Home Carpentry

This Vintage Words of Wisdom was written in 1933 to offer the aspiring amateur carpenter and joiner a comprehensive introduction and guide to the subject of woodworking. Although there are many modern tools—particularly power hand tools—that have superseded those outlined here, the fundamental techniques and ideas for projects remain as applicable now as they did eighty years ago.

The emphasis in Home Carpentry is very much on the practical. After describing the various woods and their use in carpentry and joinery the first half of the book concentrates upon woodworking tools and how to use them (see also our title Woodwork Tools and How to Use Them by William Fairham, which includes a more detailed guide to using vintage tools). Thereafter the focus shifts to the application of tools and techniques and there are numerous suggestions for the construction of articles for use around the home and garden. These range from a workbench to chairs, windows and doors—even a kitchen table. There are plates and drawings to help explain some of the techniques. The instructions for the construction of greenhouses stages, roller-blinds and other items are extensive but, as you would expect, all measurements are imperial. Therefore, we have included a metric to imperial conversion chart in this volume, which we hope will be helpful.

Although this title pre-dates the huge variety of power tools now available to the modern DIYer or hobbyist if you prefer to 'keep it simple' or get 'back to basics' this volume provides everything to help you get started or improve your technique. Also, of course, some of us have inherited tools from fathers and grandfathers, or have picked up vintage carpentry tools from market stalls. There is a certain pleasure and satisfaction from using and caring for family heirlooms or tried and tested vintage tools for woodworking that were made to last.