Hey everyone! I'm really into woodworking and have done a few small projects, but I often see tutorials that start with power tools like jointers and table saws. The problem is, I only have hand tools and work in a small 6m² basement. Are there any good tutorials out there that focus exclusively on hand tools? Also, what are your go-to hand tools? So far, I have a ryoba saw, a hand planer (around the size of a number 3.5), and some chisels. I've also got measurement tools like rulers, a compass, and marking gauges. Cheers!
6 Answers
You might want to check out Rex Krueger on YouTube. He has some fantastic videos focusing solely on hand tools!
YouTube is a gold mine for hand tool woodworking. Check out Paul Sellers and Rob Cosman for excellent tips and tutorials!
Don't forget, sharpening tools is crucial. Make sure you have sharpening materials, a drill, and a hammer. Use what you have to set up a workbench, even if it’s a small one. I suggest trying out the joiner’s bench by Rex Krueger—it's super helpful! After that, making a mallet for your chisels will open up a lot of possibilities for you!
In addition to the suggestions above, don't miss out on Christopher Schwarz's content at Lost Arts Press. He's got tons of great information on selecting and tuning tools, and a lot of his books are actually available for free download!
That sounds awesome! I had no idea his books were free. I’ll definitely check them out!
Several great resources for hand tool woodworking include Wood by Wright, Rex Krueger, Paul Sellers, and Roy Underhill. There’s also a book titled "With Saw, Plane and Chisel: Building Historic American Furniture With Hand Tools" by Zachary Dillinger that's really good!
You should definitely look into "The Woodwright's Shop". It aired on PBS for a long time, and all episodes are available online for free!
I’ve got a Japanese sharpening stone but haven’t had the best results with my planer yet. I might dive deeper into sharpening when I find some time. And my workspace is tiny too—using a small Wolcraft workbench.