Bench work & joints · National 5
Hand tools
10 cards · 5 quiz · 0 exam
Practical Woodworking · National 5 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about hand tools, specifically to be able to:
- choose and use the right saw: tenon, coping, rip, cross-cut or panel
- choose and use the right plane: jack, smoothing, block, rebate, plough, bull-nose
- use chisels, spokeshave and hand router safely
- drill holes without splintering
Success criteria WILF
- I can choose and use the right saw: tenon, coping, rip, cross-cut or panel
- I can choose and use the right plane: jack, smoothing, block, rebate, plough, bull-nose
- I can use chisels, spokeshave and hand router safely
- I can drill holes without splintering
Saws
| Saw | Use |
|---|---|
| Tenon saw | Straight cuts in joints; the stiff back keeps the blade straight |
| Coping saw | Curves and removing waste from joints; thin replaceable blade |
| Panel saw / hand saw | Cutting larger boards and planks to size |
Planes
| Plane | Use |
|---|---|
| Jack plane | General planing to size and straightening edges |
| Smoothing plane | Final smooth finish on surfaces |
| Block plane | End grain and small work; low blade angle |
| Rebate plane | Cuts a rebate (a step) along an edge; uses a fence and depth stop |
| Plough plane | Cuts a groove along the grain, e.g. for a panel or drawer base |
| Bull-nose plane | Cleans up rebates and stopped work right into corners |
Plane with the grain to avoid tearing the surface. When planing end grain, work in from both ends, or clamp a waste block on, so the far corner doesn't split.
Chisels and shaping tools
- Firmer chisel: strong, general-purpose, can be struck with a mallet.
- Bevel-edged chisel: bevelled sides get into corners, e.g. dovetail halvings and housings.
- Mortise chisel: thick and strong for chopping mortises with a mallet.
- Spokeshave: shapes and smooths curved edges (after a coping saw).
- Hand router: levels the bottom of a housing or recess to an exact depth.
Always keep both hands behind the cutting edge. Strike chisels with a mallet, never a hammer.
Other bench tools
- Hammers: Warrington (cross pein) for small nails; claw hammer for large nails and pulling them out. Mallet for chisels and assembly.
- Screwdrivers: match the tip to the screw head (slotted, Phillips, Pozidriv).
- Hand drill and brace: drill holes; a brace with an auger bit drills larger holes. Clamp a waste block underneath to stop the underside splintering.
- Bradawl: makes a starting hole for screws. Countersink bit: lets screw heads sit flush.
- Bench vice: holds work securely, with the work low to stop vibration.
Key terms
| Coping saw | Cuts curves and removes waste from joints |
|---|---|
| Tenon saw | Straight accurate cuts for joints; stiff back |
| Plough plane | Cuts a groove along the grain |
| Rebate plane | Cuts a rebate (step) along an edge |
| Bull-nose plane | Cleans up rebates right into corners |
| Spokeshave | Shapes and smooths curved edges |
| Hand router | Levels the bottom of a housing to an exact depth |
| Bevel-edged chisel | Gets into corners, e.g. housings and dovetail halvings |
| Mortise chisel | Thick, strong chisel for chopping mortises |
| Stopping the underside splintering when drilling | Clamp a waste block underneath |
Quick check
1. Which plane cuts a groove for a drawer base?
- Plough plane
- Jack plane
- Block plane
- Smoothing plane
Show answer
A: Plough plane. A plough plane cuts grooves along the grain.
2. Which two hand tools would cut and smooth a curved edge?
- Tenon saw and jack plane
- Coping saw and spokeshave
- Panel saw and chisel
- Rip saw and file
Show answer
B: Coping saw and spokeshave. Coping saw to cut the curve, spokeshave to smooth it.
3. Which tool levels the bottom of a housing joint?
- Bradawl
- Marking gauge
- Hand router
- Mallet
Show answer
C: Hand router. The hand router cuts to a set depth.
4. Why does a tenon saw have a heavy back?
- To make the saw heavier so it cuts faster
- To protect your hand from the teeth
- To decorate the saw and show the maker
- To keep the thin blade stiff and straight
Show answer
D: To keep the thin blade stiff and straight. The back stops the blade bending.
5. What should you strike a chisel with?
- Mallet
- Warrington hammer
- Claw hammer
- Spanner
Show answer
A: Mallet. A mallet won't damage the handle.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.