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Using Hand Tools

In this golden age of electric-powered machinery, knowing the basics of handsaws, planes, chisels, and measuring and marking tools is an essential skill set that can add quality and personality to your work. However, using hand tools takes practice and
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  • Handplaning 101Handplaning 101

    by Chris Gochnour

    This companion piece to Plane Like a Pro   gives the basics of handplaning a surface so that it is flat, straight, and smooth. Handplane users who have struggled ...

  • Plane Like a ProPlane Like a Pro

    by Chris Gochnour

    It's no secret that Chris Gochnour is a fan of the handplane and the superlative surface it can leave on any piece of furniture. This article is perfect for those ...

  • How to Cut Tenons by HandHow to Cut Tenons by Hand

    by Matt Kenney

    Cutting tenons by hand is quicker than you think

  • 7 Habits of Highly Effective Woodworkers7 Habits of Highly Effective Woodworkers

    by Matt Kenney

    Anyone who pursues woodworking as a hobby knows that uninterrupted shop is at a premium. So it's best to make the most of the hours you have. We tapped into the ...

  • Mastering the Card ScraperMastering the Card Scraper

    by Matthew Teague

    Take a tutorial on using the card scraper -- a simple tool that, once mastered, will help you smooth surfaces and transform your work.From Fine Woodworking #201...

  • Lie-Nielsen at Fine WoodworkingLie-Nielsen at Fine Woodworking

    by Fine Woodworking editors

    You’re invited to a hand-tool event at our shop in Connecticut Oct. 3 and 4

  • How to Use a Router PlaneVideo: How to Use a Router Plane

    with Garrett Hack

    FWW contributing editor Garrett Hack shows two ways that this venerable but often-overlooked handtool can help you work faster.

  • Cut a Mortise in MinutesCut a Mortise in Minutes

    by Christian Becksvoort

    The time-honored practice of cutting mortises with a drill and chisel can be frustrating, mainly because the process of chiseling out the waste between drilled ...

  • Hand Tool SkillsHand Tool Skills

    by Fine Woodworking editors

    Free online extras for our newsstand-only publication featuring expert hand-tool advice and demonstrations

  • Remembering John Brown: An Impassioned Advocate for HandtoolsRemembering John Brown: An Impassioned Advocate for Handtools

    by Fine Woodworking editors

    A master craftsman made a compelling case for handtools in FWW a decade ago. His point of view has lost none of its bite.

  • Why Aren’t All Planes Skewed?Q & A: Why Aren’t All Planes Skewed?

    by Garrett Hack

  • Hand Tools Get Wide Use, According to Latest Knots PollHand Tools Get Wide Use, According to Latest Knots Poll

    by David Heim

    More than 4 out of 5 say they use hand tools for many woodworking tasks

  • A Shooting Board in ActionVideo: A Shooting Board in Action

    with David Finck

    This combo produces dead-on accuracy for squaring, mitering, or trimming parts to exact lengths.

  • The 5-Minute DovetailThe 5-Minute Dovetail

    by Gary Rogowski

    Start each woodworking session with a quick, practice dovetail to work out the kinks and get in tune with your hand tools. That's what Gary Rogowski teaches his ...

  • Garrett Hack at Lie-Nielsen EventGarrett Hack at Lie-Nielsen Event

    by David Heim

    FWW contributor to demonstrate hand-tool skills at North Bennet St. School Nov. 30 and Dec. 1

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