Tom Caspar

Fundamentals of Hand Tools

with Tom Caspar

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.

NOTE: This Class video instruction is also available for purchase in DVD form. If you prefer to own a physical copy, you can purchase the Class DVD here.

  • 7 Sessions
  • 2h 07m

Tom Caspar

Tom Caspar has been a furniture maker since apprenticing to a Swedish cabinetmaker almost 40 years ago. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was for many years editor of Woodwork and American Woodworker magazines. Tom has shared his expertise through more than 150 articles on a huge range of techniques, projects, and tools. He has been teaching The Unplugged Woodshop, a 12-week introductory course on hand tools, for 25 years.

Printable Class Guide PDF

Download and print this PDF Guide to complement your Class instruction. It’ll be a nice reference for you to keep.

Class Supplement PDF

See this detailed drawing of the Class jewelry box project, including a Cut List.

Class Resource PDF

See this list of tools and supplies that are used in this Class.

Instructor Insights

Download this short video to hear your instructor talk about this Class.

Bonus materials available after purchase

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Fundamentals of Hand ToolsPurchase this class for $35.99.