Biscuit joinery has been a topic of debate for years. Some craftsmen look down on it as if using them is almost cheating. It doesn’t have the look of a dovetail joint and is very simple compared to them. On the other hand there are individuals who wholeheartedly support using them when the project calls for it. Some joints need …
What is the difference between Bevel Up and Bevel Down Planes?
A hand plane is used to flatten and smooth broad wood surfaces and are irreplaceable in a well stocked wood shop. However, deciding which ones to buy can be challenging especially as a beginner. One of the choices is deciding between a Bevel Up and Bevel Down Plane. Each style has its own advantages, disadvantages, and uses. The fundamental difference …
What Hand Tool Is Used to Roll Logs?
Cant hooks and peaveys, often spoken of interchangeably are used for rolling logs. A cant hook, also called a cant dog is a tool used by loggers, to handle cants or logs. (What is a cant, you may ask? Simply put, a cant is a partially sawn log.) Originally used by loggers cant hooks and peaveys are used by the …
How Do You Prevent Rust On Hand Tools?
Tools are a large investment and with the right care many of them can last a lifetime. However, rust can shorten a tools life quickly and taking rust prevention measures is extremely important. While most tool manuals do not explain how to prevent rust, it is relatively simple. The best way to prevent rust from forming on tools is to …
How to Build Pecky Cypress Shelves
Let me tell you a story. A couple months ago my girlfriend and I decided that we wanted to have the family over for Christmas. While I’m not a drinker, her family is. And with the new place we wanted to make sure to include a small bar area. Now of course, I didn’t want it to just be any …
What Is A Manual Nibbler?
What Is A Nibbler? The Manual Nibbler is the kind of tool you don’t think about until you really need it. I remember my first time using one and cutting through steel like it was nothing. The nibbler is a tool that cuts through sheet metal. Using a nibbler creates straight, even cuts, with minimal distortion of the sheet metal. …
Can You Use Mineral Oil On Hand Tools?
Yes, mineral oil can be safely used on hand tools to protect blades and metal parts from rusting. Using a soft rag, apply a very thin film of mineral oil over the metal surface after use. Mineral oil does not go rancid or oxidize. The best types of mineral oils to use are: Any brand of pure mineral oil 3-in-1 …
How To Use Toggle Clamps
What Are Toggle Clamps? The toggle clamp is an extremely popular tool in carpentry and an essential hand tool, for both safety and accuracy. Because of it’s specialized use, it’s not quite as recognizable as a two-jawed clamp. Unlike standard clamps, toggle clamps are permanently bolted to a work surface. They have a single clamping plate to hold the work …
The Future of Woodworking
In the age of artificial intelligence, where does traditional woodworking fit in? Traditional woodworking will soon become a niche market. The future of this craft undeniably includes competition with technological advances. However, the desire and demand for hand-crafted products will sustain those craftsmen who embrace such a unique positioning and implement savvy marketing techniques. For that reason, successful woodworkers must …
The Ultimate Guide to Whittling: Make Art, Pass the Time
(Yes, it’s different than carving) Whittling. It’s always had an almost romantic connotation. It calls up images of an older gentleman looking out over a farm, working away at a wooden spoon. A craft to bide the time. For starters, it’s worth mentioning that although they are often used interchangeably, whittling is not the same as carving. They are two …