A traditional woodworking brace, is used to bore holes from ¼” in diameter and up in increments of 1/16” to 1 ½” which are often too big for a hand drill. They can create cleaner work than power tool versions because they operate by a screw thread and cutting edges instead of power and speed….
A Note on the Term ‘Handsaw’: Technically all saws can be classed under the term ‘handsaws’ as this is a general term for all saws used by hand (not machines), however, the term ‘handsaws’ can also refer to a specific saw which is described as a large panel saw. In this guide we will be…
Files have teeth which span the width of the working face on a diagonal slant, the teeth come in different sizes which affects the depth of the gullets and thereby the depth the file teeth cut into the material. If the teeth are very small and close together (smooth or second cut), this may cause…
A rasp is similar looking to a file in terms of shape, however their working faces are significantly different. They have individually raised teeth, referred to as stitches, evenly dotted over the entire surface of the working face and are used for shaping wood. Stitching can be made by machine or by hand, however it…
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…
The set square is used to ensure the accuracy of layout lines and cuts made with other tools. It must always be accurate because otherwise subsequent work will result in lower levels of work quality. Uses The set square is one of the most important tools used in making furniture. It is used for marking…