And A Good Morning From The USA

[smallcrafter]

Hello, All...

I'm Russ from Ohio and have decided to make simple, small and practical furniture for our home and family members. Being poor and unemployed (for now) I'm using whatever wood I can find left behind in the small-ish outdoor shop by my landlady's late father. This is a life-long journey for me and at age 61 I find learning this craft very rewarding. When the old, cheap table saw that was left in the shop finally became unusable, I decided that I want to do away with using power tools altogether. I have a couple of Japanese saws that I bought and have learned to cut a good, square line with them. Now I need a carpenter's saw, chisels, and planes. I'll get them one by one and learn to use them as I go along. Simple tools, simple furniture, simple living. :) I would sincerely welcome any suggestions on using Japanese hand tools as I have a good four year apprenticeship ahead of me. When I retire I hope to be able to sell what I make to earn extra income without opening a production shop. Thanks!

Russ the smallcrafter

[BobR]

Welcome to the forum Russ. There are many on the forum that prefer the use of hand tools (refered to a people from the dark side) who may be able to provide assistance when required. Good luck with your projects and I hope you find employment soon.

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum.

I also use hand tools to further my skills but not given up on power tools. Sometimes it is quicker to do a single hole with a hand drill then to setup a power drill. You might want to take a look at the hand tool section of the forum to find and ask question about hand tools.

Here is the link to that part of the forum.

HAND TOOLS - UNPOWERED (http://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/)

[crowie]

G'Day & Welcome Downunder to a top forum.
You'll find a heap of helpful & knowledgeable blokes & ladies on the forum and for most very willing to assist.
Make sure you show off your handiwork as everyone loves a photo especially WIP photos with build notes.
Enjoy the forum.
Enjoy your woodwork & learning the hand tools.
Cheers for On Top Down Under, crowie

[tdrumnut]

Hi there Russ & welcome to the forum

[smallcrafter]

Thank you for the warm welcome, Gents! Being, ahem, slightly financially challenged right now, I've been working with some salvaged wood in order to practice, practice, and practice some more. My Japanese saws are the best tools that I have for the time being but the best tools on earth are useless if I don't know how to use them. I have a set of cheap Home Depot bench chisels and a VERY inexpensive (15.00!) Groz plane that I use as well. Have to start somewhere, ya know? Hey, I'm learning, I'm learning! :U

[JJF]

welcome to the forum

[Christos]

... I've been working with some salvaged wood in order to practice, practice, and practice some more...

Thats a good attitude.

[Ad de Crom]

Welcome Russ, working with your hands is what I prefer, the only machines I use are my home made lathe, and a drill press, I prefer also to make my tools by myself as much as possible, my way of woodworking.
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