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Before You Start – Woodworking
Before you start woodworking, small decisions make a big difference. Learn six simple principles to improve accuracy, avoid common mistakes, and build with confidence.
Hand Tools Hub | All Things Hand Tools
While machinery can speed up many woodworking tasks, hand tools remain at the heart of great craftsmanship. They offer precision, control and a connection to the material that’s difficult to replicate with powered equipment. Browse our collection of handpicked articles all about hand tools!
All things hand tools
A well-chosen collection of hand tools can handle everything from fine fitting and joinery to final finishing. Chisels allow you to pare joints accurately, clean up corners and fit components perfectly. Hand planes can flatten boards, refine surfaces and leave a finish that often requires little or no sanding.
Many woodworkers find that combining machinery and hand tools produces the best results. Machines do the heavy work, while hand tools provide the finesse needed for detailed joinery and final adjustments. Regular sharpening and maintenance are equally important. Keeping edges keen not only improves results but also makes woodworking safer and more enjoyable.
Browse our popular blogs
Honing Guide | Axminster Honing Guide
A honing guide is a sharpening accessory that holds chisels and plane irons at a fixed, repeatable angle while sharpening on stones or plates. The Axminster Honing Guide is designed for accuracy and stability, helping...
Hand Planes | Choosing the Right Plane for the Task
Hand planes are essential tools in any woodworker’s kit, offering precision, control, and a satisfying connection to the craft. But with so many types available, it can be tricky to know which one to reach...
Hand Tool Maintenance | Extend The Life Of Your Hand Tools
General Hand Tool Maintenance Keep tools clean After each session, brush away dust, wipe down metal parts, and remove sap or resin from green woodworking tools. A quick clean prevents rust and preserves cutting edges....
Making the Leap from Hand Tools to Machines
For many woodworkers, hand tools are where the journey begins—chisels, planes, saws, and scrapers that teach the fundamentals of craftsmanship. But as your skills grow and your projects become more ambitious, the leap to machinery...
Browse our popular hand tool categories
- Chisels
- Clamps
- File and Rasps
- Green Woodworking
- Hand Tool Accessories
- Knives and Scalpels
- Marking, Measuring and Levels
- Planes, Spokeshaves and Scrapers
- Pocket Hole Joinery and Dowelling
- Saws
- Sharpening Tools
Other hand tool categories
- Building Tools
- Decorating Tools
- Electrical Tools
- Hammers, Mallets and Punches
- Pliers, Tweezers, Cutters and Snips
- Plumbing Tools
- Screwdrivers and Drills
- Sockets, Spanners & Wrenches
Final thoughts...
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, quality hand tools are an investment in accuracy, skill and craftsmanship. They're often the difference between a good project and a great one.
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