LNBHA Tools: Traditional boat building tools and the way to handle them

Tools

Woodworking

Sailmaking

Doing it the old way...

In building our boats and making currachs we try to keep to traditional tools, avoiding powertools where possible. This page lists traditional boat and sail makers tools and describes the way to handle them.

Woodworking Tools

Planes

We use a range of hand planes, which give a better finish and control than electric planers. The trying plane (top) is used for smoothing larger pieces, jack plane (bottom) and 2 1/4" smoothing planes are used for finishing. Sharpness and precise setting are crucial.

Spokeshaves

These are handy for free shaping of edges, curves and bevels. We use flat spokeshaves and curved inshaves. The block plane (right) is useful for finishing small areas.

Axes

Many Norwegian boat builders use axes as their prime tool. Gränsfors Bruks carpenters axes are ideal, as they have a fine, wide cutting edge with a sharp bevel, ideal for seasoned wood. These axes can be used for trimming, shaping and precision work like mortising.

Adze or Footedge

A boat-makers footedge (adze or machet) is used to shape the ends of planks and strakes to form a scarph joint. The edge is c. 2 1⁄2” wide, lightly curved and very sharp.

Sailmaking Tools