Hand Tools

woodturner · 18-03-2013 9:41pm #1

I know everyone here works wood in different ways but how many people use traditional methods and tools for creating furniture and other projects? I've really got sucked into the use of hand planes and such. I find myself scouring our local market for old tools and putting them back into full working use rather than see them rusting and going to waste.

After buying the Narex chisels I came across a stand at the local market. The man over it had old paring chisels, mortising chisels, firmer chisels and bevel edged chisels, all of which could probably have been picked up for €1-2 each. I know they would have needed a bit of flattening and sharpening to get back into working use. The last time they were used could have been 80-100 years ago but it'd be nice to see them being used to make furniture again today.

slpower01 · 18-03-2013 9:59pm

woodturner wrote: »

I know everyone here works wood in different ways but how many people use traditional methods and tools for creating furniture and other projects? I've really got sucked into the use of hand planes and such. I find myself scouring our local market for old tools and putting them back into full working use rather than see them rusting and going to waste.

After buying the Narex chisels I came across a stand at the local market. The man over it had old paring chisels, mortising chisels, firmer chisels and bevel edged chisels, all of which could probably have been picked up for €1-2 each. I know they would have needed a bit of flattening and sharpening to get back into working use. The last time they were used could have been 80-100 years ago but it'd be nice to see them being used to make furniture again today.

I occasionally use hand tools spesh my hand planes, I find these give a much nicer finish on work anyway. After serving an apprenticeship with fas I am glad they made us learn by using hand tools so that its easy enough to switch over to the power tool alternative.

deandean · 18-03-2013 10:07pm

I use hand does a lot and specially on wood that works easily such as alder, beech, cedar etc.
Some timbers are difficult to work with and are hard on your hand tools, iroko is one example.

woodturner · 18-03-2013 10:16pm

The Record hand planes that I have need a little fettling, mainly grinding, sharpening and flattening the back of the blade. The thing is, I've never used hand planes so whatever work I do with them to tune them up, I don't know if it will be the best it can be or if it needs a little more attention. I'm aware that the blades or Irons can be replaced with thicker and better ones and that the lever caps may also need some work. What I'm saying is, most hand tools need a lot of work and aren't usable straight from a box like say a router or an electric planer.

slpower01 · 19-03-2013 1:53pm

woodturner wrote: »

The Record hand planes that I have need a little fettling, mainly grinding, sharpening and flattening the back of the blade. The thing is, I've never used hand planes so whatever work I do with them to tune them up, I don't know if it will be the best it can be or if it needs a little more attention. I'm aware that the blades or Irons can be replaced with thicker and better ones and that the lever caps may also need some work. What I'm saying is, most hand tools need a lot of work and aren't usable straight from a box like say a router or an electric planer.

I guess its hard to determine when a tool is 100% because everyone works slightly different. How smooth would YOU like the finish the tools gives is the main thing I guess... My hand planes are only Stanley planes and they are sharp but I bet if someone that has hand planed all their lives would see them as very blunt, they do what I need them to do though which is faster material removal then a sander.

martinbourke11 · 20-03-2013 11:10pm

well lads, absolutely love working with hand tools. got the bug for picking up good quality hand tools a few years ago but really started appreciating fine hand tool craft after reading james krenov's: a cabinetmaker's notebook. started making my own hand planes and reading timber a lot better. the best spray finish cannot compare to a hand planed surface and some tung oil:D.

Went down the road of trend dovetail jigs, while its lovely to be sure of a perfect joint every time, nothing beats hand cutting the old bird's with my precious veritas dovetail saw! building up a nice little collection of hand tools: veritas dovetail saw, sorby bevel chisels, lie nielson spokeshaves, few japanese saws. opening my hand tool press a lot more than my power tool press these days

woodturner · 21-03-2013 1:14am

I'd love to see the hand planes you made.

Mutha · 24-03-2013 1:24am

While I have all the powered stuff I much prefer using hand tools that have a history. I've both my grandfathers, father-in-laws, uncles, grand-uncles and other now deceased friends tools.

A relation is an auctioneer in England and when over one time I spotted a suitcase with a name on it. Opened it to find various hand tools and placed a bid with said relation. Got them for a silly price and brought the well looked after tools home.

I like the idea that maybe somewhere he's and the others looking on as his tools are used and cared for.

faithful chippie · 27-03-2013 1:11pm

I'd love to have a plane from Gerd Fritsche but I doubt i'd get the use out of it.

Where is this market woodturner, and is that man with the chisel stall there often or just occasionaly? wouldnt mind a trip there meself.

fergal.b · 27-03-2013 9:55pm

I think you asked me about this before faithful chippie I have so many things going on that I think it will just be left on the shelf so if you want it your welcome to it on the condition that you post a photo of it cleaned up

if you don't want it next in line can have it under the same conditions

woodturner · 28-03-2013 1:58am

fergal.b wrote: »

I think you asked me about this before faithful chippie I have so many things going on that I think it will just be left on the shelf so if you want it your welcome to it on the condition that you post a photo of it cleaned up if you don't want it next in line can have it under the same conditions

If Faithful Chippie passes on it I'll get her back to good health.

faithful chippie · 28-03-2013 12:57pm

woodturner wrote: »

If Faithful Chippie passes on it I'll get her back to good health.

oh no ya wont!

Big Davey · 31-03-2013 6:37pm

What is it for ?

fergal.b · 31-03-2013 7:22pm

Big Davey wrote: »

What is it for ?

It's a stanley 45 so I'm told

Here is a bit of info on them http://www.whitemountdesign.com/Stanley45Info.htm
It's in the post now so just give €10 to a charity of your choice and we will call it quits if you include the update photo

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Hand Tools

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