Fundamentals of Hand Tools

In this online video class, Fundamentals of Hand Tools, Tom Caspar shows you the key fundamentals of using seven important woodworking hand tools while building a simple jewelry box. You’ll watch, practice and learn while Tom demonstrates how to use these key woodworking tools:

• a #4 bench plane
• a Japanese pull saw
• two types of block planes
• a firmer chisel
• a spokeshave
• a scraper
• and a rabbet plane

Tom's interest in hand tools goes way back. "Forty years ago, I apprenticed in a shop where every piece of wood was planed or scraped by hand before assembly," said Tom. "Doing the same task over and over was the best type of woodworking instruction I could get. It was hard work, but I loved it!"

Learning about hand tools takes you beyond what machines can do, Tom says. "Planes, chisels and hand saws don't replace power tools in my shop. They're a complement." To build what you really want to build, he believes, you should master both hand and power tools. This online class will help you do just that.

Tom has been teaching "The Unplugged Workshop," a course on hand tools for beginners, for the last 25 years. "My goal is to take the mystery out of hand work. This box is a great introduction to what hand tools can do."

This woodworking project is more than just a teaching exercise, however. You can easily build several in a weekend, making it a perfect gift for your whole family.

By the way, you don't really need hand tools to build it. They just make spending time in the shop more fun!

In addition to the video instruction that you’ll enjoy in the Fundamentals of Hand Tools class, you’ll also be able to access a printable PDF drawing of the jewelry box, as well as a Class Resource PDF that notes the tools and supplies used in the class.

But wait! There's more! Log in to your account and unlock our list of bonus materials and plans.

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