My Woodworking Hand Tools. What I Use, Don't Use, Recommend and Regret Buying.

In this video I take you through my woodworking hand tools and show you what I actually use and don't use, what I regret buying and don't need. Hopefully this will help anyone out who is thinking of getting into this hobby.
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[@simonmountford4291]

I loved woodwork at school 🏫 haven’t done any woodwork since…now in my fifties and considering having a go…hobby wise…only recently watched one of your videos and can’t get enough 😃 thanks for your clear and concise videos 🤓👍

[@pedro_claro]

Absolutely cracking hobby! Don’t overspend, start with little tools and buy as you need

[@allano7814]

Thank you for doing this. I am new to woodworking. I have watched a lot of videos on youtube and my heart sinks every time I look at tool collections.

[@WoodWork-lm7vo]

Do u have a list of what you ended up buying?

[@TomBuskey]

You can make some of them. Mallet, dovetail marker, marking knife, router plane, pin marking gauge, try square.

[@juliachild9377]

For those that may not be aware, there are plenty of options available for high-end, professional-grade Japanese hand saws that start at about $100-$150 (USD). Most of the professional-grade Japanese saws that you will come across can be resharpened, but some are impulse hardened and need to be replaced just like Gyokucho's. Some retailers that carry high-end, professional-grade Japanese saws are Hida Tool, Suzuki Tool (aka Suzuki-ya), Workshop Heaven, and Lee Valley (unfortunately they only carry two: a ryoba and a dozuki).

[@richardclarke9966]

One of the bravest videos I've seen. If my missus saw a list of all the tools I have and don't use (and their prices), I'd be out on my ear!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Shhhhhhhhh! 🤫

[@simonfairall5122]

Honestly, is there anything better than a well engineered tool though? I don’t think that aspect, the sheer joy of owning such a tool, is understood by SWMBO

[@EricMock-q3m]

Thank you John for breaking down the essential tools.

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Fun tip for people like me that have old tools. I keep a wooden tray with a plastic fabric liner (from old alpine skiing crash pads) near me in my living room. When I watch TV I’ll work on tools with steel wool. It’s a sort of zen thing and I found I’ll never get around to keeping rust off everything. If it’s there and I’m already sitting it works out. I use both the synthetic pads and regular steel wool. The synthetic don’t tear apart as easily from getting caught on knurling and edges. Start with WD40 for cleaning and dirty jobs. Balistol for the final covering because it sticks a little better.

[@mickhurley7305]

Great video, very honest appraisal . Its not often we see youtubers talk of reducing the equipment . interesting to see how your tools evolved over time and you experimented with a few options before making final choices based on experience of what works best for your needs. It will be interesting to see if you end up needing any of the tools you put aside. Could you put up some details on where you source the tools your keeping, Lie Nielsen Veritas and Qiangshen, Japanese chisels.

[@williamn01]

Think John gets most his stuff from workshop heaven .

[@darkinertia2]

it took me 20 times replaying what you were calling that "she-wa square" until i finally found its called a shinwa square lol

[@MaxSafeheaD]

I'm starting right at the beginning. The main thing is I don't have a car but I do have 8 painted softwood shelves, about 6ft by one foot by an inch and a half. I'm thinking of what to do about a bench?! Ive seen the Japanese atedai which would seen to be a solution BUT, I've only got the one Japanese style plane, about the size 5.5 equivalent. I've also got a Stanley 5 and 7 ... So how to use those, maybe with the three quick-grips I have? 🤔 I'm very hampered by heavy debt at the moment so it's really a case of making do.

[@arthurrsaker8893]

Another great video buddy, just when I needed to put the brakes on my steadily expanding tool collection. Regarding the starting out essentials, any aspiring woodworkers who have to carefully fit into their neighbour's noise annoyance tolerance levels ( apartment dwellers for example, could put to good use a carpenter's brace and a few mortice size augers. It's silent operation can offend no one. Remaining waste can be removed with a hand pushed chisel. No more delaying your morticing to fit your neighbour's absence, or the kids bedtime. Look upon it as an aid to marital harmony and social cohesion ! I firmly believe that the above considerations justify the elevation of the humble carpenter's brace n bit from a " nice to have" to a vital requirement for the avoidance of neighbour friction or instigating a fit of the girlie-sulks and subsequent revenge by your commander in chief.

[@brettwilson9181]

The most important one you didn't mention. The workbench with a vice.

[@brankomilanovic3877]

Fojv and a half 😂 now i have to watch another one.. and another.. subscribed. Great video, cheers man!

[@timothymallon]

I notice that you dont have any saws for cutting large rough stock, like a panel saw. The Japanese saw can do some of that, but larger stock would be a pain with one of those.

[@CALDues]

Love your enthusiasm and honesty. This was the second of your videos I've watched, enjoyed greatly, and just subscribed. Thanks for great content.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks and welcome

[@robertfontaine3650]

Binge watching the back catalog. There are some excellent videos in your collection. Thank you.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you like them!

[@walterfransen]

I am making a video like this myself, going through my my tool collection to get rid of some redundant and unused items. It will come out the summer of 2034 ;)

[@Johnthelittlebuilder]

I’m waiting 😂

[@myfaceback100]

Another good video. When you do look at it you can work just a well with very few tools. as many of the old lads did not have all the stuff we do and they top class projects.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Very true

[@pgriffithsulster]

Really enjoyed this video. Inherited my grandfather’s woodworking tools. He was a woodworking teacher, his father was a wheelwright and there are some interesting items. Inspired to get into the workshop and sort through everything. 😀

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dreyn7780]

Your definition of sort means throw away. Probably to sell.

[@WoodWork-lm7vo]

Awesome tips. Please do a video on a buying guide for a sharpening system.

[@heritagejonery3879]

Great video, I am by no means a beginner be really like to see what other people really us. I personally couldn't disagree more about the chisels though, the Stanley 5001 are some of the best chisels avalable. They are very cheap, durable and will take and hold a shape edge well. I have alot of chisels and work in a lovely workshop working on very high end projects and at least 90% of my work will be done with Stanley 5001 chisels, the other 10% would be using more specialist paring chisels, gauges etc. They are superb and there could not be a better option for someone just starting, in my opinion.

[@biffrov]

Hi John, great video! You mention using a chisel with a paring block instead of specialty planes. Do you have a video on that subject? If not it would be cool to see your techniques in a future video 😉

[@rta3738]

Yeah, seems like a paring block should be an essential tool.

[@donschweitzer3045]

Very well presented, new to your site , I appreciate this piece.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Welcome!

[@RaccoonTails1]

Have you done a video where you suggest what tools to get if you have an unlimited budget? I'm just curious what you would recommend if price wasn't an issue.

[@atomictyler]

I recently got a 5 1/2 Lie Nielsen based on Rob Cosman's suggestion too. I love it and use it for just about everything. Super versatile plane!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Great plane!

[@dreyn7780]

Rob cosman also hands out free doctors advice. That's illegal. Rob must be taken to court for his illegal behaviour. He's beyond being a bit ill. He's actually claiming to be a doctor and handing out doctors advice. He's gone crazy.

[@atomictyler]

@@dreyn7780 What are you talking about?

[@anthonygreen1975]

I enjoyed the video. What weight is the thor hammer

[@michaelruss1742]

An honest man. Thanks for the lesson.

[@J.M.Lander]

What weight Thor hammer do you have/recommend especially for your chisel work?

[@esskayrepairrestoration8265]

If you’re a fan of Cosman I’d recommend Paul Sellers. He has decades of experience in hand-tool work and was actually trained in the skill which is a rarity in the YT world. He would swear by a no. 4 plane and the router plane as both a rebate and marking out tool.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Love Paul's channel

[@Myrddraal12]

Thanks for this John. I am 2 years in to my woodworking journey. I paused the ending of the video and wrote down the tools. I now have a checklist.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Hope it helps, those tools are the one's to get in my opinion everything else get as you need them

[@josh__8481]

I have the exact same regret about buying a large tenon saw, I bought the Veritas one and hung it up then never touched it

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Yeah its kind of a once in a blue moon tool

[@petrsidlo7614]

wish this was video was made a year ago when I was on my shopping spree. For me personally, the price gap between japanese saws and quality western saws was too high and the need for sharpening on top of that turned me off, but its nice to see someone who uses both types. And for your next layout tool, try to look up the shinwa 3d square, I bought it out of curiosity and since then I use on almost every project.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Will do thanks

[@davispfaff5108]

Could you comment a list of the items? Amazing video but I am not sure the names of everything.

[@MrAaronLarking]

I have a full array of planes also, apron plane up to a No8. My go to planes are the 4 1/2 and No6.

[@dreyn7780]

I've stopped listening to men.

[@MrAaronLarking]

@@dreyn7780 ???

[@eirerocks]

Hey. Very useful video as I reevaluate the hand tools I keep in my small shed space. The longer steel rule with clear markings looks useful. What brand have you used and found accurate?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Shinwa is the make

[@eirerocks]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed thanks pal. 👍🏻

[@janee7995]

Quansheng/axminster/luban looked into these. went for varitas 62, yep more expensive, but varitas has extra blades. The Chinese don't. So after doing the math, the veritas was the cheapest and most beautiful option.

[@gromadaigor]

What about scrub plane?

[@keggyification]

Nice video John, 2 things though, Are you not worried that your good lady will see this and put the brakes on the unnecessary tool purchases? and if you don't need all of those tools please feel free to send them over to me and I'll make good use of them 😆😆😆😆

[@jeanlucdesselle1447]

How important is clambering your jack plane blade? Do you just use a regular blade for all three phrases rough stock prep, jointing and planing or do you have 2 blades?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

If you are only going to have one plane the a second blade which is cambered is a good idea

[@cobuck4007]

Nice! Do the same for power tools? And when you resort to one or the other?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Can do!

[@lawman1965]

Cracking idea.

[@laroseauxboisrosewoodwoodw8585]

Ok so this means i have waaaaay to many hand tools 🤣😂🤷🏻‍♂️ But i’m curious to know that link of your favorate hand planes , did’nt see it in your links or on your amazon link . Thx for your help 👍🏼🇨🇦

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

www.workshopheaven.com/quangsheng-no-5-1-2-jack-plane.html

[@blayne2029]

loved this video. thanks.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lawman1965]

I still want one of those plough planes! I never seem to get around to buying one!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

They are great plenty of vintage ones around too

[@johnfulton8023]

Glad to see you subscribers growing John

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks John

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome, John! Thanks a lot for all the tips! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Thanks, you too!

[@pleappleappleap]

Aww. You didn't discuss your bench brush.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

🤣

[@Devon.Martin]

Got brushed aside

[@billlarrabee9436]

Now that you have emptied all those spaces, what are you going to put in them?

[@dreyn7780]

Memories. Young and dumb. The professional has a set. The beginner is buying into a set. Mass production can't exist without you buying a set. If you do this thrifty thing all factories will close. You won't have invested in your own life. All you end up with is memories. Details create memories. You are what you do.

[@trevornokesmusicltd5357]

Fantastic Advice John. Nice one

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colt1954]

Hang on you used the big tenon saw making a pencil case...lol

[@colt1954]

Excellent

[@z4zuse]

“Rarely used and can be done with a chisel” is different from “rarely used”. For example the rasps?

[@markgeezey1809]

Superb John, at last a video that actually shows the basic good quality tools of hand woodworking. As you know a lot of the top woodworking guys on You Tube have an unbelievable collection and especially Rob Cosman, who is fantastic, but OMG that fella has a serious addiction to hand planes 🤣🤣🤣. So funny to see you do a “clear out of tools you actually use” and how “The cupboard was bare” afterwards😥, However in the real world you and I know John that most of us will just keep saving those pennies, selling the wife and kids and buy stuff we never use? 😵But looks bloody good though. Just think all that money you could have saved and got a new bike? 🤔🤣

[@gregsarsons1221]

John I’m never going to show my wife this video lol. It is true that most can get away with less tools; however, I think adding a smoothing plane can make the transition from dimensioning to finished project a little faster. I think that is good take away, some of the other tools which you removed can save you some time, for example using the router plane. Anyway great video!

[@dreyn7780]

Eventually you end up with memories. My great uncle would sit alone in his house, in the darkness being drunk all day looking at his furniture he'd carved by himself, his wife was dead. His children all moved away, his brothers all dead. He was just waiting to die or for my grandmother to bring him his dinner. Which ever came first. He hadn't been in his workshop in decades. Hadn't been in his shed at home in decades either. Ask yourself, Are YOU going to turn into a lonely miserable old man who's stopped caring about everything? You probably are headed in that direction. I was warned about woodworkers from very nice old Ladies. I was warned do NOT speak to them. They are still right today in 2021.

[@tristanluc7008]

Can you link the tools you actually use so i can buy them. Especially #5 1/2 hand plan.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

in the description

[@leezer10]

Great video. Is that the 3 jaw chuck bit and brace drill? If so, would you recommend it? I always fancied a punt on it but have never seen anyone review it

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

It is indeed, its very nice and works well

[@CandidZulu]

THe Ryoba will work as a dovetail saw too, if you clamp it onto a flat stick (taken off the handle). This can also set the depth of cut. Not very stylish but it works.

[@juliachild9377]

But why use a ryoba when a dozuki, made specifically for dovetailing, can be used instead? The #370, #371, and #372 from Gyokucho are affordable and they will give you much better results than any ryoba ever could, especially if you're inexperienced with dovetailing.

[@CandidZulu]

@@juliachild9377 There is no such thing as affordable in my world. I only buy what I need, and make do with what I have.

[@chrishunter2097]

My wife can never watch this. 😉. Great video, thanks.

[@hdwoodshop]

This is actually a good exercise but I wonder how your choices has to do with technique and experience versus the real functionality of the tool itself. Idea for future video: basic tool chest for just your essential tools. Similar to the anarchist tool chest but much more portable I’m sure.

[@CandidZulu]

Interesting that Irish can pronounce Thor correctly. Took me 30 years to figure out the pun in Thin Lizzy... (The T-Ford was the Tin Lizzy)

[@kij100]

Great channel but for a second there I thought Johnny Hayes had taken up joinery and moved onto KZbin.

[@ConstiausPankow]

Hey John, I would be interested in hearing why exactly you dont use the Lie- Nielsen LA Jack plane anymore. I'm considering buying a LA Jack by Veritas or staying with my old Stanley No. 5 and am curious about your opinion about a LA plane

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

No problem I can address it in a future video

[@BarKameleon]

Great video, good if you will make the same with power tools

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Will do!

[@dreyn7780]

It wasn't a great video. Men have stopped listening to men. You're not even allowed to introduce yourself anymore.

[@chrisandbrennacatania5864]

What try square is that? I want it!

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Its a Shinwa they make great marking tools and not expensive, all made in Japan

[@whittysworkshop982]

I enjoyed this Mo Chara :) My favourite tool is an old Marples plough plane, id be lost without it..... second would be a 4tpi handsaw filed rip (gets work done quick) third tool would be an old Record 06 bench plane :) Im waiting on delivery of a Veritas 16 tpi crosscut like you have, cant wait til it gets here :) When ya whipped out the Bad Axe, I had to rewind a couple of times....... "did he jus say he got that for his 40th?" Gway lad I woulda said you were about 26-28 hahah, im actually shocked :P

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Ha ha ha you are very kind, I'm going to show this message to my wife 🤣 28!!

[@whittysworkshop982]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed Seriously lad, I REALLY thought you were in your late 20s 🤦‍♂️😂 the years have been kind to ya bud 😁🤙

[@abbbee8918]

Just adding up the cost, it’s about £1500 for the tools, plus a decent bench and clamps will be about £1000. Hard to image how you will manage for long without a bandsaw (at least £450) and a pillar drill (£300). A circular saw/table saw will be required for any sheet work. An 18v trim router is going to be really really useful too. Some sort of dust extraction or shop dedicated vacuum cleaner is going to be essential as well. There’s no two ways about it, a hobbyist woodworker is going to need about £3000-4000 and a decent humidity controlled space before they can undergo some semi serious projects. Just don’t tell your partner what you are embarking on!

[@mskulls83]

where did you get your brace?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Workshop Heaven

[@williamn01]

See a tool you might need , buy it , never use it , then never want to get rid of it as it might come in handy ✋

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Pretty much lol

[@stefanfyhn4668]

I love the simple overview, but I would love a video on recommendations for work surfaces and work holding in the same style. If you use your mini workbench or not, and which alternatives would be fitting according to different spaces available

[@graham8854]

This was uber useful. Thanks for the vid :-)

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Very welcome

[@PaulSmith-rd8yc]

John, don’t let your wife see this video. You won’t be getting any pocket money I know that.. If I did a KZbin channel I definitely wouldn’t say what tools I’ve got in my garage.. Started collecting different tools doubt green book working. So vintage tools now green woodworking it’s quite a collection getting on in my garage. Two men’s souls down to a little tenants all think I’ve got about 26 different types of sores now.

[@TheSMEAC]

I’ll buy that BA tenon off you brother! 👍🤣🤪

[@dtharte]

Hi John, currently I am working with a variety of stones for sharpening and frequently view the scary system on WS Heaven. When sharpening do you step up each grit or jump/skip any?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I go through each grit but its only a few strokes, its very quick to use

[@dtharte]

Perfect, thanks.

[@pinehavenwoodworking3922]

Hey John, great video! I'm looking at the scary sharpening kit and was wondering if you have a discount code for Workshop Heaven?

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

No discount code sorry

[@andrewgibbons8159]

Great video John. Spot on with the essentials. Now put all them tools back you toolaholic 😄 the 5 1/2 plane is my preference 👌

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

I'll get a few more just to be sure I don't need them 😂

[@clemoniii]

Fantastic channel! Going to found a Thor hammer now. Lastly, I have zero issue with promoting your sponsors, but if you don't mind, take the time to write out what you are going to say and READ THAT. Rambling and repeating yourself over and over in the advertisement just cheapens/degrades your endorsement and becomes annoying. That's my humble opinion.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Noted.

[@clemoniii]

@@JohnMcGrathManInShed Hated to comment anything but stellar praise.

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

@@clemoniii feedback is always welcome

[@jason-hh6lu]

You have a new project. Make a smaller cabinet. 😂

[@themountainraven]

Doing more with less is always a goal.

[@coachciaran56]

It was like watching Sophies Choice....

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

Don't worry they are all staying 😅

[@TomDanaher]

OK I'm gonna be the guy here. I'll take all that stuff off your hands since you don't want them anymore, I'll even pay the shipping to Southern California...

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

🤣🤣

[@Robqwerty-u3g]

Not showing my missus this video as she'll buy more shoes

[@dreyn7780]

You're surrounded by billions of people and you think people are trust worthy. ?

[@mskulls83]

funny how people differ I use the crap out of my router plane and also have a dedicated smoother next to my 51/2 i wont give up..

[@JohnMcGrathManInShed]

This is just based on my own experience so far, it really depends on what you are making

[@rossanctuary5238]

Look at all the TOOLS i have, and you dont 😅

[@allantaylor8449]

If you don’t want them ,I will take them off your hands lol😂

[@irvinwheeler6141]

Too much commercial,

[@leoghann]

3 min of sponser commentary a bit to long.

[@doyalkrishna5656]

First 3 minutes is a total waste of time

[@pleappleappleap]

Might I suggest that you write your script in advance and use a teleprompter, if you aren't already? A lot of what you're saying has a lot of repetition.