I'm planning to travel in my van but want to keep up my woodworking skills. I already have some basic hand tools and usually use power tools, but I'm looking to build a small toolbox for fine woodworking on the road. I'm specifically interested in making items like trays and boxes. Besides a selection of Japanese saws and planes, what other hand tools should I consider bringing? I'm not very familiar with specialized hand tools like certain planes or dado cutters, so any suggestions would be really appreciated!
3 Answers
When you're in a van, it can be a challenge, but I've managed with a small toolbox for making all sorts of little items like bowls and spoons. I suggest bringing a small folding handsaw for cutting branches, a compact camping axe for splitting logs, a couple of carving knives (one straight and one curved), an assortment of sandpaper, and maybe a small bottle of walnut oil to finish your projects. With these tools, you can create some fantastic pieces! Check out this video for inspiration: [YouTube Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqN3vNLlJjA)
It really depends on the types of projects you want to do. If you're mainly making smaller items like boxes, definitely don't forget a set of chisels along with something to strike them, although you can get away with just using your hands for light work. I’d recommend including a router plane if you want something specialized—it’s super useful for fine details. Lastly, make sure to pack some sharpening tools like a two-sided diamond stone and a strop or some high-grit sandpaper to keep your edges sharp!
I’d say a good starter set would be one that includes sizes 1/4", 1/2", and 3/4". That range should cover most tasks you'll encounter while working on boxes or decorative pieces.
If you're mostly crafting boxes and storage pieces, I'd recommend focusing on tools that help with joints and grooves. Besides your saws and planes, maybe look into getting a dado plane and a good quality block plane as they'll be super handy. Also, a small set of rasps or files could be useful for finishing touches on your projects. It'll help you make everything look polished while you're on the move!
Thanks for the tips! What types of chisels do you think would be essential for those smaller projects?