The joy of working with hand tools

in #handtools4 years ago (edited)

One of the (few) long-lasting benefits of having a secondary modern school education was being taught woodworking and metalwork skills.

My grandfather had a shed devoted to such undertakings, even including a lathe!

As time went on I moved into more academic fields, graduating in the 70's in Computer Science, and then a life in offices of various sorts.

But I always kept a toolbox, that kept getting bigger - as every new task needs at least one new tool! Then eventually we had property, and then I had a shed that eventually became a workshop I could fill with tools!

Over the years I've acquired a few power tools, a drill, a sander, and something that cuts wood a bit faster than a handsaw; but I still reach for the hand drill, sanding block and the saw more often than not.

Why?

It's the satisfaction of still being able to follow a pencil line (drawn with a woodworking-square, across a piece of wood) with a handsaw and get it pretty well right.

Then, sand the edges.

Then, fix it to something else with nails or screws.

And then end up with this.IMG_20210113_155114.jpg

I put it one a wall of the house and a blue tip moved in within days.

Job satisfaction!

Then I did a feeder.
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I made various things at school too. I have a load of tools now that get used at times. It's been a while since I did a mortice and tenon joint though.

Looks like the birds are benefiting from your handiwork. I could probably do with more bird boxes. They are simple to make.

That was my first proper one for as long as I can remember. Its actually a half lap or saddle joint made from two similar lengths, but you couldn't see that.
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I have chisels. Used them a few times when fitting doors. Just tend to end up doing DIY as it will be expensive to get someone in for little jobs. My dad was the same. He fitted who heating systems. Mind you I wired our house when we built it.