Working with hand tools is a return to simplicity in the shop. Prior to power tools there was little need for measurement (reducing the dimensions to fractional inches). Furniture components were sized to the need (space available) using story sticks. The wood was matched to the need (legs, draw faces, panels etc) and cut to size and then fitted.

Jim Tolpin recreates this approach during this course. You'll learn to work without measurements and still build a piece of the right size with tight fitting joints. Jim is working on a new book on Working with Hand Tools - join his exploration!

Plus this 5-day class complements and extends the topics presented in Jim's Handtool Heaven class. In this class you will learn, among other things, these advanced techniques for creating projects with hand tools:

• Create a design mockup (in cardboard)
• Generate a component and cutlist
• Lay out components on stock
• Cut and trim pieces square and to an exact length
• Smooth wood surfaces to a mirror-like finish with a handplane.
• Make rabbet, wedged through-tenon and dovetail joints.
• Form and smooth a curved edge
• Make a decorative profile with a hand plane.
• Assemble components tight and true
• Apply an oil-based finish

Prerequisite:
Though not required we highly recommend that raw beginners take Jim’s five-day course Handtool Heaven to gain a thorough grounding in use of basic hand tools.  If you can sharpen and do hand joinery then this course will hone and put those skills to the test. Contact us if you have questions.

Class size:             10     
Cost:                      $650
Materials Charge: $15

Please note:
Our apologies - Jim's February class has been postponed and merged with the April course. Jim has to have surgery and will not be recovered in time to teach.