Text © 2015, 2020 by Vic Tesolin
Photographs © 2015, 2020 by Vic Tesolin
All rights reserved. Excepting patterns, no part of this book may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electric or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without
written permission from the Publisher. Readers may make copies of patterns for
personal use. The patterns themselves, however, are not to be duplicated for resale or
distribution under any circumstances. Any such copying is a violation of copyright law.
Publisher: Matthew Teague
Design: Lindsay Hess
Layout: Michael Douglas
Photography: Vic Tesolin
Illustration: Carolyn Mosher
Copy Editor: Kerri Grzybicki
Blue Hills Press
P.O. Box 239
Whites Creek, TN 37189
ISBN: 978-1-951217-06-8
e-book ISBN: 978-1-951217-17-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2020944836
Printed in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
This book was previously published by Spring House Press. This is the first edition
by Blue Hills Press.
Note: The following list contains names used in The Minimalist Woodworker
that may be registered with the United States Copyright Office:
Workmate; Disston D-28; Robertson; Clapham’s Beeswax Polish
The information in this book is presented in good faith; however, no warranty is given,
nor are results guaranteed. Woodworking is inherently dangerous. Your safety is your
responsibility. Neither Blue Hills Press nor the author assume any responsibility for any
injuries or accidents.
To learn more about Blue Hills Press books, or to find a retailer near you,
email [email protected] or visit us at www.bluehillspress.com.
For my girls, Christina and Alex.
Thanks for keeping me sane . . . a big job, I know.
Knowledge is only a rumor until it is in the muscle.
— PAPUA NEW GUINEA PROVERB
CONTENTS
Chapter 1 — A Space to Work 14
Chapter 2 — Tools in the Small Shop 24
Chapter 3 — Marking and Measuring 42
Chapter 4 — Practical Sharpening 50
Chapter 5 — Saw Bench and Bent 60
Chapter 6 — Shooting Board Hook 92
Chapter 9 — Hand Tool Shelf 134
About the Author & Acknowledgements 149
FOREWORD
BY TOM FIDGEN
the minimalist woodworker . . .
Ok.
Woodworker.
Most of us can relate to that part, but minimalist?
Let’s break it down to the bare essentials;
bring it back to the core.
Here’s what the dictionary says:
minimal
adjective
Of a minimum amount, quantity, or degree
In art it’s characterized by the
