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If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct. Ecclesiastes 10:10 *

Two events stimulated my interest in woodworking years ago. I had never heard of Lee Valley until I found one of their catalogues at a bookstore. Reading that catalogue, captivated by the tools, was a welcome respite from my studies long before I could devote much time or resources to woodworking. As my interest developed, my Dad gave me a few of my great-grandfather’s tools. My great-grandfather had trained in Britain as a carpenter and came to Canada as a young man in the early 1900’s. Part of his legacy included a Stanley No. 4C, a 3/4” chisel, some screwdrivers and a Stanley No. 626 hand drill. They hadn’t seen much use over the last few decades but were previously well used and still well cared for. It took little effort to restore them to good function. They were the foundation for my first small projects and now, years later, an inspiration to continue my education in traditional woodworking. I hope to document my efforts to develop traditional skills using hand tools like my great-grandfather. And when I lack in wisdom, I’ll try to get by with effort.

*I prefer the traditional King James, though the following version is more compatible to modern ears – If the iron is blunt, and he does not sharpen the edge, then must he use more strength: but wisdom helps one to succeed. Ecclesiastes 10:10