Top 5 Handtools I’ll Take to Assisted Living

⚙️ EPISODE 239: The cream rises to the top, and after three decades there are 5 handtools that are indispensable and tops in my tool cabinet. Besides being well designed and effective, they are simply a pleasure to use. Maybe it’s something only a woodworker can truly understand but I get a good feeling every time I use these tools…priceless! In this episode I show you each of these tools and demonstrate what makes them shine and such a joy to use. (Closed captions)

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• Tom's spokeshave is a Stanley 151 - an older model you can find in used tool setting/sales. Just be sure to get one of good quality or you will struggle with it.

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LIVE EVENTS are filmed in the shop of Tom McLaughlin, host of TV's Classic Woodworking and Shop Night Live. Tom loves to pass on the craft of woodworking by creating projects to present in live video form backed by his over 30-years of experience making fine custom furniture.

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[darodes]

Shocked to not see a chisel here! Just subbed, I enjoyed it!

[douglasbrown]

What a great concept for a video. I think about this theme all the time as I approach (or are already in) my senior years. While I don't expect any senior living facility to put up with me bringing hand tools to my next to final resting place, I make sure the tools I buy will be tools I pass down to children that will actually use them. Thanks, Tom.

[IantheWoodcraftsman]

Tom, love your videos and the way that you present the content. Always good information. Thanks!!

[jamesmurray]

I watched this with somewhat mixed thoughts-very soon now will be 80.
Shalom from Israel.

[joeleonetti]

You have a good list. Assuming 5 isn’t a hard and fast rule, I’d also like to have a router hand plane and a plough plane. They are also a ton of fun to use.

[alangknowles]

And all the sharpening tools to keep them usable. And the bench and vice and clamps.

[Keithharvey]

I would need a small box of dovetail chisels. Four would do.

[JWimpy]

I have a few more than 5 on my list but one of them would be that Pentel Graphgear 1000 pencil.

[tomjudkins]

The bench is used with all 5 tools though... and your sharpening stones... and burnisher... and saw file... and combo square

[tpolarich]

Hi. FYI, non racking vise, HNT Gordon Tools. They also have a neat tail vise. Downside, very expensive. Pro, easy to install.

[sueb]

Yup, you really need to hang on to that Lie Neilsen low angle block, forever, as they do not seem to be available anymore ... I did find a used one on E-bay for $639.00!!!

[SVR-Russia]

Какие инструменты я бы взял в дом престарелых:
1. Рубанок № 5
2. Пила Ryoba 240 mm
3. Стамеска 8 мм
4. Коловорот (ручная дрель)
5. Угольник

[dadedude]

That title kind of made me sad. I would never think to put tools and assisted living together. It's so important for older folks to feel useful and connected to their life long passions. A lot of us younger dudes don't connect with the fact that we'll be the old guys one day. Great idea for a video.

[Fusterclucked]

1) Rasp
2) Drill
3) Hand sander
4) Pull saw
5) Does a Dremel count?

[joeleonetti]

I’m likely about your age. One thought I’ve had should I need to go into assisted living and space is at a premium. That might be time to get into whittling/carving. Minimal tools and a ton of fun.

[NormanMiner]

Havenwood Heritage Heights in Concord NH has 2 woodshops..

[mailtor]

Never know that Gordon Ramsey do a woodworking so well

[douglasbrown]

The other issue with this scenario is if I can not bring my workbench to my assisted living why would I bring tools I need for the workbench? Unless it is just a nostalgia thing? Maybe just holding on to memories? If so, that's ok.