Not a Beginner, Not an Expert Whether you’re a woodworker with a bit of experience who’s gone “unplugged,” or someone who began woodworking only with hand tools you probably have at least one or two hand planes. And if that’s not the case, I don’t believe you and I’m very curious indeed as to how you’ve been getting on without …
5 Beginning Woodburning Projects You Can Complete in an Afternoon
What kind of projects (and potential homemade Christmas gifts) can you make with a woodburning tool?! There are many great ideas out there for projects you can create via woodburning. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to 5 basic projects you can start with and even gift. We’ll also briefly discuss tips and tricks for beginners. From there, …
What is a spokeshave and what is it used for?
Regardless of your skill level, if you have been in woodworking, you’ve probably heard of spokeshave even if you haven’t used one. Spokeshaves are used to smooth and flatten complex shapes in wood. Most commonly, spokeshave will be used for stuff like creating wheel spokes or even arrows. There are other uses of course that I haven’t listed here. Unlike …
Making a Small Brass Plane by Hand with Bowmaker Ken Altman
This year, I am finally learning and using my grandpa’s Stanley planes on my home refinishing projects. Seeing my newfound interest in planes, my wife put me in touch with a local master craftsman. Plane-making is not his business, but surprisingly integral to his traditional craft of making violin bows. Traditional Planing Still Used in Bow Making I am learning …
A Guide To Basic Hand Planes
The Basic Three Hand Planes You Need For Woodworking We’re Here For You: A Little Helpful Direction If you’re looking into woodworking with hand tools, the first thing you probably did was search for, well some hand tools. And maybe it was a little overwhelming. The community of hand tool woodworkers (or unplugged woodworkers if you prefer), is passionate and …
Woodworking and The Ancient World! A Look at The Exciting History of Woodworking in The Middle East
The Fertile Crescent At risk of sounding overly dramatic, I’m beginning this article with a brief look to the very dawn of civilization. The fertile crescent lay nestled between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and in its rich soil the seeds for the future grandeur of the Middle East were planted. ancient Egypt, Lebanon, and Iran all emerged from the …
What Is the Difference Between a Spokeshave and a Draw Knife?
A spokeshave and a draw knife are used for similar purposes. However, there are a few differences between them that you should keep in mind when you start working with hand tools. In this article, you’ll learn: What a spokeshave is for What a draw knife is for Different kinds of spokeshaves and drawknives What makes a spokeshave different from …
What are the parts of a wood working plane?
A commercial promoting woodworking bench planes would simply have to show me with an random orbit sander hooked to a screaming shop vac, wearing goggles, respirator, and hearing protection in a cloud of sawdust. Then, cut to a paper-thin curl of wood whispering off an antique Stanley bench plane, revealing iridescent grain patterns as birds chirp in the background. This …
10 Woodworking Projects for High Schoolers
High Schoolers are at a special age where they are learning the skills necessary for entering into the world as adults. Woodworking can be a great way for them to express themselves while also learning a valuable skill that they’ll appreciate throughout their lives. It is also a great way for parents and teens to bond while engaging in a …
Are Hammer Heads Hardened?
Do you know the reasoning behind and process of hardening a hammer head? Manufacturers harden a hammer head for strength and durability via tempering processes. In this article, we’ll talk about how a hammer comes to be, how to safely use it, and what the best hammers have in common. By the end of these few thousand words, you’ll be …