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If you’re interested in reading detailed stories about modern toolmakers, their wares and how they fare in the shop, I have some good news. Clarence Blanchard, the owner of the Fine Tool Journal, has graciously allowed me to post articles I’ve written about modern hand tools for his publication during the last few years on the Internet. And Wiktor Kuc, the host of WKFineTools.com, has generously agreed to host the articles on his site.
Right now on WKFineTools.com you will find the complete text to four articles I’ve written for the Fine Tool Journal during the last few years, and there are eight more that will be posted in the coming year. These articles are unlike what I’ve written for Popular Woodworking magazine and Woodworking Magazine. These articles are sometimes quite lengthy, a bit geeky and are aimed at the hand-tool enthusiast.
Here’s what you’ll find on WKFineTools.com right now, and a taste of what is to come:
– Veritas Router Plane Review: I compare the new Veritas router plane to the vintage Stanley No. 71. The Veritas sure looks different, but is it any better? What’s with those canted knobs? And why is the depth adjustment on the Veritas so much more involved? And is the accessory fence worth buying?
– Chairmaking Tools: A look at some of the tools that are indispensable to my (meager) chairmaking efforts. Two mallets that can really drive a leg home (John Brown style!), plus a comparison of the Veritas an Lie-Nielsen spokeshaves.
– Ray Iles Mortisers: Everyone loves the new Ray Iles mortising chisels , me included. I had one of the first sets off the boat and take a look at the tool. How did it come to life? Why is it so dang effective in hardwoods? And what’s with the unusual sharpening angles?
– The Curious Scrub Plane: This is a controversial article in some quarters. I compare the Veritas and Lie-Nielsen scrub planes and posit a few crackpot theories about scrub planes in general. If you want to send me hate mail on this article, the line forms to your left.
– There are also shorter articles there from me on Blue Spruce Toolworks marking knife and drawboring.
Here are some of the articles I hope Wiktor Kuc will be posting in the coming months:
– Blue Spruce Toolworks: A detailed look at Dave Jeske’s operation. He’s bigger than you think. And he’s making tools for other custom toolmakers on the West Coast.
– Clifton Planes: I have years of experience with these English-made Bedrock bench planes and tell you what I’ve found out during the last five years , warts and all.
– Gauges & Squares: Find out which layout tools I find useful and which are expensive junk.
– Miter Planes: Joel Moskowitz and a dead Frenchman help us unravel some of the mysteries of the oddly-named miter plane.
And there’s more to come. With any luck, Wiktor will post these and the Fine Tool Journal Articles I’m writing for upcoming issues, including a feature on Philip Marcou’s S20A smoothing plane and the Bridge City Tools VP60 , a variable pitch bench plane.
If you don’t want to wait for Wiktor, I can wholeheartedly recommend you take out a subscription to the Fine Tool Journal. Not only will you get to read my brand of drivel, but also lots of other interesting pieces about old tools, their history and the stories behind the men who made them.
Plus then there’s the real bonus that comes with a Fine Tool Journal subscription: the publication offers a large quantity of old tools for sale at reasonable prices to readers in every issue. Please do check it out.
Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.
Three cheers for you, Wictor, and Fine Tool Journal. Thanks for making these articles available on the Web.