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(Journal) — Craft

The tools on our bench

Words by Mira Halden

A few chisels, a plane and a block of oak. The small tools that do most of the work.

We own very few machines. The tools that matter most are chisels, a well-set plane and a good eye.

Each one has a spot on the bench and an owner who sharpened it.

Sharpening on Fridays

Friday afternoons are for sharpening. Each maker works through their own chisels and plane irons on water stones, then tests the edge on a scrap of end grain.

(Quote)

“A sharp tool is quieter, safer and much kinder to the wood.”

The tools we buy

When we do buy new tools, we look for simple steel, wooden handles and makers who will repair what they sell.

Several of the planes on the bench are older than the workshop itself. They were bought second hand and tuned until they cut cleanly again.

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