Tool Basics for the Beginning Woodworker

I gotta say, the timing is bad on this. At the same time that we’ve announced DVD compilations of four seasons of Roy Underhill’s “The Woodwright’s Shop,” there’s a new video out from another red-headed woodworker who prefers hand tools. That would be me. And it’s my first commercial video, so please be kind.

“Tool Basics for Getting Started in Woodworking” introduces the hand tools, hand-held power tools (and miter saw) a beginner should consider when setting up his or her first shop – what to look for when selecting tools and the basics of using them, as well as a little bit on wood selection. In other words, it’s the video companion to our I Can Do That series. I talk (for more than three hours) about measuring tools, several kinds of saws, boring tools, shaping tools, joinery tools and the router.

Honestly, I’d have rather filmed solely hand-tool basics (I do so love my router planes), but darn if that Schwarz fellow didn’t already do that on his “Mastering Hand Tools” 2-DVD set. That said, I do build the majority of our I Can Do That projects, so I know first hand what can be accomplished with a simple (but solid) set of small power tools, a smattering of hand tools and just a little ingenuity (plus good design). (The DVD also includes plans for three of the ICDT projects I’ve built: “Victorian Side Table,” “Shaker Step Stool” and “Tool Tote.”)

So if you know someone who’s just getting started in woodworking, know someone who you think should get started in woodworking, or you have a neighbor who keeps borrowing your tools instead of buying his or her own, consider “Tool Basics for Getting Started in Woodworking” an ideal gift.

— Megan Fitzpatrick