As vintage tool restorers with many thousands of hours developing ways to revitalise these old tools, it's fair to say we have learnt a few things in that time. Much of what we have learnt is to undertake many tasks effectively with production at the forefront of everything we do, so that the work undertaken can be done viably. As you can … [Read more...] about Essential Skills for Woodworking Tool Maintenance
Buying Old Tools – The Environmental benefits
Regardless of where a tool is made there is a great deal of energy and raw materials needed when manufacturing them and given 90% are designed to use a limited amount of times, one has to question whether this has a far worse affect on the environment than buying cheap fast fashion. The production of any form of steel uses a significant amount of … [Read more...] about Buying Old Tools – The Environmental benefits
Lapping woodworking planes – easy right?
All to often we see video's online showing how to lap planes flat and one of the main points that always stand out is their reluctance to show how to tackle the larger planes. The obvious answer to this is simply that this is no easy task and requires far more effort and work to undertake correctly. Secondly there is usually no engineers surface … [Read more...] about Lapping woodworking planes – easy right?
Antique Tool Refurbishment
When should Antique tools be restored? In my experience this all depends on condition and what the intention of refurbishment is for. If you have an old tool there are two factors that need to be considered, firstly you need to identify the rarity and historical importance. Some antique tools are simply beyond the realms of use due to their … [Read more...] about Antique Tool Refurbishment
The Common Woodworking Brace and Bits
I witnessed an electrician the other week struggling to drill a hole in a joist with his modern bit and cordless power drill which seemed to take him ages. I asked him what the problem was and he complained his bit was blunt and he had to get another from Screwfix. Obviously i just said can't you sharpen it but by his reaction it's clearly not … [Read more...] about The Common Woodworking Brace and Bits
Woodworking Hobby, benefits of using Old Hand Tools
Many hobby woodworkers shy away from using hand tools and opt for powered tools for ease but I think it's worth stepping back in time a little to explore whether this genuinely beneficial. A hobby should be pleasurable and walking around with a mask due to the danger of wood dust seems to defeat the object of woodworking for pleasure. Using your … [Read more...] about Woodworking Hobby, benefits of using Old Hand Tools
