Tool and tool source suggestions
Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 2:45 pm
I've loitered around for a while, and I'm digesting as much info as I possibly can from this forum, and Chris' blog. I've been working for a few years with wood, and I feel some changes coming to my working methods. With this, I think it's time to do a little tool upgrading.
I have come across a few threads on tool choice and although they've helped me narrow down a few choices, I still have lots of questions. I'm hoping by stating what I make, and the techniques I use, it will help.
As some of you may have seen on the 'recent work' part of this forum, I enjoy making boxes. Recently, some of the Kumiko boxes I've completed have had me investigating different working methods, especially after considering the traditional approach to producing these. My usual way of working was hand tools, to which I recently added some power tools. A Festool router table, table saw, and a small planer. I moved from sawing and chisel work to cutting some parts of the lattice work using the table saw and router. It was also the first time I've used a machine to saw off the lid of a box. To cut a long story short, I've found I don't particularly gel with power tools. Although I achieved some fantastic accuracy using them, I didn't enjoy the setup time. The hulk in me would be released if I ever found I had to recalibrate a machine. On the contrary, I'm very calm and collected with hand tools, sometimes fettling for days to achieve what I'd like. After a series of leaks in my workshop, I moved into a semi-dry corner of it and setup a small Japanese planing workbench and sawhorses. Although I baulked at the idea of sitting on the floor and working, it's allowed me to produce some of the best work I've managed to date.
That is a little into my working practises that I'd like to further explore, but as you can imagine, western planes don't help the process when moving between a western and a Japanese workbench. Currently I own quite a mixed bag of tools. A couple of bevel up Veritas planes, a few Gyokucho saws, a few very cheap block planes, and chisels that you wouldn't even find in a bargain bin (£2 each). Most of these tools although cheap, have worked well when sharpened and fettled properly. On the sharpening front, I'm quite happy with my Sigma power ceramic set (13k), although one of my cats decided to jump on the 13k and it's now two stones.
As suggested by Brian, I'd like to get some tools a little more capable when tackling secret dovetail joints. I'm in the process of ordering a Veritas plough plane to deal with the various grooves, which in the past I've sawn and chiselled. I'd also like to try my hand at some Shoji for the house given my interest in Kumiko.
The tools which I'm unsure about are Japanese chisels which are suited to perhaps finer work, unless I can get a some which work well with the larger applications too. There are a few specialised chisels that I'd also like some feedback on, such as the sokozarai-nomi and mori-nomi. I only use a handful of sizes, so not really interested in a set. Unfortunately, I've not noticed a great deal of UK sources of quality Japanese tools. I've failed to ever get a reply from Stu at toolsfromJapan following several emails, and so that leaves me with fine-tools.com, classichandtools.com and perhaps the few Brian mentioned.
As far as a Kanna is concerned, I've looked at those on offer from toolsfromJapan, the few from fine-tools and those from Lida. As much as I'd like to place an order with Stu, beside not knowing exactly which chisels or kana, he's never replied. There appears to be only one manufacturer of chisels (Kawasei) at classichandtools https://www.classichandtools.com/acatal ... isels.html, a few more over at fine-tools with a few kanna options http://www.fine-tools.com/jhobm.html.
I'd also like a suggestion on a stone to bridge the gap between the 1k sigma and 6k, as that appears to take the longest. Also which Genno are nice for adjusting a plane?
I'm sure I've left out some much needed information, but as you can tell, coming from very inexpensive tools, I'm a little lost as to exactly what will benefit me the most. I do have a limited budget, but don't mind gradually investing if it is a better approach in the long run.
Thanks,
Vips
I have come across a few threads on tool choice and although they've helped me narrow down a few choices, I still have lots of questions. I'm hoping by stating what I make, and the techniques I use, it will help.
As some of you may have seen on the 'recent work' part of this forum, I enjoy making boxes. Recently, some of the Kumiko boxes I've completed have had me investigating different working methods, especially after considering the traditional approach to producing these. My usual way of working was hand tools, to which I recently added some power tools. A Festool router table, table saw, and a small planer. I moved from sawing and chisel work to cutting some parts of the lattice work using the table saw and router. It was also the first time I've used a machine to saw off the lid of a box. To cut a long story short, I've found I don't particularly gel with power tools. Although I achieved some fantastic accuracy using them, I didn't enjoy the setup time. The hulk in me would be released if I ever found I had to recalibrate a machine. On the contrary, I'm very calm and collected with hand tools, sometimes fettling for days to achieve what I'd like. After a series of leaks in my workshop, I moved into a semi-dry corner of it and setup a small Japanese planing workbench and sawhorses. Although I baulked at the idea of sitting on the floor and working, it's allowed me to produce some of the best work I've managed to date.
That is a little into my working practises that I'd like to further explore, but as you can imagine, western planes don't help the process when moving between a western and a Japanese workbench. Currently I own quite a mixed bag of tools. A couple of bevel up Veritas planes, a few Gyokucho saws, a few very cheap block planes, and chisels that you wouldn't even find in a bargain bin (£2 each). Most of these tools although cheap, have worked well when sharpened and fettled properly. On the sharpening front, I'm quite happy with my Sigma power ceramic set (13k), although one of my cats decided to jump on the 13k and it's now two stones.
As suggested by Brian, I'd like to get some tools a little more capable when tackling secret dovetail joints. I'm in the process of ordering a Veritas plough plane to deal with the various grooves, which in the past I've sawn and chiselled. I'd also like to try my hand at some Shoji for the house given my interest in Kumiko.
The tools which I'm unsure about are Japanese chisels which are suited to perhaps finer work, unless I can get a some which work well with the larger applications too. There are a few specialised chisels that I'd also like some feedback on, such as the sokozarai-nomi and mori-nomi. I only use a handful of sizes, so not really interested in a set. Unfortunately, I've not noticed a great deal of UK sources of quality Japanese tools. I've failed to ever get a reply from Stu at toolsfromJapan following several emails, and so that leaves me with fine-tools.com, classichandtools.com and perhaps the few Brian mentioned.
As far as a Kanna is concerned, I've looked at those on offer from toolsfromJapan, the few from fine-tools and those from Lida. As much as I'd like to place an order with Stu, beside not knowing exactly which chisels or kana, he's never replied. There appears to be only one manufacturer of chisels (Kawasei) at classichandtools https://www.classichandtools.com/acatal ... isels.html, a few more over at fine-tools with a few kanna options http://www.fine-tools.com/jhobm.html.
I'd also like a suggestion on a stone to bridge the gap between the 1k sigma and 6k, as that appears to take the longest. Also which Genno are nice for adjusting a plane?
I'm sure I've left out some much needed information, but as you can tell, coming from very inexpensive tools, I'm a little lost as to exactly what will benefit me the most. I do have a limited budget, but don't mind gradually investing if it is a better approach in the long run.
Thanks,
Vips