Tool List
for Berea Ladderback Students
About the List
I have extras of most of the tools that you’ll need to build your chair. But I don't currently have enough to outfit every student in the class.
Before you buy anything special for class, let me know and we'll see if I can provide a loaner.
If you do want to buy some tools ahead of class the flat and curved bottom spokeshaves (if you can only afford one, get the curved bottom) are essential and excellent tools, as is a good draw knife.
You'll find manufacturers we recommend below.
Shaping Tools
Draw Knife 6" - 8"
If buying new, the "Chair Builder Draw Knife" from Barr Tools is your best option.
I also recommend Lie-Nielsen, but they seem to have stopped making drawknives for the time being.
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Good brands for old draw knives are PS&W, Swan, Ohio Tool, D.R. Barton,White, Witherby, Fulton, and Jennings.
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Spokeshaves
Straight blade, wooden or metal body.
The Lie-Nielsen Boggs shaves (flat and curved bottom) are designed specifically for this work.
If you can only afford one, get the curved bottom.
Though I prefer the simplicity of adjustment offered by the Boggs Shaves, I have also heard many good things about the Lee Valley Round and Flat Bottom shaves.
You will not need a Concave Spokeshave.
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Card Scrapers
Bring a couple so you don’t spend too much time sharpening.
I have plenty of these, so please don't buy them if you don't already have them.
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Block Plane
Jeff prefers the Lie-Nielsen No. 102 Low Angle Block Plane for chairmaking.
If you don't have a block plane yet, and you plan to buy one for general use,
I recommend the Lie-Nielsen #60- 1/2 Adjustable Mouth Plane.
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Measuring Tools
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There's a pretty good chance we have enough of these tools to go around.
So please bring them if you have them. Don't buy them just for class.
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Bevel Gauge
Nothing fancy. Just something that holds its setting.
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Tape Measure
This should be a smaller tape that is still rigid (curved cross section that can stand out several feet before it buckles). I typically use a tape that is 12' or shorter and will fit in my pocket.
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Combination Squares
We will use 12" and a 6" several times. A small 4" square is also handy.
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Safety and COVID Protocols
Safety Equipment
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The tools in the shop can be loud and dusty. These moments are brief, but you should still protect your lungs, eyes and ears.
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Masking
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During Travel:
We are all doing our best to keep ourselves and our families healthy. To cut down on the chances of picking up any kind of virus on your way to class we ask that you please wear a mask during periods of travel where you are exposed to larger groups of people. This would include airports and other public transit or busy fueling stations and restaurants.
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In the shop:
Unless you are feeling ill, we do not require students or instructors to wear a mask in the shop.
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Vaccinations
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We require all students and instructors to be vaccinated against COVID.
You can email or text a photo of your vaccine card
Or contact me if you would like to send proof using another method.