Classic Hand Tools

Classic Hand Tools reveals the rich variety and history of hand tools through engaging prose and vivid color photographs. «Once upon a time, woodworkers had to rely upon hand tools exclusively but recently, the development of power tools relegated hand tools to the status of quaint antiques. In this book, Hack, a contributor to Fine Woodworking and the author of The Handplane Book, rethinks their usefulness. He argues that hand tools are, in some cases, better than their motorized counterparts theyre both quiet and, because they lack motors and generate very little dust, relatively safe. He covers tools of all typesAchisels, planes, saws, hammers, and measuring devices, some plain and others fancy. Not as good as Aldren A. Watsons Hand Tools Their Ways and Workings (Lyons, 1993. reprint.), this book does contain excellent chapters on making and restoring tools and on buying used toolsAand the wealth of beautiful photographs will make even the most casual woodworker salivate. An outstanding book, recommended for all public and academic libraries.» AJonathan N. Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OH

Before the machine age, all woodworking and carpentry was done with hand tools, and an amazing variety of tools evolved for a wide range of tasks. Many of these tools are as elegant as they are ingenious, and Classic Hand Tools celebrates their great heritage in words and pictures.

Learning about hand tools and how to use them is part of the joy and pleasure of working wood.