Hand tool guy on YouTube

[Jason White]

Really been enjoying watching this guy on YT. All hand tools and he's really good. Give him a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/c/FranksWorkbench








Really been enjoying watching this guy on YouTube. All hand tools. Give him a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK-RcAfd3rmUG1NdEnkT-kQ



























(https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2F UCK-RcAfd3rmUG1NdEnkT-kQ%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3h00ALEaeoOP4ia_mbhzg2Wm6eztK7tq R7MzN4oT1t0TXUDRXftpXzRPI&h=AT0NAlaLO6XwJNSBE-9ogwY8KF-pzF76uLaL9HKxX17PbBqc-jJeuuLuqT7EWsxO6hsHqJbMObllqzDL4bKCuynTm3e6CBxaGDu kQiOfGH32yfEODlGHfeFqDLBbHL7eiWg2UwgPB6br1TJQ0iu4I obrDg)

[Scott Clausen]

Subscribed! Thank You.

[steven c newman]

Same here....along with Rex Krueger....

[Thomas Wilson]

I watched his video on his recommendations for a basic set hand tools. I think he might need a lapel mic too. I sounds like he is using the mic on the camera. I did like his preseentation though.

Hey Jason. What mic do you use for your videos?

[Jason White]

I use a wireless mic that came with my DJI Pocket Osmo. Works great!


I watched his video on his recommendations for a basic set hand tools. I think he might need a lapel mic too. I sounds like he is using the mic on the camera. I did like his preseentation though.

Hey Jason. What mic do you use for your videos?

[Cory Newman]

Interestingly I watched the essential tools video first, where he says he never uses a block plane or a jointer plane or a coping saw etc. Then watched the dovetail box video where he used all of them...

[Thomas Wilson]

Interestingly I watched the essential tools video first, where he says he never uses a block plane or a jointer plane or a coping saw etc. Then watched the dovetail box video where he used all of them...
That’s funny.

[Joe A Faulkner]

I checked it out last night and then got sucked into the rabbit hole. It was a fun 90 minutes of hand tool techniques, tours and tool reviews. I stumbled upon Anne Briggs aka Anne of All Trades. Her Dutch tool box tour was interesting. She is a big fan of the low angle jack and seems to have a genuine passion for wood working, homesteading …. There are so many great resources out there. We are truly blessed.

[Scott Clausen]

I watched his video on his recommendations for a basic set hand tools. I think he might need a lapel mic too. I sounds like he is using the mic on the camera. I did like his preseentation though.

Hey Jason. What mic do you use for your videos?
I was thinking this too. I did see the garage door track so even with a better mic it will still be very reflective and a problem. I really enjoy woodworking educators that come at this craft from a minimalist vantage point. I am at a point where I "can" afford to blow money on lots of tools and perhaps would have if I had the room. My small shop held me back and before I could made it bigger I found that hand tool woodworking makes me happy. I know look at power tools that take up valuable space and think "Do I need that".

[Scott Clausen]

Interestingly I watched the essential tools video first, where he says he never uses a block plane or a jointer plane or a coping saw etc. Then watched the dovetail box video where he used all of them...
Yeah I picked up on that but I think he was attempting to say a new woodworker could get by on this minimum starter set. I kept glancing over to the right and thinking "oh yeah, he has more tools over there.

[Derek Cohen]

Really been enjoying watching this guy on YT. All hand tools and he's really good. Give him a watch.


Sorry, I should not say this, but I found this all quite pretentious. I was watching the Shaker Table. Lasted 5 minutes. He has - and uses - power tools (jointer, table saw). The hand tools are used for flourish. They are for show, not purpose, on this YouTube channel. For example, he joints the top of a board with a #7, glorifying in creating a long, see-through shaving (as if he was Rob Cosman), proceeds to saw it off with a handsaw, and then discard this section! Then he levels a board by hand planing the corners, and finally flattens in on a power jointer. Why did he not just do it all on the power jointer?? Why bother with a hand plane here at all? He rips one piece with a handsaw and then the rest with a tablesaw ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Monte Milanuk]

Guess I had a different take-away from the videos.

Yes, he has some basic power tools. I think he mentioned at some point that they were a relatively new addition to the shop, to help speed things up after 6 or 7 years of doing it all by hand. Kinda got the impression he's still sorting out how/when to use them effectively compared to what he's used to.

I did notice that some of his techniques or choices are maybe not 'standard', compared to what seems to be the norm. I'm not enough of a pro to say whether that's good or bad, but it is interesting.

[Derek Cohen]

There are many better handtool woodworkers on YouTube. The trouble is that they are not as showy as the ones who make videos specifically for viewership. Some earn their viewership, such as Paul Sellers and Rob Cosman.

A few good to watch ....

Japanese joinery: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGRCOkx_PSVhvuaVVkgMWZQ

Western joinery: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUn4DVVtJ_vfV_KzgVmZBog

Phil Lowe: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7anyyiCrnFkNO0NxSQy47aIddCuHEzyT

Doucette and Wolfe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Doucetteandwolfefurniture

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Monte Milanuk]

Yep, there's definitely a difference between the content put out by someone who's been a career (30+ years) professional in the trade, vs. someone doing it as a hobby out of their garage for kicks.

Luckily that's one of the good things about the internet... there's literally something for everyone.

[steven c newman]

And be even better without some looking down their noses at the Hobbyist......or those with Hybrid Shops.

take the shows as they are...kick back and watch with an OPEN MIND......might even enjoy the FUN, again...of wooding with wood....

I watch these kind of shows...to see if there is an idea I might want to try out....not even concerned about what type of microphone they use, or don't use.....

Small shop? You NEED to visit The Dungeon Wood Shop someday.....and see how much room I get to "play" in........

[Mike Allen1010]

There are many better handtool woodworkers on YouTube. The trouble is that they are not as showy as the ones who make videos specifically for viewership. Some earn their viewership, such as Paul Sellers and Rob Cosman.

A few good to watch ....

Japanese joinery: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGRCOkx_PSVhvuaVVkgMWZQ

Western joinery: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUn4DVVtJ_vfV_KzgVmZBog

Phil Lowe: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7anyyiCrnFkNO0NxSQy47aIddCuHEzyT

Doucette and Wolfe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Doucetteandwolfefurniture

Regards from Perth

Derek

Thanks Derek for the recommendations – those are awesome! So much content on the Internet, which is a blessing for us, however makes recommendations all the more valuable to help sort the wheat from the chaff. I can only imagine when I was getting started building furniture in the late 70s how helpful it would’ve been to have access to this kind of great instruction. Yeah the Internet is awesome!

Cheers Mike

[Mike Allen1010]

I confess I don’t know much about the YouTube Woodworking world. I’m interested in what my fellow Neanders think make a good YouTube Woodworking channel? Seems like many have episodes devoted to techniques, joinery, planning etc.

What about a channel where it takes you through all the steps of building a fine piece of furniture with hand tools? I’m sure those sites already exist but appreciate the feedback.

If you were going to start a YouTube channel, where would you focus, on entry level hand tool techniques and simple builds or something more complex maybe including carving, veneer etc.?

Sorry for the questions, as I said I don’t know much about the online Woodworking world beyond SMC. Appreciate the feedback.

Based on the feedback, maybe I’ll try and make a YouTube channel that fits with my fellow Neanderthal looking for. Yikes – it’s probably a pipe dream I don’t even know how to take a video.

Best, Mike

[Phil Mueller]

Mike, you may also want to check out KillenWOOD. He does short segments on various processes of veneer work, inlay, etc., for period furniture (and a few other things). He is the poster child for patient woodworking.

[Derek Cohen]

I confess I don’t know much about the YouTube Woodworking world. I’m interested in what my fellow Neanders think make a good YouTube Woodworking channel? Seems like many have episodes devoted to techniques, joinery, planning etc.

What about a channel where it takes you through all the steps of building a fine piece of furniture with hand tools? I’m sure those sites already exist but appreciate the feedback.

If you were going to start a YouTube channel, where would you focus, on entry level hand tool techniques and simple builds or something more complex maybe including carving, veneer etc.?

Sorry for the questions, as I said I don’t know much about the online Woodworking world beyond SMC. Appreciate the feedback.

Based on the feedback, maybe I’ll try and make a YouTube channel that fits with my fellow Neanderthal looking for. Yikes – it’s probably a pipe dream I don’t even know how to take a video.

Best, Mike

Mike, you would be awesome on video. But do not expect a large audience. This goes to the flashy guys and gals with more showmanship than skill. A little dance and song act on your part would add appeal :)

I have a channel (for joinery), but it is so dour that I only recommend it to insomniacs. I am not kidding. Works like a charm!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa0A27dNoxW2b8lGNzCRpsw

Regards from Perth

Derek

[steven c newman]

pbs.org The Woodwright's Shop.

Between IND ARTS class in High School , then Roy and Norm...Back when they had good shows on PBS...before the internet.

You CAN still watch Norm do his thing...might even catch him using a HAND TOOL......

[Rob Young]

snip... A little dance and song act on your part would add appeal :)



Derek

A little song, a little dance, a little hide-glue down your pants.

[Stephen Rosenthal]

+1&2 for Roy and Norm. Because the full episodes are archived on PBS, they often get lost in the YouTube shuffle. I always marvel at the guests Roy had on his shows before they were household names - at least to us woodworkers - Schwarz and Mary May to name a couple. And of course both shows benefitted from the professional production crews of PBS. Great reminder Steven.

Also, for pure entertainment, check out Roy’s episode on Tedx Talks. It’s Roy unleashed.
https://youtu.be/Au1TbIyLcPU

[Mike Allen1010]

Mike, you would be awesome on video. But do not expect a large audience. This goes to the flashy guys and gals with more showmanship than skill. A little dance and song act on your part would add appeal :)

I have a channel (for joinery), but it is so dour that I only recommend it to insomniacs. I am not kidding. Works like a charm!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa0A27dNoxW2b8lGNzCRpsw

Regards from Perth

Derek

Derek your description of your YouTube channel as “dour” made me laugh! I think you sell yourself short my friend, I enjoyed the half blind dovetail video. Reminded me I need to make one of your kerf chisels.

I followed some of the links shared in this thread and man was I surprised how many dovetail videos there are! Some really great content out there. Seems like a fundamental challenge Of one-man operation is trying to both demonstrate to work and also video yet at the same time. Seems like it be super helpful to have somebody else handle the camera and that’s a nonstarter for me.

Thanks for the entrée into the world of online woodworking videos.

Cheers Mike

[steven c newman]

I am afraid my videos would be rather boring....IF I were to try them...

[Joe A Faulkner]

So Mike, I'll join in on the focus group, and give you the perspective of someone who truly admires your skills, and would love to spend time in your shop, but also someone who hasn't retired yet, and whose discretionary time is limited. I've only ever engaged in watching one, long running series of a relatively complicated build from start to finish, and that was Curtis Buchanan's series on the democratic chair. I got drawn into his series because of an experiment with a spoke shave. I used one for the first time about a year or so back, and was almost immediately addicted. So I asked, what can I build that requires a lot of spoke shave work? How about a chair? How about the democratic chair that doesn't even contemplate using a lathe? (I don't own a lathe - maybe some day). And so Curtis had me hooked. My point is, if you do a start to finish build on anything of much complexity, it is going to be hours and hours of video, and because discretionary time is scarce resource, only those who have a strong desire to either learn the specific techniques you are using or who really want to build the piece you are building are likely to want to watch several episodes. If you do simple builds, they may be short, but they also may not be all that unique. I personally like Tom Figden, Unplugged Woodshop. I think he has done some complete build series, but you have to pay to have access to them. At this stage in my life, this isn't enough of a priority for me to do, but the free stuff, that is something I might spend a Sunday afternoon browsing. This isn't to say paying for quality instruction something I'm unwilling to do, but for now, I don't want to make that time commitment. You have a lot of information to share, and your results speak for themselves. You have experience that is worth sharing, but as Derek said, the viewership may not be huge even though the information is solid. I read somewhere else that newbies all have an interest in tool chests, saw tills, workbenches which is why there are so many resources on these topics, but after that the interests are more segmented. A build thread on a Queen Anne or Chippendale style piece may not appeal to those whose taste run more along the Shaker, Mission, Craftsman vein. Builds featuring expensive, imported lumber may not appeal to those who are pinching pennies and limit their builds to low-cost domestic hardwoods. But these observations aside, you are knowledgeable and accomplished. To me what makes for a good channel is someone who produces great results; demonstrates things clearly; owns their opinions and acknowledges there are other ways; points to other resources or experts; invites feedback; responds to questions and respects different methods, and is encouraging. I also like it when the teacher shares mistakes. I relate to mistakes. :)
I also appreciate builds done using a minimal set of modestly priced tools. Nothing wrong with premium tools, but for folks on a budget, or folks whose sensibilities just can't see spending thousands of dollars on premium planes, chisels, saws, marking tools, sharpening equipment, specialty hand tools can be a bit of a barrier. Now there's an interesting book or video series idea: Twelve Projects From Apprentice to Jr. Craftsman & the Incremental Tool Purchases You Need to Make along the Way. Introduce the basic kit needed to build the first project, along with the build, then the next, one or two new tools, maybe after the 12 build I have a fairly complete kit?

I don't know where you would start? Construction Grade Lumber Simple Workbench\assembly table or maybe saw bench then workbench? Then bench hook? Then Shooting board? Tool chest? Book Shelf? Let us know what you decide :).

[Luke Dupont]

There are many better handtool woodworkers on YouTube. The trouble is that they are not as showy as the ones who make videos specifically for viewership. Some earn their viewership, such as Paul Sellers and Rob Cosman.

A few good to watch ....

Japanese joinery: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGRCOkx_PSVhvuaVVkgMWZQ

Western joinery: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUn4DVVtJ_vfV_KzgVmZBog

Phil Lowe: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7anyyiCrnFkNO0NxSQy47aIddCuHEzyT

Doucette and Wolfe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Doucetteandwolfefurniture

Regards from Perth

Derek


Wow, I just watched Doucette and Wolfe per your recommendation.

I've never had the privilege of watching work of that caliber. Very impressive and informative.

There's so much you can learn simply by watching a highly skilled craftsman, and by watching more complex work that you wouldn't necessarily know how to approach without seeing it done first. Beginners like myself are spoiled in this era.

[Luke Dupont]

I confess I don’t know much about the YouTube Woodworking world. I’m interested in what my fellow Neanders think make a good YouTube Woodworking channel? Seems like many have episodes devoted to techniques, joinery, planning etc.

What about a channel where it takes you through all the steps of building a fine piece of furniture with hand tools? I’m sure those sites already exist but appreciate the feedback.

If you were going to start a YouTube channel, where would you focus, on entry level hand tool techniques and simple builds or something more complex maybe including carving, veneer etc.?

Sorry for the questions, as I said I don’t know much about the online Woodworking world beyond SMC. Appreciate the feedback.

Based on the feedback, maybe I’ll try and make a YouTube channel that fits with my fellow Neanderthal looking for. Yikes – it’s probably a pipe dream I don’t even know how to take a video.

Best, Mike


Basic joinery skills and beginner oriented material is super saturated.

I would be very interested in seeing more advanced material, and full build processes using nothing but hand tools.

Most project oriented channels, in fact, use very few hand tools, so I think that would be a great niche to fill.

[Rafael Herrera]

Try Peter Follansbee's channel for an example of less boutique tool woodworking.

[Bruce Mack]

Thanks, Derek.

[Mike Allen1010]

So Mike, I'll join in on the focus group, and give you the perspective of someone who truly admires your skills, and would love to spend time in your shop, but also someone who hasn't retired yet, and whose discretionary time is limited. I've only ever engaged in watching one, long running series of a relatively complicated build from start to finish, and that was Curtis Buchanan's series on the democratic chair. I got drawn into his series because of an experiment with a spoke shave. I used one for the first time about a year or so back, and was almost immediately addicted. So I asked, what can I build that requires a lot of spoke shave work? How about a chair? How about the democratic chair that doesn't even contemplate using a lathe? (I don't own a lathe - maybe some day). And so Curtis had me hooked. My point is, if you do a start to finish build on anything of much complexity, it is going to be hours and hours of video, and because discretionary time is scarce resource, only those who have a strong desire to either learn the specific techniques you are using or who really want to build the piece you are building are likely to want to watch several episodes. If you do simple builds, they may be short, but they also may not be all that unique. I personally like Tom Figden, Unplugged Woodshop. I think he has done some complete build series, but you have to pay to have access to them. At this stage in my life, this isn't enough of a priority for me to do, but the free stuff, that is something I might spend a Sunday afternoon browsing. This isn't to say paying for quality instruction something I'm unwilling to do, but for now, I don't want to make that time commitment. You have a lot of information to share, and your results speak for themselves. You have experience that is worth sharing, but as Derek said, the viewership may not be huge even though the information is solid. I read somewhere else that newbies all have an interest in tool chests, saw tills, workbenches which is why there are so many resources on these topics, but after that the interests are more segmented. A build thread on a Queen Anne or Chippendale style piece may not appeal to those whose taste run more along the Shaker, Mission, Craftsman vein. Builds featuring expensive, imported lumber may not appeal to those who are pinching pennies and limit their builds to low-cost domestic hardwoods. But these observations aside, you are knowledgeable and accomplished. To me what makes for a good channel is someone who produces great results; demonstrates things clearly; owns their opinions and acknowledges there are other ways; points to other resources or experts; invites feedback; responds to questions and respects different methods, and is encouraging. I also like it when the teacher shares mistakes. I relate to mistakes. :)
I also appreciate builds done using a minimal set of modestly priced tools. Nothing wrong with premium tools, but for folks on a budget, or folks whose sensibilities just can't see spending thousands of dollars on premium planes, chisels, saws, marking tools, sharpening equipment, specialty hand tools can be a bit of a barrier. Now there's an interesting book or video series idea: Twelve Projects From Apprentice to Jr. Craftsman & the Incremental Tool Purchases You Need to Make along the Way. Introduce the basic kit needed to build the first project, along with the build, then the next, one or two new tools, maybe after the 12 build I have a fairly complete kit?

I don't know where you would start? Construction Grade Lumber Simple Workbench\assembly table or maybe saw bench then workbench? Then bench hook? Then Shooting board? Tool chest? Book Shelf? Let us know what you decide :).

Thanks a lot Joe and everyone, I really appreciate you all taking the time to share your insights and perspectives – very helpful! As much as I truly enjoy working with people in my shop and teaching them about hand tools, translating that to the online world requires a lot of AV/IT work which is definitely not hot my sweet spot! I did watch a YouTube video about "how to make a YouTube video" (there's got to be some kind of irony in that), and all the camera and microphone tech made my head spin. Probably something my Boys could do at the drop of a hat with their phone.

I have applied for a teaching position with the woodworking program in our local community college. I know all the instructors and have done handsaw workshops for a couple of their classes. That would be my first choice, but the whole hiring process/timeline seems super uncertain – maybe Covid residual effect.

Thanks again for the insight and advice. I really do appreciate the support! I'll let you know if something works out.

All the best, Mike

[James Pallas]

Hi Mike, I’ve watched your builds, some of my favorites, along with Derek’s, Steven’s and many others. I’ve also watched many YT videos about woodworking, machining, carving and other things i enjoy doing. Starting a channel is quite an endeavor. It very easy for me to figure out YT presenters, they either have it or they don’t. Some proclaim to be experts some do not. I find that many of the proclaimed experts fall quickly. I have followed your builds enough to see that you don’t claim any expertise but do expert work. I would very much like to see you give it a try. I’ve been at this work for what I consider a long time, more than 50 years. I still love to learn. I think I can learn from you. A lot of work for you but i say go for it.
Jim

[Bill Carey]

[QUOTE=Mike Allen1010;3155772]Thanks a lot Joe and everyone, I really appreciate you all taking the time to share your insights and perspectives – very helpful! As much as I truly enjoy working with people in my shop and teaching them about hand tools, translating that to the online world requires a lot of AV/IT work which is definitely not hot my sweet spot! I did watch a YouTube video about "how to make a YouTube video" (there's got to be some kind of irony in that), and all the camera and microphone tech made my head spin. Probably something my Boys could do at the drop of a hat with their phone.

I have applied for a teaching position with the woodworking program in our local community college. I know all the instructors and have done handsaw workshops for a couple of their classes. That would be my first choice, but the whole hiring process/timeline seems super uncertain – maybe Covid residual effect.

Thanks again for the insight and advice. I really do appreciate the support! I'll let you know if something works out.

All the best, Mike[/QUOTE

Go for it Mike. Hire a media expert like I did. The 14 year old grandson is a comp wiz. And works cheap as long as I make him my world famous smoked meat loaf. And let him roam around town in the golf cart. Seriously - would love to see you work.

[Jim Koepke]

I have applied for a teaching position with the woodworking program in our local community college. I know all the instructors and have done handsaw workshops for a couple of their classes. That would be my first choice, but the whole hiring process/timeline seems super uncertain – maybe Covid residual effect.

Does the community college have classes in video production or presentation?

You might be able to get some collaboration on this to make educational woodworking videos.

jtk