Choosing & Using Hand Tools

by Andy Rae

Woodworkers—it's your essential who, what, when, where, and why of hand tools! Not only is this equipment often very beautiful—made of brass, steel, and exquisite woods—it's also a pleasure to work with. But, how do you know which tools are right for you, and which you really need? And, how do you use them correctly? Not a question goes unanswered in this low-down on buying both antique and contemporary tools; tuning and sharpening them, and working with them. More than 300 photographs, accompanied by explanatory illustrations, escort you through the woodshop, introducing everything from indispensable clamps to drills, chisels and hand saws. There are techniques for combating rust, and advice on worksurfaces, vises, marking and measuring utensils, and tools that pull, pry, twist, bore, and scrape. Edgers include drawknives and spokeshaves, plus bench, joinery and shaping planes. You'll discover tools you never knew about before! 8 1/2 X 10. all in colorHand tools are the classic way to work with wood. You feel a saw cutting crisply through the wood, a plane taking gossamer-thin shavings, or a chisel gently gouging out carving a groove. And hand tools are often a better choice than power tools, offering a degree of control and precision no machine can match. Best of all, using hand tools leaves a personal mark on your projects. But with thousands of hand tools to choose from, which ones do you really need? Of those, which are good-and which are better? And how do you use them to ensure the best results? The answers to these questions-and many more-are in this comprehensive resource. Here are the tools that serious woodworkers turn to on a daily basis, as well as how to use and care for them.Every woodworker, whether beginner or pro, should keep this reference guide near the workbench.

Genres: Woodwork, Reference

Paperback

First published May 28, 2002

About the author

Andy Rae has been working wood for nearly three decades, designing and building furniture as well as teaching and writing about the craft. His work is featured in galleries, museums, and in the homes of clients worldwide.

Andy frequently writes for woodworking magazines such as Fine Woodworking, Woodcraft and Woodworker's Journal, and contributes to many woodworking websites on a regular basis.

Reviews

[Michael]

Great reference and introduction to using hand tools

[Justin]

This guy is way too obsessed with Japanese tools.

[Jim]

Answers a lot of questions on use of hand tools. While I use many power tools, I am hoping to put this book to good use.