The backed saw is a wonderful thing. While Japanese style saws provide a great option, I won’t be hanging up my back saws anytime soon.

Making the most out of our money is an important consideration to most of us. However, somethings can't be cut back on. A good quality glue is one of these things.

The Joiner and Cabinet Maker is an interesting little book that you can find on Google Books. A fictional story backed up with facts about life as an apprentice during the early 19th Century.

I don’t use a honing guide, but I think they are an important option that needs to be there. I keep the approach to using a honing guide simple, a few bits of wood and you’re set.

Marking gauges are an absolutely essential tool. Hand tool woodworking is lost without them.

I love old tools for their proven performance and aesthetic. It’s really rewarding to save some neglected tools and put them back to work. These vintage chisels are a perfect example.

Bevel up bench planes are a popular choice these days. I respect that, but for me, they will never replace my bevel down planes.

My last workbench project for my own personal use is on the cards. I’ve always adored the practicality and utility of the benches found commonly in the UK and my next bench will draw inspiration from this time tested design.

When there’s more than one way of doing something, certain beliefs can become entrenched. I take a pragmatic view on the right angle for a dovetail joint.

Cap irons. One of the most powerful evolutionary steps of hand plane design. Single iron planes, unless as specialist end grain tool, don’t hold a candle to the versatility a cap iron gives you to tame grain without messing about with overly difficult tricks.

I appreciate a fast, clean and back to work philosophy with my sharpening. My approach might not be right for you, but take the time to create a routine that does work for you and you’ll reap the rewards.

Working with difficult timber is hard on design and tools. But I don’t give up, when given lemons, make lemonade.