Hand Tools: Their Ways and Workings

by Aldren A. Watson

A longtime woodworker's illustrated guide to the tools of the trade and how to use them. For those who would like to have the benefit of a woodworker's extensive experience with hand tools, this is the book to own. Crammed with practical information, it is the next best thing to looking over a craftsman's shoulder as he works with his tools, asking questions and getting straight answers in plain language, seeing how each tool is held and manipulated to get the best work out of it. From bit brace, chisel, and mallet to saws, specialized planes, drawknife, and spokeshave, Aldren Watson describes in detail the actions of the tools basic to good woodworking. All the procedures are explicitly illustrated with handsome line drawings, and an appendix gives plans and dimensions for making a workbench and other necessary pieces of shop equipment. With 450 b/w illustrations by the author.

Genres: Woodwork, Nonfiction, Reference, History

416 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1982

About the author

Alren Auld Watson was a craftsman and an illustrator. He was married to Nancy Dingman Watson and was the father of Wendy Watson and Clyde Watson.

Reviews

[Koen Crolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of people have compared this book to Odate's Japanese Woodworking Tools, and even though Hand Tools predates that book by two years, it's a good comparison to make; it is effectively the American version of that book, minus the philosophy (because it is American).
And I do mean American, not ``Western''; Watson omits a few tools that are more common in continental Europe (like gimlets), describes forms of things that exist in superior forms in England (certain hammers) or even Canada (screw drives that aren't slotted or Phillips), and includes a few useful tools that aren't really woodworking tools and therefore not particularly known among the typically more specialised woodworkers of the Old World as opposed to the more generalist DIYers of the New (linesman's pliers).

While it's clear Watson is an experienced woodworker, it's also clear he's an artist first: the illustrations are consistently of tremendous quality, with great detail where it's needed and little where it would be distracting. And while not all of his advice may be perfectly on-target (the chapter on planes is of wildly varying helpfulness, and the chapter on sharpening should of course be skipped), there's a good chance you'll gain a deeper understanding of tools you've already been using forever even if you won't necessarily learn anything wholly new.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has excellent information on using and setting up woodworking hand tools. Also has a good beginners bench plan. Pair this up with his Furniture Making Plain & Simple for a great introduction to basic furniture building using hand tools.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since my hand tools—especially saws—learn toward the Japanese, I'll use the best comparison I can: This book is an crucial as Odate's book on Japanese tools. Great stuff here, especially for someone who doesn't want to sit firmly in one hand-tool camp but wants to know what tools are out there (plus some basic guidance on their use) to get the job done well. The illustrations teach as much as the text does. I'll be rereading this book for years to come.

[mkfs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good description of the purpose and use of the classic hand tools, including a few that are used less frequently these days (inshave?).

A copy of this and Hoadley's Understanding Wood , and you're ready to get going.

[Maxwoods · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommended to read this book by expert wood worker friend, Who is also happened to be a owner of ultrawoodworking.com

[Matt Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations!

[Geoff]

This book was recommended by Christopher Schwarz on the Popular Woodworking magazine blog. When I searched Worldcat for it, the nearest copy was in a special collection in the library of my employer, the University of Vermont. I took a lunch hour on Monday to peek at the book, and it was a treat!

Mr. Watson's illustrations are beautiful, and the guidance in tool usage is well-worded and clear. I haven't decided whether I need to add this to my personal collection, too. But it is a gorgeous and informative book.

[Marlowe Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great because it is simple. Watson didn't go crazy with his descriptions and in keeping it simple he makes the tools accessible for novice and master alike. The illustrations are beautiful.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic book on tools. Some of the areas are well done, and some, like the section on planes, are fairly basic.

[Sébastien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeper. When you learn something (s) new about how to use a tool as simple as a C-clamp...