Here in this first of a series of videos we cover the most critical and important tool a builder can have… the simple pencil… but as you will find in this video, there are things about pencils that you might not know!
Originally posted 2015-12-29 21:10:19.
Everyone loves a good tool.
Above, you will see a photo of some of my personal favorites. These are mostly log tools but the fact is that we all need a variety of tools if we are to build our own home. We also need the carpenters tools, the builders tools, the masons, the earth moving, the cabinetry, the electric, the list goes on and on. But where to start? And which ones to choose? I’d like to help you with that. One by one, in the order that I would purchase them, with some friendly advice on what to look for.
Tools make projects possible… they make things happen. They might as well be magic wands for what they accomplish… just move them around a bit and presto!… Things that never were, come into our lives! Simply lay out the necessary selection of tools and materials on a workbench (along with a set of plans) and watch amazing creations eventually appear… anything is possible… from a small table, to a complete house.
Tools are “enablers”, but they are also motivators! Keep that in mind… a tool begs us to build something.
If you are thinking of building a home sometime in the future you should start acquiring the tools that you will need for it now, one at a time. Here in this video series I share with you an important tool that you should consider having in your collection. I hope you’ll follow along.
Today I’d like to start you out with perhaps the single best advice that I’ll be able to offer to you throughout this tool series…
Buy the tool that you want… That sounds simple enough doesn’t it?
But so many don’t always heed this advice, including myself on occasion. Never buy the cheapest tool, nor necessarily the the tool that the guy at the hardware store says you should have. You don’t want to buy the tool that I use simply because I recommend it… you want to discover the one that most appeals to you. And please, don’t buy the “next-best” tool and then live with the regret of not purchasing the one that you truly wanted. Good tools last a long time, treat yourself with the quality tool that you want and you’ll do better work.
OK… that’s it for today.
I hope to see you in “Tool #1″… the single most important tool a carpenter can have (I bet you can’t guess what it is!).
Originally posted 2015-11-18 16:44:47.
And, tools that come as gifts?
They are treasured all the more… often for many years to come.
My wife gave me a woodworking tool for Christmas 30 years ago and I still think of her, and that special day, every time I see it.
A tool is also a smart purchase.
It is a useful possession, and will more than pay for itself in the value that it brings… unlike so many presents that are often tossed away days later. And then there are the benefits that the giver of a tool receives… not only in the joy that comes from seeing the recipient as they carefully inspect their new toy, but in the projects they will soon build with it (my wife went on to see me build a house with the tool she gave me that winter’s day… that purchase, was one smart investment on her part).
Picking the right tool to give can be tricky. I’ve created many “tool-of-the-week videos” where I give my best advice on what to look for in a tool, and in which order to buy them, but I’m often a bit vague in making a specific recommendation, as there are many options to choose from and the selection of a tool is often a matter of personal preference.
But today, I thought I would share with you four “you can’t go wrong this tool” ideas that anyone would love to get wrapped up as a gift. All of these are inexpensive and offer great value. I’ve included links to each on Amazon which will provide you with the easiest purchase, and at the lowest price…
1. The Estwing sportsman hatchet. (Amazon calls it an axe… but trust me, it’s not) This fine tool is a thing of beauty, a pleasure to hold, and oh, so very useful. One of my personal favorite tools… (if the link is not visible on your computer… just turn off your ad-blocker)
2. The Stanley six-piece Chisel Set. Without a doubt this is the most important set of tools any woodworker needs. They take a licking and keep on ticking. A joy to hold, to work with, and they hold up to the constant abuse that they often endure. A new set of these beauties… will bring a sparkle to anyone’s eye!
3. A plumb bob, and some string. What a great stocking stuffer! A joy to hold, and a pleasure to use. It doesn’t matter what profession you are in, this tool is needed and it’s handy to have more than one. If you want to make it extra special you can shop on eBay for an antique one (just make sure that it’s brass) but this new Stanley is “pretty sweet and hard to beat”. This simple tool has been used for thousands of years and will always be valued. No batteries needed. No assembly required. No instructions to read.
4. And finally, membership into the Handmade House Academy which is now on sale! Give that love one of yours lifetime access to decades of knowledge in designing and building a handmade house, plus… lifetime membership into a group of similar enthusiasts, plus… their name printed in the “soon-to-be-published” book on handmade houses, plus… an autographed copy of that book once it’s printed, plus… an opportunity for them to work with the founder of this site for a day, whew!… visit the Academy page to discover even more about this incredible offering, and while you are there view our most valuable free video… The twelve keys to your future handmade home! Give your loved one this gift and they just might give you back the home of your dreams!
Originally posted 2016-11-20 14:51:55.
Once your tools start piling up you are going to need a way to store them for easy transport and access. In comes the first of likely several toolboxes. In this video Noah Bradley encourages you to put the tools you have gathered so far and put them to use and build your first tool box… a custom one made to hold the tools you have.
Originally posted 2016-02-27 21:40:28.
Today we offer a few considerations to keep in mind when choosing your toolbelt. A good toolbelt is such a handy and essential piece of equipment when you are trying to take on any project. Get the right one!
Originally posted 2016-02-27 21:35:51.
Who doesn’t admire a good chisel? But which ones are best to have when they are used daily on a construction site? Follow along as Noah shares his tips and recommendations.
Originally posted 2016-02-27 19:42:41.
Sometimes nails need to come out… and without this tool, it’s nearly impossible to do.
Originally posted 2016-02-27 19:38:50.
Nobody loves mule tracks… at least not on their home’s trimwork. Avoid hammer dent marks on your woodwork… use your punch!
Originally posted 2016-02-27 18:23:50.
I would imagine if you were to take a poll and ask which tool people most often thought of when thinking of a carpenter or builder the response would likely be “a hammer”. Well, for all those waiting for that tool to be discussed the moment has arrived! Follow along in this video as Noah Bradley shares his insights into this wonderful tool.
Originally posted 2016-02-27 18:15:48.
Well alright!!! Our first power tool! Let the noise begin and the sawdust fly! Today we cover the circular saw. Without this single tool no boards can be cut, so no work can be done. The circular saw is a joy to use, but one where caution needs to be exercised. Make sure and get the best one for you. This video will give you some tips in making sure that happens.
Originally posted 2016-02-27 17:52:59.
