My name is Clayton and I am the new generation of finish carpenter. I have cut my teeth on power tools, but have recently begun to "listen" to the "old-school" craftsmen. I get to meet a lot of retired carpenters and other tradesmen while trimming their houses.
I have heard their stories of how it used to be when they didn't have all those "damned loud" machines. I thought for a long time that the age of fine hand made finish carpentry was over. However, after reading an article by Chris Schwarz of Popular Woodworking on combining hand and power tools, and lurking here at Sawmill Creek, I began to think.
Maybe I can blend power and hand tools on-site. Well, I beagn to keep my block plane "sharp"(well, ok, it is sharp for me but i'm trying to learn). And I began to use it more often.
WOW!
Why didn't I try this sooner? My quality has increased exponentially and I am faster every day using hand tools. I am amazed! Shocked! Proud of my new level of craftmanship.
Is there a manufacturer of tools, mainly chisels and hand planes that are construction grade? Mind you I do not abuse my tools, I feed my family with them. If I destroy my tools, I can't work.
Also, I do a fair amount of cabinetry, mostly built-ins. What size/no. planes should I get?
Thank you for your help.
Clayton