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
Bring neglected vintage woodworking tools back to life and return them to reliable, daily use in your workshop. This comprehensive course guides you step-by-step through the complete restoration process, from initial assessment and safe disassembly to cleaning, repair, sharpening, tuning, and final use.
Through detailed demonstrations and narrated instruction, you'll learn the techniques, tips, and decision-making processes needed to restore antique hand tools while preserving their character, patina, and historical value. Whether you're restoring a treasured family heirloom, a flea market find, or building a collection of user-grade tools, this course provides the knowledge and confidence to tackle virtually any restoration project.
All modules included
Over 14 hours of detailed video instruction
7 comprehensive modules
76 step-by-step lessons
Extensive sharpening and edge-tool tuning instruction
Real-world restoration projects demonstrated from beginning to end
Narrated techniques, tips, and troubleshooting throughout
Methods applicable to a wide range of antique and vintage woodworking tools
Woodworkers interested in restoring vintage hand tools
Collectors seeking to preserve historical tools correctly
Hand-tool enthusiasts wanting to build restoration skills
Beginners looking for a structured restoration process
Experienced woodworkers wanting advanced restoration techniques
By the end of this course, you'll have the skills and confidence to evaluate, restore, sharpen, tune, and maintain vintage woodworking hand tools while respecting their history and ensuring they continue to perform for generations to come.
Restore vintage woodworking hand tools from start to finish
Properly assess a tool's condition before beginning restoration
Safely disassemble and inventory all tool components
Remove rust, corrosion, and grime without damaging original surfaces
Preserve original patina, markings, and historical character
Repair and stabilize damaged wood components
Recondition steel, brass, and other metal parts
Select the best rust-removal and cleaning methods for different tools
Restore plane bodies, chisels, spokeshaves, squares, levels, and more
Repair misaligned, worn, or damaged components
Recreate and fit replacement handles, wedges, and small parts
True plane soles and tune tools for optimal performance
Understand when to restore, conserve, or preserve original features
Sharpen edge tools using proven grinding, honing, and polishing techniques
Refine bevel geometry for superior cutting performance
Tune and test restored tools for accurate and efficient use
Apply restoration techniques to a wide variety of vintage hand tools
$15 eBook included with purchase of this course, Discover the tools and skills you need to start woodworking.
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)
