American Woodworker

 

Techniques

  • Foolproof Scraper Sharpening

    by American Woodworker Editors     Monday, August 3, 2009
    Make Shavings Like a Pro With Our New Sharpening Method By Tom Caspar I couldn’t believe my eyes the first time I saw John Erickson, the woodworker I apprenticed with, scrape a piece of walnut. How could a mere piece of steel work so quickly? John...
  • 12 Tips for Better Sharpening

    by Tom Caspar     Friday, February 20, 2009
    Hand tools are a joy to use, but only when they're sharp. Just as learning to walk is the prerequisite to running, successful sharpening is the key to "unplugged" woodworking. Try these tips and you'll be surprised at the strides your...
  • Waterstones

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    Types Of Stones Waterstones were first quarried from small mines in Japan more than 1,200 years ago. Today, most waterstones are made in a factory. They're composed of aluminum oxide, silicon carbide or chromium oxide abrasives heated at high temperature...
  • Tune Up An Old Chisel

    by AW-Editor     Thursday, January 29, 2009
    One of my favorite tools is a legendary Stanley No. 50 chisel. Made in the 1920s, it had seen hard times. Restoring it was a labor of love, and well worth the effort. Its steel holds a long-lasting, super-sharp edge. No doubt you've got some beat...
 

Sort By