William Fairham - Woodwork Tools and How to Use Them

All woodworkers know that tools appropriate for the job in hand improve the quality of the work and render the process easier and more enjoyable.

This Vintage Words of Wisdom title, published in 1925, provides a comprehensive guide to hand tools for the keen woodworker. In addition the author provides advice and guidance as to the best use of each tool to ensure both efficiency and effectiveness. Many of these tools have remained largely unchanged for centuries but it can be argued that their development reached its zenith during the late-Victorian age. This was when production techniques and a better understanding of materials combined to enable the mass production of high quality, durable tools to a consistent standard.

In the late twentieth century the main change for the amateur woodworker has been the introduction of numerous power tools. Obviously this volume pre-dates the many drills, sanders, saws and cutters that have become a common feature of the modern workshop. Nonetheless the fundamentals outlined in Woodwork Tools and How to Use Them remain as relevant now as they were almost a century ago and there is much sound advice for the woodworker and hobbyist of today. Also, of course, some of us have inherited tools from fathers and grandfathers, or have picked up vintage tools from market stalls. There is a certain pleasure and satisfaction from using and caring for family heirlooms or tried and tested vintage tools that were made to last.

Some of the techniques present a potentially satisfying challenge such as setting and sharpening a saw or drill bit. Others offer good, plain common sense in how to make the best use of each tool. The language used may sometimes be quaint but this adds rather than distracts. For example when using the plane the author suggests:

To the beginner, we would say: stand at the side of your bench in exactly the same position as though you were going to lead off in a boxing bout; then drop the hands, grasp the plane and proceed to use it.

This is not the sort of advice one expects to find in the typical modern workshop manual!

A further characteristic of this book is the idea of self-sufficiency making your own plumb line, grinding and sharpening the blade of your plane. Concepts accepted by our forefathers but the easy availability of replacement blades and bits has made us more inclined simply to buy a new one.

The text is supported by a wealth of detailed drawings that illustrate clearly all the tools, their use and maintitalics Woodwork Tools and How to Use Them offers wisdom from the past that remains just as relevant today and should enhance the enjoyment that any woodworker gets from their hobby.

The Metric to Imperial Conversion Chart in this book has been included with the kind permission of Eric Meier of the Wood Database www.wood-database.com