Tag Archives: handplane

Loose the Weight

Posted on January 29, 2022 by literaryworkshop

I used to prefer heavy tools. Now I don’t. It has taken me longer than it should to recognize that, given the choice between two tools of similar quality, I should choose the one that is lighter in weight. Let’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Wood and Woodwork | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Building A Frame-and-Panel Interior Door

Posted on March 20, 2019 by literaryworkshop

If I had a backup career in woodworking, it would be making doors and windows for historic homes.  It’s not that I especially enjoy making such objects more than others.  (I’ve never even made a window sash.)  It’s that it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Build-Alongs, Home Improvement, Kids, Wood and Woodwork | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Old Names on Old Tools

Posted on August 11, 2017 by literaryworkshop

Most old tools are anonymous–unless you knew the previous owner personally, there’s no way to tell who owned them before you did.  But there are happy exceptions.  Two of my handplanes have a previous owner’s name on them.  And while … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Wood and Woodwork | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

How to Restore a Wooden Cutting Board

Posted on July 25, 2017 by literaryworkshop

Wooden cutting boards are wonderful.  I wouldn’t be without them in my kitchen.  But over time, their surfaces get chewed up–especially if you keep your kitchen knives sharp.  A wooden cutting board can go years and years before its surface … Continue reading →

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

Selecting a Vintage Hand Plane: Deal-Breaker vs. Deal-with-It

Posted on June 4, 2016 by literaryworkshop

If you went with me to a flea market or antique shop, I could pick up the hand planes one by one and tell you exactly why I would or wouldn’t buy them based on make, model, and condition. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Tool Repair, Wood and Woodwork | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Handplane Tote Repair: Replacing the Horn

Posted on May 21, 2013 by literaryworkshop

The other day, a friend of mine arrived at my house (via bicycle) carrying a very nice Stanley #6 fore plane, which he gave to me.  Despite being about a hundred years old, it had only light surface rust.  There’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Build-Alongs, Tutorials | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment