Workbench Wisdom Blog

Essential Leatherworking Tools Written by Lew Amicone Anvil: An anvil is a heavy, solid object that provides a firm work surface for hammering, punching, shaping, etc. Awl: This sharp tool is used to punch small holes or draw guidelines in...

Written by Lew Amicone Working around the home can be a great way to put your skills to good use. Whether you're performing regular maintenance and repairs or planning a building or renovation project, do-it-yourself construction can save money and...

Written by Lew Amicone  What do pretty jewelry, big trucks, and computers all have in common? They are all made with metals! What are these shiny materials, though? Do they all have something in common? Why are some stronger than...

Written by Lew Amicone  Working with your hands can be very satisfying, especially when your projects result in something you can use and enjoy around the house. Woodworking is one hobby that can encompass simple tasks or extremely involved skills,...

Written by Lew Amicone WHAT IS METAL DETECTING: Metal detecting is a fun and educational hobby that has recently become quite popular, especially in the United States and England. A Metal detectorist typically use a piece of equipment known as...

Written by Lew Amicone   There are few things more rewarding in this world than getting the chance to marvel at something you created with your own two hands. Learning about building, construction, and woodworking not only fosters critical thinking...

Written by Lew Amicone  Whether you’re heading to your workbench to start a woodworking project or planning a construction project, you have many different woods from which to choose. Wood falls into three different categories: hardwoods, softwoods, and exotic hardwoods....

Written by Lew Amicone  For years, antique tools like flails and seed barrows were state-of-the-art technology for farmers. As tools evolved and made some of these implements obsolete, they’ve become hot commodities for collectors. ANTIQUE FARM TOOLS Around 9500 B.C.E., humans...

ORIGINS AND IRON AGE Written by Lew Amicone  Blacksmithing began millennia ago, whenthe Hittites began to forge and temper iron around 1500 B.C. It was crude, as all they had were basic tools and fire, but it sufficed for creating weapons...