| Blog series by Holbs | updated 02-29-2016 05:34 AM | 11 parts | 15793 reads | 21 comments total |
Part 1: Preparation
Now that my Jet 15” planer project is complete, my next dire need is a hand tool cabinet. This will be my first true wood working project utilizing both machine and hand tools, as this is a LONG overdue project. 2+ years since jumping into wood working, all my projects have been Home Depot lumber based (2×4’s, plywood, etc). It’s time to mature and expand my experience. I foresee using my Peachtree dinky HVLP sprayer for the first time, working with hardwood, doveta...
Part 2: Rehabbing Craftsman Block Plane for future dovetail work
One of the requirements for dovetailing, is to use a smoother plane or block plane to knock down the pins (or tails… unsure!). So I went to work on rehabbing a craftsman block plane I pick up recently. Mind you, I did not do a restoration like Doug did in his restoration project: http://lumberjocks.com/projects/48606 . One day, yes :) But for now, just need a 100% operational block plane for this hand tool cabinet. This would be the first rehab plane I’ve ever done. I am s...
Part 3: Dovetail practice
For this hand tool cabinet project, I know dovetails will be included. Having only done 1 dovetail my entire life (2 years ago, just for giggles), there is a strong need for practice and learning and experience. I have dimension’d some premiere alder down to 3/4”. Also, I have in my tool arsenal what I think is a complete set for dovetail work (moxon vise is future project for sure!): marking gauge, dovetail marker, block plane, 3/8” and 1/2” chisels, dovetail saw,...
Part 4: Dovetail practice 2
Trying to figure out which saw suites me better: the Veritas Dovetail Saw or Japanese Dovetail Saw. Made 15+ strokes of each to find out. I actually prefer the Veritas because less strokes and less tearout on the frontside (or maybe it’s my sawing technique). ————————This weekend was set aside to learn dovetail freehand saw skills. I still have a ways to go, but I am getting more comfortable cutting along the lines. I still hav...
Part 5: Dovetail practice 3
I finally found the DVD I was looking for that would further my education on precision joinery for dovetails. I bought a bunch of wood working books/magazines/dvd’s at a past auction and this was in one of them. By David Charlesworth “Chisel Techniques For Precision Joinery” including both dovetails and mortise/tenons. The key thing I learned: do NOT touch the knife walls until the last precision cut. And some other nifty things that I will incorporate into my technique...
Part 6: Researching cabinet construction, design, functionality, fundamentals
I am now “somewhat” confident in my dovetail methods to proceed to the next step (I think I may master dovetails by the time I’m 90, so … best to work on other things while I’m learning). I spent the last week redesigning my 2 car garage wood shop since I have a newly acquired 15” Jet Planer and 8” GeeTech jointer (HVAC redesign, machine placement, bye-bye fliptop carts, etc). Though, I still have a Rockwell/Delta 6” to use while I await 2-3...
Part 7: Learning tongue & groove on Drill Press Cabinet
After many moons, I’ve been reading about cabinet construction. Some things were a mystery: why and when to dado, horizontal or vertical, ideal depth, other cabinet joinery, which joint works better here or there and why, etc. I purchased 5 cabinet books from amazon:The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture & Cabinet Construction by Andy RaeCabinets And Built-Ins by Paul LevineIllustrated Cabinetmaking by Bill HyltonThe Joint Book by Terrie NollThe Complete Woodworker’s C...
Part 8: working on the hand saws
I am hoping to REALLY start my hand tool cabinet as my next project. Before I do, I have work to be done. First up, refurbishing tools that will be used to make the tool cabinet. I’ll try to use the hand tools as a primary. Saying that, hand saws will be used. Here is my current collection I have acquired: ———————-The 3 Veritas saws (dovetail, tenons) are good to go. The Stanley, Disston, and Japanese saws need help.Lots of rust on the ...
Part 9: more saw clean up
I can not tell the name brand of this saw I am working on. It does not have a disston name on it anywhere. Maybe a Vermont American or something. But here is before & after pix of electrolysis and ROS with WD40. In the middle of my saw vice but had to call it quits for the day. Should finish the saw vice tomorrow.
Part 10: Saw Vice completed
made a saw vice for sharpening hand saws. I plan on doing as much hand sawing as my elbow joint will allow for my ever hopeful hand tool cabinet and other projects. If you are diving into hand tools, like chisels and saws, you kind of need to sharpen your saws just as you need to sharpen your chisels.
Part 11: Attempting a saw bench...
I had some spare 4/4 red oak and decided to use this to make a saw bench. In my desire to walk down this hand tool path, a saw bench is essential. I tried my best at using a hand plane, and it “almost” worked making jointed edges. More experience is needed as I do not have it down yet. Keeping the planes level, keeping the wood pieces square are things I have to get better at. After some fun hours with the hand plans, the sun was setting. In the end, went power jointer/plane...
