Intro Hand Tools


Introduction (Skip to Table Of Contents)

Welcome to the online version of my course, Introduction to Hand Tool Woodworking. This also serves as a supplement to the classroom course, which you can read about in this blog post: Fall 2011 Class: Intro Hand Tool Woodworking. The post also provides a little motivational background.

I'm not an expert or a professional. I'm still learning. This is my interpretation of material from a variety of sources and my own experience as an amateur woodworker. Consider me a sophomore or junior level student, able to help the freshmen with the basic basics to prepare for more advanced classes from the professors.

These skills are hundreds of years old. There are many ways to accomplish them, each with pros and cons. I make no claims about presenting the best, fastest, or most efficient methods. Rather, I present what I believe are effective methods that can be used as starting points for further exploration. You decide which ones you like best.

Practice the basic skills separately. Once you're comfortable with them, you can integrate them into finished projects. This approach means you don't have to worry about mistakes. Go ahead and make them! Then figure out what you did wrong and try to correct them on your next practice. By the time you work on a real project, you'll have the confidence of knowing how to avoid them.

Where it makes a difference, note that I'm generally following the English and American traditions and tools here, as opposed to the Continental (or German) and Japanese.

You are welcome to redistribute or link to this material provided you identify its source.

Regards,
Steve Branam

Table Of Contents

Under construction; I'll link the topics as I complete them, not necessarily in chapter order.

Last Update: May 26, 2014

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