Watch how I methodically disassemble, inventory, repair, restore and reassemble vintage hand tools with narrated techniques & tips throughout. All techniques & tips can be applied to different hand tool restores. Learn how to properly tune and use your restored vintage hand tool. Gain the confidence to tackle any vintage hand tool restore! Learn how to restore traditional woodworking hand tools and confidently return neglected antiques to reliable, daily use. In this course, you will be guided step-by-step through complete tool restorations—from initial assessment and safe disassembly to cleaning, rust removal, metal refinishing, and final tuning.
You’ll discover how to identify age-appropriate techniques that preserve the original patina, character, and historical integrity of each tool while still achieving excellent function. Each stage is demonstrated in detail, including approaches for stabilizing wood, addressing pitting and rust, reconditioning brass and steel components, and choosing the right cleaning materials, lubricants, and rust-removal methods.
Extensive sharpening instruction is included, covering edge geometry, bevel refinement, grinding and honing, polishing for planes, chisels, spokeshaves, and other edge tools. Along the way, you’ll learn practical tips tailored to each tool type—how to true a plane sole, restore a square or level, fix misaligned parts, recreate and refit handles and wedges, and make simple repairs that restore and extend extend a vintage tool’s life for generations.
Whether you are new to restoration or looking to deepen your skills, this course equips you with the knowledge, techniques, and confidence to revive antique hand tools with respect for both their history and their future performance in the workshop.
Over 14 hours of video instruction in 7 modules and 76 videos
Detailed video sequences of individual tool restores
Over 14 hours of detailed, comprehensive video instruction. Follow how I restore vintage woodworking hand tools. Tips & techniques are provided throughout the tool restore processes.
New hand tool restores are added to this course as vintage tools are acquired
Includes Start Woodworking (eBook)
$15 eBook included with purchase of this course, Discover the tools and skills you need to start woodworking.
How to determine the necessary repairs of an old hand tool
How to correctly disassemble an old hand tool
Learn to clean and nourish the wood body and wood components of an old hand tool
How to restore a metal-bodied hand plane and remove rust and tarnish
How to clean metal components (brass & steel) of a vintage hand tool
How to maintain the patina & history of a vintage hand tool
How to recreate worn or damaged wood components of an old hand tool
Learn how to sharpen and hone different styles of irons used in vintage hand tools
How to properly apply finish to a wood-bodied vintage hand tool
Learn how to setup and properly use the vintage hand tool after repair and restore
Acquire tips & techniques to tackle any old tool repair and restore
Gain the confidence to tackle any old tool restore
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
Norman Pirollo began his furniture-making career by following a Cabinetmaking program at a local college. This education led to the launch of a successful small business creating high end jewelry boxes. Later, Norman sought a greater challenge and pursued his ambition of becoming a furniture maker. Norman then attended a furniture making school based on James Krenov philosophy and teachings. This education led to designing and creating furniture through Refined Edge Design. A woodworking educator role then followed. Today, Norman enjoys designing and making furniture as well as teaching woodworking techniques and skills.
Norman has written several books on the woodworking and furniture making topic as well as writing articles for magazines such as Fine Woodworking. His book, WOODWORKING: FROM DESIGN TO MAKING describes the unique furniture design and making process applied in his furniture studio. A recent book, Quiet Woodworking: In An Unquiet World, delves into Norman's embrace of hand tools in his woodworking and furniture making.
Norman has written several books and has been featured in publications over the years
The Furniture Society (Art of Balance, Apr 2024)
Carleton Univ. Industrial Design (Guest Lecturer)
Quiet Woodworking (New Art Press)
Hand Tool Woodworking (New Art Press)
Start Woodworking (New Art Press)
Craftisian Interview (Norman Pirollo)
HackSpace Mag. - Make With Wood April 2020
Woodworking: From Design To Making (New Art Press)
Woodworking With Hand Tools 2018 (Fine Woodworking)
The Wood Artist: Creating Art Through Wood (New Art Press)
From Hi-Tech to Lo-Tech: A Woodworker's Journey (NAP)
Start Your Own Woodworking Business (NAP)
Rooted: Contemporary Studio Furniture (Schiffer Publishing)
Canadian Woodworking Mag. Jan. 2015
Our Homes magazine Fall 2014
NICHE Magazine Winter 2013
FWW Magazine - 4 Bench Jigs for Handplanes
FWW Magazine - Essential Shopmade Jigs
Woodwork magazine (2008)
Wood Art Today 2 (Schiffer Books)
500 Cabinets ( Lark Books)
Studio Furniture: Today's Leading Woodworkers
Canadian Interiors Design Source Guide
Ottawa Life magazine (Profile,work) 2012
Panoram Italia magazine
Our Homes magazine (2011)
Craft Journal (2009)
Woodworker's Journal (2006)
