How to make square stock straight, smooth and square (stock preparation part 1) | Paul Sellers

Paul Sellers shows how to prepare wood from it's rough sawn state into useable stock. He goes into detail about how to remove twist from a square piece of wood and make it 'four square'. He does all of this with hand tools. Specifically the plane, square and winding sticks. The video was first posted on woodworkingmasterclasses.com
To find out more about Paul Sellers and the projects he is involved with go to paulsellers.com

[@Paul.Sellers]

We've added English subtitles to this video. We work hard to reach as many people around the world and help them learn woodworking. We need your help to translate our videos subtitles to your language and progress our work. Please contribute translations here: kzbin.info_cs_panel?tab=2&c=UCc3EpWncNq5QL0QhwUNQb7w

[@ggalindezb]

This video is not in the Contributions list (for Spanish) but it doesn't have subtitles. I can probably help with this video or the other ones. Would be nice to give something back.

[@bobbybob3679]

Paul Sellers. Hi Paul, what I don't understand is that once you have one true surface, why don't you cut the width on a table or bandsaw so you can then take more movement out of the equation before trueing other edges?

[@One_In_Training]

Because he doesn't use powertools. Otherwise he'd just pass it over a jointer and then through a planer - would take 2 mins. That's not the point of this video.

[@aphyd23]

Most people don't have a planer. But most people do have a table saw. I'm all about using hand tools, But I definitely would have ripped that with a table saw. I suspect he would as well if the purpose of his videos wasn't to demonstrate hand tool techniques.

[@HBSuccess]

Bobby Bob Daft 😂 if we really have to explain this - think “Roy Underhill” vs “Norm Abram”

[@brandonmcwilliams1081]

I'm absolutely in awe of this man's videos. I feel like I'm in a shop as an apprentice. He teaches with simplicity and humbleness. Thank you SO MUCH for these videos.

[@kz.irudimen]

It's crazy isn't it ? When I'm in my shop and I don't know or I'm not sure how to do something with hand tools I can always get on youtube, find the video where Mr Sellers explains it perfectly, and then (try to) do it. Every single time the advice is comprehensive and spot on, you only have to follow along. This channel is such an invaluable resource, I hope it stays available for a very long time, there is nothing quite like it.

[@armstrong2052]

I found him today. So the process continues.

[@Paul.Sellers]

It's actually the correct way. the oron is fully protected and I never met a true craftsman that laid his plane on the side throughout my fifty years. However, in public schools, a manual was produce to stop children of 13 plonking their planes on top of chisels and squares and other tools that damaged the edge of a plane and that, I understand, is where your nono came from. My iron is protected when when standing upright and it's also ready for action without the awkwardness of lifting it.

[@noahweikert9367]

wow this dude is awesome, he like the Bob Ross of wood working

[@josephciaravino4115]

Yes!!

[@aaronjermain]

I just want to say thank you. I see you've gone to great lengths to make these high quality videos, to share your impressive woodworking skills. As someone without a mentor, I can't express how valuable these free videos are to me. You are an excellent teacher!

[@SuperBardley]

Yes, I agree. Clearly, you extend your expertise and care fully into all the details so as to ensure a top-notch result -- that is what being an expert is all about. Mies Van der Rohe said that "God is in the details."

[@jerryprovencher2047]

I follow Mr. Paul's videos religiously. I've learned so much. Now, I gots to go find myself a tomato can!

[@Paul.Sellers]

Thanks Bobbie. I like doing these because they seem to help people take the plunge. We have many more we are working on so look out for them too.

[@738polarbear]

He is a GREAT teacher ,kind and unassuming from his demeanour. Use what you have I have heard him say many a time . he is not selling anything.If you watch enough of his free vids it is almost like getting a free apprenticeship.BRAVO PAUL BRAVO.and thank you.

[@grindinglicks]

I never watched anyone that was so informative. Sometimes things are pushed ahead and you're left wondering about something. No measure is missed here. Great video

[@snort455]

I remember watching this when it first came out. Pauls videos are the best thing on KZbin. I subscribed to his Masterclass videos for a couple years. Well worth it.

[@richardwhitfield1078]

A joy to watch. I'm not even into woodwork but it is a privilege to see a craftsman explain and pass on his skills in such a relaxed manner.

[@ericolson6135]

I've been diving into these older videos and that method of checking for the twist with winding sticks is the first time I have ever seen something like that. Awesome advice.

[@nackabags]

I think most people would agree that everyone should have a teacher like you in school.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Ha! In the school near to where I live, they don't teach even the most basic practices, and one boy of my acquaintance does a regular 2-hour session of unpaid practical work every week - clearing tables at the local pub! (And this was arranged by the school! Presumably, they think this is preparation for the world of work.) There will be a very few Paul Sellers around in schools, now. ... A *very* few.

[@MrMoggyman]

What an absolute pleasure to see a master craftsman at work. If only you had been my woodwork teacher Paul, but now you are! See how you do not need to spend a fortune on tools, but rather to know what tools you need and where, how to use them, care for them, improvise, learn the skills, and to enjoy working with the material. As a master craftsman electrician, I can tell you that Paul is the REAL deal. See how Paul makes it look so simple.......this is called SKILL. It does not come overnight, but Paul gives every person the confidence, with a little effort and practice, to be a success working with wood. It is so very rare to see the skill of an artisan being imparted in such a straight forward way as this. Bravo Paul, a totally excellent series of videos.

[@robnicolson2747]

Great skill and precision pleasure to watch a proper carpenter work, thanks for sharing.

[@-o-The-Duke-o-]

Paul, you and your hard work have been such a blessing. From demystifying the hand plane to easily bringing my chisels to a great edge, I owe this all to you and your wonderful explanations. Your videos leave me feeling as if I've been studying with a master. I can't thank you enough.

[@robertbee9776]

Thankyou Mr. Sellers, for all you have done in these videos to help everyone to really understand how to work with wood and hand tools and really understand the why, what, and the how to, of real woodworking. Now I can work much better with wood, and with the proper hand tools and enjoy it more too now that I understand better, exactly how it's done. Thanks again, you're the best at teaching real woodworking I've ever seen.

[@joshuafarnsworth]

Paul, you are so generous for sharing these videos for free. These are much more instructive than expensive DVDs!

[@viscache1]

I own a bandsaw mill to restore a dozen buildings on our decrepit 112 year old farm incl barn and house to former glory. We are using mostly only tools available when our home was built. We meet people who tell us to just buy square lumber and hire people! But this is our retirement project! It would rob us of the joy of bringing something dead back to life. 2400 sq’ house and 60,000 sq’ barn and assorted feeders and original log cabin. To me each struck or chisel or saw is a pure joy! (And being Scottish, i appreciate that it’s CHEAP!)

[@snort455]

This is the best channel on The tube!

[@Kronikle500]

It's nice to see an actual educated Joiner on youtube. Woodworking has become too much of a backyard business in the last few decades. People tend to forget this is actually an art. With knowledge accumulating after decades, not after a table saw purchase.

[@markforrestsm]

Watching you work Paul is "therapeutic".. A real craftsman!

[@kimkomando4341]

@William I found this website online that will give you a ton of woodworking plans: WoodFix.xyz Let me know what you think of it.

[@5lowethechamp964]

Great thanks Paul. I watched this like 100 times. Everytime I see a detail I missed. I love ur videos. I can't thank u enough

[@chrisperdue]

"a bit like strokin' the cat backwards" Perfect analogy, Mr. Sellers.

[@labrat7357]

I always get far more information from one of your videos than I do from any other presenter. Thanks

[@dosetti]

i am here just for that pleasing swoosh sound. Seeing somebody doing such a professional work is also very satisfying. Excellent work.

[@christianlewis7055]

Absolute pleasure to watch. Even at 2:30am!

[@Mystipaoniz]

+Christian Lewis ^^ 1h17 am for me

[@tag_of_frank]

ESPECIALLY at 230 am on a weekend.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

Very good to listen to at any hour.

[@tmdyn]

Seems the better I get at my woodworking, the more I want to get back to the basics, and learn old-school methods. Your teachings are helping me to get better then I ever thought possible. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and talent. Your work is impressive to say the least!

[@ryanjones2576]

Yeah power tools are great, but honestly, if you really want to understand the finer details, hand tools are the way to go.

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

I like how using hand tools slows you down. You really pay attention to every little detail when using hand tools. That just isn’t so with power tools. I’m getting to the point where the only power tool I use is my drill. Drilling holes and driving screws and that’s it lol My work has improved 1,000% because of Paul. Cheers mate

[@davidpaulbryant]

Doing it this way, I bet he remembers everything he has ever made. I'm sure his memories are filled with pride and satisfaction. It is apparent he loves woodworking. Thank you Paul.

[@abdulamjeedabdeen3942]

Paul. Its really enjoyable to watch you doing woodworking with your hand and not using any new tools. its really a master class woodworking.

[@Paul.Sellers]

Thanks Graham, I hope people enjoy them. It does take a lot of work, but we feel that it's worth it.

[@timdorsey9226]

It has been 8 years and your work is still reaching new people each day. I believe you have succeeded. Thank you sir.

[@gbad1824]

Reminds me as a kid playing with the wood shavings in my uncle's shop. He was a master carpenter and didn't have any power tools. He'd harvest the tree, take it to the local sawmill to make planks and bring the planks home to final finish like this video.

[@michaelmeans4684]

I always enjoy watching and learning from your videos. Thank you Paul!

[@duncanpotter5838]

I could actually feel my stress levels go down as I watched this. Thank you Mr. Sellers. I am sure they will rise again when I try to apply these techniques however!

[@damienking7208]

Mr. Sellers, You make the best instructional woodworking videos-anywhere. I just love your teaching style and you're clearly a master of your craft. Bless you for introducing so many to the joys of traditional woodworking. I confess that I occasionally use machinery to save labor/time when those are factors so I'm not a complete galoot, but there is a satisfaction of working wood by hand & connecting to our forebearers through time and tradition that can't be found using machinery. Well done Sir

[@benjaminmitchell5345]

How refreshing is Paul! No stupid music and excellent work from someone I could listen to all day.

[@sdcofer52]

Paul, you are so honest and talented in the traditional way. Thank you.

[@gabrielgarciawoowworks]

Love the way you go about explaining what your doing your work is inspiring

[@chet3larson]

Absolutely brilliant. mr. Sellers renews my wood working interest every video.

[@user-yu4gu1cs1p]

Very much enjoyed watching this, and learned a fair amount. Thank you, Mr. Sellers.

[@Diozark]

Thank You Mr. Sellers, Most enjoyable videos on the internet.

[@MrWoody135]

I learn so much from these videos. Little points such as oiling the plane sole....never thought of that. The patience of Paul is a real inspiration, and the way he works around the issues that the wood present him, in such an considered and relaxed manner, is a lesson to many of us who think that projects go from start to finish in nothing but a perfect straight line. Great videos. (as for the 'stroking the cat analogy', I feel that I am fighting a tiger some times !!)

[@xsilentbulletsx]

things last as long as you put into them, there is a reason all the hand made stuff we see from 100 years ago still exists today, but things made quickly don't last 10 years. when you put this much effort into fabrication, you ensure the tiniest detail is addressed. i could watch masters of their craft work all day it is pure entertainment.

[@TheThescroll]

These videos are definitely going to be a foundation for my initial foray into woodworking. I appreciate all the work you put into them and I love that it takes into account those viewers who haven't had much experience with this kind of work before.

[@Paul.Sellers]

The objective was to show more how it's done and yes I might cut it to length in some circumstances. That said, it is often better to prep the wood in a longer length too, if you intend to use the off-cut for something else. I often do this so that I can set gauges or use the off-cut to mark distances or thicknesses onto other pieces during layout.

[@mikemarshall3765]

Paul I so enjoy your work, you are a true craftsman. I was pleased to see you prepare your stock and use the same face side and face edge marks that I was taught 70 years ago. Big mistake I didn't continue with joinery work, did retail instead. However I have always done my own carpentry at home when necessary and use the methods I was taught and I still really enjoy it. Mike

[@darrellturner560]

I have only just come across your channel Paul. Thank you. It is so refreshing to see and learn the old skills without the $10,000 plus worth of electrical gizmos.

[@hernancoronel]

At 23:20 grabs the plane, almost as a second thought, and the sound of the plane gliding over the wood is just awesome!! Thanks Paul!

[@watermain48]

Thoroughly enjoyable Paul. Thank you for the lesson.

[@literoadie3502]

The most satisfying and enjoyable video on KZbin, as with every video!

[@larrypollman5243]

Such a wonderful and enjoyable teacher.

[@nejcpanic6704]

thank you mr. Sellers! all the best to you!

[@grindinglicks]

One other thing, in a world full of power tools, I'm amazed that someone would still take all this time for one table leg. Amazing to watch. This is a true woodworker

[@elorz007]

If you are starting, you watch this video and don't really get it (like me), just go try it then come back and rewatch it. Everything this awesome man says will start making sense.

[@WorkingViews]

this video changed my entire perspective on how to prepare stock. thank you again for everything you do. also this perspective is really great. I've been trying to capture a more detailed look at the steps many overlook.

[@javierbiaggi3072]

Excelent Camera shots! Great instructional clip. A truly master.

[@efrancis19]

I absolutely agree with Thusrestored. I like the way you understand that not all of us have a shop full of Powermatic. Thank you for the instruction; it's extremely helpful and inspiring.

[@5lowethechamp964]

This video is what i use every time my wood squaring gets challenging. Great thanks

[@AICTTRADER1914]

I love this guy. Thank you Paul for these wonderful videos and the time you have taken to teach us true mastery. I am loving carpentry more and more i watch your videos.

[@malcolmalexander5246]

An excellent video Paul. Just the job to make you fitter with such a workout with good, sound woodwork advice. Many thanks.

[@kensleylewis]

why on earth would anyone give this down votes? This is craftmanship at its core.

[@biomcanx1]

Thank you for another informative video, I have done this many times with power tools but never learned how to do it with hand tools!

[@wayneosmand7652]

Please just keep making these great vids! I pick up things of them that only experience and a pride of workmanship can show! You won't find it in the internet, there is little pride in ones own skills, has been lost along the way with the constant chase for faster higher better? The traditional ways are still the best! Thank you

[@LEGOTT595]

Really great series of videos.

[@kreech68]

Hugely informative, as always - thank you

[@murraylowe8677]

Thank you for the wonderful detailed instruction. Great work.

[@Satfenfilms]

Glad I discovered this as a beginning wood worker.

[@louiel8711]

thank you Mr. Sellers for you're wonderful lessons fine wood working, after watching many of your videos I see what my mistakes have been thank you so much for all the knowledge and experience you have shared with all of us

[@eziodasilva9846]

Greetings from Brazil! I made the poor man's rebate plane, it works really well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@carlosdellungaro6104]

Hi :) greetings from Argentina this is My father's account he doesn't understand english but he could learnt a lot from you now I'm watching this video and translating it for him. thanks for your lessons

[@labrat3305]

Always a pleasure watching you work Mr seller's, you use that pencil with so much class, I truly aspire to reach your level one day keep the videos coming. Your an icon 😀

[@Soulmachine72]

Great clip 🙂👍 I do this all the time, a lot - and it's a great workout, fun and keeps you young 🌞

[@joshuachen7001]

Paul, this is a hello from China, I really enjoy your work, you are a real master

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

5 minutes in and I caught myself paying more attention to all of the wonderful stuff in the background lol. That interesting mahogany coloured tool box to the right. That small pine box directly behind him. The coping saws hanging on the door etc etc lol I simply need a complete list of everything in that shop so I can acquire the same for my shop lol Cheers mate

[@jordanhenry4951]

For some reason, whenever he says, "Now I'm going to check myself," I want him to say, "Now I'm going to check myself, before I wreck myself." haha! I love Paul seller's content, such a master craftsman. Always my go to guy when I'm seeking knowledge in the wood working world. I highly recommend that everyone who's serious about woodworking, to check out his online master classes. Such a talent and craftsman full of knowledge and experience.

[@whdaffer1]

Thank you so much for showing just exactly how important it is to register *every* face!

[@cameronmurie]

Your Good self Mr Sellers together with Mr Abraham the Yankee workshop, are truly excellent teachers of the craft. Can not tell you how much I have learned from you. I am making furniture from railway sleepers, so, need lots of inspiration. Cheers!

[@GriffinBenchmark]

He just makes everything look so easy... Great tutorial!

[@___PK__]

So true. Reality sets in trying to do it though 😂 Masters always make it look effortless!

[@resipsaloquitur13]

Paul, you're just awesome. That's all there is to it.

[@nikoscuatro7251]

Thanks for the video, it helps a lot to see how you work on it.

[@DaveBardin]

I was taught those face marks by my grandfather when I was a boy. I didn't know it was the letter F. You have added a bit more to his lesson and I thank you.

[@bradleyroon7639]

Well, i was in my woodshop a couple of days ago and actually took a look at the metal planes that i have had and ignored for too long. A decade on some. I do have a wooden smoothing plane from the 1980s when i did living history with a broadaxe, adze, bit and brace, froe, a set of 3 framing chisels from 1867 and such. I have a metal Stanley #4. Cool. I'll replace the tote as in Paul's great video. It's cracked across above the base about 2". I have a #8 jointer. Couldn't help myself - had to take it apart, clean it, get some tarry stuff off, wire brush the threads, and reassembly. I used the #4 to plane off the thin edge of a white oak board - and it is SO much smoother than machine planing. If my congestive heart failure allows I'll be doing this more often now, but when my heart only pumps 20% of my blood I get a bit worse off than Paul does even if i'm a few years younger.

[@grebdnulyrag]

Nice, Paul. I love the video and instruction.

[@GMAN420BC]

5 years old and I'm just watched it for the first time. Its inspiring to watch someone be successful at using hand tools. My attempts have been mediocre at best. Cheers from Vancouver BC, Canada

[@aonghusofaolain8686]

Good job little guy 😂

[@GMAN420BC]

@@aonghusofaolain8686 the video is 5 yrs old. I'm 55 years old !

[@lylefish]

Your video is very much appreciated!

[@shivercanada]

God bless you for sharing your skill, helped me a lot!

[@asitdas9080]

Sir, your speech very clear and you teach with the very distinguished vocabularies of wood working

[@Monsterputjes]

Thanks a lot for this video, I'm currently making my own workbench and your videos are most helpfull. My design is a little diferent, but the approach (make a bench without a bench) is equal. I'm looking forward to the next video on the workbench.

[@javier7high]

Thank you Mr. Sellers!

[@mjwyatt9899]

man, this is a really cool way to see how planes function, and to understand how to manually square wood!

[@keithkelley7512]

Outstanding, as usual!!KK

[@johnebigguns]

I did this at school in 1959...but was nice to jack & thickness by machine for the last 64yrs..but have never forgotten this process...very informative Paul....and cheaper than go'in to the gym

[@REV4NS1]

Well I'm really impressed by this guy's abilities brought to us by great videos, glad I have found them. At least this man will carry on working when the electric goes off. Yes ok, using machines is quicker but all you've got to learn to operate them is how to keep your fingers out of the way, not much job satisfaction there.

[@mrmdshaw]

Sounds amazing can't wait!

[@joedodge55]

Paul, Great video. I have never seen someone use winding sticks or explain how tto use them. I am adding this to my favorites so I can come back to reference it.

[@TomBrooklyn]

Nice job, Paul.

[@PhylipHRees]

These are great videos by Peter. As for myself I have found that my fathers wooden jack plane, and my grandfather’s try plane are the best for taking off a lot of stock quickly. I would think the that the planes would be about 90 and a 130 years old respectively . After taking the bulk of the stock off I then use my Stanley bedrock or my ‘Woden’ not wooden try which my dad gave me when I was 14; that was 54 years ago.

[@ericgarner2987]

Great video! Thank you!

[@michaelgibson4705]

Haven’t seen face and v mark since woodworking class at school in the early sixties we were taught well by people like Mr Sellers.A different time when a craftsman would spend an hour squaring stock instead of knocking it out on a table saw and planer in five minutes

[@bobbieiler]

This video was a huge help! Thanks. Look forward to the next videos. Don't forget to put on how to make your own marking knife.