Tag Archives: hand tools

Don’t Destroy Yourself

Posted on January 17, 2021 by literaryworkshop

I sometimes hear dedicated hand-tool woodworkers praise the way that woodworkers of yore built splendid pieces of furniture without the aid of power tools, with the implication that we, too, should work in that totally “unplugged” way. I used to … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings, Power Tools | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The One Essential Hand Tool

Posted on December 13, 2018 by literaryworkshop

I have a favorite hand tool, one which has been with me (in one form or another) for most of my life.   It’s my most-used hand tool, and the one I would be most reluctant to part with.  It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Countdown to Simplicity

Posted on September 11, 2016 by literaryworkshop

I like simple tools, and the simpler the better.  One measure of simplicity is the number of discrete parts the tool is made of.  Some relatively simple tools, such as a hand plane or an eggbeater drill, have a lot … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings, Wood and Woodwork | Tagged , , , , , | 41 Comments

To Make Woodworking Difficult

Posted on October 4, 2011 by literaryworkshop

I am no expert on the recent history of American woodworking, but I find it amusing (and a little depressing) to flip through books on furniture making from the 1950s and 1960s. What strikes me is the dreariness and predictability … Continue reading →

Posted in Musings, Wood and Woodwork, Woodworking Literature | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Hand Tool Trends: Where Is This Hobby Going?

Posted on August 23, 2011 by literaryworkshop

About a year ago, I posted an essay on this blog about why I choose to use hand tools primarily.  What I said there still applies to my work.  However, I’m still relatively young, and I hope to be working … Continue reading →

Posted in Wood and Woodwork | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Why I Use Hand Tools

Posted on September 14, 2010 by literaryworkshop

Since I started working wood, I have become something of an evangelist for hand tools.  Whether I am talking with my woodworking buddies in person or on line, I am always promoting the use of hand tools over machines.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Wood and Woodwork | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment