Tools - A Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia
by Garrett Wade Company

Review by Mark Gezella – June 2004

This month's article is about a new entry to the library. I'm pretty excited about this entry because it bolsters our collection of texts related to tools and their usage.

This is a fine illustrated encyclopedia that boasts representations of over 450 tools. It's not authored by a single person; instead it was compiled collectively by a group at the Garrett Wade Company. I'm sure most, if not all of you are familiar with Garrett Wade. They are purveyors of fine tools, and have been in business since the mid-1970s. They've expanded their line of tools over the years, and have now branched off to some rather obscure things as well. They are on the web, and can be found at www.garrettwade.com.

"Tools" is sectioned into three primary parts: Measuring and Marking Tools, Cutting Tools, and Assembly / Finishing Tools. It also includes a smaller fourth section devoted to the workshop that talks about efficient use of space, workbenches, etc. Each section always begins a topic with an introduction, followed by an in-depth presentation on the topic. A micropedia is also provided near the end which lists the author's opinion on the most indispensable tools in a shop.

This is a rather unique text in that it offers more than just the "garden variety" picture/description combinations often found in tool books. It contains references to many beautiful tools accompanied by much wisdom and sage advice. I found one quote among the "hammers" group that I've heard before; "Man is a tool-using animal...Without tools he is nothing, with tools he is all" (also listed in the cover-leaf). I wish I would have said that!  I found several references to the age-old "...measure twice, cut once..." saying which was referred to as "...pithy advice...", followed by a better example of how to approach measuring and cutting. There is also a smattering of anecdotal, light-hearted stuff mixed in. As you turn the pages you continually find little snippets of quotations from various masters. It's a healthy mix of useful and sometimes amusing stuff. Also handy are boxes of "Dos" and "Don'ts" listed throughout.

The first section, Measuring and Marking contains myriad tools from squares to Japanese scribing knives. I know there are many collectors out there just gunning for folding rules, combination squares and the like, but I have to admit, they've never really done much for me. However, the book contains some fine examples of these as well as items like dividers, trammel points, and wooden scribing tools. Besides, it's hip to be square, or so goes the song!

The second section on Cutting Tools is where the book really shines. There is no shortage of fine chisels, gouges and saws in this section. I favor the choices the author(s) made with regard to tool samples - they're really top-notch. Pax saws, Marples and Sorby chisels, even G.W.'s own brand of gouges. And, of course the sub-section on hand planes is definitely worth a second or third look. Pretty much every kind of plane you can think of; wooden planes by Emmerich, metal-body planes by Record and Clifton, Stanley multi-lanes, specialty planes such as old-time Coach maker's planes, Japanese wooden planes, and on and on. This is also where the contemporary additions can be found in abundance. There is a generous amount of space given to power saws, power planes, drills, routers, rotary cutters, etc.  Again, nothing but the best manufactured by DeWalt, Inca, Porter-cable, Jet, Delta, etc.

Assembly / Finishing Tools are less dramatic, but a good way to round out the book in the third section. Much description is given to sandpaper, brushes, cloth, etc. Clamps are pretty much what you would expect; bar clamps, quick-grip, C-clamps, hand-screws, etc. You can never have too many clamps, eh?!

I got the impression that the author(s) had the intent to span generations with this book, evidenced by reprints of old woodcuts that depict workshops and craftsman working wood using centuries-old techniques. Yet, these can be found juxtaposed with full-color pictures of modern-day power tools; Best of all, the arrangements work.

Like I say! this book is brand-spanking new. It presents many great examples of hand and power tools, along with much advice on how to use them efficiently, and more importantly with little risk of injury to yourself. If you're looking for a good book that's all about tools, check it out. "Tools" is currently available for checkout in the Guild library.