Frugal Woodworking

Woodworking Tips for Affordable Woodworking

Handsaw Techniques

Most woodworking can be done with handsaws.  If you build a lot of pieces of furniture, you might need an electric saw.  There is a myth that only power saws (table saws in particular) can give you precision.  However, many of the best pieces of furniture in the world, never touched a table saw.  It can be done with handsaws.

Handsaws range in price from a few dollars at a garage sale to hundreds of dollars for some of the fancier saws.  It is possible that some of the less expensive saws cut as well as the more expensive ones (a tropical hardwood handle doesn’t give the blade with teeth any magical properties).  Whether you’ve invested $10 or $300 in a handsaw, one of the best ways to make good on that investment is to become better at using it.  Watching the video in this post can do that … even if you have to watch the 1 minute long introduction.

Handsawing Technique Tips

Wooden Plane Challenge

The use of purcahse of old existing tools can save a lot of money, unless they are known collectors items.   Many people shy away from the old wooden hand planes and so they can often be found inexpensively.   If they are in useable shape (no giant cracks or breaks) they can be put back into service and be as effective as their modern iron counterparts.

Here is a great blog post  tracking the refurbishing and using some old wooden planes

Taking The Wooden Plane Challenge