What power tools do you need to start your woodworking journey? “What tools should I buy first?” is one of the more common questions I get from friends who are getting started [...]
For turning spindles, there’s nothing like having a really long tool rest. You never have to move it! I made my own with parts from the hardware store. This rest is just a length of square steel [...]
This well-machined workholding device is easy to assemble and is solid. Tool: Moxon Vise Kit Shop Now Manufacturer: Lake Erie Toolworks MSRP: $209 Sure, you can make your own double [...]
Small tools are easier to reach since I added two rare-earth magnets to my apron. I epoxied the 1/2″ dia. magnets to two 1″ square pieces of leather, punched 1/2″ holes in the [...]
Tool: Birdcage Awl Shop Now Manufacturer: Shenandoah Toolworks MSRP: $59.99 If you’re in the market for a birdcage awl, this Shenandoah Tool Works version offers a stylish twist – that is, [...]
The truss system of the spine looks curious, but it works gangbusters. Tool: 5″ Titanium Birdcage Fret Saw Shop Now Manufacturer: Knew Concepts MSRP: $235 (includes saw and Pegas #7 [...]
Old bandsaw blades can easily be recycled into useful marking or carving knives. One blade nets you a slew of small pieces. Use a tin snip to cut off a piece of the blade, grind off the teeth, [...]
Tool: Scotch-Brite Deburring Wheel Shop Now Manufacturer: 3M MSRP: $50+ Someone saw this deburring wheel on Instagram and clued me in to it; sold. It’s really a metal-working tool for [...]
Tool: Bench Cookie Shop Now Manufacturer: Rockler MSRP: $12.99 (set of four) These aptly named bench cookies are clever and inexpensive problem solvers. A set of four elevates a board for [...]
My portable planer uses disposable blades. When the first set got dull, I didn’t throw them away–I turned the two blades into very useful drawknives. I wrapped duct tape around the ends of the [...]
Tool: Magnetic Dovetail Guide Shop Now Manufacturer: David Barron Tools MSRP: $54.99 If you’re struggling for cut perfection on your dovetails (or you’re just learning to cut this important [...]
Layout Tool Haiku A framing square, small Enough to fit in your hand Is nuts-on 90. (originally published in American Woodworker #158) Veritas precision square Buy Now …
