I was fortunate enough a few weekends ago to take a class at the New Legacy School of Woodworking with Paul Sellers.  Paul has been getting a lot of attention here in the states lately, as he has recently open up a branch of his school in Greenwich, NY.  I was very excited about this news, as its only an hour drive from my shop upstate.

If I would have to put a label on myself, I would like to be considered a hybrid woodworker. Perhaps a more accurate label might be a power tool guy with an interest in hand tools.  That is until this weekend class.  As many of you probable know- Paul is a hand tool guru.  He is on a mission to bring hand tool skills to a new generation.   I must admit, as enthusiastic I was about taking the class, I was not expecting to be converted.  Paul makes a very strong case for the ease the use of hand tools over power tools.  In fact, one of the things that he talks about first is that hand tools are just that: tools, while power tools are not tools at all, but machines.

New Legacy is located on gorgeous piece of property in Upstate NY

The whole tone of the school is set as you drive onto the serene property, park and cross a a small footbridge and head to the newly constructed post and beam barn.  They have really done a spectacular job.  How can you not be inspired working amongst these massive beams with magnificent joinery?  We had three spectacular days that allowed the barn to be awash with natural light.

If you don’t know Paul or his work you should definitely explore his blog and check out his videos on You Tube. His book and DVD series will certainly give you an idea of the class structure and his approach to teaching.  But do not be fooled there is nothing like sitting in a class with a master craftsman with the ability to soak up information!  A note about the DVD’s:  I have read comments about how the graphics are over a bit over the top and it’s over produced, but I gotta tell you, as a guy who has slept through countless woodworking DVD’s I appreciated the effort, it keeps me excited and I am sure it will entice my children into watching it.

My box carcass

I took three day Woodworking Essential I class, part of a nine day series.  The project was the Shaker pine candle box.  A great skill building project.  While it may seem a simple project, like many classes, it’s about building these foundation techniques and not about the project.

Here are just a few nuggets I picked up along the way:

A great technique for planeing dovetails:  The board is placed under the box in the vise, creating a slight bow on the surface.  The plane is approached from the outside and prevents you from reaching the dovetails on the opposite end and creating tearout.

While it seems simple, center the box on the base isn’t always.  By laying out 45° pencil lines at each corner you can quickly and easily eyeball your box evenly on the base.

What a difference! My sawing technique has come miles!  I now understand how to gently approach the wood and let the saw do the work. Paul explained saw sharpening, how the teeth are set and the real difference in steel, teeth and the set.  Real eye opening.  I’ve already come home and dove right into learning all I can on saws and sharpening.  Something I didn’t really expect.

My Hand tool technique has also grown.  Paul will tell you you can do anything with a Stanley No. 4.  and he sure can!  I am now very comfortable with my planes and really understand what a small adjustment in the tool can make, what to look for and what to listen for.  My shavings are a joy.

I really walked away with so many positive techniques and things to ponder.  One of the most important things I think I took away was a real appreciation of how to read the grain.  There is definitely something about hand tools that puts you in touch with the wood that machines just can’t.  While I would not say I am posting my woodworking machines on Craigslist just yet, I do see how it will change my woodworking experience. I have so much more confidence now when I reach for my dovetail saw or my No. 4 plane.*

Paul has certainly had an influence of how I approach the wood. It is so much about listening to the wood and feeling the tool slice into the grain at the proper angle and with the right touch.  Before I would take such an aggressive approach that it would be impossible for me or the wood to react properly.  Paul has a very logical approach to his teaching, throwing out antidotes while he carves a spoon in the time it takes you and I to choose which tool to use, making it appear to be the simplest of tasks. I think that is truly what is so unique about Paul’s approach: he keeps everything simple. From teaching with  pine to primarily working with a no. 4 plane and small selection of tools.  But don’t think for a moment this is a simple man, he is a master craftsman with a keen eye, a serene demeanor and a hearty work ethic.   He is on a mission to pass on skills of the past, and make them skills of the future.

*Full disclosure.   I purchased a Stanley No. 4 Plane and a 1871 Disston Saw on Ebay the next day.