Fundamentals of Hand Tool Woodworking

• Detailed cut list and plans including a PDF and a SketchUp file (Metric and Imperial).
• Hours of detailed video instruction showing every step of the build process.
• All videos and plans are digital and will be available for immediate download

Foundations of Fine Woodworking

• Introduction to Hand Tools & Material Preparation
  • The philosophy of hand-tool woodworking.
  • Preparing and selecting wood (quarter sawn, rift sawn, and plain sawn cuts).

• Sharpening & Hand Plane Setup
  • Techniques for sharpening chisels and planes for optimal performance.
  • Overview and setup of bench, block, and specialty planes.
  • Cambering, bevel angles, and adjustments for smooth hand planing.
• Preparing Wood for Joinery
  • Flattening, squaring, and thickness planing lumber by hand.
  • Addressing wood movement and acclimation considerations.
  • Hybrid techniques for efficient preparation.
  </ul>

Mastering Joinery Techniques

• Layout & Cutting Mortises and Tenons
  • Accurate marking and labeling for joinery layout.
  • Techniques for chopping mortises with precision.
  • Hand cutting Tenons using different hand methods
  • Fitting tenons to mortises for a tight, structural fit.
• Hand Cutting Half Blind and Through Dovetails 
  • Cutting and refining intricate dovetails, including needlepoint half-blinds.

• Drawer Construction
  • Creating a raised panel beveled drawer bottom
  • Cutting grooves, and fitting drawer bottoms.
  • Addressing gaps and ensuring smooth drawer operation.
  • Finalizing drawer assembly with precise adjustments.

Shaping and Decorative Details

• <b>Tapers, Arches, and Beads
  • Techniques and methods for cutting and refining leg tapers.
  • Different methods f
  or hand cutting arches
• Adding beads to aprons using molding planes and spokeshaves.
• Template creation for consistent design replication.
• Surface Preparation for Finish
  • Smoothing with planes, scrapers, and sandpaper.
  • Raising dents and handling grain tear-out.
  • Edge treatments, including chamfering and burnishing.

Part 4: Assembly and Finishing

• Glue-Up & Assembly
  • Preparing hide glue and clamping strategies for precise joinery.
  • Troubleshooting common assembly issues.
  • Installing drawer runners and components with perfect alignment.

• Finalizing & Finishing
  • Attaching table tops while accommodating wood movement.
  • Applying hand-mixed oil finishes for a protective, glossy coat.
  • Finishing touches like knobs and waxing for smooth operation.

Key Takeaways

• Gain confidence in using traditional hand tools for precision woodworking.
• Master foundational and advanced joinery techniques.
• Learn finishing techniques to create heirloom-quality furniture.
• Discover hybrid methods that combine hand tools and modern efficiency.

This course is perfect for both beginners looking to establish strong foundational skills and experienced woodworkers wanting to refine their craft.

Layout and Marking

• Good 12” Square (ideally a Starrett 4R Graduation, some Starrett knockoffs are ok as well)
• Marking knife Pfiel No 4
• Pencil
• Mortise gauge Rockler or the Old Marples are the best
• Cutting gauge Mass Woodworks
• Dividers (e.g., Starrett)
• Ruler/Measuring tape
• Straight edge
• Winding sticks
• Dovetail template (homemade, 1:7 angle)
• Bevel gauge
• Panel gauge
• Thickness gauge or calipers

Sawing

• Hand saw (crosscut and rip) Old Disston are the best, or Bad Axe
• Dovetail saw (e.g., Lie Nielsen, Bad Axe)
• Tenon saw Bad Axe or an Old 12 or 14” Disston
• Gent saw Thomas Flynn Pax
• Coping saw Tools for Working Wood (this has the tension on both sides which is good)
• Saw bench (with center slot for ergonomic cutting)

Chiseling

• Assorted chisels (1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1”) Lie Nielsen or Narex which is good value
• Sharpening setup (stones or systems implied) I like the DMT Dia Sharp  I use Course, Fine and Extra Fine and a Hard translucent stone and strop (I sometimes sell the latter 2)
• Mallet
• Bench vise
• Holdfast

Hand Planes and Scrapers

• Bench plane (No 4 or 4 1/2) Lie-Nielsen planes
• Scrub plane Lie Nielsen
• Stanley No. 5 Jack Plane
• Jointer plane (e.g., Lie Nielsen No. 8 Or No. 7)
• Rabbet Block plane Lie Nielsen
• Block plane
• Stanley No. 80 cabinet scraper (will have to buy used)
• Card Scraper Lie Nielsen or Bahco
• Record No 44 plough plane (Used market) or Veritas Version of the same
• Router Plane Lie Nielsen

Clamping and Holding

• Clamps (I prefer 3/4” pipe clamp)
• Leather pad (for protection while clamping)

Drilling

• Drill (for making holes)
• Brad point bits
• Drill bits
• Birdcage awl
• Screwdriver

Glueing and Finishing

• Sandpaper (220, 320 grit)
• Hot Hide Glue granules ( I sell this)
• Glue pot
• Titebond 3
• Leather-wrapped sanding pad (for dry sanding)
• Wax (carnauba or paste finishing wax)
• Alcohol/denatured alcohol/water mixture (softening fibers)
• Microfiber cloth
• Cotton rags
• Respirator
• Gloves (for applying finish)
• Finish is a Danish oil blend

In Fundamentals of Hand Tool Woodworking, you’ll build a beautiful handcrafted end table with a drawer using traditional techniques. The project focuses on key joinery methods: mortise and tenons, through dovetails, and half-blind dovetails—all made with hand tools. Each step builds your precision and confidence with cutting gauges, saws, chisels, and planes.

You’ll practice accurate layout, clean joinery cuts, and smooth planing. You’ll also fit a drawer that slides perfectly into place. The lessons cover grain selection, layout planning, and troubleshooting to achieve a flawless assembly.

By the end, you’ll have a stunning table and a stronger grasp of hand-tool craftsmanship. Whether you’re new to woodworking or refining your skills, this course helps you master the art of working wood by hand.