This is a fairly comprehensive list of the tools I use for building wooden wheelbarrows. You DO NOT need to bring all these tools to class. Bring whatever tools you have. Maybe you would like help getting some tools tuned up. Maybe you want to practice using your own tools. Wait to buy tools till you get a chance to see what you like during the class. This list covers the wooden parts of the job: contact Peter Ross for a metal-working tool list.
Drawknife — Barr Tools and Lie-Nielsen make nice ones, but I like old ones the best. My online class has lots of sharpening, purchasing and using info. Good old brands are too numerous to name: PS&W, Lakeshore, Witherby, Barton, etc.
Spokeshave — 18th Century spokeshaves were wooden bodied; they are superior for endgrain and little else. In my day-to-day work, I use metal spokeshaves like Stanley #151 and the curved-bottom Boggs Shave from Lie-Neilsen (no need for the flat-bottom – the curved bottom will work for everything).
Marking Gauge — I buy used ones on Ebay.
Mortising Gauge – Is used, despite the name, for marking tenons. They are still pretty cheap on Ebay. Look for ones that have a thumb screw at the end of the beam and two points that are still long enough to scribe (more than 1/16″ long).
Hammer and Wooden Mallet
Holdfasts – One will do many things, two will do it all.
Try square
T-Bevel — Get one that locks well, like a Stanley #18. The Japan knock-offs I’ve seen are junk, as are the plastic things at Home Depot.
Awl – The 18th C. pencil.
Ruler
Backsaw and Tenon Saw — For cutting tenons and the like.
Bench Hook – Also for cutting tenons. Mine looks like this one, but is made from pine scrap. It is totally inaccurate and ugly and I love it.
Crosscut Panel Saw
Bench Chisel — We’ll use a paring chisel (3/4 to 1“ or so) and a 1/4″ bench chisel
3/8 (or thereabouts) Mortise Chisel
Brace & Bits — We’ll use 1/4, 3/8 and 5/8 auger bits. A flat-head screwdriver bit is also handy. Read more info on my bit choices. My online class about drill bits has info on choosing, sharpening and using auger bits.
5/8″ Hollow Auger
Wide-Swing Brace for driving the hollow auger. Some of the hollow auger cuts require lots of torque.
Spoke Pointer
Eggbeater Drill or Cordless Drill to drill small holes for screws and rivets.
Gimlet Bits or Twist Bits and Countersink to drill holes for the #10 or #12 flat-head screws that attach the floorboards.
Jack Plane, Smoothing Plane, Block Plane – Just one of these will do the job; all three is a real treat.
Compass Plane (a luxury item)
Rabbet Plane (another luxury item) – For trimming tenons to size
Sharpening stones and slips — I have some in my shop you are welcome to use.
Dividers — I like old ones, like the ones made by ps & w.
Card Scraper — Learn to sharpen them here.
Notepad, Camera — A camera is great way to take notes
Coarse File for wood (or a fine rasp)
Flat-head screwdriver