Hand Tools vs. Power Tools: How to Choose?

First off, let’s set the record straight, I do own power tools. I don’t eschew power tools. The reason I don’t show myself using them on the show is that the channel is dedicated to hand tools. If I didn’t have a hand tool channel, I would probably be solidly hybrid. There are times, such as with stock removal, that using a power tool is a little more efficient and more fun.

One of the big reasons I use hand tools is because they are more fun. They are also quieter and generally safer. However, you can join in with my father in calling me crazy. There are times where I find doing this slower and more monotonous more enjoyable. There is something about feeling the wood and learning the grain direction. Getting to know the wood and how it feels is fun. If I have to take off a lot at once it probably would not be as fun.

If you create furniture for a living and completing the task is the goal, then you will probably want to use more power tools. It is more efficient as a general rule except for maybe setting up a jig. An example where a hand tool would be faster is in the case of a grooving plane.

Hand tools are not about getting the project done. It is about each individual step. I want everyone step I take along the way to be enjoyable. That’s usually the rubric I use on whether I use a power tool or hand tool. I don’t ask myself what is the fastest or most efficient way of doing it, I ask myself what I want to do. Which method do I find more enjoyable; for me, they are quieter, simpler and they give you curls.

The reason I got into handtools was that I had a shop space of 10’x10’ and didn’t have a place for hand tools. I was in the basement of my house. I was going to create a lot of dust and that was going to get everywhere. So I had to use something that created curls instead of dust. I had three kids who were all home at the same time and that meant I wanted them to be able to come into the shop and be safe and wasn’t loud. I could make curls all day long and not disturb the rest of the family (Hello, nap time!).

There are very few people out there who can do all hand tool woodworking. The nice thing about using hand tools is you can look at a piece you’ve been and point out that you made it all with only hand tools. If I didn’t have an all handtool channel, I would definitely be using more power tools.

So ask yourself, do you find curls worth your time? Do you find that you get more pleasure by being precise with your hand rather than being precise with a jig? That is usually the deciding factor for using hand tools vs. power tools. So unless you are a professional woodworker, which gives you more joy?

I’d love to hear where you fall along the line of hand tool vs power tools woodworker. And until next, have a wonderful day!

Written by Sarah Wright