Dedicated Sled Delivers Perfect Finger Joints
3 Steps to Great Glue-Ups: Sliding Dovetail Joints
Five Minute Guide: How to Use a Tablesaw
How to Sharpen a Card Scraper
Upgrade Your Jointer with a Segmented Cutterhead
Best Tabletop Finish
Box Making Tips and Tricks
Buying and Using Trim Routers
How to Cut Sliding Dovetail Joints
How to Apply an Aerosol Finish
T-Track is a Smart Workbench Accessory
Fixing Woodworking Mistakes
How to Make a Simple Jig for Offset Knife Hinges
Five Minute Guide: Glue-Ups
How to Drill Windsor Chair Mortises
Router Jig for Perfectly Aligned Dadoes
Tablesaw Tapering Jig is Safer and Faster

The Editors Mailbox

UPDATE: Making Wood Tools with John Wilson

comments (179) June 26th, 2012 in blogs

Betsy Engel, contributor

10 users recommend

Photo: Courtesy of Home Shop Books

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Making Wood Tools with John Wilson
Home Shop Books, 2011.
$39.95; 244 pp.

Some of you might know John Wilson for his Shaker oval box making classes and supplies but he also teaches tool making in The Home Shop. Making Wood Tools is his first book. In it he not only teaches you how to make wood tools, but he provides interesting background stories and histories. The book covers the making of several different planes and other tools, such as a spoke shave and travisher. It also has chapters on blade making and several on keeping tools and holding work such as a workbench, work horse for dovetailing, Japanese tool box, and a carpenter’s tote, to name a few.

Lucky shadvet is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.

Check back often for more giveaways.

posted in: blogs, giveaway, hand tools, book

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Comments (179)

cahudson42 writes: It is an interesting book - saw it at a show. But thought it a bit of a ripoff at $40.

Highland Woodworking has it for $30 with 'free shipping' ($75-up) until 7/4. Still overpriced. May buy - but likely will wait until its remaindered at $20 or less..
Posted: 3:05 am on June 27th

gi0rgi0 writes: I'll take one. My dad used to make some of his own tools. Would love to learn that skill.
Posted: 3:43 pm on June 26th

pinewood writes: I wood love to add this book to my woodworking library. Books are a great way to gather information on the greatest hobby in the world, woodworking!! Thank you for the chance. Ed
Posted: 10:44 pm on June 25th

MacGregorWoodWorks writes: I would be honored to own this book.
Posted: 10:03 pm on June 25th

clevrtrousers writes: I just made a drawbore pin, and am interested in making other tools. Looks like an interesting book.
Posted: 9:46 pm on June 25th

granit1 writes: i wood love to read it
Posted: 8:52 pm on June 25th

EnochStevenson writes: What a fantastic offer. I have appreciated the resources here and would greats benefit from such a book.
Posted: 8:30 pm on June 25th

nanook1 writes: I would really love this book. I would consider buying it even if I did not win it.
Posted: 7:46 pm on June 25th

mjw19641 writes: Would love to have this!
Posted: 2:41 pm on June 25th

bobber writes: Sounds like a great book..let me in.

Posted: 10:34 am on June 25th

Isleshore writes: My father was a carpenter and owned a variety of bespoke specialist tools, I fully intend to make my own now to enable me to make my own unique pieces, this book would be a very useful addition to my knowledge base
Posted: 9:34 am on June 25th

leeh522 writes: Can't wait to read the book & get started making tools.
Posted: 5:31 am on June 25th

Jam3s writes: Sounds very good, I hope it shows how to make tools for turning
Posted: 5:22 am on June 25th

jfespinozas writes: Sounds wonderful , great idea
Posted: 1:51 am on June 25th

roydh writes: This sounds like a good book with the asides added it should be great reading and learning

Posted: 11:14 pm on June 24th

badgerra writes: This books looks like it was written for me! I intend to buy a copy soon. Well done!
Posted: 10:30 pm on June 24th

StuartE writes: This book should help me kick-start a new career doing something I have always wanted to do...make quality tools that for craftsmen of all types! I hope the woodland elves shake a kittle "lucky dust" my way!
Posted: 8:58 pm on June 24th

kanki writes: This is exactly what I was looking for. In my country is so dificullt to find good tools that I have to make several of them.
Posted: 8:37 pm on June 24th

plachalam writes: this looks like a good addition to the library, traditional toolmaking and the ability to customize....if I can't win it i'll have to buy it!
Posted: 7:15 pm on June 24th

plachalam writes: this looks like a good addition to the library, traditional toolmaking and the ability to customize....if I can't win it i'll have to buy it!
Posted: 7:13 pm on June 24th

joiner333 writes: Making tools in the shop fascinates me. I think I could use the book.
Posted: 7:06 pm on June 24th

gmcromp writes: Great give away,nothing better than free lessons!
Posted: 6:25 pm on June 24th

xtopdog writes: Great prize !
Posted: 6:12 pm on June 24th

MichaelEM writes: Hi FWW I am looking forward to learning how to make a spokeshave out of wood! Please enter me for the giveaway of Making Wood Tools with John Wilson.
Posted: 5:23 pm on June 24th

bksup writes: GREAT !
Posted: 4:31 pm on June 24th

e8rob writes: Interesting ideas. I would like to see more of it to see if it is worth the effort for me to make a plane for my projects.
Posted: 3:59 pm on June 24th

LouP writes: I love working with hand tools. I like the idea of making my own tools.
Posted: 11:53 am on June 24th

hrg126 writes: cool book
Posted: 10:55 am on June 24th

diaperchamp writes: it really helped my husband with his new hobby
Posted: 10:00 am on June 24th

tvlcard writes: My husband would love this book!
Posted: 9:32 am on June 24th

calc3 writes: I would like this book as it's a excellent way to gain new skills.
Posted: 7:27 am on June 24th

StuRem writes: Working with power tools is challenging, I wonder how much more hand tools would add to the challenge? But I'm intrigued at the notion of making tools, this could be quite interesting.
Posted: 6:37 am on June 24th

StanSuther writes: I like the idea of building my own tools to fit specific needs.

Posted: 9:44 pm on June 23rd

DWats writes: This looks like a very interesting book indeed. I think it would be fun to make wood tools.
Posted: 8:36 pm on June 23rd

goldn1 writes: What a great idea. Lets you know who is reading your email.
Posted: 7:31 pm on June 23rd

FRandallCat writes: I had to check the author's website to be sure, as I had heard his name before. He authored a book on making Shaker boxes. He was dedicated to the manufacture of those wonders of bent wood, to the point he bought the only company making the copper tacks used to hold the joints on the boxes when that company appeared in danger of closing forever. If he brought that gusto to Making Wood Tools, put my name in the hat for a copy.
Posted: 7:30 pm on June 23rd

MarkSiebert writes: Making your own tools gets back to the very heart of what classic woodworking is all about. With a limited budget, I have tried to make some of my own tools with limited success; having an authoritative reference would help a LOT. Please add me to the drawing for this valuable resource.
Thank you!
Posted: 7:06 pm on June 23rd

retireejd writes: I would love to have this book!!
Posted: 6:09 pm on June 23rd

BethElderton writes: This looks like a wonderful gift for my husband,a cabinet maker who does beautiful work.
Posted: 6:08 pm on June 23rd

EricAnderson writes: I am finding it more and more interesting to build my own hand tools. I have a blade that a friend gave me about 10 years ago to build a plane. Maybe this book is the chance I have to turn that blade into a tool.
Posted: 4:36 pm on June 23rd

newsh3300 writes: This looks like the type of quality book I expect from your web site. Hope I get it.
Posted: 4:07 pm on June 23rd

Wixom writes: This sounds like a good book to have and read. Put my name in the drawing, please.
Posted: 3:11 pm on June 23rd

davecaz writes: comment
Posted: 1:30 pm on June 23rd

drewsky813 writes: I want it.
Posted: 1:21 pm on June 23rd

Sgill writes: Love making my own tools so cout me in.
Posted: 1:14 pm on June 23rd

John_Moran writes: Not sure whether us Brits are included in this competition, we rarely are, but just in case - please add my mame.
Posted: 12:40 pm on June 23rd

colb04 writes: Sounds like a good book to own.
Posted: 12:11 pm on June 23rd

wolflahti writes: There has been a proliferation in recent years (okay, decades) of people buying simple jigs and tools and such that they could easily make themselves. I hope (though I do not expect) that books such as these could help reverse that trend.
Posted: 11:57 am on June 23rd

ProfC writes: Please enter me as well. Looks like an interesting book.
Posted: 11:48 am on June 23rd

pieces writes: I've been looking for a book like this. Hope I win!!!
Posted: 11:37 am on June 23rd

Davedavedave writes: This looks like a fantastic book. I would love to have it. I try and make as many of my tools as I can.
Dave Harris
Posted: 11:07 am on June 23rd

Zabo2 writes: Please enter me into the drawing

Posted: 10:57 am on June 23rd

likes2doitright writes: I have many tools, but use frequently and enjoy using some of the wooden jigs I've made the best. With some wooden jigs, I can do router magic I can't do any other way. Can't wait to augment my collection with what I might see in the book.
Posted: 10:39 am on June 23rd

Yo_Chappie writes: ...maybe I can get ideas for making turning tools. Thanks!
Posted: 9:53 am on June 23rd

FASRON writes: Subscribed to Fine Woodworking magazine years ago as a beginning woodworker but decided that most articles were beyond my capabilities. Now some forty years later, I discovered Fine Woodworking on line and am thrilled with the information and instructions provided. Keep up the good work!

Jim Garnsey
Posted: 9:35 am on June 23rd

BA3 writes: This would be a great addition to my woodworking library -- opportunity to watch a real pro make tools. My own efforts have been mixed at best -- want to learn much, much more.
Posted: 9:33 am on June 23rd

knottyguy writes: I use hand tools wherever practical, it gets me closer to my project and I like the silence. I'm sure this book will have some great tool designs. The book on wood bending looks interesting too,I think I'll buy that one. I love the online version of FWW, please keep it going.
Posted: 9:07 am on June 23rd

RunDMC writes: I always admire the reader-made tools featured in the Tools issues of FWW. I'd love to have this book.
Posted: 9:04 am on June 23rd

nncasper writes: I would cherish a good opportunity to learn how to make some tools from an expert.
Posted: 8:14 am on June 23rd

Zips writes: one of my most used tools is a frame saw with a 1 inch blade in the middle. I use it to re-saw from small logs. I can add more tools to my collection.
Posted: 8:06 am on June 23rd

Loxmyth writes: Definitely interested. One of the things I was drooling over, in a friend's father's shop, was a complete set of wood-body planes; just plain pretty. Well-cared-for old tools impress me a lot more than old furniture, just because they've been used intensively and have more stories wrapped up in them (even if we never know what those stories are).
Posted: 8:03 am on June 23rd

rcataline4738 writes: I try to get all the help I can with sketchup thank you.
Ray C.
Posted: 7:53 am on June 23rd

portal45 writes: It's hard to find quality books that detail this semi-lost art. Hope to win and get a chance to review it. Thanks!
Posted: 7:48 am on June 23rd

BDDierks writes: Would love to make some of my own tools!
Posted: 7:39 am on June 23rd

JoeMin writes: Count me in!
Looks like an interesting one!
J
Posted: 7:35 am on June 23rd

Dust_Storm writes: What better way to connect with your passion than to make your own tools!
Posted: 7:17 am on June 23rd

kentbub writes: What a perfect way to better understand how these tools work.
Posted: 6:45 am on June 23rd

KenHANGITALL writes: Making tools to work with sounds great count me in. Skill building at it's finest.
Posted: 6:35 am on June 23rd

able_baker writes: Looks great - I always make instead of buy. It's a Yankee thing.
Posted: 6:23 am on June 23rd

ASL4U writes: there does not seem to be a link on his page to buy this book - is this a pre-release?
Posted: 6:17 am on June 23rd

ASL4U writes: Hope Hope Hope!
Posted: 6:16 am on June 23rd

golfgloeckner writes: Looks like a great book!
Posted: 6:14 am on June 23rd

markgigs writes: Please count me in too. I would like to have this book on the start of my woodworking journey. Thanks!
Posted: 5:21 am on June 23rd

opie123 writes: Count me in too!
Posted: 2:59 am on June 23rd

jverreault writes: Looks like a great read. Count me in.
Posted: 7:41 pm on June 22nd

woodchips96 writes: I have also made a few tools and really enjoyed the process. I would love to read his book.
Posted: 5:41 pm on June 22nd

RJH311 writes: I would LOVE a copy of this book! I'm super poor and love hand tools. Making my own would make my day ;)
Posted: 3:42 pm on June 22nd

MBGrammer writes: Great craft. I'd love to do this with my son.
Posted: 12:19 pm on June 22nd

uist129 writes: I've made a few of my on tools. It would be interesting to read further into the topic.
Posted: 10:47 am on June 22nd

DanLip writes: All in
Posted: 10:05 pm on June 21st

maxim9b writes: I enjoyed seeing John Wilson at the NWA Showcase in Saratoga back in March. His talk was clear and informative, and I'd enjoy reading what he has written as well.
Posted: 4:39 pm on June 21st

SirGareth writes: I'm a new woodworker, just starting with some very basic tools. This book would help a lot. Good luck to all! Thanks for the contest!
Posted: 2:58 pm on June 21st

bolfar writes: Looks good, I would like to review it
Posted: 1:18 pm on June 21st

Rambler writes: This would be a very valuable resource to have in my library. I enjoy making tools in the shop for use in the shop or household.
Posted: 1:16 pm on June 21st

NikonD80 writes: I've made one or two wood tools: a marking gauge and a marking knife. I'd love to extend my repertoire so please send me the book.
Posted: 12:56 pm on June 21st

malletman writes: I've had a lot of fun making some turning tools and would enjoy making some other tools. I find the most interesting and perhaps the funnest part of the process is heat treating the steel. I'm not an expert in heat treating so it always seems like I'm learning something new all over again when I make a new tool. It's a ball though! One time I had a flair up when I quenched in oil and fire nearly consumed my arm. I was a whole lot more careful after that (dunk straight up and down not on an angle, is what I learned). Keep up the good work guys.
Posted: 11:34 am on June 21st

Rohcna writes: Considering I have made myself a shoulder plane and am trying to figure out how to make a small block plane.. I would love to have this book.. win or lose it at least goes on my wish list.
Posted: 11:19 am on June 21st

hjbdc writes: I would love to have this book and make some tools.
Posted: 9:02 am on June 21st

jonquinn writes: I'd like to have this book. already made a couple of my own spokeshaves.
Posted: 8:26 am on June 21st

arduk writes: preview looks good!
Posted: 6:39 am on June 21st

biscuitcutter writes: You can never have too many books... or tools.
Posted: 4:04 am on June 21st

Voltar2011 writes: Making wooden tools to make wooden objects, a beautiful idea.
Posted: 3:07 am on June 21st

casaheil writes: This looks like a great book. I want to start making some of my tools, starting with simple things like a marking gauge and moving up to planes.
Posted: 11:49 pm on June 20th

TimSom writes: Count me in!
Posted: 10:07 pm on June 20th

Vaneng writes: Will be a great read. I would love it
Posted: 6:33 pm on June 20th

MikeKC writes: I am a member of the Kansas City Woodworkers Guild, and we recently had John here conducting classes on shaker boxes and on wooden hand tools. The classes were very good and I learned a lot.
Mike R
Posted: 3:40 pm on June 20th

Kevin0804 writes: Sign me up. I can't wait to make my first tool.
Posted: 3:02 pm on June 20th

WiseGuy81 writes: This looks Pretty Cool!
Posted: 12:33 pm on June 20th

Rhysling writes: Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
Posted: 8:33 am on June 20th

Dank24 writes: The only thing better than making furniture is making tools to make furniture.

Cheers!
Posted: 4:52 am on June 20th

rrenfrow writes: From the outside the book has the promise of many years of useful information.
Posted: 12:12 am on June 20th

DonaldG writes: Everyone should know how to make a wood body spoke shave.
Posted: 9:13 pm on June 19th

hkb writes: I could use a book like this one!
Posted: 9:11 pm on June 19th

HayesFurnitureDesign writes: Love me some books

Posted: 9:09 pm on June 19th

henry1850 writes: I would love to have this book!
Posted: 8:34 pm on June 19th

papabear62 writes: Count me in
Posted: 8:20 pm on June 19th

scrabtree46 writes: give it up...
Posted: 5:25 pm on June 19th

jtobs writes: Please count me in.
Posted: 5:23 pm on June 19th

Zabo2 writes: Please enter me in the drawing.

Kirk
Posted: 4:09 pm on June 19th

lgomes writes: Enter me in the drawing as well. Always loved the idea of making my own tools!!!
Posted: 3:58 pm on June 19th

shaynsmith writes: Thanks for a chance. This would be a good book
for my shelf.
Posted: 3:06 pm on June 19th

najimovm writes: does i have a chance to get it to Israel?
Posted: 12:50 pm on June 19th

JLYoung writes: Sign me up too please
Posted: 10:55 am on June 19th

stark writes: sign me up
Posted: 10:47 am on June 19th

Dean7 writes: Maybe I'll be able to start my woodworking if I can make a few tools first. Yes, I know, it takes tools to make tools.
Posted: 9:54 am on June 19th

JusticeBeaver writes: yo. sign me up bro.
Posted: 8:57 am on June 19th

Mark Hulette writes: Really enjoy Mr. Wilson's work with the Shaker boxes and his supplying needed items to make them--- would love to read his book and share a review.
Posted: 6:21 am on June 19th

nznix writes: I could be the first in new zealand with this book
Posted: 2:59 am on June 19th

q2parrot writes: Seems like it would be a good read.
Posted: 1:09 am on June 19th

ecruschsr writes: Fingers crossed on winning the book!
And thank you.
Posted: 11:34 pm on June 18th

marshville01 writes: Make tools to make furniture.
Posted: 11:13 pm on June 18th

maztec writes: Looks fun!
Posted: 10:53 pm on June 18th

dandegennaro writes: Book me please.
Posted: 10:45 pm on June 18th

Jamul writes: The one thing I need to do, is some bending.
Posted: 10:37 pm on June 18th

boater writes: Making tools is something that adds to the pleasure of working in your craft.
Posted: 8:09 pm on June 18th

NeilsenHandMade writes: randomly pick me!
Posted: 7:16 pm on June 18th

Tye154 writes: count me in...
Posted: 5:37 pm on June 18th

DaveHarrison writes: Looks good - please count me in
Posted: 5:30 pm on June 18th

Larrythewoodguy writes: Thanks for the chance
Posted: 4:36 pm on June 18th

mac0311 writes: Looks like a great book.
Fun things to make and use and become
cherished keepsakes for our heirs.
Posted: 4:34 pm on June 18th

dcorreia writes: I would very much like to have this book.
Posted: 2:35 pm on June 18th

WenShank writes: This would hopefully help keep the tool budget within budget.
Posted: 1:43 pm on June 18th

MCano writes: It would be amazing to make ones own tools
Posted: 12:47 pm on June 18th

PikeRiverWW writes: Making your own tools is a really great way to get in touch with your craft.
Posted: 12:39 pm on June 18th

PurdueDan writes: Have made a few tools and would like to make more.
Posted: 11:58 am on June 18th

GregWorks writes: Looks like an excellent book!
Posted: 11:24 am on June 18th

wolf23 writes: I love toolmaking, and I love books. I'll take it if my name is pulled.
Posted: 10:56 am on June 18th

John_Schaalje writes: I would love to have the book.
Posted: 10:16 am on June 18th

Peyoman writes: If I am not lucky enough to win it, I WILL buy it! :-) Looks awesome!
Posted: 10:07 am on June 18th

JosephPRoth writes: Using tools that you have made(or rehabed) is more satisfying than bought tools.
Posted: 10:04 am on June 18th

ClayDowling writes: Add me to the list of hopefuls.
Posted: 9:50 am on June 18th

yohann writes: i would love to read that book.
Posted: 9:02 am on June 18th

srt19170 writes: I'd enjoy a copy.
Posted: 8:26 am on June 18th

rmpater writes: I wood love a copy!
Posted: 8:23 am on June 18th

shadvet writes: A field I have long been interested in exploring!
Posted: 8:19 am on June 18th

rpeowen2 writes: Looks interesting.
Posted: 7:18 am on June 18th

robbo41 writes: looks like that could be a cool book.
Posted: 5:33 am on June 18th

rodk1 writes: Would very much like to have this book, Thanks
Posted: 3:16 am on June 18th

jsfarmboy writes: Comment! I will soon blow my tool budget on a new jet bandsaw. making my own hand tools will be quite useful
Posted: 10:39 pm on June 17th

spratz writes: Mmmm, books.
Posted: 9:09 pm on June 17th

Triumph1 writes: Sign me up!
Posted: 8:59 pm on June 17th

jpierson writes: What a great book for those cold winter days....
Posted: 8:58 pm on June 17th

pjpryor writes: I've been waiting for this one. Thanks
Posted: 8:36 pm on June 17th

cahudson42 writes: Another hat in the ring!
Posted: 7:36 pm on June 17th

Joe__G writes: Would enjoy the book!
Posted: 7:27 pm on June 17th

Aremac writes: A change from boring commercial tools!!
Posted: 7:02 pm on June 17th

Circuit Rider writes: This could be a very helpful book.
Posted: 6:55 pm on June 17th

jmskennedy writes: Looks like a book I could use!
Posted: 6:34 pm on June 17th

ahuse1984 writes: very n ice book on making your own tools i would like a copy
Posted: 5:47 pm on June 17th

BSzydlo writes: This looks like an interesting book, count me in for the drawing.
Posted: 5:47 pm on June 17th

Paige writes: A return to hand work serves a great need in these times of all things digital and mrchanical
Posted: 5:16 pm on June 17th

ShooterBoy writes: Is today my lucky day? Ha ha. Seriously, I should know how to do more than make a handle for a file. Hopefully this book would help.
Posted: 5:15 pm on June 17th

JDaugherty writes: Is this the Shaker Box John Wilson? If it is I'm sure it's a well written book, and I'd love to win this copy!
Posted: 5:01 pm on June 17th

bobandsally writes: A copy would be a great fathers day gift. Thx!
Posted: 4:38 pm on June 17th

ScoFF writes: I'd like to own this book before making some tools, first on the list is a shop mallet.
Posted: 3:24 pm on June 17th

stewdes writes: Thanks for your consideration.
Posted: 2:18 pm on June 17th

DozersWorkshop writes: I'd love to throw my hat in the ring.
Posted: 2:15 pm on June 17th

jeffreyi writes: Looks like a great book!

Posted: 2:07 pm on June 17th

sloanworks writes: be sure to model them in sketch up first
Posted: 1:58 pm on June 17th

bennygred writes: I want that so bad!
Posted: 1:56 pm on June 17th

tsangell writes: Looks like a good read!
Posted: 1:41 pm on June 17th

sleeving writes: Sure i'll take it
Posted: 12:55 pm on June 17th

Paul_C writes: Now that is a really useful book.
Posted: 11:54 am on June 17th

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