Neanderthals... fall in!

[WeilWorks]

I don't have a shop to call my own yet. But I plan on being a woodworking neandertal

[masterz]

Most of the time, I'm a power tool guy, but I try to use the appropriate tool. Tonight, I had to taper a 3/4 x 3/4"x6' piece down to about 3/8" at one end. This wasn't something I was going to do with power tools, though I was tempted to use a belt sander. I used a small plane instead. A few minutes later, I had a pile of wood curls and the piece fit perfectly. It was a very pleasant (and quiet) experience.

[Vic]

Whatever does the job best and fastest. Best comes first.

[Timberwerks]

I'm a hand tool guy. I was however a power tool junkie years ago, I much prefer the way I work now.

[samhell]

I use power tools to get things done but I have to be honest... I like hand tools a little more. I work with computers and networks all day and its nice to build something tangible with my hands using simple tools, things that don't require a cable of any sort and is QUIET. Definitely more satisfying even though more labor is required. Sure I can shove a guitar blank through the planer, and often do, but its more gratifying to use a hand plane.

[nateswoodworks]

Depends on the job for me, I am a hybrid. One of the great things about the neanderthal method is teaching my kids to use a planes, the bonding is priceless (well except the cost of the planes, stones, jig....

Nate

[Kari Hultman]

I use mostly handtools, but I'd never get rid of my power tools. They still do the grunt work of milling rough cut lumber.

[wilburpan]

Ditto. But I have learned that using hand tools can make even the milling grunt work with power tools go better. I find that if I use a plane to knock down the high spots on a board, not only does face jointing on a powered jointer go better, but I lose less wood than if I rely on the powered jointer to do the entire job.

[Kari Hultman]

Not to mention, you can save many a twisted board from the firewood pile by employing a scrub plane. They're a good stress reliever, too.

[wilburpan]

Stress relief is the main reason I like to chop instead of saw dovetail waste.

[jwatson]

i am slowly using more and more hand tools out of necessity. space and funds have directed me to antique tools etc. it is soothing work as well.

[SamV]

I'll find reasons to use my hand tools whenever I can. Practice is a good enough excuse to use handtools, heck I'll use my power tools to make the hand tools I don't have which is the whole point: more hand tools.

[PeteJr]

I have most every power tool that's available.

I also know that a craftsman knows how and when to use a hand tool.

That's where my next challenge lies.