To adjust the chipbreaker on a Japanese plane (kanna): Set the chipbreaker (ura-gane) extremely close to the main blade’s edge (about 1/64″ or 0.4mm) for fine finishing cuts to prevent tear-out. For rougher work, set it further back (1/16″ or 1.5mm). The most critical step: Ensure the leading edge of the chipbreaker makes perfect, gap-free…
What are foam inserts for woodworking tools? They are custom-cut foam blocks, typically made from Kaizen or EVA foam, that fit inside your tool drawers or cases to hold each tool securely in its own designated cutout. This prevents tools from shifting, getting damaged, and makes them easy to find. What’s the main benefit? The…
What is laminating a plane body? Laminating a plane body is the process of gluing together multiple layers of wood to create a single, solid blank. This technique significantly increases the stability and strength of the tool, preventing it from warping or twisting over time. What is the key to a successful lamination? The most…
Is there radiation in antique woodworking tools? In almost all cases, no. The risk is extremely low and typically isolated to specific tools made between the 1920s and 1960s that feature luminous, glow-in-the-dark paint on dials, bubbles, or levels. This paint sometimes contained Radium-226. How do you check the levels? The only reliable way to…
What is collecting Preston woodworking tools? It involves finding, restoring, and using high-quality antique hand tools made by Edward Preston & Sons of Birmingham, England, a company renowned for its innovative and durable designs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Top Tip for Beginners: Start your collection with a common, functional tool like…
What are Stanley Bed Rock planes? They are a premium line of hand planes made by Stanley from 1898 to 1943, famous for their unique “Bed Rock” frog design. This design allows the entire frog to mate perfectly with the plane’s sole, reducing blade chatter and providing exceptionally smooth cuts. How do you start collecting…
An “edge float woodworking tool” isn’t a standard tool; the term likely comes from masonry or plastering. In woodworking, this function is performed by tools that smooth, shape, or ease the sharp corners of wood. The most common tools for this job are a block plane for creating crisp chamfers, a router with a roundover…
To document your woodworking tools for an insurance claim, create a detailed inventory. For each tool, take clear photos from multiple angles, record the make, model, and serial number, and scan or photograph the original receipt to prove value and ownership. Store this complete inventory digitally in a secure cloud service like Google Drive or…
What is a saw vise? A saw vise is a specialized clamp designed to hold a handsaw blade securely and rigidly, preventing vibration while you sharpen the teeth with a file. Why do you need one? You need a saw vise to achieve a precise, consistent sharpening angle on each tooth, resulting in a saw…
What are magnetic strips for woodworking tools? They are powerful, wall-mounted magnetic bars designed to securely hold metal hand tools like chisels, screwdrivers, wrenches, and layout tools. They utilize strong magnets, often neodymium, encased in a durable frame. Why should you use them? The primary benefits of magnetic strips for woodworking tools are improved organization,…