Resources

I typically prefer to hunt down vintage tools for woodworking, but here are some great options you can find online:

Children tend to have the most success with pull saws. Traditional western saws cut on the push stroke and can be difficult for children to start cuts with.

 
 
 

This clamp on vise installs easily to a sturdy table. It is important for safety and efficiency that children always secure their wood before work.

 
 

Before making any cuts it is important to lay out your cut line. This combination square is very versatile and handy.

 
 
 

The coping saw takes some practice to master, but it is invaluable for making curved cuts.

 
 
 

Coping saw blades are quite thin and prone to bending or snapping. It is always a good idea to have some extras on hand.

 
 
 

This Japanese pull saw makes short work of long rip cuts that run the length of a board.

 
 
 
 

This file set is provides a large selection of good size and shape files that children can use for shaping wood.

 
 

While we love using vintage egg beater drills, this modern drill will accept standard bits up to 3/8” for drilling pilot holes before driving a screw in with a brace and bit.

 
 

This brace and bit is great for boring large diameter holes with special auger bits. These auger bits are usually expensive when purchased new, but you can use this with a standard phillips head bit to increase the torque needed for kids to drive screws after using the egg beater drill to make the pilot hole.

 
 

This hammer is just right. The handle is not to small for children to get the proper leverage. The head is just the right weight to pound a nail in without having to swing the hammer too hard.

 
 
 

Any of the Titebond glues are quality wood glues that will provide a strong bond.

 
 

Clamps are essential when gluing up a project. These style clamps are easier for children to operate independently than other styles.

 
 

Planes are great for smoothing and shaping wood. While vintage models are usually best, this one is quite capable. Note that this has a blade that will need to be sharpened. You can find info on how to sharpen here and here. I also offer a sharpening service for $20.

 
 

The need for eye protection is important for power tools, but less so for hand tools. We use them to promote safety, mindfulness, and focus.

 
 
 

The spoke shave is one of my favorite tools. It is also a great beginner tool that children can learn to shape wood with. Note that this has a blade that will need to be sharpened. You can find info on how to sharpen here and here. I also offer a sharpening service for $20.

 
 

This book is fantastic for both children and adults! It gives a basic background of tools and techniques for adults that may be new to woodworking. It is written by a woodworker working in a Montessori school and many of the projects are designed for both adult cooperation as well how to set the same project up for the child to work more independently. The creative projects are easy to follow and accompanied by great illustrations. This is probably the most well worn book in my library!

 
 
 
 

This book is a great companion to the Woodshop for Kids book. The first few chapters are great beginner projects like a simple box, car, and birdhouse. The rest of the book goes into greater detail on hand tools and includes some more challenging projects. If you really enjoy Woodshop for Kids, then I highly recommend this book.

 
 

Tool Crib is a fantastic children’s book all about hand tools! Great illustrations and plans in the back to build a workbench.