Tools & Equipment

This is an eclectic list of books with far ranging themes and information to do with trees, wood, design and how woodworkers can understand their relationship to the land and culture they live within.

The extra cost of TCT blades seems to daunt some people but the life of the blade and the results more than justify that outlay in my books.

Just launched and put through its paces here, Arbortech's new Precision Carving System promises finer carving, sanding and detailing control.

With thoughts of those in lock-down and isolation in mind, we asked some well known woodworkers and Wood Review authors to nominate their favourite books.

Bench Plane Basics

Vic Tesolin explains the rationale and usage of the bench planes, one of the foundational hand tools of woodworking.

Of the 14 different stains available there are three neutral stains which don’t add any tint to the wood and seem ideal to maintain the raw sanded colour, avoiding the slight darkening and golden hue that a coat of hardwax oil usually adds.

Shot in Japan over a six year period, Yujiro Seki’s documentary film is an intimate study of the everyday lives and attitudes of modern day Buddhist sculptors.

Colour in Wood

Dr Jugo Ilic looks at some of the intriguing factors that account for and determine the colour of wood.

Chairmakers, carvers, turners and artists will find these great for complex or curved glue-ups and also for holding odd-shaped pieces.

With pencil in hand, Raf Nathan looks at the ins and outs of tape measures.

The range of furniture I offer my clientele is broad, however three tools that I regard as ‘must haves’ together cost under $100.

These items have proven themselves time and time again and have become go-to tools in my studio.

Once installed this kit is a great addition to any drill press. The large table makes things so much easier with its extra support whilst the clamps make for safer and more accurate drilling.

On jobsites or in the shed these heavy duty high clearance bases are worth their weight in safety.

Thirty-five years on, this remains one of Australia’s landmark exhibitions of woodwork. Furniture designer maker Leon Sadubin recalls how it came about.

Elipse P3 Dust Mask

The mask is comfortable to wear for extended periods and I found it did not fog my spectacles at all.