Hand Tool Basics

March 1, 2018

Use of traditional hand tools for woodworking has seen growing appeal. Branam, a first-time author and woodworker, provides almost encyclopedic coverage of traditional woodworking tools in this book. Sections cover saws, planes, chisels, and marking tools. Application, care, and sharpening are described in great detail, as are the sections on wood preparation and joinery. Unfortunately, the photos, while numerous, are inadequate: they're too small, dark, and indistinct. Also lacking is any list of suppliers or resources. VERDICT While the illustrations are poor, there is great instruction. Advanced woodworkers should have little problem finding their way through the book but beginners might want to start with Monte Burch's Tool School.

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