Minimal Tool Challenge Box Build

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This is my attempt at the minimal tool challenge.

This is the plank (of rough-sawn Ash) I'm going to use (mainly because it's the first one that came to hand and wasn't already allocated for something else):

and this is my initial set of tools:

I suspect I'll need more in due course, but this seemed like a sensible set to begin with. I'll also add some finish of some sort to that list, so that'll be 9 tools I think in total if I manage not to need anything else.

My tool set described in a bit more detail...

Definite:

• Stanley #4½. Seems a good compromise size; I'm sure a #4 would also be fine.
• One saw - probably Kataba, possibly Dozuki. A Ryoba would probably be a good option, but I'm sure someone would argue that it's two saws as it has two sets of teeth!
• Combination square. This can be used as a square and also as a distance gauge for marking board thickness.
• One chisel. This will be used for paring and chopping; it has to be small enough to get into the pins. Ideally it is also small enough to not need a hammer.
• An F-Clamp. If the joinery's good enough, it won't need clamping. The clamp will be for holding stuff to the bench for sawing and planing.
• Pencil for marking which piece goes where. Arguably I could cope without this, but that sounds too hard!
• One thin cheap diamond sharpening sheet (1000 grit probably).
• Leather strop.
• Glue.

Maybe (I'll avoid if at all possible):

• Hammer (if the chisel is sharp enough I might get away without this).
• Another F-Clamp.
• Paintbrush for applying glue (I'll try to just use my finger and see whether that works).
• Damp cloth or similar for glue clean up. If I'm very careful, I might get away without this, although if I don't use the paintbrush, being careful might be difficult!
• Something to clean up the finish and also to clean blades after sharpening (paper towels probably).

Notable absences from my list:

• Marking knife. I'd normally consider this an essential, but the plane iron has a sharp corner that I hope will serve the purpose.
• Honing guide. I usually use a honing guide as, while it adds about 15 seconds to set-up time, it saves that in sharpening time as you can move the blade so much faster on the stone; it also gives a more consistent edge so saves time regrinding later. However, I'm trying to minimise tools here, so it has to be out.
• Shooting board. One of my most used tools, but I think I can cope without.
• Bench hook or equivalent. I'll just clamp the board to the bench with the end hanging off.
• Vice. I'll have to find ways to cope with just clamping stuff to the bench.
• Bench dogs / planing stop - I'll assume that the only thing available is a sturdy flat surface. I can clamp offcuts to the bench to use as stops.
• Bandsaw :) - so resawing the board for the box top & bottom is going to be hard work (especially without a vice)!

I am a hobbyist metalworker and woodworker. I work as an electronic design engineer and spend most of my working days in front of a computer so I enjoy having the opportunity to use my hands and make things in my spare time. I particularly enjoy making tools as I can then use them on other projects. This website showcases some of the things I've made.

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