Useful Hand Tools for Constructing a Pirate Ship Playhouse Part 1
Tools for shaping wood are as indispensable to the making of pirate ship playhouses as the wood itself. Almost all of the tools we use today have their roots in the past. Stone Age hammers had no handles, but were hollowed on one side for a comfortable thumb grip. When primitive man first put a handle on his hammer, he grooved the stone head so a flexible withy could be bent around it and bound. The bit brace of the nineteenth century was often made by the man who used it and then handsomely carved to advertise his skill. Less elaborate models were sold to others.
Today, tools have become highly specialized and, with the continued growth of power tools, woodworking and playhouses construction have become a very popular craft for everyone. But new tools require as much skill as the old, established ones. What is different is the kind of skill or skills required. Do not be concerned if your home workshop is not furnished with all of the following tools,- very few are. Purchase tools as the need arises. Remember too that power tools, although rarely a hindrance, often create a dependence and can take away from the "feel" of handcrafting your works. Before the drill press there was and still remains the hand drill.
The tools are described here for the convenience of the playhouse builder who wishes to have a little more background on which tools he should use and how to use them for the job at hand. Pick and choose as you go along. Buy tools consistent with affordability. Closely examine the workmanship of each item to safeguard against poor metals and shoddy craftsmanship. Second-hand stores and flea markets often provide good hunting grounds for older, "experienced" tools that should not be overlooked. Tool hunting can be as much fun as making a pirate ship playhouse for your little one and they certainly complement one another.
RULES
Rules are used to measure and mark wood. Wooden rules, though often less expensive, will wear in time. Metal rules are more durable.
Bench Rule
Bench rules are straight wooden or metal rules made in one piece. They normally have inch or metric gradations. You can test them for straightness by standing them on edge.
Folding Rule
The folding rule is used in a confined space where a long rule would be inconvenient. It also eliminates the inconvenience of carrying a long measuring device around. Those with metal reinforced tips will resist wear.
Push-Pull Steel Tape
This type of rule is an extendable tape device coiled into a metal or plastic container. The spring inside controls an automatic return. It is a very portable type of ruler and won't take up much room in the tool chest.
SQUARES AND BEVELS
Squares and bevels are used to ensure accuracy of angles in play house construction situations where care must be taken.
Framing Square
The framing square is used for calculating, to mark out work for squaring, and to check angles used in wood construction.
Try Square
This is used to mark a line at right angles to an edge and to check that the corners of a frame or joint are accurate. The tool forms an accurate ninety-degree angle both on the inside and outside edges.
Combination Square
This is a steel rule securely clamped in a steel head used for multiple purposes. Some combination squares have a level vial inside the head to measure angulation. This tool helped me a lot when I was assembling a pirate ship playhouse for my kid.
T-Square
This is a long ruler, the head of which is fastened at the center to a piece of wood or metal. In effect, it can be used to slide along the edge of the stock and provide a straight edge for marking.
Spring Dividers
The divider is used to scribe arcs or circles on wood or to mark off divisions on a line, and normally has two identical legs with hardened points. They are adjusted by means of a set screw on a threaded shaft. The tool is rotated by turning the knurled spigot on the top.
Combination Square
This is a steel rule securely clamped in a steel head used for multiple purposes. Some combination squares have a level vial inside the head to measure angulation. This tool helped me a lot when I was assembling a pirate ship playhouse for my kid.
T-Square
This is a long ruler, the head of which is fastened at the center to a piece of wood or metal. In effect, it can be used to slide along the edge of the stock and provide a straight edge for marking.
Spring Dividers
The divider is used to scribe arcs or circles on wood or to mark off divisions on a line, and normally has two identical legs with hardened points. They are adjusted by means of a set screw on a threaded shaft. The tool is rotated by turning the knurled spigot on the top.
PUNCHES AND AWLS
Punches and awls are used to pierce and penetrate work, for making identification marks, nailing and drilling, and for driving nails and brads below the wood surface.
Punches
A punch is used to start a hole intended for drilling or to free a metal pin. Lightly tap the punch over the mark using a hammer. This will result in a slight conical depression in the wood. A sheet metal punch can be used to set a nail beneath the surface of the wood. This is to be filled with wood putty afterwards to conceal the nail head.
Awl
A straight-barreled awl is very useful for producing holes in leather or piercing thin veneers of wood. Thicker pieces of wood can have holes started with a brad awl, which is a screwdriver-type awl. This awl prevents the wood from splitting along the axis of the grain.
Sailcloth Needle
A sailcloth needle is to be used for mending and sewing together coarse and thick fabrics where ordinary needles fail. A hooked needle is useful for getting at awkward places.
CLAMPS
Clamps are devices to be used for holding or pressing work pieces together for gluing, straightening, and other purposes.
C-Clamp
This is a most versatile tool for wood and metal work. Pressure is applied by turning the wing thumbscrew or tommy bar. Use blocks of scrap lumber between the clamp and the work to prevent marking the stock.
Spring Clamps
Spring Clamps
Spring clamps are manually operated. The jaws are opened by squeezing the handles together. The clamp is then positioned over the work and released. Spring clamps are used to provide light pressure while gluing.
Hand Screw
Sometimes called "parallel clamps," these have been used for hundreds of years and are the real workhorses for clamping any large pieces of wood that will fit within the jaws. Hand screws adjust to any angle and should be used for clamping wood at odd angles. Modem hand screws are fitted with metal spindles in place of a threaded hole in the jaw itself. To adjust the hand screw grip each handle and rotate the tool either toward or away from you to open or close the jaws. Slip the clamp on the work and then tighten accordingly. This is best done by tightening the rear screw. Prevent the clamps from being glued to the wood stock by placing paper between the clamp and the jaw. Better yet, brush melted wax over the parts that will come in contact with the wood.
Pipe Clamp
Hand Screw
Sometimes called "parallel clamps," these have been used for hundreds of years and are the real workhorses for clamping any large pieces of wood that will fit within the jaws. Hand screws adjust to any angle and should be used for clamping wood at odd angles. Modem hand screws are fitted with metal spindles in place of a threaded hole in the jaw itself. To adjust the hand screw grip each handle and rotate the tool either toward or away from you to open or close the jaws. Slip the clamp on the work and then tighten accordingly. This is best done by tightening the rear screw. Prevent the clamps from being glued to the wood stock by placing paper between the clamp and the jaw. Better yet, brush melted wax over the parts that will come in contact with the wood.
Pipe Clamp
This tool is used to hold large boards or frames together while gluing—extremely useful if you’re putting together a very large pirate ship playhouse. It is fully adjustable, being composed of a long steel bar with a fixed jaw at one end and an adjustable jaw with a bolt at the other end. The latter is held in place by notches in the bar. Pipe clamps range from 1 foot to 6 feet in length.
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