Hand tools for the beginner

[cabomhn]

Well, as most of you know, "my" woodshop is pretty much limitless while I'm at school since the craft center there is fully stocked with pretty much every machine that I could ever need. However, I decided last summer that I was going to try to get started getting my hand tool collection up so I can not only more fully understand the craft but also so I can make things while I'm at home without all the expensive machinery.

I was wondering what you guys would view as the "bare minimum" essentials for the shop if you had no power tools available. I have been scouring ebay and I got a stanley no.5 and stanley 60 1/2 block plane. They were in rough shape, but they were cheap and I plan on doing a full restoration during this semester at school. I've started working on a chisel set, sharpening stones, that kind of stuff, but what necessity tools would you guys recommend and why?

 

[firemedic]

When you are talking about hand tools only it really depends on what you are building. I know that changes with the wind but if you had an idea of what you were starting with it would help considerably.

 

[Mike1950]

Tom is right it depends on what you plan to build. But my always go to tools- Metal scales. I have a bunch -from 6"-3' they are always spread out through the shop. I find them much easier and more accurate then a tape. Marking knifes. Block plane. scrapers. Chisels- I prefer old Stanley sweethearts. I look on my bench and these are always in use. another -maybe not hand tool is I use is paper shop towels in a box- they are great disposable finish rags- no dust or lint.......... Only tool on this list that was expensive was the block plane. It is an LN- spendy but money well spent.........

 

[cabomhn]

When you are talking about hand tools only it really depends on what you are building. I know that changes with the wind but if you had an idea of what you were starting with it would help considerably.

Well, in terms of what I am starting with, I don't really have any tools starting out other than just some basics and the couple planes I will be restoring.

I guess for a sample project, I would like to be able to take rough cut lumber from the saw mill and be able to get it down to a point where I could make drawers, boxes, etc, and all the processes along the way like ripping the wood, planing it to size, and then making the joinery, most likely dovetails.

I have been doing some research and it seems like a bow saw is extremely versatile for the shop. Would that be something that would be good to try to make while I have access to the tools at school?

 

[firemedic]

I think you are on the right track.

I think the best way for me to look at this is o think - what would I bring to do a demonstration and build a box with joinery from rough lumber.

In sequence they would be used-
Cross cut saw - bow or hand.
Rip saw, I prefer a frame saw.
Scrub plane - can make due with a jack.
Straight edge & winding sticks
Panel gauge.
Jointer plane - not a must for small boxes.
Smoother plane
Card scraper
Marking gauge.
Medium to small rip and cc carcass back saw.
Fret saw.
Bevel edge chisels, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2".
Paring Chisels, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2".
Mallet.

Rules are good too if building to some dimension. I do find that I seldom use a rule after the initial measurements. For example, I may measures how long I want the table legs and the top. After that I don't measure anything again because it's not necessary with hand tools. You just cut and build to fit what's there.

I too do have rules and straight edges littered all over my shop and the 8 benches there in though!

Do you HAVE to have all that - no. Would you use it all if you had it - yes.

I wouldn't try to get it all at once. I would just be aware of them and pick them up as you find good deals on vintage or sales on new ones.

Building tools at school would be a great idea though. When I get a chance I'll post pictures of my shop built hand tools here for ideas... This includes building yourself a vise too!

Good luck and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

[cabomhn]

I think you are on the right track.

I think the best way for me to look at this is o think - what would I bring to do a demonstration and build a box with joinery from rough lumber.

In sequence they would be used-
Cross cut saw - bow or hand.
Rip saw, I prefer a frame saw.
Scrub plane - can make due with a jack.
Straight edge & winding sticks
Panel gauge.
Jointer plane - not a must for small boxes.
Smoother plane
Card scraper
Marking gauge.
Medium to small rip and cc carcass back saw.
Fret saw.
Bevel edge chisels, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2".
Paring Chisels, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2".
Mallet.

Rules are good too if building to some dimension. I do find that I seldom use a rule after the initial measurements. For example, I may measures how long I want the table legs and the top. After that I don't measure anything again because it's not necessary with hand tools. You just cut and build to fit what's there.

I too do have rules and straight edges littered all over my shop and the 8 benches there in though!

Do you HAVE to have all that - no. Would you use it all if you had it - yes.

I wouldn't try to get it all at once. I would just be aware of them and pick them up as you find good deals on vintage or sales on new ones.

Building tools at school would be a great idea though. When I get a chance I'll post pictures of my shop built hand tools here for ideas... This includes building yourself a vise too!

Good luck and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thanks a lot! Until a few weeks ago I knew relatively little about planes so I've been trying to do a lot of research, so this is good for me to kind of see a general outline to think about.

Near my school in Raleigh there is a weekly flee market at the state fairgrounds so I'm going to try to hit that place up when I get back and see if I can find a thing or two. If I remember correctly there's a guy there that goes to estate sales and sells old beat up tools so I think that's where I will start.

I would love to see a few pics of some of the things you've built, I knew you were the one to get info from about hand tools on the forum so I'm glad you ended up seeing this. I saw how you had the young man your teaching make himself his own threaded vise and I thought it was interesting but I wouldn't even know where to start. Thanks for the help!

- Matt

 

[NYWoodturner]

Matt - The only thing I would add to Tom's list is a good set of squares, calipers and dividers. They are invaluable and can solve so many problems and save so much time they are definitely worth adding to your bench tools.
Please keep us posted as you progress.
Scott

 

[scrimman]

And a chalk line. If you're dealing with anything large they are invaluable. At some point a drill will be necessary, too.

 

[NYWoodturner]

If you need garage equipment and tools please visit this site.
Link removed

We sell air compressor, wheel balancer, tyre changer, car lift, parts washer, sandblaster, etc.

Gyula - I removed your link in your post. Please read the rules before you make any more posts. This would not be the proper location for this post either
Scott

 

[ripjack13]

I moved the entire post. Sorry. Didn't see your post Scott.

 

[ripjack13]

I didn't see a back saw listed. Or files. Those are also very handy to have around....

 

[BarbS]

Files, yes, I agree. At least start with a four-in-hand wood rasp, and you forgot something to drill with: pick up a small hand drill, or better yet a bit brace (more expensive, but forever useful for so many things.) Another thing I've found I use almost daily is a Lee Valley saddle square.. so much so that i bought another to have one at each work station.

 

[Schroedc]

As silly as it seems I found a great tool to have in my apron pocket when I'm doing flat work is a Stanley No. 1 Odd job tool with a 12 inch rule (I have a very nice original from my grandfather), great for quick measuring and marking and makes a decent square. The originals are an arm and a leg from the antique tool places but quality reproductions are available.