Buying a combination gauge is more cost effective as it essentially combines the marking and mortise gauge into one gauge. Paul recommends the type that have pins rather than discs as the discs tend to be brittle and fracture in places around the circumference. Discs are often difficult to re-sharpen and if broken can be…
A secondhand swing brace should last a lifetime if it has been well looked after. We recommend buying secondhand as there are lots available which are not worn down, they are also much less expensive than buying new. Stanley has proven to be good quality so look out for them when buying secondhand. You can…
When buying a woodworker’s knife you should look for a thin, strong, flat blade. Don’t be put off by the disposable blade options as some of these can be sharpened and last up to 2 years. Paul recommends the Stanley Folding Pocket Knife model 0 10 598 and the Swann-Morton model SMO-R, which is available…
Guide updated on 18th April 2019 to recommend the Narex Rasp. Guide updated on 14th May 2019 to recommend the Shinto Rasp. Guide updated on 14th October 2019 to remove the recommendation for a four-in-hand farrier’s rasp as this is not hardened. Although a hand stitched rasp makes for a more effective cut and finish…
Guide updated on 18th April 2019 to recommend Bahco. Guide updated on 14th October 2019 to remove the recommendation for a four-in-hand farrier’s rasp as this is not hardened. Guide updated on 11th November to recommend a bastard cut too. A 12″ (305mm) file is usually the longest length used in woodworking and metalworking, Paul…
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…