This is my first hand tool projects that I've ever pursued. It's a slightly modified Nicholson knockdown bench with a leg vise and a laminated top. This project will cover a little bit of everything, from initial tool acquisition to the final bench, as well as many goofs, screw ups, and probably some cursing.

I worked a fair amount in the wood shop while in architecture school, but always had access to numerous power tools and large machines. Since much of my day currently is spent on a computer, it feels nice to use my hands to create something in such a tactile way, and my limited experience with hand tools had satisfied that craving.

The biggest factors holding me back from really investing in learning more was cost, space, and of course, time. Three years post graduation, I've got some spare cash - I now rent a house with an attached, but unconditioned garage - and I don't really have any time but that's been a pretty recurring theme in my life so far, so I just said it's time to give it a shot.