Building Your Personal Tool Kit

Building Your Personal Tool Kit: The Essential Start

Now that you are part of a vibrant shared shop community at The Joinery, you have access to some of the best woodworking tools available. While the shop is well-equipped, having your own personal tools and supplies can significantly enhance your woodworking experience. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is undoubtedly a priority, but let’s dive into the hand tools and measuring devices that I believe are essential for any woodworker.

Why Personal Tools Matter

When it comes to measuring tools, consistency is key. For instance, when I reach for my tape measure, I know it may not be accurate to the thousandth of an inch, but because I use the same one repeatedly, I trust its accuracy relative to my previous measurements. The Joinery provides a comprehensive set of measuring tools and hand tools for members to use, but these tools often get dropped, chipped, or simply overused. Each measuring device has its quirks, and you can never be sure which one was used last.

The beauty of being a member of a shared shop is that you don’t bear the expense of maintaining every tool. Instead, you can invest in personal tools that cater to your specific needs. These tools don’t have to break the bank; the real advantage lies in knowing their history, how sharp they are, and that all your measurements are relative to each other.

In the upcoming blog posts, I’ll be sharing my recommendations for the tools and supplies I would want in my personal inventory. I’ll provide options across different price categories where possible. The final post in this series will reveal my complete list of what’s in “My Tool Kit.”

Tool Spotlight: The Card Scraper

Let’s kick things off with a tool that might sound a bit unconventional but is incredibly valuable: the card or cabinet scraper. So, what exactly is a card scraper? It’s a flat rectangular piece of steel with a burr created on each side, functioning like a tiny plane iron.

I have to admit, sanding is my least favorite woodworking task, right up there with using a router. A card scraper can save you a lot of time—and possibly all of it—when it comes to sanding. (Be sure to watch this week’s video to see it in action!) Instead of grinding the grain flat, a scraper cuts it, leaving a silky smooth surface ready for finishing. It excels at handling all types of cross-grain and rough spots.

The Downside

The downside? You need to know how to create and maintain the burr to keep the scraper sharp. Fortunately, it’s a simple process (check out this video for a tutorial), but it’s one that many people overlook. That’s why I prefer having my own scraper. After each use, I can re-establish the burr and ensure it’s ready for the next project. When I need it, it’s ready to go. Using shop scrapers is fine, but you often have to sharpen them before use, and I dislike interrupting my workflow for sharpening.

My Recommendations

For a high-quality option, I recommend the card scraper from Crucible Tools (Lost Art Press) for $25. They also offer a specialized “steel” to help with the angle on the burr for an additional $18.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, check out this option on Amazon for around $12.

You’ll also need a bastard file and a piece of hardened steel to create the burr, which is where the Crucible tool shines.

Stay Tuned!

This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for the next blog post, where I’ll introduce the next tool on my list. Investing in your personal tool inventory can transform your woodworking experience, making it more enjoyable and efficient. Happy woodworking!