What tools do beginner woodworkers REALLY need?

[@davidmeyer9204]

Please continue to start your videos with a cup of coffee. Thanks as always for sharing your thoughts and insights. Tell Huckleberry I said hello. Have a great week!

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks, David. And will do!

[@amyholderness8142]

Having old tools connects me to the past / history of woodworking. I love my old tools. Priceless.

[@davidsoudek]

That little Crown Gent Saw with a wooden miter box for moulding is really a fantastic way to cut fragile moulding pieces.

[@GeorgeLowrey]

I enjoyed this video. A woodworker's tool collection is a unique record of his history in the craft. I always find that interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@ENCurtis]

I like the way you phrased that. And I appreciate you watching!

[@inherited-shop]

Since my father left me a plane collection, which cover most plane sizes and includes two Stanley 55s with almost all the cutters. Enjoyed your video very much.

[@nSxRompehullet]

I have my GF's great grandfathers tools and workbench from over a hundred years ago, and in that collection was a wooden plow plane. I had no idea what it was and what it was for, so having you explain that was really funny and valuable to me. Thank you!

[@gregcarter3843]

Totally agree on the No. 8. I think the same way. It just feels “right” so often.

[@williamshaffer2562]

Wow a Prius guy who loves old tools, who woulda thought. Carry on young man, enjoy your passion for woodworking. Semper Fi young man.

[@ENCurtis]

Hahaha the cabinet maker's Prius is a utility vehicle!

[@kennethbezanson4266]

Oh wow! The carving on that block plane is gorgeous!

[@matlevesque8944]

Where were you all my life? I usually only lookup woodworking videos when I need information on something specific. But since you first popped up in my feed I just keep watching all your videos until the end too. Thanks for the great content

[@LeoDodier]

That was such a fun video, thank you. I love the old tools. I used to pick up a lot of them back when I lived up in New Hampshire and Maine. I also am a big fan of Lie Nelson. Thanks…

[@BrittaDuffy]

For some reason this got me in the feels. My father was an avid hand plane collector and he, like you had a wooden chest for his tool collection. I about died when you brought it out.

[@ENCurtis]

I love to hear that. I'm glad it made you think of him 🙂

[@BertVanhooff]

So I bought a nr 8 after seeing this video and OMG I love this thing! Makes flattening/joining large and even medium sized boards so much faster and fun.

[@ENCurtis]

Love to hear that! I'm glad you're enjoying using the 8!

[@ex-nerd]

I recently saw a "tools beginners don't need" video that featured a large jointer plane. I laughed when you pulled yours out because I feel the same about my Stanley #8. It lives on my bench shelf and I pull it out for projects that I should probably use a smaller one, but it's just so much fun (and a great workout). Thanks for the tour. I'm no beginner but I wouldn't say I'm anything more than a serious hobbyist. And I do love looking at all of the sharp things, whether shiny or covered in patina.

[@ENCurtis]

I'm telling you I love that plane an unnecessary amount 😂

[@silamaleesri8661]

Mr Curtis you have quickly become one of my favourite woodworker to watch. You have a very modern feel if that makes sense, you catch my attention rather well, very expressive I like it.

[@thedogowl591]

I actually walk the dog past the old Robert Sorby factory I think? Is cool seeing things from my little hometown making their way so far afield :D

[@matterbe9213]

I'd love to see you do more tool stuff. I think specifically getting into the philosophies of the different tool makers you make use of like lie nielsen and veritas. I think getting into their pros and cons would be really helpful for new folks trying to navigate the tool market.

[@ENCurtis]

That's an idea for a future video for sure!

[@drp2007]

Love the coffee intro!

[@40ozFatality]

It makes me happy to see S&J tools in your shop. I get a lot of crap about them lol

[@rejeanbrisebois7343]

Hello Mr. Curtis. I just discovered your channel and I really appreciate the way you pass on your knowledge. More than anything, I love what seems to be your “it’s all about personal preference” mantra. You really help us become more critical about the accumulation of tools. Now I'm going to follow your concluding advice and go "do something". THANKS!

[@-_-BenPrice]

Idk about deep dive on each tool but you teaching Bourbon Moth how to use them would be amazing

[@1pcfred]

He's still trying to burn his shop down for the insurance money.

[@1pcfred]

He's still trying to burn his shop down for the insurance money isn't he?

[@ENCurtis]

Teaching Jason to use old-timey hand tools... I can see the video now 😂

[@snakeplisken2123]

I worked for a boat builder many years ago and we built a huge radius staircase in his house after the laminations had dried he handed me the #8 Stanley and had me run up and down the stairs to flatten the stringer. That was the last time I used a #8, I do most of my jointing with a #6 because it’s what I have.

[@KOutOfMyYard]

I think this is the best one yet man. I am embarrassed to say how many times I laughed to myself and keep the coffee up bc I have a cup of it in my hand when I watch so Meah to the person who said stop. That mug…. I want that mug!!!!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@kz.irudimen]

The tiny rasp you showed at 04:40 is indeed called a riffler rasp (rifloir in french)

[@JeffFontecchio]

A great collection of tools, and the joy they bring you is apparent!

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks, Jeff.

[@mrJanniekoen]

I looooooooooooove hand tools❤

[@rohns2952]

9:40 tool is called a polissoir. Have some made from broomcorn, traditionally used for burnishing a wax finish. Never seen one used for shellac!

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks for that information. The information I got from my buddy could be wrong (he's not exactly a woodworking historian) but I was intrigued enough with the tool to experiment some. I'm going to have to do some more research now that I have an avenue to go down. Thanks!

[@rohns2952]

@@ENCurtis Check out Don's Barn for new ones!

[@frankfaherty2065]

Great video Eric! I always enjoy seeing old hand tools. It takes me down memory lane of watching my grandfather use tools like that when I was a young boy. I got my love of woodworking from him. If I leave this world with 1/10th of his ability to work with wood I'll consider myself blessed.

[@ENCurtis]

I'm grateful that those grandfathers existed in the world. They are the stuff of legend and reverence. Glad it made you think of him!

[@charlesreid9337]

when i see them at a thrift store or ebay or whatever i always want to buy them despite having modern tools that are 10x bettet

[@georgetumillo446]

I am still catching up on all of your past videos while mixing in some of the newest, but you asked about educational versus project videos, and for myself, your format of teaching skills and information about tools keeps me coming back.

[@tarophil]

Great video. The fact that you can put words into a sentence without every other word being "umm... ya know" makes it much more enjoyable to watch. I like that fact that your wall is not all "red" or "yellow/black" like so many other videos - I don't feel like I'm watching an infomercial. My grandfather used to build cathedrals, churches, homes, furniture and pretty much anything else that was made of wood. As a kid I would help him out but after high school I took a different career path and now that I am semi-retired, I am trying to get back into the basics. Informative and easy to watch.; I look forward to seeing what else you put out.

[@randyparker8116]

I truly enjoy your teaching style so any of the videos youre doing have been very educational. Please continue on and teach based on your passion.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! I really appreciate that.

[@peterfinlayson1348]

I’m currently reflattening my Merbau workbench. The rough work was done with a Stanley No 4 and there was a lot of tear-out. The HNT Gordon smoother is the “duck’s nuts” for the finishing! An absolute work of art I bought 30 years ago.

[@billbris]

To be honest, I prefer your project based videos. I say that because I enjoy your descriptions of the design process. On the other hand, I will watch the "tool-based" videos. My shop is mostly hand tools with a band saw, and now a power thicknessing planer. I am always jointing one edge and flattening one side with hand tools. Anything you have to teach surrounding that would be wonderful. Keep up the good work, I enjoy the enthusiasm.

[@ENCurtis]

I appreciate the kind feedback. And I prefer technique and project based videos as well. But as I’m sure you know, this work takes time. My aim is to make video production sustainable in the long run, so these types of videos will pop up between projects. However I will certainly put that request in the queue. That’s a fine idea for a video. And thanks for watching my dude 🙏

[@clayrush1413]

I just bought an old Pennsylvania Co gent's saw, 10" 16 ppi, off a tool restorer's website for $25. It's my first dovetail saw and I have yet to get it but this made me feel good about my purchase, thanks!

[@mikelawler2278]

I love that coffee cup

[@ENCurtis]

One of my absolutely favorites!

[@mikelawler2278]

@@ENCurtis my absolute favorite has a Combat Infantryman’s Badge and my old man got it for me. I have a few that are up there as well

[@WaelMuhammadMahmoud]

That's a beautiful collection you have, thanks for sharing with us

[@ENCurtis]

That is absolutely reasonable. I've heard that Woodriver has gone through two more iterations since I used them back in 2009/2010 and are now on version 3.0. It seems many people are happy with them and if they work well for them, I'm glad there is a less expensive option on the market for folks. I can only speak to my experience which was a subpar quality of tool steel and a really poor casting. I know Rob worked with Tom Lie-Nielsen for some years, so I hope he brought some knowledge and quality control to the Woodriver line. If they're working well for folks these days, that's good enough for me.

[@unavailable-x7q]

best coffee mug I've ever seen.

[@ENCurtis]

One of my favorites in my fleet 🤘

[@stevew7308]

It would be great to see you do a deep dive on the Veritas Router Plane (I'm thinking of getting one). Thanks for all of your honest, entertaining, and informed opinions. Cheers!

[@ENCurtis]

I think that's going into the queue!

[@trusch316]

​@@ENCurtis please do! Was thinking the same thing

[@nickmastro9287]

Very helpful video. Thank you for sharing.

[@jamesshepherd343]

Thanks for mentioning the Center for Furniture Craftmanship. They even have 1 or 2 week courses that i will definitely be looking into.

[@ENCurtis]

Love to hear that. It’s a brilliant place to learn.

[@steven_vogt]

Very insightful and enjoyable. I love the way you wove the practical with the anecdotal 👍👏

[@TWC6724]

Great collection my friend. 👍

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you 🤘

[@watermain48]

What a great collection of tools. Thanks for sharing it.

[@buzzpatch2294]

thx for showing me ur tools i see a couple that i will look into

[@mikecolo2158]

Great video. I vote for a deep dive on the router plane. I would love to see your take on that.

[@ENCurtis]

That may get added to the queue. People are asking for it!

[@DavidPowell]

Could you do a beginner power tool series (sanders, planers, etc)? You do a great job explaining how things work, how their used, common problems, etc.

[@glennmcafee3439]

Thank you for the great woodworking and advice and common sense about the thing. I have started a simple thing and I have to thank you for the motivation for making the thing.

[@ENCurtis]

Love to hear that. Glad you're getting after it!

[@ponyboyc]

Im not really set up to do hand tool work a mistake by me but you and rob cosman always show me what I'm missing. Im in the process of coming up with a new workbench for a much needed vise to to get going with the hand tools

[@ENCurtis]

They open up a lot of possibilities, that's for sure!

[@ultramarinne]

Man, love your tools!!!! Keep it clean and fresh!

[@leegillow3475]

An impressive selection. thank you for sharing.

[@Hylas52]

I'm french, and you're unfortunately right. Auriou is maybe the last company producing high quality woodworking tools in France. Goldenberg disappeared, Peugeot doesn't produce woodworking tools anymore, and the time is long gone when Darex (now Fischer-Darex) could sell planes with the slogan "L'outil américain au prix français" :).

[@bobmartin6055]

Great content!! Yes, coffee does taste better in a cup!! Don’t change a thing!!

[@ENCurtis]

🙏☕

[@marcbarash6045]

Love today's video. Very enjoyable.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you!

[@andruspuusta4230]

Very impressive set of hand tools and know how about them! People are not very familiar around hand-tools around a battery any more...

[@stevel9704]

Awesome video! I do like to see various wood workers talk about their process and the most used tools they use. I'd love to see a deep dive on the Router Plane or even the Spokeshave.

[@ericerf6837]

I get the feeling you love them all and I’m only a third thru the love fest. But that’s as it should be. Unrealized applications is why I enjoy viewing makers such as yourself. How can I use a tool differently that I already have rather than just lusting after the next tool. I still lust but at least my mind continues to open up. Thanks for all this.

[@ENCurtis]

Haha I do have a place in my heart for them all. And a place on my bench for most. Glad you are enjoying it my dude.

[@kdavidwhite8376]

I always find tool education videos interesting, even though I know how to use most tools. It was really interesting your disdain for Wood River planes. Rob Cosman promotes them and with some work, he seems to get amazing results. I've been to a Lie-Nielsen tool event and I was impressed by the quality and feel. I do have a LN rabbeting block plane and absolutely, hands down is the best tool I own. I'm in the process of refurbishing some old Stanley's, replacing the irons with Hock irons, etc. Keep it coming. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much 👊

[@frankmills5696]

That was fun, i appreciate the peek at your journey. You skipped the bottle opener behind the door.

[@oldtop4682]

Love this! I switch between power tools and hand tools frequently, and own some of the tools you have (maybe older varieties, but same). I fell into two joiner planes in Germany at.....$4.00 each, and had one Stanley metal body version handed down. I mostly use them to join two boards together, but never thought of them for leveling until I watched this video - you changed my approach! Hand tools bring me joy on a whole other level than power tools, but I go back and forth on almost any project. I'm glad I learned to use the hand tools first, and sometimes they are faster anyway. Love your channel brother!

[@quirkygreece]

Really enjoyed that tour of some of your tools - thanks.

[@wharfrat360]

Absolutely wonderful video! No specific tool, but would love to see some showcases and deep dives of these tools! As always, thank you for the inspiration and knowledge!

[@kz.irudimen]

It's pretty funny that you should talk about the french having trouble making stuff available while praising Lie Nielsen, when LN tools have been 100% unavailable anywhere in europe for 3 years

[@1pcfred]

I don't know what's going on with Lie Nielsen. They seem to be a coof causality to me. Ever since the unpleasant times they don't appear to be producing anything.

[@kz.irudimen]

@@1pcfred They are producing, but between the massive augmentation of demand and production issues they can't keep up. And since they can't meet demand in NA, they're not sending anything to europe anymore, which I understand. It's just funny to praise them while making jokes about Auriou, who have always been a small operation (and are one of the LN distributors that have 0 LN products to sell btw).

[@wolfgar_m9389]

Same with veritas. Basically every tool coming over the great pond is not available here. For the past three years.

[@1pcfred]

@@wolfgar_m9389 a lot isn't available here anymore recently. Supply chain interruptions they tell us.

[@ENCurtis]

It's all just poking fun. Auriou is a small company that had the same production disruptions as LN during the pandemic. They're all severely backordered. But being in the states means I can't get Auriou just the same as folks in Europe can't get LN.

[@mjmccoy97]

I love that you have a few items in your collection for sentimental value, or that you just find them beautiful - even if they are not useful on a daily basis. Anyone who loves the craft can appreciate this… I have an old beat up Stanley #78 , and a #4 that I have never used, but they were my grandfather’s… and I just enjoy having them on the shelf along with my ‘daily drivers’. Maybe build videos are more popular, but I love this. Thank you.

[@ENCurtis]

Those tools that remind you why you love the craft are invaluable. I'm glad you enjoyed the video 👊

[@mariehankdueck]

Loved the tour.

[@christophersherman7288]

That was a great video. I appreciate your honesty regarding tools that you keep around just because they’re cool. I buy and keep some random tools (i.e., LN #8 and #51) just because I love to look at them. I oddly aspire to someday be worthy of my tools.

[@paulmaryon9088]

Such a great video, very enjoyable thank you, I must admit to love seeing other woodworkers tool collections, maybe I need help!! Thanks for posting, keep 'em coming

[@bradstucky9554]

I would like to see a deep dive into some of the hand tools that you use and how you incorporate them into your actual work flow. Start with the 102!

[@ligngood3787]

Wow, that 102 is AMAZING!! The only "engraving" on mine is where Tom Lie-Nielsen signed it for me with a little graving pen. I'm going to have to see about finding someone to do some more fancy work on some of my collection. What a great video! Don't yet have a router plane, but I think you just changed my mind about that! Keep up the great content!!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! And yes, Jenny is incredible. Certainly one of my very favorite objects I own.

[@donalddparker]

Fantastic videos. Yes, you're spreading the joy! I've got years of machine based hobbiest woodworking under my belt but not a single hand plane, scraper, etc. Gotta figure out what the first purchases should be, how to use them efficiently, and how to get my sharpening game going. Would love some advice on resources (e.g. books) that help us hobbyists learn the design skills you've got. You shine well above the rest of the KZbin woodworking influencer community in that you're an exceptional designer too. Thanks. Keep it up!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you so much. That's an interesting ides for a future video. But for now I would highly recommend "By Hound and Eye", Jim Tolpin's dumbed down version of by hand and eye. It's both brilliant and accesable.

[@frankstalteri972]

I also started with machines as a hobbyists. Then I found the unplugged wood shop byTom Figeon, Paul Sellers, And mortice and tenon magazine. From there you will find some others that use hand tools only. Watching them, I couldn't believe what they produced with hand tools. Good luck and most importantly have fun.

[@mikeabrahams3686]

great coffee intro keep it up

[@tabitha2706]

I’d really be interested hearing why you seem to hate Woodriver planes. I just bought two ( a 4 1/2 and 5 1/2) along with a low angle block plane, and I find them to be a pure joy to work with

[@Zamboni-0805]

Great video!

[@ENCurtis]

Thanks!

[@ebuford]

Nice coffee mug! - Something I would love to see, is your strategy for sharpening tools throughout a project, not necessarily how you sharpen, but more about when you sharpen. So is that something you do prior to a project or during the project? And how do you keep them sharp AND how does the interruption of sharpening affect the rhythm of the work? Also, I just want to say that I look forward to your video every week - thanks for the hard work you do to encourage us every week!

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you for the kind feedback! And noted on the video request. May be something worth discussing in the future.

[@golfer_by_weekend7195]

Really enjoyed this. Love your passion.

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@humancorrector-473]

Thats the chisel plane on 5:50, bullnose is same as shoulder plane but has very little surface infront of the blade

[@MASI_forging]

Truly amazing 👏👏

[@sandk75]

So happy I found your channel, been watching a lot of the past episodes and really enjoying the content. Engaging and very imformative, thank you!

[@darleneredden3251]

Thank you! This was very Cool!

[@simonmills2375]

Great vid Thanks. Ooh ooh, can you do a router plane, card plane and spokeshave vid. Cheers

[@ENCurtis]

Noted. And thank you!

[@LordPadriac]

For those interested Lee Valley is now selling the Auriou rasps and they are in stock.

[@andrewbrimmer1797]

So does Highland Woodworking

[@jaysonschmitt888]

Love the content! Would like to see how you use and sharpen the cabinet scraper.

[@garypratt1858]

I have that same 102 LN block plane. I now need to find an engraver. Yours is stunning. I've just found your videos and I'm loving your style of video and obvious passion for woodworking. Inspirational, thanks for your videos.

[@gregorycalvert9849]

Enjoying all your videos as they come across my feed, enjoyed this one in particular. I’ve become a complete and unapologetic tool whore, and absolutely love seeing others’ collections and hearing which items they most connect with. Thank you for sharing.

[@spycedezynuk]

We all love to make a thing, but some of us really really love the things that we make things with😂 Great video as per usual man, fast becoming my Saturday afternoon routine. Personally I’m happy watching whatever content you put out 👊🏻

[@ENCurtis]

Haha true! Thanks man. I really appreciate that 👊

[@ReRoy8]

Hello Huckleberry!! Cool tools too.

[@321mogul]

❤yes more hand tool vids. I'm a landscape okl painter who fell backwards iij into woodworking to make frames and dont have the space or money for big power tools. I have a inca bandsaw and vintage hand saws and planes collected cheap.

[@jimrosson6702]

Great video cool to see what hand tools you hav and use.Always very informative

[@danielmathews-kj6ov]

I am very new to woodworking and am presently putting tools together and organizing them. Could you possibly do a KZbin about designing and building a tool cabinet like yours?

[@alholston-smith7631]

Nice presentation, I like your under bench box too, nice bit of dovetail work on it. I am with you when using a dovetail saw, I prefer the straight handle also. Glen-Drake Woodworks, who makes a unique line of hand tools for fine woodworking and an instructor at the Krenov Woodworking School, also makes an excellent dovetail,saw with a straight handle, and a progressive tooth cut, allowing you to start the cut with a fine tooth and then goes to a more aggressive cut. The straight handle gives more control and helps me to keep my wrist straight. Something you might want to look into or consider… Cheers

[@ENCurtis]

That's good to know! Thanks for sharing that.

[@Johny732601]

honestly i think i'd love to see a longform vid from you just doing what you do, just building/making something and just seeing your "process" for lack of a better word.

[@gregsarsons1221]

Record 43, they rock!

[@ENCurtis]

Heck yeah!

[@sbeno3048]

Id love to see your process for sharpening the router plane blade while keeping it parallel to the bade. Your router looked razor sharp.

[@ENCurtis]

That’s not a bad idea for a quick video in the future. I may put that in the queue 👊

[@andyc972]

Nicely paced and seemed pretty even handed and good advice, nice to see a few English names within your collection, I know they can be a bit pricier in the states, but they are plentiful and still reasonable cost over here so often a better bet than buying new. I love my little Record 043 you can buy one with 3 cutters for less than a decent router bit and it's so much more enjoyable to use and is often quicker too ! Sorby chisels are great, but again I've never paid more than about £30 for one and that was for a massive 2" framing chisel and I gather they run at around £100 now !

[@oliverstringer6193]

Liked the video. Very interesting keep it up.

[@michaelmerrill7434]

Love the mug. Where could I get one Your videos are awesome and relaxing to watch

[@jonbowers2024]

I would love to see a build of that tool chest as well. However, I'm a big fan of the router plain. So, I would not be opposed to a deep dive of that one. I'm a recent subscriber, and I'm quickly becoming a fan. You really seem to know your stuff, and you're not afraid of hand tools. You do good work. Keep it up

[@ENCurtis]

Thank you! And noted on both requests ✊

[@Jeremiah-ki6fd]

Yes, please- I would particularly appreciate some deep-dive videos into hand planes, as well as hand chisels- including some of the ‘one-off’ chisels and how to use them properly for their intended use cases. Context: I grew up in rural America on cattle ranches. My father being a metal worker and the things I learned growing up being invaluable, but precision wood working was not in my repertoire. I’m doing a lot of independent learning over the past three years in regard to woodcraft. I recently came into an inheritance of woodworking tools- that is also why I would appreciate covering some of those one-off tools (mainly in the chisel arena); to get a thorough understanding of the, “what the hell is this for…?” moments. I don’t have any hand planes yet, but love working primarily with hand tools, so naturally I’m really drawn to get some. Pretty much anything to help get my sea legs under myself faster would be appreciated- maybe read as: ‘Things I Wish I knew Earlier.’ I have already taken a lot away from your videos, genuinely thank you! You have quickly become my go-to person for hand tool woodcraft- keep up the strong work brother 💪. P.S. I like it when you slurp coffee at the beginning of your videos 🇺🇸☕️

[@robohippy]

I think I have most of these, at least in one variation or another. I do not have any spoke shaves yet though. I do have to experiment, which is how I figure out what I actually need as compared to what I actually want.....

[@anthonydtobias]

I enjoyed the perspective on the tools. I am curious on how you sharpen your carving tools. Thinking about getting a pair someday, It would be cool to add some of those details in future projects.

[@ENCurtis]

I use a few ceramic slips and a strop. Very simple but effective.

[@davidrustylouis6818]

Awesome video. That little tool you couldn't remember the name of is a riffler. I'm sure you've either remembered by now or someone else has already commented. (Edit: well, I commented too soon)