Hand Tool Book Review

The second of Graham’s books is one I can heartily recommend to all readers interested in an overview of traditional tools. This is one of the best books I’ve read in terms of both covering a wide selection of tools, and being thorough enough that you come away with a new found understanding.

The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Woodworking Handtools Instruments and Devices by Graham Blackburn is an interesting attempt at a complete visual and text encyclopaedia of handtools. Join me in today’s episode as I explore why you might want to add this to your bookshelf.

If you’re going down the rabbit hole of building the perfect workbench, this book will help you learn how to critique and improve on almost any design.

If you have ever wanted to build a low workbench, or are curious about the origins of the workbench – I have just the book for you today on the podcast. Chris Schwarz’s excellent production Ingenious Mechanicks showcases 3 low workbenches and takes you through the history construction and use of them.

In my opinion the best book you can buy before you start building a workbench is Christopher Schwarz’s Workbenches: From Design & Theory to Construction & Use

Such a great book about the incredible Joshua Fischer. Possibly the most detailed record of pre-industrial woodworking that we will ever have.

In this episode I conclude the interview and book review with Gary Rogowski. I had a lot of fun having quite a soulful and deep conversation with him. I hope you enjoy it.

I had such a blast talking to Gary about his book and woodworking themes, and philosophical elements of being a woodworker. I’m probably biased as Handmade is my favorite woodworking philosophy book, but I am sure that there are gems in this interview for all listeners.

In the final episode about this book I wrap up the review. Thanks to the absolutely fantastic folks at Lost Art Press you can get an extract chapter and project:

Download the Packing box chapter here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IW73zO8bBkVT4YLNxDX1Qvada_SRakDe

Download the Sketchup File here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ckpQ54klUgCKOOq79TxrAIBencwI8HZO

There are many people who are reaching out in their own way during this current crisis caused by the spread of covid-19.

Lee Valley has made project resources available top keep your kids (and your spouse sane), while Bad-Axe Toolworks is another example of a great woodworking company that is reaching out with a very special covid-19 special and resources to download.

However, one of the big hearted gestures I wanted to highlight is Vic Tesolin’s offer to make a chapter of his book available to anyone who wanted to stay at home and beat the boredom. Join me as we talk a bit about his book, and what he’s up too.