Overview
Woodworkers—it's your essential who, what, when, where, and why of hand tools! Not only is this equipment often very beautiful—made of brass, steel, and exquisite woods—it's also a pleasure to work with. But, how do you know which tools are right for you, and which you really need? And, how do you use them correctly? Not a question goes unanswered in this low-down on buying both antique and contemporary tools; tuning and sharpening them, and working with them. More than 300 photographs, accompanied by explanatory illustrations, escort you through the woodshop, introducing everything from indispensable clamps to drills, chisels and hand saws. There are techniques for combating rust, and advice on worksurfaces, vises, marking and measuring utensils, and tools that pull, pry, twist, bore, and scrape. Edgers include drawknives and spokeshaves, plus bench, joinery and shaping planes. You'll discover tools you never knew about before!Hand tools are the classic way to work with wood. You feel a saw cutting crisply through the wood, a plane taking gossamer-thin shavings, or a chisel gently gouging out carving a groove. And hand tools are often a better choice than power tools, offering a degree of control and precision no machine can match. Best of all, using hand tools leaves a personal mark on your projects. But with thousands of hand tools to choose from, which ones do you really need? Of those, which are good-and which are better? And how do you use them to ensure the best results? The answers to these questions-and many more-are in this comprehensive resource. Here are the tools that serious woodworkers turn to on a daily basis, as well as how to use and care forthem. Every woodworker, whether beginner or pro, should keep this reference guide near the workbench.
Synopsis
Library Journal
Power tools are a ubiquitous part of modern woodworking but, for most of history, hand tools were the standard. Rae, a professional furniture maker who has contributed to and edited a number of woodworking magazines, offers a wealth of information about the selection, care, and use of nearly every kind of hand tool: vices and workbenches, marking and measuring tools, and hammers, screwdrivers, drills, files, chisels, planes, and saws. Sharpening instructions are included, and each entry is profusely illustrated with color photos. This title will prove to be a valuable resource for woodworkers and should be part of public library woodcraft collections. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.