Woodworking And A Few Hand Tools
Woodworking is a trade where quality hand tools, materials and expertise of the woodcraftsman equally matter for bringing out splendid furniture and other woodworks. Here, an insight into some important hand tools- planes, saws and low angle bench planes- and their quality is made for the benefit of the beginners as well as experienced woodcraftsmen. Best tools mean best output and look for the furniture.
As regards plane, go in for a quality brand and learn to use it following the procedure. The base is supposed to be flat without bumps or dents. On comparison of qualities and performance, Lie Nielson plane has an edge over Clifton’s as per customer’s review, because the former has reliable flatness, with perfect machining of the blades and back irons. But, its cost is high. Hence, for increased perfection, some prefer changing the blade to a high carbon forged Clifton steel blade. For some others, Victor blades work fine.
Saw
Driven by patriotism, you might be inclined to use locally manufactured saws. But, they should be of good quality and low cost. In this, the woodworkers’ trust is belied. If a saw of high quality at less cost is thrust into your hands, you will naturally prefer that one. For instance, a British saw sold at £50 could not be encouraged when a Japanese saw is available at £17.79 with exemplary output. So, whatever saw you buy, focus on quality, cost, and performance. Remember, varieties of saws are available serving different purposes and you have to get the ones needed for your works.
Low Angle Bench Planes
These are distinct from low angle block planes. Made by Veritas and Lie Neilson, these low angle bench planes are good in certain aspects. Their designs are best in that the blades are positioned at a very low angle with support to the cutting edge close to the cutting edge. The blades have the slant facing upwards, not having a back iron facilitating making the construction of the planes simple. Being of high quality, these blades give excellent finish to any timber. They cannot, however, be a substitute for a general bench plane. Once you fix the blade, leave it undisturbed. The slanting position is very important to fleece appropriate thickness from the wood. Thus its adjustment is very crucial.
So, the suggestion is that you can have it as a second tool in your tools box. Or, you can purchase one when you are months into the job. Again, the choice falls on Number 6 or Number 7 low angle plane manufactured by Lie Neilson or Veritas.
The speciality with woodworks is that you can start small, and then build up over time. Purchasing full complement of tools is expensive which you can’t afford at the initial stage. As you train yourself, and as business picks up, you can add things one after the other. For example, saws of different types and planes of varied sizes could be added in due course.
Hand tools versus Sophistication
For sophisticated woodworkers, use of the traditional hand tools might look entirely outmoded.
As the technology grows, they detest all old tools. They harbor a notion that accuracy, working speed, and finishing are not matching the works of modern machines. But, this is far from true in many cases. All intricate, antique works are done only using hand tools as they are easily pliable capable of doing all minute works. When delicate tools are used for delicate works, the possibility of their causing damage is almost nil.
Here, you have some facts about a few tools-saws and planes and low angle bench planes in particular- so you become thorough with their use, quality and adjustments.
