Hand Tools

Here's what's available in marking gauges to help you find the right tool for precise layout work in wood.

Here's what marking gauges, marking knives, and pencils each do differently in woodworking, and when each tool makes sense.

Here's what pins and wheels each do differently in marking gauges, and how those differences affect the lines you're actually making.

Here's what causes marking gauge lines to wander, tear, or disappear, and what's actually happening when your layout marks go wrong.

An examination of Stanley hand plane development, exploring the Bailey patent system, numbering conventions, and production changes that defined a century of woodworking tools.

An examination of wood behavior under plane blades, exploring how cellular structure and grain patterns create dramatically different planing results across species.

This is a complete analysis of plane blade manufacturing. Learn how steel selection and heat treatment affect cutting performance with this detailed examination of the process.