Hand Carpentry
The profession of carpentry plays a vital role in society. Just as a doctor holds significance, so does a carpenter; they craft home furnishings with skill and artistry that is indispensable. Regardless of technological advancements, carpenters continue to rely on manual tools, particularly for detailed carving and precise tasks. This article highlights some of the essential hand tools utilized by carpenters:
Hand Carpentry Tools
Hammer: This tool consists of two parts: a durable steel head and a robust wooden handle.
- Mallet: A wooden tool featuring heads in various shapes, including rectangular, round, and cylindrical.
Pliers: Composed of two steel arms, pliers have jaws that pivot around a central pivot point.
- Wooden Measuring Tape: This tool is used for direct measurements and accurate transfer of dimensions. It comprises a series of wooden segments, each measuring between 10 to 20 cm, with an overall length typically ranging from one to two meters.
- Metal Tape Measure: A flexible metal strip marked in centimeters and millimeters, it can retract into its metal or plastic casing and usually measures between one to three meters in length.
- Square: A tool made of two parts known as the body and the blade, which can be constructed from steel or wood. It is essential for drawing vertical lines, checking edge levelness, or establishing right angles.
- Crocodile Clamp: This tool features large, hardened teeth and a wooden handle and is used for creating longitudinal cuts in wood.
- Back Saw: Similar to the crocodile clamp but features smaller teeth and has a back to protect the blade during cutting. It is used for cross-cutting wooden pieces.
- Chisel: Consisting of a handle and blade, the handle may be made of wood or plastic, while the blade is steel with a sharp edge, used for making grooves and indentations.
- Gouge: Similar to a chisel, the gouge also has a handle and blade, primarily used for carving different shapes, fitting hinges, and installing locks.
- File: Available in various shapes and sizes, each type serves a specific purpose. A coarse, semicircular file is used for shaping curved surfaces, while a coarse, round file is ideal for smoothing wooden holes.