Quantity

Size/Grade

Tool or Item

Comments

1

10 to 18 point

Backsaw

Crosscut or rip filing is o.k. Avoid very thin backsaws, especially Japanese for they do not work well for half-blind dovetails.

1

#5

Bench Plane (Must Have)

Do not rush out and buy new planes. It is Ernie's feeling that classic planes (found at any flea market) work better and are a better value than new planes. New planes generally require more tuning than a classic. We have classics available in our store. They are guaranteed by Ernie to work to perfection and are generally less expensive than new planes.

1

#4 or #3

Bench Plane (Nice to Have)

If you are going to buy new Lie-Nielsen, Clifton or Veritas are the only ones worth your consideration. Do not buy Indian planes!

1

Bevel

We often have antique bevels in our store

1

Cabinet Scraper

Mostly for half-blind dovetails

1

Carvers Mallet

Round wooden type is best; the rubber headed types are too "bouncy. Japanese metal hammers for this purpose are o.k.

1

12"

Combination Square

 The Starrett Combination square is a good investment.

1

4" to 6"

Dividers

Size refers to length of legs and a small pair is better!

1

12, 14 or 16 oz

Hammer

Standard claw or Japanese is fine.

1

Marking/Mortising Gauge

Traditionally marking and mortising gauges were separate tools but now days they are combined into one tool for economy. If you have separate marking and mortising, that is better.

1

Notepad

1

chunk

Paraffin Wax

Canning wax is perfect and can be found at most grocery stores. Old candle will do.

1

Pencil

1

Pliers (Vice grip or tongue and groove)

Good for pulling nails loosening stubborn screws and lids, etc.

1

Tape or Folding

Ruler

6" or 12" steel rule is also nice to have and a folding rule is more accurate than a tape.

1

Safety Glasses

You must have a minimum of safety glasses, Most prescription glasses are safety lenses, but need side shields to be true safety. If in doubt bring face shield to go over glasses.

2

120 grit

Sandpaper

We favor Klingspore PS 33 in a B weight which is a stearated, open coat, aluminum oxide paper.

2

180 grit

Sandpaper

We favor Klingspore PS 33 in a B weight which is a stearated, open coat, aluminum oxide paper.

2

220 grit

Sandpaper

We favor Klingspore PS 33 in a B weight which is a stearated, open coat, aluminum oxide paper.

2

8" to 10"

Screw Clamps

Size refers to length of jaw

1

Straight

Screw driver

1

Phillips

Screw driver

1

1/4" to 3/4"

Set of Bevel Edge Chisels (Also known as Carpenter's chisels)

Buy an 8 (or even 10) piece set, rather than a 5, if you can afford it. It is most useful to have a 1/8" chisel for dovetails. Be sure to buy "bench" chisels and not the shorter "butt" chisel which is commonly all that is available at hardware stores. Japanese chisels (Oire-Nomi) are excellent but expensive. The Japanese drive their chisels with a Japanese hammer and this is Ernie's practice.

1

Shoulder Plane

Stanley is o.k. but Clifton, Lie-Nielsen or Veritas are better.

1

Straight Edge

12"Steel Rule is fine which is the blade to your combination square

1

stick

White Chalk

 For layout.

Nice to Have but Not Necessary

2 to 4

That will span 32"

Bar clamps

We have lots, but if you are driving and feel like throwing a couple in they will come in handy.

1

Ear Protection

Ear muffs are easiest to use but plugs are fine. If loud pounding bothers you be sure to bring.

1

crosscut & rip

Hand Saws

Ernie recommends old handsaws and check with our store for antiques. These tools are not necessary and only need to be brought along if you would like to learn to use them well.

1

rip

Hand Saws

Same as above.

1

1/4"

London Pattern Mortise Chisel

We have plenty of loaners at the workshop

1

5/8”

Japanese Butterfly Chisel

(Bachi Nomi) 

This is a great chisel for half-blind dovetails (in place of an 1/8”) even if the rest of your chisels are English. This is item 15.330.15 in the Japan Woodworker Catalogue. (www.japanwoodworker.com)

1

Your own sharpening system