On a deserted island….

[gstuartw]

You're on a deserted island. Which 5 hand tools do you take?

Seriously though, I'm starting from scratch where real woodworkers hand tools are concerned. I'm pretty well set with stationary power tools and my Festool collection has grown nicely in the last 10 months. But as completion of my shop nears and I start making sawdust I'd like to know which are the most used, most useful hand tools, measuring tools included. Initially I'll be cabinet making if that helps steer the responses.

Disclaimer. I do have a Woodpecker 1218 Square and 24" T square. No planes, chisels or anything else used to cut wood that doesn't plug in.

Thanks!

 

[VW mick]

I would go for

block plane
Tenon saw
Knife (utility)
2in chisel (my favourite but any to suit )
Hammer (I've got estwings .but any your pref)

 

[roblg3]

I suggest a mallet with medium and soft faces.  Your stuff should not have to be pounded together just tapped at most. 

 

[Kev]

Clamps. Clamps, clamps, clamps.

Oh and clamps.

 

[mouppe]

Since you'd probably want to build a boat, I'd bring:-

-Jack plane. (I use a #5 1/2)
-Bow saw
-chisel set
-axe
-router plane.

 

[teocaf]

what you're building is only part of the equation.  methods of work will vary greatly depending on the craftsman.  some use only hand tools by choice, others go mostly power and everything in between.  then there's hobby or business and everything in between.  you want to apply veneer by hammering or by vacuum press? and so on...
it has not always been this way but my approach has gravitated towards:  design a project.  figure out by which method you will do step one.  if you run up against a tool you need then get that.  go to step two...etc.  basically buy what you need as you run up hard against a need.  many other theories abound but you really have to decide for yourself

now on a deserted island, i imagine at the very least a chisel, a sharpening stone a mallet and perhaps a handsaw.  this way you can at least split the coconuts while you're making a raft or a canoe.

 

[roblg3]

some copper pots and tubing to make coconut rum!  all kidding aside, the basics are hammer chisel and saw...you can always buy cheap ones of these.  i suggest a pull saw not the usual push kind.  they're easier to use and more accurate.  you can buy em cheap $15 by irwin on amazon.  i like cheap stuff like this because i don't use them all that often and carry them with me all the time so they get abused more than used unfortunately.  a cruddy chisel can be sharpened over and over and you will learn what not to do with one that didn't cost you too much and when you're ready for a good chisel you'll know how to treat and sharpen it!  a hammer is usually just a hammer

 

[#Tee]

tape measure
quick clamps
speed square
safety glasses
hearing protection

 

[mastercabman]

tape measureu
quick clamps
speed square
safety glasses
hearing protection

Hearing protection?

 

[roblg3]

EH?.....what?

 

[rmwarren]

tape measureu
quick clamps
speed square
safety glasses
hearing protection

Hearing protection?

To block out the sound of the waves on the beach.  [poke]

RMW

 

[#Tee]

tape measure
quick clamps
speed square
safety glasses
hearing protection

Hearing protection?

he said will all power stationary and power tools are set, so im thinking on an island with all bought power tools along with 5 must have hand tools

and seriously what im i goona do with those 5 tools listed without power tools? clamp my speed square and tape measure together while my ears are protected from the waves?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Hammer
Chissel
Saw
Knife
Hand Drill

 

[mastercabman]

tape measure
quick clamps
speed square
safety glasses
hearing protection

Hearing protection?

he said will all power stationary and power tools are set, so im thinking on an island with all bought power tools along with 5 must have hand tools

and seriously what im i goona do with those 5 tools listed without power tools? clamp my speed square and tape measure together while my ears are protected from the waves?

Then again we are talking about hand tools

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Not my deserted island list, more like hand tools I think every shop should have.

Hammer
Deadblow mallet
12"Starrett combination square
Mechanics pencils - .5mm & .9mm
Clamps
Adjustable bevel square
Compass
Adjustable mouth low angle block plane. Either Veritas or Lie-Nielsen
1/2" & 1" bench chisels. LN or the Veritas PM-VII
Sharpening kit including a honing guide.

John

 

[mouppe]

Here's what a carpenter's sea chest from 1850 would have held.

http://www.faganarms.com/a-ships-carpenters-tool-chest-c-1850-09287a.aspx

 

[mastercabman]

Hammer
Chissel
Saw
Knife
Hand Drill

That would be my list too

 

[fdengel]

a random stick laying around could be used as a mallet in a pinch, so not much point in carrying that one with you if you are trying to escape from a sinking boat or something...

Could probably use that in place of a hammer unless you are also taking a bunch of nails with you (or plan on setting up a forge and making some while you are there...)

Axe
Saw
Whetstone
First-Aid Kit
Inflatable Raft

 

[Brent Taylor]

If the island a shop, my list would be low angle planes(block and #62), a dead blow hammer, marking knife, chisels and a Dozuki razor saw. If I could add two more tools, I'd want a way to sharpen(Veritas Mk. II honing guide and lapping paper or film) and a poophouse full of clamps (Bessey's Revo's and/or Irwin's XP's). B

Real island list: axe, machettte, rope, flint and a tarp. B

 

[Kev]

Don't stress ... Uncle Bob will surely offer a parachute drop delivery service [wink]