Old-School Woodworking
Wednesday November 12, 2008
I received the following email recently, which I will paraphrase:
I live in a Tri-Plex apartment building, but I'm not allowed to use big power tools. I already have a woodburning kit, plus a jigsaw, power drill & sander. I really enjoy woodworking, but I'm limited in what I can do in the confines of my apartment. Can I use anything else indoors without bothering my neighbors?
-Dave
This reader brings up a good point: woodworking doesn't have to be a noisy process using power tools. People have worked with wood for centuries using basic hand tools, without the need for power tools.
I firmly believe that woodworking without power tools is becoming a lost art. Using hand saws (rip saws and cross-cut models), planes, spokeshaves, chisels and other basic hand tools, one could create nearly any project that could be built using power tools. Want proof? Visit any Amish community, where you'll find incredibly talented artisans who build some amazing pieces without modern hand tools. Ironically, with their level of skill, you'll find that they can build these pieces nearly as quickly as their power-tooled woodworking counterparts.
In an effort to get you started, check out The Top 10 Hand Tools Every Woodworker Needs. Hand woodworking tools typically require a bit more practice to reach proficiency, but the time spent building your skills will be rewarded in the level of craftsmanship visible in your projects.
(c) 2008 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.
Comments
didn’t know how to reach you so I apologize for using this avenue. I think I found an error in your plans for the corn hole game. You show the pivot hole for the leg 1-1/8″ below the bottom of the plywood playing surface. This cannot be because then the 3-1/2″ leg will interfere with the playing deck in the folded position. I think that the correct position of this hole is 1-1/8′ from the bottom of the frame. ??????????
Do you happen to know where I can find plans for a wooden barrel hot tub? I have looked all over the net but at this point have come up with nothing.
Thanks, Deryl Roberts
I like your list of 10 hand tools, but would change the 25′ tape measure to a good folding rule. A good folding rule allows for better accuracy in layout and cutting measurements than a tape measure.
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