PLEASE NOTE: We have noticed a discrepancy between different models of the Draper spokeshave we previously recommended. Therefore, we do not recommend buying the Draper at present. The Stanley below is performing well. You can buy a decent spokeshave for less than £20 brand new, the metal-bodied Stanley #151 style (there are many brands making…
Paul Sellers recommends the Bailey-pattern #4 as it usually suits the build or stature of most people, if you have a slightly smaller stature, the #3 might suit better. Paul uses the #4 and #4½ the most. The ½ refers to the extra width, so these planes are both the same in length, but the…
Stanley and Brades are both good makes to look out for. These are quite difficult to find at a 10oz weight so if you struggle to find one, go for a 12oz instead. eBay often have good secondhand ones so it’s worth searching there. If you cannot find these, then a 10oz/12oz claw hammer will…
Paul Sellers recommends a 12″ (300mm) combination square as this should be suitable for almost all woodworking projects. He finds the try squares don’t remain accurately square as with the better quality combination square. When buying a square, look out for one with a cast iron head as the ones with aluminium heads tend to…
Called a chisel hammer by Paul Sellers, when being sold they can be listed as a ‘nylon hammer’, ‘assembly hammer’ or even a ‘soft-faced hammer’. Paul Sellers prefers a nylon faced hammer, (31-712R Thorex Nylon Hammer) his preferred size is is a 1 ½” (38mm). The head of the hammer is made from steel which has…
The woodworker’s knife has a thin steel blade attached to a handle, sometimes the steel blade is retractable or folds. These can also be known as scoring, striking, marking or layout knives. They generally come with plastic, metal or wooden handles. Uses The knife is used to cut through the surface fibres of the wood…
Spokeshaves are highly versatile woodworking tools used for shaping and smoothing wood. They work similarly to bench planes, the main difference between the two is that bench planes are generally for developing straight surfaces and the spokeshave is used for creating and refining curves as it has a short sole surface, which makes it easier…
There are many different types of tools under the term plane which all have a blade fixed at an angle inside a metal or wooden body, some of which include: Over time the term bench plane has been shortened to be known as ‘plane’, however it is important to remember that this is in fact…
Several types of hammers are used in woodworking which come in different weights starting at 6oz and go up to 38oz. This guide will be focusing on the Warrington hammer as this is the one Paul Sellers recommends. The handle is usually made from ash and the head is double ended. One end is formed…
Chisel hammer is the term used by Paul Sellers to describe the hammer that he recommends for use in striking the end of the chisel handle and assembling joinery. It can be made from nylon, steel or brass. The type Paul Sellers recommends is sold as a ‘nylon hammer’, ‘assembly hammer’ or even a ‘soft-faced…