Buying Hand Tools. Part 5 - There is Another Way

Hand Tools allow for extremely fine control. This shaving is just enough to remove the arris without dubbing or deformation.

I very much enjoy reading. It’s not always easy to find the time, but I try to make time to read a minimum of 20 minutes a day. Inevitably woodworking books are to the fore. One thing I always notice in woodworking books is how they are broken down.

Each chapter seems to be a brain dump on each topic. Tools or wood are often the first chapter. Then joints, moving onto how things are made, and for hobbyists, completed projects or how-to instructions.

I’ve never had a problem with this. It provides a very interesting encyclopaedia of the craft and I can dip into any area I need to as I want. But I think that approach has some serious flaws. Alternatives are books on woodworking ideology. For me, Krenov really nailed this in his classic, “A Cabinetmaker’s Notebook”. Others choose to display their experience with extensive write ups on tools.

My take is different. I aim not to lay a path that must be followed or a specific ideology. I want to provide a journey that you can navigate if you don’t have any prior experience but want to get to gips with the fundamentals and get a few projects under your belt. For those that do have some experience you can simply move past the parts that aren’t relevant to you.

You see, when I was an apprentice I wasn’t lectured at for hours in a workshop about every single tool. They were revealed over time once an ability level was reached and a need for that tool became apparent. There is a chicken and egg situation here though. There are a few key tools that you will need to buy before you begin.

I’m going to lay out the route that has the most value, the most bang for your buck. You can go way higher in spend if wish. It’s your money! But some words of caution. If you’re not careful, things can really run away with themselves.

For instance, I think building a traditional workbench should be your first project. Why? Because it’s very easy! It’s structural carpentry but easier. What’s even better is that affordable wood and simple tools make this even more approachable. If you don’t want to build a workbench, I hear you. If you want to purchase a used or new workbench, go right ahead! Put simply you can just read about the tools I use to make my workbench, purchase them if you don’t already have them and move to the next thing. Benches don’t have to be made by you but they are a great to cut your teeth on.

The first “tool” will be…Catch you next time.