaker) made to fit the Stanley No. 4 and 5 … [Read more...]
How To Use A Fillister Plane
Anyone used to using machines or power tools can be surprised at just how quickly a joint can be banged out by hand. There might not be any motors, but there are many tasks which can be completed well before you would have had time to find the bits and set up a router. In addition to the benefits … [Read more...]