Product: Hand Tools: Tuning and Using Chisels, Planes and Saws (2006)
Rating: 5.0
Each topic is short, sweet and to the point
I'll admit that I'm a bit biased about Frank Klausz because I admire his abilities so much. From him (his DVDs), I've learned to hand cut dovetails, make pefectly fitting drawers without a tape measure and now with this CD, I have learned a great deal about hand tools.I wasn't really a hand tool guy because I couldn't really get or keep them sharp. In Frank's direct method that doesn't mince words, he shows and explains how to do it. As a result, I've used his method and can now get chisels and handplanes sharp enough to push the hair off my arm without spending a great deal of time to do it. I also really liked his method of saw sharpening and so I bought a cheap one to try it out so that I wouldn't be out anything if I messed it up. I was able to turn an $18.00 dovetail saw into one that cuts as thinly and effortlessly as my friends saw that cost almost 10 times as much.In short - he teaches you no-nonsense sharpening of chisels, hand planes and saws. Then, he gives you easy to understand practice methods of how to effectively use those tools. I got more out of this CD than I hoped and for less than $20, I picked up some great lifetime skills that have enhanced my woodworking.Edit as of 11/29/09: I have a Veritas dovetail saw and I discovered it takes a few more strokes to get through the wood lately. I finally built the nerve and did Franks sharpening technique on it. In trying it out, I quickly discovered that if you are cutting 5/8 pine, I need to be careful or it will get away from you and go way past the marking line. I'm no longer afraid to sharpen any dovetail saw. Thanks Frank!