Shop tools

Question: With all the repair work you do, I guess you have seen about seen it all. I remember Frank Marshall's basement workshop, his tools and supplies, and I wondered what you consider your mainstays, the main things you need around for most of the hard work. I made only one figure, using power drill with coarse sanding disks, a hacksaw, a large screwdriver bent to gouge out inside of head, and my hands. I'll never make another one because too hard on the wrists holding and turning the large block of wood. What are your main tools, Mr. D, to do your work and not hurt yourself doing it? Lee Dean
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Answer: What a question! My major in High School and College was Industrial Arts and Cabinet Making. So I had several years training with woodworking tools in school followed by employment as a carpenter for a time. So I'm well trained in using tools with caution for their unique purpose.

You asked about my "main tools", and my first thought was, "table saw, band saw, drill press, bench grinder, dremel carver, electric drills, sanders, etc.", which I use almost daily. And then there are all the varying types and sizes of constantly used hand tools: "knives, files, pliers, wood rasps, clamps, hammers, screwdrivers, metal cutters, etc." But some of my most useful and valued tools are the 20 plus pieces I crafted myself in one way or another to perform certain speciality tasks on vent figures. "Mini-saws, hooks, cutters, threaders, and whatnot" - most don't even have a name.

I have yet to try carving a figure out of wood. Probably never will since that would involve spending many hours learning and honing a new skill, and I just don't even get excited thinking about that prospect. There are too many ideas for things to do that require only the use of skills I already have....