In Shop Blog, Techniques

We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.

Hand Tool BasicsThanks for all the great comments! Congratulations to “Geneaux” the winner of this book giveaway. Stay tuned for more exciting book giveaways and if you’re interested in reserving a copy of “Hand Tool Basics,” you can pre-order at ShopWoodworking.com.


I recently received advance copies of “Hand Tool Basics,” a new book by Steve Branam, hand tool instructor and author of the Close Grain blog. If you’re interested in incorporating more hand tools into your woodworking, but have felt overwhelmed by the prospect of learning how to use them, this book is a great visual guide to get you started. Step-by-step photos and instructions guide you through everything from sharpening tools to prepping stock to employing timeless joinery techniques.

“Hand Tool Basics” will be available in January and is currently available for pre-order at ShopwoodWorking.com

I have one advance copy of the book from the printer that I’m giving away. Be the first kid on the block to own a copy! Simply post a comment below and I’ll choose one winner at random. Winner will be announced Monday 11/13/17.

Hand Tool Basics


Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.

Recent Posts
Showing 64 comments
  • smithdw2026

    This would be excellent to have for me to learn more about hand tools in woodworking and a great addition to the fwe woodworking books that I have

  • rjhanby

    Count me in, please.

  • kaw-liga

    Let’s hope this week is my week!

  • EeyorIs21

    Please toss my name into the hat as well.

  • mike hamilton

    Count me in!

  • mbbrogan

    Count me in for the drawing, good hand tool book.

  • mikd

    There’s definitely room in my bookcase for this one!

  • Matthew

    The front cover reminds me of the H.O. Studley tool box. I love hand tools, especially old ones, the way they feel in your hands and the heft of the cast iron and warmth of the wood. It reminds me of my grandfather. I try to use them whenever possible. As for the book, I would love a copy if you can spare it. Lie-Nielson is the only toolworks so far that remind me of the old tools from a century ago. All the old planes I use are from the turn of the century to the 20’s and 30’s. Ok, I could go on and on so I’ll stop now. Hope to here back from you soon.
    Matt

  • Blackbear50

    Always try to use hand tools first, much more satisfying. Looking forward to reading this book.

  • earthartinc

    Looks like a great book, and a passion of mine as well! Count me in!

  • runforbeer

    This sounds great. Sign me up please.

  • BDooley

    Have made a few hand tools of my own to start using on projects, always looking to learn more.

  • jbatesy

    Count me in, looks like a gteat book

  • Brodinelr

    I would love this book. I can always use more woodworking knowledge.

  • Tofflerfan

    I’m in.

  • Mike

    I’m in!

  • pchast

    Thanks. I want one too.

  • pharmbot

    Improve my skills and lower my workshop dependency on electricity? Yes, please!

  • rdwoodring@gmail.com

    I’d love to have a copy!

  • kc0dxh

    A generous offer. I would love to read this.

  • btrenholm

    Book lookas on point!

  • Sheltonr

    This book would be great for me. I would love to have it!

  • Rogerscg

    Looks like a great book!

  • DaveS2

    I could use a hand…

  • Dave

    Knowledge is power.

  • krweatherl

    Would love a copy

  • Joshua

    With a son expected to arrive any day now, and already working in a lumber yard, there is something essential, in me, to improve my hand tool skills. I have produced a reptile tank now, only using hand tools, and while it functions well, It is primitive in its looks. This book would be a valuable tool for my woodworking future.

  • oasis22

    would fit well in my library.

  • wasmithee

    I love free woodworking books.

  • dpmonty

    Looks like a great book.

  • jakontio

    This looks exactly like a book I would be needing to get me on the right track from the start.

  • mysandman

    Looks like the perfect book for me to get more hand tool knowledge

  • Geneaux

    Looks great!

  • RedOak42

    The Table of contents is impressive; I will make room on my woodworking bookshelf for this book!

  • tsharp9164

    Looks like a great book. Would love to have it in my library.

  • jqlouie

    Always ready to learn more and improve my efforts.

  • Riven Joiner

    Should be a good read. Thanks.

  • NMac

    I’m working on improving my hand tool skills. This would be very helpful!

  • aaronk

    looks really nice and well thought out!

  • GARuss

    Thanks for giving up your copy to one of us! I hope I’m the lucky winner.

  • byerbyer

    Allons-y!

  • Danacd75

    Still a bit of a beginner. This would be a fabulous addition to my library. Thank you!

  • lrmc

    This would be great to help me improve my hand tool skills. Thanks!

  • Bill Lattanzio

    Very nice! count me in..

  • talloak

    I really enjoy working with hand tools

  • trs

    Yes I could really use it thank you

  • sitzpkt1998

    I would enjoy this book.

  • Mac

    Finding more tasks to use hand tools in the shop. Hand Tools basics would be a great library addition.

  • Willy638

    Yes, please!

  • tomwolber

    Fingers Crossed

  • CraigT82

    This book would allow me to butcher wood at a much slower rate, thus saving money on timber and therefore well worth the purchase price!

  • JAPence

    Sign me up!

  • rackjack

    I would love to have this book in my collection.

  • keramey

    Sounds great!

  • Joseph Hansman

    As someone who is learning woodworking and hand tools at the same time, this would be a fantastic book.

  • bgreene9369

    Thanks for the giveaway, it looks like it could help build skills.

  • pmac

    Yeah, I would find this very useful. Thanks for the give away.

  • tylermac

    Just picked up some early 1900’s Stanley planes to restore. Would be a great resource for getting them used.

  • ohlund

    Please pick me.

  • abonen

    The precise work you can do with hand tools is essential. I could always use more knowledge using them.

  • woodworkjay

    Tools without tails? What a concept. I need to learn more!

  • Greg

    The book would a great Veterans Day’s present.

  • calebawilson

    I definitely could use some more hand tool knowledge.

Start typing and press Enter to search

curvy joinery