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I just received my advance copy of Jim Tolpin’s new book, The New Traditional Woodworker, and even though I was very involved with putting the book together, it’s always a pleasant surprise to see the finished product. I’m proud of this one! Beyond the fact that Jim has put together an excellent teaching platform for learning to work with hand tools, this is a good looking book with lots of great photography. In writing the book, Jim chose to teach the reader how to work with the hand tools, by using them to build useful bench and shop tools. Each project builds on the skills learned in the proceeding chapter. This plan makes for an easy and fun learning curve.
The projects include: a straightedge; a try square; winding sticks; a face planing stop; a bench hook pair, edge planing stop; sticking board; and a rounds out with a workbench tote. There are an additional seven projects offered in quicker detail, to help stock your shop. Jim has also included helpful insights on setting up a hand tool shop, working with the wood and suggestions on workbenches that best blend with hand tool woodworking.
If you’re ready to learn the tool set, skill set and mind set to working with hand tools, this is a book that will start you successfully on the path.
