In the Woodshop 

     with Derek Cohen 

 

I live in Perth, Australia where I have specialised in paediatric clinical psychology for the past 20 plus years. My woodshop is where I recharge my batteries.  
I am drawn to handtools, their design and history. Most of my machines gather dust as I prefer building furniture by traditional vintage methods, techniques of which I will describe here and walk you through.
Collecting vintage tools inevitably means restoration, and there are articles in that vein as well.  
Over the past few years  I have had the good fortune to work with, assess and review the handtools of several notable toolmakers. My approach is partly influenced by my training as a scientist, where I aim for objectivity. At the same time, handtools are hands-on by definition and all about the tactile and emotional experience. I try to convey this as closely as possible. 

Throughout my life I have been a compulsive tinkerer and modifier, and so there are articles on building your own tools, such as planes, chisels, knives and saws. Some of my creations are basic, some are quite complex,  some may be considered art, but all are intended to be used. I have put together tutorials and hope that you will have the same fun with them as I have.

 me   



 

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