Author Topic: Woodworking hand tools  (Read 3390 times)

hans

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Woodworking hand tools
« on: January 15, 2016, 02:34:35 PM »
I'm trying to start building up my tools for doing woodworking projects and need to add a few more hand planes, saws etc.

What do you guys have for hand tools? Or are you all power tools? I have some of each right now but I do really like the idea of doing a lot of it with hand tools. I need to build a bench though so I can start doing stuff properly and learning skills.
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KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2016, 03:08:35 PM »
Get yourself a set of high quality sharpening tools for the hand tools.  Lapping plate(s) water stones, heavy strops, etc.  They will last you a lifetime and your work and results will show it.  You can get some of the best hand tooling from auctions and estate sales.  Keep a sharp eye.

ober

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2016, 04:39:37 PM »
Most of my stuff is power tools.  I don't have the patience or the projects to use hand tools.

Jake

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2016, 07:42:58 AM »
Get yourself a set of high quality sharpening tools for the hand tools.  Lapping plate(s) water stones, heavy strops, etc.  They will last you a lifetime and your work and results will show it.  You can get some of the best hand tooling from auctions and estate sales.  Keep a sharp eye.

That is sound advice. My best hand tools are were purchased second hand - some considered antiques! but these days, new precision hand tools are hard to come by, even expensive ones often fail to come close to the ones made early last century.

I would not let that stop you from creating, however. Tool collections take a lifetime to acquire (and that is mostly because quality tools are expensive)  don't search out for it until you need it or have it find you. we have an awesome flea market in town (wisconsin) and that is where I pick up a lot of stuff.

I used to be able to afford only shitty tools, but they end up failing you at the worst time. I purchased a set of small carving chisels for like $50 and the fuckers would not hold an edge for longer than 5 minutes. what a waste of time and money.

And like knuck said, get sharpening tools and learn how to use them well! no matter how good your tools are, if they are dull, they are not worth much as far as woodworking goes. A set of diamond stones is expensive, but well worth it: http://amzn.com/B002RL8444 this is a link to medium, look down the page for the two others.

The first quality hand tool I purchased was a beautiful set of Swedish made chisels (I will post a picture later). I purchased them from a cabinet maker that was retiring. I think I paid around $150 for them - whatever it was, it was a steal but at that time (8 or so years ago) it was a huge expense to our household and I had to save up quite a bit to buy them.
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KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2016, 08:53:33 AM »
This convinced me into getting a very nice set and I have been thrilled with them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFhMGJYhYpU

If you want specific links to my final set, sink vise, and lapping block just say so.   :)

hans

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2016, 12:12:32 PM »
Knuck, yes please.

I've been watching a ton of the Sellers videos lately. I have an old Stanley No 6, from my grandfather I believe, that I need to restore. A while back I bought a 60 1/2 block plane not realizing it wouldn't be good for flattening tops. I just really liked the look and feel and didn't know anything. I'm thinking of adding a No 4, a good set of chisels, and a router plane. Maybe a shoulder or rabbet plane too.

I did meet an old cabinet maker at a pinball event recently so I might have to hit him up and see if he has anything he wouldn't mind parting with. He's retired but who knows if he still does some stuff from time to time.
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KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2016, 10:08:41 PM »
Lapping Plate
Used for keeping your stones flat.  I believe that you can also use it directly on some tools.  It cannot be used on my #320 stone.  There is a heavier version than I have that may be more suited to your uses.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0034YT5VO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00

This informative vid should help you...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W-4edwG0K4

Stones are all the same series from Shapton
#320, #1000, #5000, and #8000.
http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Shapton-Professional-Series-C139.aspx
http://www.shapton.com/

Strop Block
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010C7WBDE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

Sink Bridge - This thing is freaking awesome!
Note if it is too long you can trim the extender in about 3 minutes with a saw.
http://www.chefknivestogo.com/nasibr.html

KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2016, 10:21:28 PM »
Using the #320, I set the geometry of rough blades by working a side until I get a wire edge on the opposing side across the entire edge.  I then repeat the process until I obtain the same on the other side.  Couple gentle swipes to reduce the remaining wire edge.  Then onto the next stone.  I use the matchbook advice to set my geometry while spidering my hand across the bade for the cutting and return strokes.

After the #5000, I find that I am essentially polishing rather than removing much metal.  Shapton does sell stones above #8000 however none of my blades are likely to have a fine enough grain steel to take advantage of the #15000 or #30000 stones.

The strop block makes a significant difference and should not be missed.

I use the lapping plate after any heavy use.  For example I would use it after working an entire set of knives.

The end results are amazing.  Far better than I expected and with excellent edge durability.  I am working through the neighborhood helping get folks knives back in shape. 

Jake

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2016, 10:26:42 AM »
Knuck, do you find sharpening therapeutic? For me it is like meditation. I love it.
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KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2016, 10:27:31 PM »
Yeah.  Mostly it is rather enjoyable.

hans

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2016, 12:39:45 AM »
Just picked up a set of DMT stones from Amazon. I also found a decent Stanley No 4 plane on ebay. Trying to get a No 3 too for a decent price and so I can compare the two and see which I prefer. I'm picking up a set of Narex bevel chisels and a router plane from Lee Valley too. I figure that should set me up fairly well for most stuff I plan on doing. I do need to look into some decent saws though I think but that might be where I fall back to power tools, except for some nice dovetail saws perhaps, but I think the chisels might work fine.
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hans

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #11 on: January 20, 2016, 01:28:11 PM »
I went on a bit of an ebay shopping spree (I can't be trusted late at night) and picked up a Stanley No 3 and No 5 plane. I overpaid a bit for the No 5 since I missed out on a couple cheap BIN ones earlier, but it's a pretty nice type 11 I believe.

I was wondering if you guys have an opinion on using an 8K diamond plate vs strop for the polishing.
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Jake

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #12 on: January 20, 2016, 02:14:18 PM »
I have been looking for a no.50 combination plane. But complete ones are super expensive and I don't think I will use it enough to justify the cost.
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KnuckleBuckett

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #13 on: January 20, 2016, 02:53:23 PM »
I went on a bit of an ebay shopping spree (I can't be trusted late at night) and picked up a Stanley No 3 and No 5 plane. I overpaid a bit for the No 5 since I missed out on a couple cheap BIN ones earlier, but it's a pretty nice type 11 I believe.

I was wondering if you guys have an opinion on using an 8K diamond plate vs strop for the polishing.

I have both.  I find that the strop still helps even if it is only a deburring tool.  I want a larger strop.  Maybe kangaroo leather.

hans

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Re: Woodworking hand tools
« Reply #14 on: January 20, 2016, 03:41:39 PM »
I have been looking for a no.50 combination plane. But complete ones are super expensive and I don't think I will use it enough to justify the cost.

I thought about a plough plane but I figure I'd get more use out of a router plane, but I have a feeling this might be a new hobby of mine so I'll probably starting collecting them all.

I'm thinking about trying to make a new guitar speaker cabinet now for an old 2x12 amp I have with crapped out amp (good speakers though). And I'll be building some new stuff for around the house along with pinball machine cabinets.
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