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Hi Dr Al I think that we look at these matters from a different perspective. You want to explore how few tools needed for a build. I think that this is misleading since smaller versions of a build (e.g. a box vs a chest) do not necessarily lead to less tools or less work. The way I look at this...

Add a cutting gauge and gennou to my previous list. Include a workbench, but I think that is missing the point of a "minimal tool build". The box below has mitred corners and needed a shooting board (Donkeys Ear) and plough plane. Cut to rough size with a backsaw, shoot to final dimension, add...

These were made with a handplane, dovetail saw, fretsaw and a chisel (to remove the waste). Add a shooting board as a tool, if you consider it one, but it was integral in sizing parts. The wood came from a pallet, so already in strips and close to size. Japanese tool boxes ... Christmas...

I could make an entire mitred box with just a table saw. Would that count? :) Regards from Perth Derek

Ensure that the blade is clamped squarely ... even pressure on both sides. Also, check that the blade is parallel over its surface. This may help. Regards from Perth Derek

Mathias, I have this one as well. It is difficult to hold when honing, and there is the constant risk that the blade will move position. It is too narrow for plane blades. If it could be used on plane blades (there is a larger version), the widely set wheels will make cambering extremely...

Perhaps you should state what type of blades, even brands, you plan to sharpen. I really think the Alisam is a poor design (= gimmick for beginners) as it relies on the table for flatness and the media to be exactly the same height all around and between all media. Also doamond stones are fine...

I sharpen everything freehand except BU plane blades. All my Japanese chisels are honed flat on the bevel in the traditional manner. But the OP asked for a jig to sharpen all types of blades, so one might assume that this could include Japanese blades. Why not? Some do. Their blades are...

The wear is inconsequential for the average user. Let's not be pedantic. I've had mine 9 years, and I am a busy chap with a preference for hand tools. The CBN wheels are going strong. I have used vitreous wheels in the past, over a couple of decades, and they all wore as soon as used, and wore...

Hi Eamonn I would avoid both these jigs as they are flawed. The Kell is finicky to set up and then is awkward to control. The Alisam is designed for diamond plates of the exact same height and width, and would be a problem on stones which vary in thickness. Side clamping jigs, such as the...

If you want a fast, cool grind, use a CBN wheel on a half- or full speed bench grinder. The slow speed of a Tormek is going frustrate you eventually. If you want an easy-to-maintain set up, use a CBN wheel, not a vitreous wheel, as the CBN does not require dressing and does not wear. If you...

Neither. Get a 8" bench grinder, or a 6" if funds are tight, and add a 180 grit CBN wheel. Regards from Perth Derek

Here are a few more ... The dark one (not sure what wood it is - pallet salvage) ... Regards from Perth Derek

Beautiful design and expert construction! I trsut you will have many joyful years of use. I woulooking to make a padded cover for transport, even in a car. Am not sure if it was asked, but I assume you made all the fittings as well? Also, I am curious to know what tools go inside, and how...

The perfect beginner router something like the Makita trim router. Only 1/4" and 1 hp, it is nevertheless powerful enough to be comfortable when usedfreehand and may also be used in a router table. It has a range of accessories such as fixed- and plunge bases. You can always add a larger...

Fred, those are finger joints ... cut with a backsaw, held together with magic glue (nails optional). This makes for a fast build. I made one of these boxes in hardwood in 3 hours start-to-finish (including preparing the boards). Regards from Perth Derek

Marc Spagnuolo (The Wood Whisperer) posted this idea in a recent video. I thought it great .... Japanese tool box as a wine box. Here is one I built ... Regards from Perth Derek

Steve, if you are shooting edge grain with a bevel up plane (Veritas Shooting Plane, LA Jack, etc), then to avoid tearout you must use a high cutting angle. A 50-degree (secondary) bevel will create a 62-degree cutting angle. I suspect that you are using something a lot lower ..? If you are...

Steve, unless you wish to do them with great accuracy, you could go freehand. However, for perfection in wide bevels you need you need a shooting board. For example, when planing the long mitres for joinery. The shooting board below is for long mitres. It just does the one side, but you could...

You need a double-sided shooting board ... This one has runways in each side, as well as a fence that turns each way ... However, if it is just a simple an small bevel, it can be done with a plane on a bench. High cutting angle or closed chipbreaker. Regards from Perth Derek