Tools for Handtool Bootcamp with Chris Schwarz

I have very specific recommendations on tools below. If you have any questions about the tool list, please contact me at chris.schwarz@fwmedia.com and I'll be happy to help you make your choices.

1. 12" combination square

2. Mechanical pencil with .05mm lead

3. A super-cheap and thin 6" rule. I recommend the 6" SS Cabinetmaker's ruler from Lee Valley, Item# 06K20.06. Price $2.40

4. An X-Acto knife, available from any craft store.

5. A sharpening setup. If you don't have one, I recommend:
• 3M sample pack of PSA film. It includes grits from 40 micron to .3 micron and is $11.95. From ToolsForWorkingWood.com.
• Everyone needs a side-clamp honing guide. Item# EE-HG-800-1800, price $10.05 from ToolsForWorkingWood.com.
• A flat and hard surface to sharpen on that is at least 12" x 12". A piece of thick glass or a granite tile from the home center is fine.

6. A block plane. A vintage one is fine and can be had for little money. If you need a vintage one, contact Walt Quadrato at BrassCityRecords.com. A good Stanley 60-1/2 is a good choice. If you go this route, order early because you might have to order a replacement blade. If you want to buy new, I recommend one of these two tools:
• Veritas Apron Plane with an O1 blade. Item#  05P27.01. Price $81
• Lie-Nielsen Iron Low-angle Block Plane 102I. Price $95

7. A jack plane (No. 5) or (second choice) a smoothing plane. I recommend an old Stanley (definitely before World War II). If you need a vintage one, contact Walt Quadrato at BrassCityRecords.com. If you go this route, order early because you will have to order a replacement blade from Hock Tools and perhaps a chipbreaker. All told, you'll probably spend $50 to 120 if you go the vintage route. If you want to buy new, I recommend:
• Veritas Low-Angle Jack Plane with an O1 blade. Item# 05P34.51. Price $215.

8. A dozuki saw. I recommend the Japanese Standard Dozuki from Lee Valley. Item #  60T03.01. Price. $49.50

9. A coping saw with decent blades. I recommend the Olson Deluxe Coping Saw from ToolsforWorkingWood.com. It's $11.95 and is far superior to hardware store brands (which are mostly junk). It comes with one blade (which will get you through the class). You can get a replacement pack of 18 tpi skip-tooth blades if you like.

10. ¼”, ½” and ¾” bench chisels. Vintage is great (Swan, Witherby and Buck Bros. are all good vintage names). If you want to buy new, try the Narex chisels from Lee Valley. They are less than $10 each.

11. A wooden mallet to drive your chisels.

12. A card scraper and a fine file (usually sold as a "mill smooth" file). For scrapers, I recommend:
• The Lie-Nielsen scraper set. (Two for $15).
• The Two Cherries card scraper from ToolsForWorkingWood.com. Item# EE-5205750. Price $13.23.

 

A full catered lunch is served every day and drinks and snacks are provided all day. Please let us know of any special dietary needs.
  

(859) 986-5540 kelly@kellymehler.com