Disabled hand tool woodworking ideas?


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I’m being medically retired from the Army soon with a very bad back, fibromyalgia, and PTSD. I’ve started to collect the tools to do woodworking in a traditional way. I have an underlying question to everything I plan to do:

What steps can I do to help me woodwork with low energy, inability to stand for long periods, and numbness/weakness in my land hand?

I’m thinking about workbench design, tool choice, and everything else I haven’t thought of. This includes my attraction to Japanese tools as they appear easier. On that vein I've changed my first project to the "mini-sawhorses" from Toshio Odate's book.

Thanks in advance,

Tony

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A couple of things I'd recommend are some of the anti-fatigue mats and a good adjustable stool for your workbench. Also, if you'll be doing a lot of work from a seated position you might consider a shorter workbench. Also, as far as hand planes you might look into the ones that are meant to be pulled rather than pushed. Sorry I don't have more info. Good luck and thanks for your service!

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Tony, Contact Chuck (Sacadelic or Sac for short). We're on the chat often so you can look him up there too. Chuck was in an unbelievable helicopter accident while serving and is now woodworking from a wheelchair. He does great work and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. I know he'll be able to help you.

Tim

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