hand tools or power tools

After thinking back on all my projects I’d have to say I’m in the 13% bracket.

I think I only use hand tools when nothing else will work.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I am in the 13% bracket also. I would like to learn more hand tool skills. There is something about a well crafted, done by hand piece that can never be duplicated by a machine.

-- Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.

I’m in the 2% “only hand tools” group. Partly it’s for the challenge, but mostly it’s because my shop is 6×8 and I live in a country that doesn’t sell table saws, jointers, planers or band saws. I did see something that acts as a drill press (you secure your drill into a fixed base), which is new.

I have to say, I really enjoy the challenge of working solely with hand tools. It really adds a problem-solving element to woodworking that I believe doesn’t exist with big power tool users. Of course, my production speed sucks…

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

I’m in the 24%, and happy.

I enjoy my “electric apprentices” and treat them well. Remember, through the ages, many craftspeople had a room full of apprentices to prepare stock.

Between 18 and 24%, I use hand saws and chisels equally. Hand planes half as much. I’m not ready for the stationary power tools commitment…YET. Though I’m a big fan of portable hand held power tools. I buy dimensional lumber at the box stores, it’s like hiring people to do that part of the job leaving more space in the garage to build. I treat woodworking as as a self supporting hobby so economics has to do with my decision.

-- Thuan

Interesting.. I am in the 41% group.

I use chisels and my block plane a ton. I also use the shoulder plane to trim joints though.

Mostly power tools though. I want to learn to use a scraper more effectively.

-- -John "Do I have to keep typing a smiley? Just assume it's a joke." www.flickr.com/photos/gizmodyne

I took that poll and cant recall whether I voted in the 24 or 41% bracket. But if there had been another choice for use chisels and planes a lot and handsaws only occasionally
that’s probably the one I would have chosen

-- Use the fence Luke

I think polls like that tend to oversimplify things, but I’d say I’m in the 18% group. In practice, though, it’s not like I set out with the goal of doing X by machine and Y by hand—I just look for the best way to get the result I want, preferably with the least hassle and the most fun. Sometimes this leads to a hybrid approach, like routing a mortise, then squaring it with chisels and handsawing the tenon.

I have been “re-discovering” hand tools and expect this trend to continue.

-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"

I fall in the 13% group. Now that I am retired, I would like to move towards the 41% group more. I always had a due date to make. NOT NO MORE!Thanks for posting.

God Bless
tom

-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa

I’m between an 18 and 24% er. I use machines to dimension lumber but I’ve yet to do a project without perusing hand tools extensively. Even if I’m just running trim, I’ll have to relief file a cope or block plane something into place. Heck, I’m not above using my pocket knife [I keep it sharp too] if I’m too lazy to fetch that fancy schmancy marking knife I keep in a drawer.

There is an intimacy with the material that cannot be had any other way. It’s a tactile thing. I’ve also discovered that by learning to sharpen my tools quickly, as in WITHOUT jigs, that I can turn to a hand tool without reservation at just about any stage of a project. I ain’t skeert anymo.

I do have to admit that I’m an abrader darned near all the way when it comes to working tropical hardwoods. Hand work is done as have-to. I might edge joint or put a final sanding on it by hand… maybe.

So the bottom line for me is, whatever it takes for me to achieve my ends. Some projects demand the use of hand tools while others can be adequately accomplished via any other means including electricity, water, air, gas [phew] or harnessed horse [watch your step] power.

In the end, who cares as long as we can gitter-dun OUR way!

always,
J.C.

-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein

I’m definately in the 13% group but am making a concerted effort to improve my handskills. But at the rate I am going with dovetails I may have to go ahead and get an omnijig and give up on hand cutting. :)

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

I am in the 2% category mainly because I dont get the sophisticated power tools easily in my country. This definitely affects the time taken to complete projects but it certainly helps to put all your skills in doing your job. It is like calculators doing your calculations fast but then you become dependant on them and can’t do your arithmetic orally. In my opinion you must use both to maintain your skills. Hand tools must be used occasionally.
Sharad

-- patanjali

I currently fall in the 41% and pushing myself toward the 24%. I use chisels a lot along with japanese style handsaws for to handcut dovetails. I just started using card scrapers and I have to say that is highly enjoyable for me. I am trying to teach myself how to properly tune, and use hand planes and I think once I get the hang of that I will use planes a lot more. in fact just yesterday I purchased a Stanley #4 and added a Hock blade and chipper. If I become proficient with it I will treat myself to a L-N plane but baby steps for now.

-- Brian, Folsom, CA

I’m in the 41% or the 2%(other) category. I use chisels a lot and handsaws quite a bit too. Hand plane use depends on what I’m doing. Even though 90% of my work is on commission, I still like to make time to do some of the steps with hand tools. Helps me keep my vision. Wouldn’t want to spend the day just punching out parts with power tools.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

Since I use whatever it takes to get the job done, and then go grab the biggest hammer to undo all my screwups, I guess I fall into that “2% other” group!

-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!

i fall between the 18% and 24%. I love working with hand tools. there is no noise and it gives you a better sense of pride when they are done.

I’m sure I fall in the 41% group, but I have a whole bunch of planes. I also have a lot of chisels. I like using them and I like to keep them sharp. Once in a while nothing beats a plane to get it right. I’m with Doug S. in that I only use a handsaw very very occasionally.

-- bobdurnell, Santa Ana California.

18 – 24

-- WOOD/DON (...one has the right to ones opinion but not the right to ones own facts...)

I’d have to say that I fall into the 41% range also. I love chisel work, Japanese pull saws, and I borrowed my neighbors hand planes enough to justify buying some inexpensive Anant planes awhile back.
Still, I’m not getting rid of my power tools any time soon. ;)

-- John, Nor-Cal, shopsmith.net/forums

I am between the 18-24 group also. I am not opposed to power tools and make much use of my bandsaw, grinder (for sharpening handtools) and occaisionally the chop saw. I plan to acquire a drill press soon and that will pretty much round out the powertools I plan to acquire. My space is limited and I don’t depend on woodworking for my livelihood, so I can take my time on things.

I do enjoy the slow interaction with the wood using hand tools as Francisco mentioned above. That is a great source of pleasure and contemplation for me. However, I also really enjoyed restoring and optimizing my old bandsaw.

-- Michael, Seattle, WA