Your assumption that the uptake in power tools following WWII was due to marketing is far from the truth of the matter. Power tools were available in quantity from apx 1925 forward; they were just too expensive for the average consumer. If you research Popular Mechanics (available on Google) from 1900 on, they explain how to create the perfect shop in every issue, with power and hand tools for metal and wood working. During the war years the populace was exposed to power tools and the prices came down as war demand increased. The men in uniform were also exposed to power tools. After WWII the factories of war were closing at an unprecedented rate and manufacturers had to convert or become a historical footnote. The returning soldiers coupled with a chronic need for housing fueled the power tool industry (now with advanced manufacturing and lower cost) as the only way to make the needed housing and furniture in the quantities needed. Soldiers purchased the least sq. footage available for the least cost and then added rooms in the period after 1947 to the early 60′s. While marketing was involved, it was not until the mid-60′s that power tools were marketed in such a way as to truly increase sales. The power tool knowledge gained by the masses, coupled with the need for affordable housing and the pent-up need for the accessories of life created a market that power tool manufacturers were all to eager to fill. I use hand tools as needed having inherited my great grandfathers (a shipwright) collection and make many of my own with my metal working skills. I also taught marketing to several generations of industrial sales people, using this very example; this is one of the very few examples where the elements of history come together to create a need – real or imagined. I am thankful that you are teaching generations about the utilization of hand tools as the last 50 years have taught me that mechanical knowledge in general is at the lowest point since Neanderthal man.

With best regards,
R. Baker

I’ve kinda been middling around trying to work out where to start, and this is the perfect project.

I’ll be starting one shortly.

I’ll learn a lot with this project. I have a question on terminology, yours or Gottshall’s. I seem to have read somewhere that a Rabbet goes with the grain and a Fillister goes cross grain. Is that right? Or just a technicality?

I’m having trouble with downloading sketchup so I really can’t see the whole model. I’m going by the photo. Is the grain oriented correctly? Not trying to be a smartass, just trying to learn. I’d love to see a lexicon somewhere.

Thanks for this presentation.

Dan