The 7 Essential Woodworking Hand Tools For the Galoot In Training

First off, a definition. A Galoot is someone who favors the use of antique or antique-styled hand tools over the use of power tools. Often times Galoots go in for the collection and restoration of hand tools as much or even more than woodworking, though this is a matter up for debate. Think of Galoots as the "historic reenactment committee" of woodworking and you'll be on the right track.

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Before we launch into the essential tools for the Galoot woodworker we'd like to offer a few tips that could indicate that you're a Galoot in training. So in case you ever had any doubts, here are a few of the ways you can tell:

Dewalt 1 2 Drill

1) You might be a Galoot in training if you have a working arsenal of power tools but still harbor a strange fascination with planes and chisels...

2) You might be a Galoot in training if you enjoy tinkering with your tools almost as much as working with wood. Especially that charming, captivating backsaw that your dad got from his dad's woodshop.

3) You might be a Galoot in training have antique hand tools that you would never, ever use on actual wood and you find yourself believing completely with all of your soul that "they don't build them like they used to".

4) You might be a Galoot in training if you prefer to watch Roy Underhill to Norm Abrams. Enough said there.

If you somehow made it to the hand tool collection phase without realizing you were the member of an elite group then I give you my best wishes and hopes for the future as you discover your true family - the Galoots. Do a quick web search on the term Galoot and the OldTools mailing list. Presto, you're home.

The 10 essential tools for the Galoot in training is something of a misnomer. Sort of. If you're not a pure collector yet then you're ideally buying these antique hand tools as you need them for specific projects you have in mind. Look at the following list then as a suggestion for what to use in place of all those expensive, high torque power tools you talked your significant other into letting you buy.

So here goes, and true Galoots remember we wrote this to guide home the lost and lonely of your tribe:

1) Chisels (Paring, Morticing)

This pair is crucial. The morticing chisel is used with a mallet and often to cut across the grain. The paring chisel is less often hit with a mallet and is more delicate. It's used for taking thin shavings off of your work piece. Further, chisels are typically in wide abundance at flea markets and antique stores.

2) Wooden Mallet

You can well make your own if you like, or if you're a collector then get out to those yard sales and dig through old boxes. Using a wooden mallet is crucial for not damaging your beautiful chisels...

3) Plane (Block, Smoothing, Jack, Jointer)

Planes smooth the surface of your work piece. The block plane is for shearing off the end grain of your piece, the smoothing plane is for very small shavings with less chance of tear out, the jack plane is a smoothing plane with more blade depth, and the jointer plane is a long plane used for flattening the joint face of a board.

4) Saw (Rip, Crosscut, Coping)

When choosing your saw pay attention to the rake - the angle at which the teeth are ground, the pitch - the number of teeth per inch and the set - the "wave" that the teeth have that gives the cut its width. Of hand saws you'll find especially useful the rip saw, which has a zero rake for cutting down the length of the grain, a crosscut saw's teeth will have negative rake for cutting across the grain, and the coping saw gets you cutting intricate designs and cuts inside a panel.

5) Brace and Bit + Hand Drill

Making holes in wood didn't start with the invention of the electric drill. It sure got easier though. Get back to the roots of your tool using heritage with a tag team of the brace and bit for making large holes and the hand drill (or egg beater) for making smaller bore holes. You could also consider the Yankee push drill.

6) Measuring and Marking Tools

Accuracy is one of the chief hallmarks of good woodworking. Stay true to your cuts and to your love of hand tools with a combination square - look for fine machining and deep etch markings. A try square will get you into smaller spaces and is important for furniture making. A sliding bevel will help you transfer accurate angles from one working piece of wood to another. Folding rulers have been mostly replaced by the tape measure. Don't let that bother you - use your folding wood rule with pride. Marking knives, gauges, and awls will keep your fine cuts as accurate as possible.

7) Your Tool Box and Workbench

Finally, we suggest that your first project as a Galoot is to build your own tool box (and then workbench), in much the same way that Luke Skywalker had to build his own light saber. This will connect you to the true force of hand tools. May the Galoots be with you.

Thanks to the work of Ken Smith, Tom Price and all the Galoots out there whose efforts were a great inspiration for this article.

The 7 Essential Woodworking Hand Tools For the Galoot In Training
Dewalt 1 2 Drill

Black Friday DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit 2011 Deals

Nov 17, 2011 22:28:59

Black Friday DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit Deals
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DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

>> Click here to update Black Friday prices for DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit <<

Black Friday DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit Feature

  • 2 speeds (0-1,650 rpm and 0-2,600 rpm)
  • Delivers 300 foot-pounds of torque; rocker switch for easy forward/reverse
  • Lightweight plastic body; anti-slip grip
  • Includes impact wrench, 1-hour charger, 2 XRP batteries, kit box
  • 90-day money back guarantee, 1-year free service contract, 3-year limited warranty


Black Friday DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit Overview

Able to deliver 3,600 inch-pounds of torque, the DEWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Cordless XRP Impact Wrench Kit makes quick work of sticky fasteners and tough fastening applications. With a comfortable rubber grip for optimum control, as well as DEWALT extended-life XRP Ni-Cad battery packs, this impact driver is an efficient addition to your toolkit.

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DW059K-2 18-Volt Cordless XRP Impact Wrench Kit
At a Glance:
  • Delivers 1,650 rpm and 2,600 bpm for max torque of 3,600 inch-pounds
  • Heavy-duty impact mechanism directs torque to fastener without kickback
  • Magnesium gear case and all-metal transmission for long tool life
  • Includes one-hour Ni-Cad charger, two 18-volt XRP Ni-Cad batteries, and kit box
  • Three-year limited warranty, one-year free service, 90-day money-back guarantee
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DEWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Cordless XRP Impact Wrench Kit

This heavy-duty impact wrench offers 1,650 rpm and 300 foot-pounds of torque.
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DEWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Cordless XRP Impact Wrench Kit

Use this impact wrench to secure lag screws or loosen and tighten nuts and bolts.
View larger.
Powerful, Two-Directional Performance
This DEWALT 18-Volt Cordless XRP Impact Wrench is capable of delivering a maximum of 3,600 inch-pounds (300 foot-pounds) of torque, making it an ideal choice for heavy-duty fastening applications. Whether you're securing lag screws or using the impact wrench to loosen sticky nuts and bolts, you'll appreciate the wrench's versatile and consistent performance.

With the ability to deliver 1,650 rpm and 2,600 bpm, this impact wrench lets you quickly complete tough tasks. A convenient rocker-switch makes it simple to switch between forward and reverse modes.

Built for Durability and Comfort
Featuring a comfort grip and all-metal gear case that is durable, lightweight, and well balanced, this impact wrench is easy to control--even at the end of a long work day. It weighs a modest 7.55 pounds, and it measures 10.75 inches in length.

In addition, the wrench's heavy-duty impact mechanism directs torque to the fastener without creating kickback. The wrench's magnesium gear case and all-metal transmission provide the durability you need under heavy loads.

XRP Extended-Life Battery System
Two XRP Ni-Cad extended run time batteries keep all of these tools running at optimum levels. They provide up to 40 percent more run time than standard Ni-Cad batteries. Additionally, any XRP battery can be used with any 18-volt DEWALT tool, which allows you to expand your toolkit. Also, the one-hour Ni-Cad charger helps maintain power to your packs all day long.

The Six-Tool Combo Kit features a DEWALT warranty package that includes a three-year limited warranty, a one-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee.

What's in the Box
DW059K-2 DEWALT 18-Volt Cordless XRP Impact Wrench, one-hour charger, two 18-volt XRP batteries, and kit box.


DW059K-2 DEWALT 18-Volt Cordless XRP Impact Wrench
The Cordless XRP Impact Wrench comes with
two batteries, charger, and sturdy kit box.





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DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit

Limited Offer Today!! DeWALT DW059K-2 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-inch Cordless Impact Wrench Kit Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2011 Deals

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