Hand tools - Mr.Chickadee

Until very recently in fact, all traditional carpentry was crafted by a few well tuned razor sharp hand tools. By the late 1800s those hand tools being produced were the end result of thousands of years in tool evolution and development. Companies at that time were all in competition for the business of tradesman who used and relied on these tools for their daily livelihoods.

We find power tools to be not only unnecessary, but less accurate, more dangerous and often a hindrance to the proper understanding and connection with our medium. Thrift is also a consideration, a set of traditional hand tools can be bought from local flea markets and online antique vendors often for the price of a single quality power tool.

We prefer those vintage saws, axes, chisels and adzes made during the hight of the hand tool era. Though a few makers are producing these tools again, the feel, balance and perfection of the old tools is tough to beat. There is also a certain joy in restoring a rusty old tool and putting it back to use which we would share with anyone.

Though we provide sets of tools ready to use for our students, we encourage them to bring their own tools as well, in any condition, and use or work on restoring them while they are here. Proper tool restoration, sharpening and care is a fundamental part of each class.

Mr. Chickadee