Hand Tools

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  • Jointer and Planer

    The Difference Between a Jointer and Planer

    Beginning woodworkers all ask this basic question: What is the difference between a jointer and a planer? The answer is simple, a lot! And is there such a thing as a Jointer Planer? No! So, what is the difference? Each machine does a completely different surfacing operation. A jointer flattens a face or straightens and…

  • Bridge City Tool Works Block and Bench Plane

    There are plenty of times when using a hand tool, specifically a block plane or bench plane, makes more sense than using a corded tool. Why a hand plane? Large pieces. Yeah, you might own a planer or drum sander, but will the piece you’re working on fit through the machine? When it comes to…

  • Using a Woodturning Hook Tool

    A hollow vessel is a beautiful, delicate object that is lightweight, has a very small opening, and invites all sorts of questions about how it was made. Turning a hollow vessel on a lathe is a challenging project, but it is an accomplishment that is fun, exciting, and within reach of an experienced turner when…

  • Quick Tip to Find the Center of a Circle with a Square

    If you think that framing squares only belong on a construction job site, you couldn’t be more wrong. They’re also very useful to have in your shop. Here’s a great example. Need to find the center of a circle? You may not believe it, but you can easily do this with a framing square. There…

  • Why George Loves Combination Squares

    There are a handful of tools in the shop that I use nearly every day. A combination square is one of them. These are such versatile tools. I love that you can interchange the heads for different functions, getting even more mileage out of a nearly indispensable tool. Round stock, angles, marking and measuring. The…

  • Testing a Miter Gauge for a Square Cut

    The table saw is a key participant in many woodworking projects, therefore it is critical to ensure that the saw is performing at its best, and adjusted for perfect accuracy. A well-tuned table saw is capable of producing crisp, square cuts, and helping you to produce projects that come together as nicely as you had…

  • Making a Micro Bevel on Your Woodworking Chisels

    The cornerstone of hand tool woodworking is the chisel. Whether you are chopping dovetails, paring to a line on end grain, or shearing off a bead of excess glue, one thing is for certain, you will want that bad boy to have a hair-splitting wicked sharp edge on it. The concept for how to sharpen…

  • Working With Pallet Wood

    Working with pallet wood is all the rage these days. It makes sense. Pallet wood is typically free, and can yield some great looking material. Couple that with the fact that you’re recycling (or upcycling) and it’s a win-win. The problem? Getting the pallets apart. We’ll help you out with that. Tough as Nails Think…

  • cabiole legs

    Making Cabriole Legs

    If you think cabriole legs are out of reach, think again. The graceful S-curve and pad foot of these iconic eighteenth century furniture legs may look hard to make, but you’ll be surprised how simple they can be with a few hand tools and a little hand-eye coordination. This plan provides you with the templates…

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  • How to use a Block Plane

    Trimming Dovetails: Block Plane

    Everyone loves the look of dovetail joinery, so it makes sense to fine tune your ability to create this great joint. There are a number of important steps involved in creating the joint in your woodworking projects, but one that is commonly not given enough attention is the process of making the joint flush. After…