Woodworking
Practical Action
Hack saw
traditionally a metal working saw, but it can be used for cutting wood. As the
teeth on the blade are so small the process is usually slower than with a normal
saw. Various size blades can be fitted and usually range in length from 15 – 20
cm.
Clamps : As their name suggests they clamp materials in place. This could either be clamping
one piece on to a workbench whilst cutting it or clamping to pieces of material together whilst
joining them.
Saw-keyhole : Again as the name suggests this saw is used to cut keyhole size shapes in
wood. They are good for cutting small holes in wood in general. Usually about 30cm in
length.
Saw-Tennon : A fine toothed blade for cutting small accurate pieces of wood accurately.
Screwdrivers : There are two main types of screwdriver the slot head and cross head or the
ordinary blade and the cruciform blade. Lengths vary from 15 to 50cm, as do the head sizes
according to screw type.
Files : The main use for files is to shape your wood. There are a few types, from flat to
triangular, round and half round, and they all come in different sizes. The other use for files
(mainly the flat and the triangular) is to sharpen the teeth on saws’ blades.
Chisels : Basic tool for shaping and cutting you piece of wood in to various shapes. They can
be used effectively with a mallet to carve out rough shapes, which then can be smoothed
down. The most common use is probably in joint making such as mortises and tenons. They
come in various shapes and sizes and are also used in woodturning.
Rules (various) : Various tape measures and rulers can be used in the workshop depending on
the accuracy or the measurement and the size of your material. Most common is wooden or
steel rule.
Spoke shave : A small wooden device with a small blade attached. Like a small plane the
spoke shave is used to shape your wood in smaller detailed areas.
Block Plane : Use to smooth off the end of your piece of work material, cutting the end grain.
Usually about 2.5 – 4cm in width.
Jackplane : Used to shave pieces of wood off in the direction of the grain, i.e. along your work
piece. Shaving material off until an exact thickness is achieved. How to Make a Jack Plane
Rasp : Similar to a file, but with larger teeth. Used for removing larger sections of wood to
shape and smooth your wood. May be made of solid metal, with the possibility or renewable
blades.
Oilstone : Used for sharpening most tools, blades –such as chisels, knives and other sharp
edges.
Smoothing plane : Used to plane timber smooth after it has been worked. About 4-6cm
cutting iron, leaving a smooth finish.
Callipers : used for measuring diameters of various sections, both internal and external.
Set Square : Again as the name suggests, this tool is used to set things square. Can be used
for setting or marking out right-angled sections.
Marking gauge : Used to mark out where wood is going to be cut. They come in various forms
with tightening screw or home made with a wedge tightening set up.
3