Question 1

Which hand plane should I start with?

Accepted Answer

Which plane to start with depends on what you will do, but for most people a smoothing plane (No. 4) or a jack plane (No. 5) is a good first choice. The smoothing plane gives smooth surfaces, and the jack plane is a versatile plane for both rough work and truing edges.

Low-angle jack planes such as the Lie-Nielsen No. 62 and the Veritas low-angle jack are also popular all-round planes. A block plane is a good addition for end grain and chamfers. The guide explains how the hand plane is built and which types exist.

Read the guide here

Question 2

How do I sharpen my chisels and plane irons?

Accepted Answer

There are several good ways to sharpen chisels and plane irons: water stones, diamond stones, oil stones and sharpening machines such as Tormek. All give sharp edges, but they differ in speed, maintenance and price.

A honing guide makes it easier to keep the same angle every time. The most important thing is to find a method you enjoy and use often. The guide helps you choose.

Read the guide here

Question 3

Which water stone should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Which water stone you need depends on how dull your edges are and how fine a finish you want. A common setup is a coarse stone around 1000 grit to shape the edge and a fine stone around 5000–8000 grit to polish it. For chipped edges you need a coarser stone too.

Water stones wear unevenly and need flattening regularly. The guide explains grits, brands and flattening.

Read the guide here

Question 4

Should I choose a side-clamping or top-clamping honing guide?

Accepted Answer

A honing guide holds the tool at the right angle to the stone. A side-clamping honing guide grips the tool from the sides and suits chisels and narrow plane irons well. A top-clamping honing guide holds from the top and also handles blades with bevelled sides and unusual shapes.

Both work well, and the choice depends on the tools you have. The guide compares the types.

Read the guide here

Question 5

Which Japanese saw should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke, which lets the blade be thin and give fine cuts. A dozuki has a back and suits precise cuts such as dovetails. A ryoba has teeth on both edges, crosscut and rip, and is a versatile saw. A kataba has one toothed edge without a back and handles deeper cuts. A kugihiki is a flexible flush-cut saw for plugs.

The guide explains the differences.

Read the guide here

Question 6

How do I choose the right handsaw?

Accepted Answer

Which handsaw to choose depends on the tooth pattern and the number of teeth per inch (tpi). Rip teeth cut along the grain and crosscut teeth across it. Few teeth give fast but rough cuts, and many teeth give slower, cleaner cuts.

Backsaws such as tenon saws and dovetail saws are used for precise joinery. The guide covers tooth patterns, sharpening and choosing a saw.

Read the guide here

Question 7

Shoulder plane or rebate plane – what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

A shoulder plane and a rebate plane both have a blade that reaches the edges, but they are used for different tasks. The shoulder plane is narrow and precise and is used to trim tenon shoulders and adjust joints, often on end grain. The rebate plane often has a fence and depth stop and is used to cut rebates along an edge.

The guide explains when to choose which.

Read the guide here

Question 8

How do I protect my planes from rust?

Accepted Answer

Planes of cast iron and steel rust easily, especially in unheated workshops and from moisture on your hands. Wipe the plane after use and protect bare surfaces with a thin layer of wax or oil that will not mark the wood.

Store your planes dry, ideally in a plane sock or box. If rust has already formed, the guide shows how to clean and protect them.

Read the guide here

Question 9

I have an old plane. How do I find the right replacement iron?

Accepted Answer

A new replacement iron can make an old plane better than it was when new. To find the right one, measure the iron's width, thickness and slot dimensions, and check whether the plane has a cap iron and what kind of adjuster it has.

A thicker iron chatters less but may require the mouth to be adjusted. The guide shows how to measure and choose correctly. You can also send us a photo of the iron with a rule beside it, and we will help you. We do not sell adjusting screws or other spare parts for old Stanley planes.

Read the guide here

Question 10

How do I sharpen a card scraper?

Accepted Answer

A card scraper is a thin steel plate that scrapes smooth surfaces, especially on difficult wood. It is sharpened in three steps: the edge is filed straight, honed smooth and then turned into a small burr with a burnisher. The burr is what cuts.

When the scraper stops making shavings, you can often turn the burr again with the burnisher. The guide shows it step by step.

Read the guide here

Question 11

How do I mix and paint with milk paint?

Accepted Answer

Milk paint, also called casein paint, is a traditional paint made from milk protein, lime and pigment. It comes as a powder that you mix with water, roughly equal parts, to the consistency you want. Only mix what you will use, since the paint keeps for a couple of days. On bare wood it bonds well and gives a matt finish. The guide shows how to mix and paint. Read the guide here

Question 12

What are cut nails and how are they used?

Accepted Answer

Cut nails are wedge-shaped nails cut from steel plate. The wedge profile pushes the wood fibres apart instead of splitting them, so they hold very well. Cut nails are used when restoring older houses and furniture, for floors and joinery, and wherever a traditional look is wanted. Orienting the nail correctly to the grain reduces the risk of splitting. The guide tells you more. Read the guide here

Question 13

Should I choose chisels from Veritas or Lie-Nielsen?

Accepted Answer

Both makers produce very high quality chisels, so you cannot go wrong. Our own experience is that Veritas PM-V11 chisels are a touch better. The blade and neck are made in one piece, while Lie-Nielsen's are in two parts. PM-V11 also holds an edge for a long time and is easy to sharpen. Also think about length. Long chisels give good control for paring and fitting, while short ones are handier in tight spaces and for work close to the body.

Question 14

How do I flatten my water stone?

Accepted Answer

A water stone wears unevenly and becomes dished in the middle over time. That makes it hard to get a straight edge, so the stone needs flattening regularly, ideally every time you have sharpened for a while. The easiest way is to rub the surface of the stone against a coarse diamond stone under running water until it is flat. Draw a pencil grid on the stone first, so you can see when it has all been removed. You can also use the diamond stone to sharpen tools when you need a coarser grit than 300.

Question 15

Which small plane suits children or school woodwork?

Accepted Answer

For children and in school woodwork you need a small plane that is light and fits a smaller hand. Two good choices are: Veritas Little Victor block plane – a small block plane that is easy to hold and adjust Veritas inset plane (05P91.01) – a very small plane that also suits finer detail work Remember that even a small plane needs a sharp blade to be enjoyable, so sharpen it before the children start.

Question 16

Which tool should I use to peel bark from logs?

Accepted Answer

To peel bark from logs and green wood, a drawknife is the best tool. You pull it towards you with both hands and take the bark off in long strips. Choose a large drawknife, 200 mm wide or more, such as the Narex straight or curved drawknives. The small carving drawknives are made for smaller craft work and are too small for logs. A curved drawknife follows the curve of the log better, while a straight one is easier to sharpen.

Question 17

Can I replace a router with hand tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes, much of what you do with a router can be done with hand planes, quietly and without dust: Router plane – flat bottoms in recesses, housings and inlays Plough plane – grooves along the grain Shoulder plane and rebate plane – rebates and tenons Hand tools come in fewer sizes than router bits, so you have to adapt the dimensions to the blades available. In return you get full control and can work anywhere.

Question 18

Which marking knife should I choose, standard or thin?

Accepted Answer

There is not much difference between the Narex standard and thin marking knives. Choose by what you do most: Thin marking knife – gets into narrow sockets and tight spaces, such as when cutting dovetails Standard or thicker marking knife – is steadier and flexes less when you draw it along a square or rule If you cut a lot of fine dovetails, a thin knife can be worth having as a complement to a standard one.

Question 19

Which plane is best for small projects like boxes and trays?

Accepted Answer

For small projects such as boxes, trays and other small pieces of joinery, we usually recommend one of these Veritas planes: Veritas Low-Angle Block Plane (12°) Veritas Small Bevel-Up Smooth Plane Veritas Bevel-Up No. 1 Plane All three are easy to handle and well suited to small workpieces. For the low-angle block plane you can also add an extra tote, which gives a steadier grip when you plane for longer stretches.

Question 20

How should I use Veritas chisels so they last?

Accepted Answer

Veritas chisels are made to hold up to normal woodworking. The main thing is not to strike them with a hammer. Use a wooden or rubber mallet instead, which is gentler on both the handle and the blade. The slight play some customers notice in the chisel is present on every example and is not a fault. If a Veritas chisel still breaks during normal use, get in touch and we will look into it, as it may be down to a flaw in the metal or the wood.

Question 21

Do I need a handle for unhandled files?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not really need a handle for unhandled files. You can hold the file directly in your hand, although many people find a handle gives a more comfortable grip. We have not tested which handle sizes fit every file, so we cannot guarantee the fit for every combination. If you are unsure which handle suits your file, you are welcome to contact us.

Question 22

What grit are fine and extra fine diamond stones?

Accepted Answer

Diamond stones usually come in 180, 300/360, 600 and 1000/1200 grit. The labels correspond roughly to: Fine : about 600 grit Extra fine : about 1000/1200 grit If you will be sharpening plane blades, choose diamond stones that are 210 mm (8") long, so there is room for wider blades and you get an even result.

Question 23

Can I use milk paint on toys?

Accepted Answer

Yes, milk paint works well on toys. However, the paint scratches off easily, so you need to add a protective coat on top, such as oil, wax or lacquer . Our oils and waxes work well for this. Danish oil is pleasant to use, but it needs topping up with fresh oil now and then. A tip is to paint with two colours. As the top coat wears, the colour underneath shows through, which gives a nice look on toys that get a lot of use.

Question 24

How do I remove rust from planes and tarnish from brass?

Accepted Answer

Surface rust appears easily on steel and cast iron tools. The best way to avoid rust is to oil or wax your tools regularly . You will find products for this in our Maintenance and care category. We have also made a video showing how to restore a Veritas block plane. Tarnish on brass, for example on a brass hammer or brass parts on a plane, can be removed with ordinary brass polish from the supermarket.

Question 25

Can you flatten the sole of my plane?

Accepted Answer

No, unfortunately we cannot flatten the sole or straighten planes for customers. It is not a service we offer. The easiest option is to find a local machine shop , or someone who has a metal lathe or similar machine. They can usually help you flatten the sole of your plane and get it true again.

Question 26

My Veritas honing guide grinds at an angle, what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Veritas has examined honing guides that produced an uneven bevel and in most cases found nothing wrong with the guide itself. Most often it comes down to how the guide is used, so it is worth going through the instructions again and checking how you set it up and use it. That said, an individual honing guide could be faulty. If yours still gives an uneven bevel, contact us and we will help you further.

Question 27

Can I cut down the rods on my Moxon vise?

Accepted Answer

Cutting down the rods on your Moxon vise should not be a problem, so feel free to give it a go. We only stock complete kits and do not sell loose rods, so if you buy new rods you also get new handwheels. We no longer sell the long version, partly because of its length. In our experience the shorter version is plenty for most people.

Question 28

Which T-track should I choose for my workbench?

Accepted Answer

We recommend Incra T-track for workbenches. It is a little thicker than many others, so it works with a wider range of accessories. Choose T-track with a scale where you want stops Choose plain T-track where you want fences Keep in mind that things can easily jam when you slide them along a T-track. Choose bolts and fittings that glide easily in the track but can still be tightened down firmly.

Question 29

Which parts do I need for a crosscut sled with T-track?

Accepted Answer

In our experience, the simplest setup for a crosscut sled with T-track is: Veritas T-Slot Track 1/4-20, 610 mm Piher Mini Quick T-Track Clamp, 150 mm Veritas Low-Profile Work Stop for T-Slot Track Veritas also makes its own stops and clamps for T-track, but we find the Piher clamp more practical. Note that the Veritas track has no pre-drilled holes. Incra track is an alternative that is a little thicker.

Question 30

Do you sell templates for butterfly joints?

Accepted Answer

We do not have ready-made templates for butterfly joints, and we have not seen anything like that available in Sweden. However, the Trend Inlay Kit can work. It is designed for inlays, so it does not cut very deep recesses, but that may be adjustable. Make your own template in MDF, or 3D print one, and work out which guide bush sizes you need. The principle is the same as for ordinary inlays.

Question 31

Which tool cuts the groove for the bottom of a shrink pot?

Accepted Answer

The tool customers most often choose for cutting the groove for the bottom of a shrink pot is the Flexcut scorp . Scorps come in several models and sizes, for both right- and left-handed users, and as sets. A narrow chisel bent at 90 degrees, which some people ask for for this job, is unfortunately not something we stock.

Question 32

Which plane gives a deep, scrub-planed texture?

Accepted Answer

The Veritas scrub plane has a fairly gentle camber, so the marks it leaves are not very deep. If you want a deeper scrub-planed texture with more pronounced flutes, there are two ways to go: Use an ordinary plane, such as a Stanley No. 4, and grind the blade to the curve you want. Almost any inexpensive plane will do Buy a wide flat blade for the Veritas combination plane, such as the 18 mm blade 05P51.48, and regrind it to a tighter radius That way you decide for yourself how deep and pronounced the texture becomes.

Question 33

Which handsaw should I choose for cutting construction timber?

Accepted Answer

For cutting construction timber, the 60 cm Bahco universal saw does the job well. If you want a finer, better handsaw, the various PAX models are popular. They come with rip, crosscut or universal teeth, so you can choose what suits your work. The rip saws go up to 28 inches and the crosscut and panel saws up to 26 inches. Remember that a saw can always be resharpened to a different tooth pattern.

Question 34

Which fret saw blades should I choose for wood and metal?

Accepted Answer

For silver and other metals you need metal-cutting blades . We cannot say exactly which size suits metal best, so it is a good idea to get a few different sizes. Low numbers are thin blades and high numbers are thick. For wood, all fret saw blades work and it is mostly a matter of personal preference. Options include Skip (the blade fitted to the saw from the start), Double Skip (every other tooth missing) and Skip Reverse (teeth facing each other). Blades we often suggest include: Skip size 4 and Skip size 6 Skip Reverse size 5R Double Skip Reverse size 7R MGT (Modified Geometry) 5SPR For a Knew Concepts fret saw, choose blades that are 130 mm (5") long and pinless .

Question 35

Can I use a saw set on bandsaw blades?

Accepted Answer

We expect a saw set to work if a bandsaw blade needs its teeth set, especially if it is a fine-toothed blade. However, bandsaw blades may be too hard for an ordinary saw set, in which case you need a heavier-duty tool made for bandsaw blades. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us before you buy.

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