LessonStart here
Get workshop ready
Prepare yourself, your tool, and your workspace before any hand-tool practice.
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Lessons
Learn one hand-tool skill, practice on a small sample, and show what you can do before starting a project.
Watch · practice · show
Start with the demonstration
Use these lessons with your instructor's actual tools and workholding. Each includes a practice task, a practical check, and a question to explain.
Start with Get workshop ready. Choose the tool your project needs; the list is not a requirement to operate every tool.
For complete builds, use project guides. For calculators and digital workspaces, use interactive tools.
Hand-tool skills
Start here
Hand-tool skills
Measure and mark
LessonMeasure and mark
Tape measure
Read a length from one reference end and mark an exact position with a small V.
Open lessonLessonMeasure and mark
Pencil and layout marks
Make clear reference marks that tell you where a line belongs and which material to keep.
Open lessonLessonMeasure and mark
Combination square
Use a reference edge to mark a square line across a board.
Open lessonLessonMeasure and mark
Compass
Draw a circle by keeping a fixed distance from a center point.
Open lessonLessonMeasure and mark
Divider
Transfer a distance and step off equal intervals without repeatedly reading a ruler.
Open lessonLessonMeasure and mark
Sector
Use matching scales and a divider to transfer a fraction of a length.
Open lessonHand-tool skills
Hold the work
LessonHold the work
F clamp
Secure a practice piece while leaving room for the intended tool movement.
Open lessonLessonHold the work
Cam pin
Use the matching Maplewoodshop workbench cam pin to hold a board against its bench support.
Open lessonLessonHold the work
Bench hold-down
Use the matching Maplewoodshop hold-down to keep a flat piece secured on the bench.
Open lessonHand-tool skills
Cut and shape
LessonCut and shape
Scissors
Follow a marked line with controlled cuts in an approved thin material.
Open lessonLessonCut and shape
Pull saw
Make a controlled crosscut with a supported board and an approved blade path.
Open lessonLessonCut and shape
Coping saw
Guide a narrow blade through a simple, broad curve without forcing it sideways.
Open lessonLessonCut and shape
Rasp
Remove small amounts of wood to shape an edge toward a marked outline.
Open lessonLessonCut and shape
Block plane
Take light shavings from a secured, straight-grained practice piece.
Open lessonLessonCut and shape
Hand sanding
Use a supported abrasive face to smooth a sample without losing its intended shape.
Open lessonHand-tool skills
Drill and join
LessonDrill and join
Hammer
Start and drive a nail with control on an instructor-approved practice setup.
Open lessonLessonDrill and join
Brace drill
Turn a hand brace steadily while keeping its bit aligned with a marked hole.
Open lessonLessonDrill and join
Eggbeater hand drill
Use a geared hand drill to make a small hole with light, controlled pressure.
Open lessonLessonDrill and join
Screwdriver
Match a driver to a screw head and turn it without slipping or damaging the material.
Open lessonAdapted from Maplewoodshop materials with permission, with original STEM Guides practice tasks and learning checks. Maplewoodshop.