“Psychologically, it’s really nice.” A few folks dive deeply into their thoughts about the meaning of things. That makes it particularly “nice” for the rest of us too. Muchas gracias.
There could be any number of reasons why it absolutely doesn’t matter. It’s not going to be seen. He’s going to take a pass or two after he’s done with the tenon. Very simply, it’s probably not important. Finished is better than perfect. 😉
Highly recommend Chris’s book Anarchist’s Tool Chest and Anarchist Design Book. His writing is good, and he makes reading about wood working fun. As far as his “anarchist” theory it’s just kind of a dumb muddled way to describe a break from capitalist tendencies. Which, hey, I support. But he makes the error in believing consumer choices are responsible. Which is totally naive when you look how many countries like Japan had their markets opened at the end of a barrel of a gun. Capitalism, consumerism, and mass production are top down policies. Often pushed on people that are already living perfectly fine and self-sufficient lives. Only a very clear headed-and mind you, radical- government could bring back the type of small entrepreneurial and self sufficient communities that could host a hand tool furniture maker. And that government would have to sufficiently strong enough to defend against other predatory countries looking to open their markets again and dump in cheap products. I know what type of society Chris longs for, and I feel that in my bones too, but the way he writes about how it can be achieved is so hopelessly naive that I find him even more likable. Keep in mind, his books are 99% woodworking, but when he tries to explain his philosophy it comes off as bad advice. If a bunch of people began trying to feed their families with hand tools they would go broke. It’s honestly why the hand tool route is more of a retired man’s hobby. Unless of course you lived in an exceptionally wealthy/bougie community that can afford to pay you properly. Looking at my poor surroundings I’m well aware nobody can properly pay me for a hand-tool piece of furniture and the amount of time I spent on it… My ramble is over. Chris is great. He has a lot to teach about woodworking, don’t get distracted by his politics (like I have).
Great video and sound advice. As I get older, I find myself reaching for my hand tools more and more. I have the power tools for woodworking, but I just get so much more enjoyment from those old hand tools.
Idk why this popped up in my recommendations - I'm not exactly a woodworking enthusiast - but I am glad that it did, this is wonderfully made, and I would love to see more of it!
I spent a year delivering wood for a local lumberyard. One of our customers produced the best furniture I still have ever seen and all his tools fit in a rolling cabinet the size of a dresser. And his non-handheld power tools were a table saw and a thickness planer. It was impressive to see.
Wonderful message and beautifully shot and produced. Woodworking is a special part of my life and I avoid machinery where possible. I've just inherited some of my grandfather's old tools and I'm more inspired to better understand and use them now. Warm regards and a big thanks from a new subscriber in Sydney - Dave
I had to teach myself this philosophy as a mechanic, tool truck would pull in with all the nice shiny tools, you could get them just make weekly payment, took me 3 years after I quit just to pay them off. Same way as an electrician there is always a new wizbang you just have to have, but the standard mix will do almost everything you need day to day
Finally, a real woodworker on UA-cam. Been watching Christopher for years on the Woodwright shop and others. Not a poseur like most of the "woodworkers" on the google.
This is a fantastic video! I would love to see more about the shop and the philosophy of anarchist woodworking. For such a high quality video it honestly shocked me the channel only has 500 subs.
Finally an algorithm which hit its mark . I’m no carpenter or cabinet maker but I’m a fifty year old musician who has in the last few years become obsessed creatively with teaching myself and making things out of wood.
I have spent the better part of the last 6 months or so trying to research and source medieval tools, including figuring out which ones I'd need to forge. This spoke to me on a fundamental level. Thank you,
Some tools are in themselves work of "art" and made such by masters... Ever felt that "tingling" feeling when holding "some" old tools built with magnific sense of love and care and honest purpose. You know them when holding them, it's a feeling of pure joy, flow and they feel like they are a part of you... They can very old, crude, forgotten and simply wonderful! Tools handled by someone who treated them like loved ones... You feel that to... I take care of my tools as if they are family members, and I try to inspire my students to understand why so...
I have to say your opening statement to this video is an excellent observation or understanding or both! If you look at the Japanese methodology of tools, they seem to practice this rule also. I also came to the same conclusion after repairing so many planes and having so many laying around the shop and then you come to the realization you just need a few tools and you need to learn how to use them fully add to the best of your ability! Then, practicing with those tools gives me the experience and skills to become a great craftsman in woodworking! Nowadays, a lot of guys are just wood processors versus Woodworkers in my book.
This piece is so beautiful on every level. The video craft itself is in perfect harmony with the content shared throughout. I could watch it over, and over, and over, and each time I do, I see, and hear, and feel new treasures each time. Thank you for making this piece and helping so many of discover such timeless yet almost extinct truths.
Limiting the number of tools to avoid clutter and making a tool chest truly portable is great advice. Knowing which tools to purchase and use is the game changer. An old Stanley 289 skew angle rabbet plane is amazing. An old Stanley 140 skew angle block plane is a game changer.. A set of chisels ( 1/8 to 1 1/4) with high quality steel is very high on the list. Swann, Buck Brothers cast steel, Berg, and others from the 1880's to the 1930's are money well spent. Stanley everlasting chisels (sweetheart era) with wood handles, full tang and metal end caps have truly amazing steel. Sargent VBM hand planes (1910 to 1918) with east Indian rosewood totes and thicker English irons put my type 11 Stanleys to shame. A 9 inch combination square (Starrett) is easier to use than a 12 inch. A Stanley no. 22 combination square gives you plumb and level bubbles. Most only give you one bubble. Plumb hammers with the side strike head make chiseling easier (22 oz). Good quality antique tools can make a big difference in the quality of your work. I have a lot of chisels, but I always reach for my Keen Kutter socket chisels from the 1920's. I believe they were made by Berg. Disston saws are usually money well spent. Keep the tools that work great, sell the others . Thanks Chris and Megan for your educational videos.
I built kitchens. I can't imagine cutting 300 pieces of melamine with a hand saw. Time is money, but I'm also a woodworker and that implies an appreciation of tools, wood, and the craft. 25 years ive had my own shop building it up from one old sears table saw to a functional cabinet shop. In my retirement i decided i wanted a lathe. I found an old 1960 Rockwell at an auction. It has taken months to even get running. I'm humbled by the different skills needed to turn wood. It is a whole new language of wood. It broke down again yesterday and i spent the afternoon looking at $2500.00 lathes. Last night i was irritated because i have not yet earned the new lathe. Yes, i want to be able to turn large projects, but i am years from that. It it the same with anytool. I've used tools for years without knowing their full worth. I love my cabinet scraper, but i see some old timers getting amazing curls with one and think i should learn to do that. Now I'm the oldtimers and kids are probably amazed with what i can do with a cordless drill.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. I can identify with aspects of it myself, though I haven't yet put as many decades into my craft as you have. Thank you for taking the time to share.
I’ve been following you on IG for years and the algorithm magically brought me here today. It’s wonderful to hear your voice and see you working. Thank you!
Nice video, great setting and editing. I just finished a Yellow Pine workbench following your advice and am delighted with how it turned out. I'm afraid to get it dirty....but it already has a couple of nicks and some blood on it....
Great explanation of an incredible book! The anarchist’s philosophy reminds me of a book written by Nixon’s speech writer who became a welder and lived on the barter system. Can’t remember his name but I read it in the 1970’s. Fair pay for quality work and quality products makes sense to me.
I'm an anarchist and i love to cook and this is the way i approach my kitchen. I don't need gadgets and gizmos to replace something simple like a solid steel pan or a wooden spoon. Skill sharing is a big anarchist tradition, it makes sense he's a teacher as well as a woodworker
Well produced video. Great subject. I also built an “Anarchist Tool Chest” but. Built it with hardwoods and style. Filling it with my chosen tools has been fun. Only old “antique” tools of best quality I can find. Some tools in my chest I hardly ever use but they have a home in this chest. Now, which kid or grandkid deserves this chest when I’m gone?
I love that "I don't need a better tool than the one that I have. If I had that saw I would not cut better dovetails, it would just look better in my hand while doing it." That is exactly how I feel and wish that I knew that when I was much, much younger. So many of the new UA-cam accounts are established by doing comparisons of high tools, unboxing of high-end tools and demonstrating high end tools all while poopooing the idea that a $34 saw can cut as well as the newest $496 hand saw that are currently the fad. If we were just taught how to setup and sharpen our tools to begin with, by someone, anyone, we would not now endlessly running around looking for that next great tool that works out of the box and does everything without having to learn how to do the job it does for us.
Amen! Such a hard lesson to live by when the internet pumps you with the idea that you're the only one using the old piece and "everyone else" is upgrading to the latest tool. Happens in my industry with camera gear all the time too. It's comforting to see others out there who reject this mindset. Keep up the great work. Determine to be a good woodworker rather than tool collector!
I remember seeing you of Roy Underhill's Woodwright's show! Great to see you again. I really love that closing quote. It speaks to so much about so many disciplines.
This is my first visit here, and I admire your resistance to the ‘you HAVE to buy more stuff’ ideology. If I may share one observation from the owner of a fishing tackle shop? The owner said to me ‘10% of the stuff in this shop is for catching fish. The other 90% is for catching fishermen…’. True story. Because of the marketing and sales industries, it’s the same with almost EVERYTHING, from cradle to grave. Thank you for remaining in the 10% zone. I hope to join you there, but first I need to de-clutter my industry-programmed mind. If you have a video to help me de-clutter, I’m all in.
Nice video! I’m glad to see UA-cam finally begin to understand that I don’t care about weapons and tactics just because I’ve been binge watching Léo Ferré recently in order to learn how to sing his “Les Anarchistes” song.
I love this video, and I love the ideas he discusses, BUT the whole "does it fit in the box, if not, I probably don't need it" talking point is a bit at odds with the very large tool wall at the back of the shop.
You can make your own tools. I think it's more about decision making process. I could spend the day thinking all day and be just as happy. What I get is the peace that comes with working with tools and living in the moment. Enjoying the journey and the destination. Coming up with a plan and seeing it through to the end, even if it's not the same end you envisioned when you started.
I go through "phases". Sometimes I want my early tools, my wood bodies. Some times I want my later tools, my metal bodies. And sometimes I use modern tools, power tools. I cant just pick one.
I donated a copy of "The Anarchist' Tool Chest" to a local library. The book was rejected as a donation for lending to patrons, presumably due to the title. The book was lost after it was rejected and I had to buy another copy for myself, and I don't see myself ever loaning this book out.
Dont get me wong, I think minimalism can be a helpfull and healthy concept, but there is a danger of it beeing elitist, which is shown through its history of cultural erasure and even fascism.
@@schwarzeasche7538 "Minimalism" can be applied quite broadly, and is often used quite loosely. I don't think you and I disagree at all. I think we're talking about minimalism as a individual lifestyle choice, and not a societal ideal. I would like to add, that while elitism and minimalism can be a bad combo, "elitism" is a problem well beyond the scope of minimalism. My basic point is, out of all the tyrannical elitists you or I will end up interacting with throughout life, I don't think a statistically significant portion of them will be minimalists.
I disagree with the take that tyrannical elitists are not likely to be minimalist. It's true that the figureheads like Mussolini or Hitler were themselves not necessarily minimalist, fascism has a very interesting interaction with minimalism, that we also can observe in modern neoliberal and right wing movement, of which some have fascist tendencies. The minimalism doesn't come from the point you are propably approaching it, of reduction as a tool to declutter and consumption reduction or something similar, it comes from the wish to distance themselves from "dirty" culture. this has a racist aspect, for example distancing from "wrong christianity" with "tacy" saint statues, like some mexican catholics or eastern european orthodox, but it's also against youth or sub culture, that is alive and creative like punk, hiphop and even hillbillies in the US or Gravity culture, in all thir diversity, colours and world wide influences. they are seen as a danger to the hegemony in society, and so they become demonised@@GonkyWonkler
I am a woodworker (bowl turning) also and anarchist!! Yes I get the same result when I tell people that I am- "So you want the wild west?" I respond by saying anarchy simple means, without the government...
For me anarchism is about community. No suffocating government, no greedy companies, just working towards a thriving community. Giving people ownership of the companies they work for and the communities they live in. I sadly don’t think it’s possible to have an anarchist society in today’s world, with large-scale international trade, huge states, and rampant consumerism, but we can work towards those anarchistic goals nonetheless. We need a shift in mentality.
Had I had the workshop, I would go all hand tools. I have a primary ground course as a cabinet maker, so I know I don't need a whole bunch of tools to make pretty furniture. And powertools really only speed up certain procedures. They aren't necessary for those who aren't in a hurry. I am in a hurry, albeit a hurry to get a workshop so I won't have to use my kitchen and my living room as a place to plane wood shavings, spread dust, clean, glue and either paint, oil or stain. So I'm buying a few powertools to make certain processes faster, but there are plenty of hand tools I'd rather use than power tools or fancy jigs. I've always found the dovetail markup jigs useless. You don't need a jig, you just need to know how to draw them with the tools you already got. Save those money for the wood you need to love your craft.
Very inspiring video indeed! Just a remark: do all the additional tools hanging on the wall fit in the tool chest? Don't take it bad, but it is a fact that, for example, clamps alone become usually very numerous in a workshop... keep good work going!
So in Chris's case, he teaches woodworking workshops and the tools on the wall are generally for those students. I don't think he keeps his clamps in his chest. Not 100% sure. Good question.
socialism does not deny personal property and is perhaps the only way to grant individuals access to the fruits of their labor. there is not a clear understanding of anarchism that would position itself so distinctly opposed to socialism along the lines laid out at ~ 3:00.
Seems like a nice guy and probably pretty pretty cool to hang out. but I want to know who told him that socialism and communism mean you’re not entitled to the fruits of your own labor? Because like that’s the driving factor of both economic modes. He might be thinking of capitalism you know where you actually have to work for the wealthy people, and they keep the majority of the value created through your labor. Because other than that, he seems like he’s got his head on straight and would be a pretty rad dude to hang out with.
Mentions the box more than once and what doesn't fit, you don't need.... but there's a whole wall of tools there that aren't in the box. Also, i love my "gizmotastic" line of tools lol
Yeah, so that location he also teaches woodworking classes and the tools on the wall are for the students to use more times than not. Obviously, he did dig around on the shelves for some glue and such, but he largely uses only what's in his tool box.
“Occidental Leather” makes a beautiful craftsman’s tool bag, worthy of passing down to your grandkids. I have filled mine with almost 50# of tools. I have an accompanying “Trusco GL470” japanese tool box to hold another 25#. -efficiency
Glad it was thought provoking. Thanks for sharing. Also, it's ok to be a tool collector if that's what you love most about this work. But if you love the craft and the projects themselves, focus your time, energy, and attention to that rather than another tool.
I don’t disagree that we can have/ desire too many tools. But if they are in it “for the furniture “ all they showed was tools. In this they parallel Cosman. He has lots of tools and instead is all about the processing of wood, but the things he builds are blah. One should buy the tools that let you accomplish the object you envision. One person may be able to do that with 10 tools. Another with 20. It’s the resulting craft, beauty and utility that we should put our attention to.
@@magnumveritas9526 I am not one of those Festool or die types either, but I have some Lie Neilson planes that I swear are priceless to my endeavors, and I sharpen them on a WEN station which is the cheapest low speed on the market. So, I thank you for seeing things from my perspective. I just love my tools, even though I bet it is nice to have just a chest of them instead of a cramped shop of tools and no organization like I have. its maddening sometimes.
Beliving his own lies so deeply, he cannot experience the world in front of him, thus keeping his eyes shut most of the time. Nah, jk, great video man, just teasin. Cheers from a fellow woodworker
Buy everything you can afford, pull timber off the side of the road and break down broken furniture just to mess around with and practice. The more you do the better you are. It’s not about like “oooh I only have the tools that fit in my chest and I do just fine” buy everything you want and use it
Looking at tools this way implies a narrow focus on how we perceive rewards. Does a hand sawn wood joint hold better than a power machine result? Certainly hand working wood requires more training, patience and practice; it's challenging and costly. I commend your argument for a single chest and the skills to use those tools.
Thanks for your short, concise and reaffirming vid! Well done. BTW, this can apply to every trade or part of life. My passion is cooking, not professionally. And I love cook books, esp. with pretty pictures. More than 20 years ago I made a "rule" for myself: until I have cooked at least 1 thing out of each and every book I have I don't buy not 1 more. .... haven't bought 1 and gotten rid of many in this time... less clutter, expenses, etc. And more time cooking... Another not-molotov-throwing anarchist ;-)
So true. I'm a videographer and I immediately saw the connection to my industry with cameras and gear. There's always a newer and "better" piece of gear hitting the market tempting me to be discontent with what I have and think that the tool makes a piece better than the skill of the craftsman. Case in point, most of this video was shot with an old 10 year old camera that can't even film 4K. It can still hold its own.
My joy in woodworking is simply to creat objects of desire and value. I would not want for one minute to add politics to it or any other meaning to detract or distract from the work. Politics and beauty - they just don’t mix. Achievement is beauty in its self.
There is certainly some truth to that. On the other hand, everything in life has meaning and purpose behind it. Everything communicates something. More of just a question as to how overt it is.
Mike, I disagree. The vid has, for some reason called your attention and you watched (part of) it. While doing so you, hopefully, got a little education. Because many ppl don't know what Anarchists really are. Most are not bomb throwing terrorists, they are peaceful human beings. And each one has his ideas, I think. Non-consumerism seems to be one of the common traits shared by many, at least in my experience. Its about sharing ideas and views of the world, not about convincing you or anyone else how to vote. JMHO
But medieval pre-capitalism was feudalism. You were ruled over by your lord, and your lord was ruled over by nobility, and nobility were ruled by a king. It was all extremely structured. Suffocatingly so. And kingdoms were pretty large organizations. Well, depending on the kingdom. The amount of control the king had varied by time period and by region, but all of this is to say: where are you getting anarchism from that?
Indeed, landowners couldn't even decide how many tenants they wanted to live in their land in most cases. Someone from Court that worked with the Royal Treasury would come survey the size and quality of your land, access to fresh water, whether there was a lot of good timber or fodder for herd animals etc. They would then set a number of tenants that THEY felt could all comfortably live on and off of your land. They would then estimate how much of all resources you as landowner would receive from those working your land and from that they would figure out how much you should pay to the Crown in taxes. There's literally nothing in common with any definition of anarchy in the feudal system.
The key problem with anarchism is if you don't have a third party to protect your private property and tools (i.e. government), the local bully will just take them away from you. Thus anarchism results in might is right. This is why individualism protected by minimal government (i.e. laissez-faire capitalism, or Objectivism, or Lockeian classical liberalism) is the essential step.
I must say, all anarchism is socialism! mutual aid, cooperation and community is anarchism and is very well a part of the aesthetic anarchism! Otherwise great video
So Chris describes himself as an aesthetic anarchist, not a political anarchist. He outlines a little of this in this piece, but there's only so much one can cover in six minutes and it wasn't the main focus I wanted for this piece. This form of anarchism has more to do with one's own mindset about workforce structure; corporation vs. individual. Hope that helps. I'm new to all of it, but my main focus was on the mindset we should have regarding tools, our craft, and contentment.
@@magnumveritas9526 When he says "I'm not a communist or socialist, you have a right to your tools" it's pretty hard to imagine he is referring to some hypothetcial 'aesthetic communism' which dictates against owning tools. So I do believe it to be a broader political statement, and not just about approach to individual craft. I don't have a problem with the guy having whatever politics he prefers, but it is a bit incoherent to conflate two of the (admittedly annoying) meanings of 'property' here.
@@grief_hammer Sure thing. Again, I'm new to all that, so I'd have to have a deeper conversation with Chris to understand it. As a videographer who loves gear but also uses "outdated" gear to achieve industry standard results, I was pursuing his perspective on what one's mindset to tools vs. the craft was.
@@magnumveritas9526 I understand that- it's not a criticism of your good work with these vids. In fact it's just genuine response- I found it interesting but of course posted with the typical internet vernacular. If Chris sees this I would like to understand what the difference between his vision of 'aesthetic anarchism' and 'minimalism' or even 'voluntary simplicity' is...
"You're entitled to your tools and you're entitled to the fruits of your labour, so it's not socialism, it's not communism" - Man you just described communism and the distinction between personal property and private property.
woodworker: hey I can make beautiful furniture
filmmaker: plane more wood shavings!!
Ha ha! So true. You weren't on set were you?
“Psychologically, it’s really nice.” A few folks dive deeply into their thoughts about the meaning of things. That makes it particularly “nice” for the rest of us too. Muchas gracias.
Thank you for the encouragement. Really appreciate it. Glad you enjoyed.
My toolchest is also an anarchist and it has replicated and unionized and now half my house is toolchests.
Nice!
That blow out at 3:01...blew my mind.
Lmao dude same!!!! Im thinking wth is he gonna use that for 😂
Was looking for this comment lol, why include that in the vid??
There could be any number of reasons why it absolutely doesn’t matter. It’s not going to be seen. He’s going to take a pass or two after he’s done with the tenon. Very simply, it’s probably not important. Finished is better than perfect. 😉
Highly recommend Chris’s book Anarchist’s Tool Chest and Anarchist Design Book. His writing is good, and he makes reading about wood working fun. As far as his “anarchist” theory it’s just kind of a dumb muddled way to describe a break from capitalist tendencies. Which, hey, I support. But he makes the error in believing consumer choices are responsible. Which is totally naive when you look how many countries like Japan had their markets opened at the end of a barrel of a gun. Capitalism, consumerism, and mass production are top down policies. Often pushed on people that are already living perfectly fine and self-sufficient lives. Only a very clear headed-and mind you, radical- government could bring back the type of small entrepreneurial and self sufficient communities that could host a hand tool furniture maker. And that government would have to sufficiently strong enough to defend against other predatory countries looking to open their markets again and dump in cheap products. I know what type of society Chris longs for, and I feel that in my bones too, but the way he writes about how it can be achieved is so hopelessly naive that I find him even more likable. Keep in mind, his books are 99% woodworking, but when he tries to explain his philosophy it comes off as bad advice. If a bunch of people began trying to feed their families with hand tools they would go broke. It’s honestly why the hand tool route is more of a retired man’s hobby. Unless of course you lived in an exceptionally wealthy/bougie community that can afford to pay you properly. Looking at my poor surroundings I’m well aware nobody can properly pay me for a hand-tool piece of furniture and the amount of time I spent on it… My ramble is over. Chris is great. He has a lot to teach about woodworking, don’t get distracted by his politics (like I have).
Thank you for this. I was confused why he was applying the term Anarchism to this, but explicitly says it's not like European Anarchism or Socialism.
The tones of this video set my day up for a good start. I’ll be thinking critically all day about my tools.
Thank you.
Great video and sound advice. As I get older, I find myself reaching for my hand tools more and more. I have the power tools for woodworking, but I just get so much more enjoyment from those old hand tools.
Hmm, amen. There's something so special about that human touch. So much more gratifying to use too.
Less dust too!
Idk why this popped up in my recommendations - I'm not exactly a woodworking enthusiast - but I am glad that it did, this is wonderfully made, and I would love to see more of it!
Ha ha. Well, I'm not sure why it did either, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to say so.
Same
What a wondeerful surprise to find this video. Still reading my new book "Sharpen This". Thanks for all you do for woodworkers and the craft.
Thank you so much. Really appreciate the encouragement.
I could watch videos with Chris and Megan all day. Beautiful video.
Aww, thank you so very much. Great people!
I spent a year delivering wood for a local lumberyard. One of our customers produced the best furniture I still have ever seen and all his tools fit in a rolling cabinet the size of a dresser. And his non-handheld power tools were a table saw and a thickness planer. It was impressive to see.
Wonderful message and beautifully shot and produced. Woodworking is a special part of my life and I avoid machinery where possible. I've just inherited some of my grandfather's old tools and I'm more inspired to better understand and use them now. Warm regards and a big thanks from a new subscriber in Sydney - Dave
Aww, thank you so much for that encouragement. That means a lot. I'm so glad this was inspiring to you.
❤ This video is a treasure. Thank you for taking the time to make it!
Aww. Thank you so much for that encouragement. That is really kind of you. I appreciate it.
I had to teach myself this philosophy as a mechanic, tool truck would pull in with all the nice shiny tools, you could get them just make weekly payment, took me 3 years after I quit just to pay them off. Same way as an electrician there is always a new wizbang you just have to have, but the standard mix will do almost everything you need day to day
Better "late" than never. It is the same in my industry with cameras and gear.
Finally, a real woodworker on UA-cam. Been watching Christopher for years on the Woodwright shop and others. Not a poseur like most of the "woodworkers" on the google.
He is a fabulous character and I love his lifestyle. He lives his beliefs wholeheartedly.
I have watched this a number of times, and it never gets old. Well said 👍👍👍👍👍👍
Wow! Thank you so much. That support and feedback means a lot. I appreciate it.
This is a fantastic video! I would love to see more about the shop and the philosophy of anarchist woodworking.
For such a high quality video it honestly shocked me the channel only has 500 subs.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate the compliment and that I left you wanting more.
Ben get Chris’s book. It is worth the read.
As an anarchist, this is an absolutely wonderful video, thank you
Thank you so very much. I really appreciate that. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Finally an algorithm which hit its mark . I’m no carpenter or cabinet maker but I’m a fifty year old musician who has in the last few years become obsessed creatively with teaching myself and making things out of wood.
Wow! Good for you. That's really fantastic. So glad you enjoyed.
wonderfully made! love the shots and atmosphere - looking forward to more to come !
Aww, thank you very much. I'm very proud of it. Hoping to produce something this spring.
@@magnumveritas9526 ace - can’t wait - just pure chefs kiss to the above
@@leonardtabaccomeister3807 That is so encouraging. Thank you so much.
You have inspired me. To ask if you would like to buy a bunch of tools?!
@@ericerf6837 Ha ha! You're hilarious.
I have spent the better part of the last 6 months or so trying to research and source medieval tools, including figuring out which ones I'd need to forge. This spoke to me on a fundamental level. Thank you,
Wow! That's really cool. Keep up the work. Glad you could resonate with this.
Some tools are in themselves work of "art" and made such by masters...
Ever felt that "tingling" feeling when holding "some" old tools built with magnific sense of love and care and honest purpose.
You know them when holding them, it's a feeling of pure joy, flow and they feel like they are a part of you...
They can very old, crude, forgotten and simply wonderful!
Tools handled by someone who treated them like loved ones... You feel that to...
I take care of my tools as if they are family members, and I try to inspire my students to understand why so...
So true. It becomes an extension of you sometimes.
I have to say your opening statement to this video is an excellent observation or understanding or both! If you look at the Japanese methodology of tools, they seem to practice this rule also.
I also came to the same conclusion after repairing so many planes and having so many laying around the shop and then you come to the realization you just need a few tools and you need to learn how to use them fully add to the best of your ability! Then, practicing with those tools gives me the experience and skills to become a great craftsman in woodworking! Nowadays, a lot of guys are just wood processors versus Woodworkers in my book.
Beautifully said. Much more peaceful way to live honestly.
This piece is so beautiful on every level. The video craft itself is in perfect harmony with the content shared throughout. I could watch it over, and over, and over, and each time I do, I see, and hear, and feel new treasures each time. Thank you for making this piece and helping so many of discover such timeless yet almost extinct truths.
Shucks. That means so much to me. Thank you. It's probably the piece I'm most proud of that I've made.
Limiting the number of tools to avoid clutter and making a tool chest truly portable is great advice. Knowing which tools to purchase and use is the game changer. An old Stanley 289 skew angle rabbet plane is amazing. An old Stanley 140 skew angle block plane is a game changer.. A set of chisels ( 1/8 to 1 1/4) with high quality steel is very high on the list. Swann, Buck Brothers cast steel, Berg, and others from the 1880's to the 1930's are money well spent. Stanley everlasting chisels (sweetheart era) with wood handles, full tang and metal end caps have truly amazing steel. Sargent VBM hand planes (1910 to 1918) with east Indian rosewood totes and thicker English irons put my type 11 Stanleys to shame. A 9 inch combination square (Starrett) is easier to use than a 12 inch. A Stanley no. 22 combination square gives you plumb and level bubbles. Most only give you one bubble. Plumb hammers with the side strike head make chiseling easier (22 oz). Good quality antique tools can make a big difference in the quality of your work. I have a lot of chisels, but I always reach for my Keen Kutter socket chisels from the 1920's. I believe they were made by Berg. Disston saws are usually money well spent. Keep the tools that work great, sell the others . Thanks Chris and Megan for your educational videos.
Wow! That's awesome! Thanks for sharing.
I built kitchens. I can't imagine cutting 300 pieces of melamine with a hand saw. Time is money, but I'm also a woodworker and that implies an appreciation of tools, wood, and the craft.
25 years ive had my own shop building it up from one old sears table saw to a functional cabinet shop. In my retirement i decided i wanted a lathe. I found an old 1960 Rockwell at an auction. It has taken months to even get running. I'm humbled by the different skills needed to turn wood. It is a whole new language of wood. It broke down again yesterday and i spent the afternoon looking at $2500.00 lathes. Last night i was irritated because i have not yet earned the new lathe. Yes, i want to be able to turn large projects, but i am years from that.
It it the same with anytool. I've used tools for years without knowing their full worth. I love my cabinet scraper, but i see some old timers getting amazing curls with one and think i should learn to do that. Now I'm the oldtimers and kids are probably amazed with what i can do with a cordless drill.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your story. I can identify with aspects of it myself, though I haven't yet put as many decades into my craft as you have. Thank you for taking the time to share.
I’ve been following you on IG for years and the algorithm magically brought me here today. It’s wonderful to hear your voice and see you working. Thank you!
So glad you found this. Thanks for saying so.
Nice video, great setting and editing. I just finished a Yellow Pine workbench following your advice and am delighted with how it turned out. I'm afraid to get it dirty....but it already has a couple of nicks and some blood on it....
Thank you so much. Congratulations! Good for you. Hey, that's what adds story and character to any piece; just go easy on the blood.
Kia Ora & Good Evening from Auckland, New Zealand …great video bro …
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed.
Great explanation of an incredible book! The anarchist’s philosophy reminds me of a book written by Nixon’s speech writer who became a welder and lived on the barter system. Can’t remember his name but I read it in the 1970’s. Fair pay for quality work and quality products makes sense to me.
Dang that sounds like an interesting read.
I'm an anarchist and i love to cook and this is the way i approach my kitchen. I don't need gadgets and gizmos to replace something simple like a solid steel pan or a wooden spoon. Skill sharing is a big anarchist tradition, it makes sense he's a teacher as well as a woodworker
That's really awesome. Good for you.
The gizmotastic dovetail cutter 2000 is going to be the name of my next pull saw. Thanks Chris!
Bwahaha! I love it. Unfortunately, Chris won't buy one.
Well produced video. Great subject. I also built an “Anarchist Tool Chest” but. Built it with hardwoods and style. Filling it with my chosen tools has been fun. Only old “antique” tools of best quality I can find. Some tools in my chest I hardly ever use but they have a home in this chest. Now, which kid or grandkid deserves this chest when I’m gone?
Are you looking to adopt grandchildren?
I love that "I don't need a better tool than the one that I have. If I had that saw I would not cut better dovetails, it would just look better in my hand while doing it." That is exactly how I feel and wish that I knew that when I was much, much younger. So many of the new UA-cam accounts are established by doing comparisons of high tools, unboxing of high-end tools and demonstrating high end tools all while poopooing the idea that a $34 saw can cut as well as the newest $496 hand saw that are currently the fad. If we were just taught how to setup and sharpen our tools to begin with, by someone, anyone, we would not now endlessly running around looking for that next great tool that works out of the box and does everything without having to learn how to do the job it does for us.
Look up Paul Sellers
Amen! Such a hard lesson to live by when the internet pumps you with the idea that you're the only one using the old piece and "everyone else" is upgrading to the latest tool. Happens in my industry with camera gear all the time too. It's comforting to see others out there who reject this mindset. Keep up the great work. Determine to be a good woodworker rather than tool collector!
I remember seeing you of Roy Underhill's Woodwright's show! Great to see you again. I really love that closing quote. It speaks to so much about so many disciplines.
Nice.
Thank you this is one of the best writing channels I’ve found❤
Shucks. So glad you enjoyed.
This is my first visit here, and I admire your resistance to the ‘you HAVE to buy more stuff’ ideology. If I may share one observation from the owner of a fishing tackle shop? The owner said to me ‘10% of the stuff in this shop is for catching fish. The other 90% is for catching fishermen…’. True story.
Because of the marketing and sales industries, it’s the same with almost EVERYTHING, from cradle to grave.
Thank you for remaining in the 10% zone. I hope to join you there, but first I need to de-clutter my industry-programmed mind. If you have a video to help me de-clutter, I’m all in.
That is so hilarious and so true. I love that. I'll let you know when I make such a video. Thank you for commenting and for the idea.
A philosophy for life. Thanks Chris and Meagan!
Great folks!
Please accept the most affectionate regards from from away Brazil. I loved your video!
Wow! Thank you so much for saying so. I'm glad you liked it so much. I do as well.
@@magnumveritas9526 Keep doing your excellent work!
Fantastic timing holy, i just finished reading your book about the anarchists workbench and was great!
Chris is amazing. So glad.
As a European anarchist, I still love this aesthetic. Cheers to you, whatever our differences, may we both be prosperous!!
Thank you so much! Really appreciate it.
OORAH!!! Saw my old my watching this, and I'm glad I could find it. Does anyone know similar videos or concepts for other trades?
Thank you so much. Very encouraging of you. Not off the top of my head, but I want to produce more short form documentaries like this, so stay tuned.
I can see this channel growing at an alarming rate. Very captivating and full of emotion considering the length
Thank you so much. I really appreciate the complement.
When you know, you know
Funny, I have a hand-me-down craftsman coping saw I got from my dad, and it's fantastic! Wooden handle and chrome plated steel made in Germany.
Ha ha. Well, glad you have a good one.
Nice video! I’m glad to see UA-cam finally begin to understand that I don’t care about weapons and tactics just because I’ve been binge watching Léo Ferré recently in order to learn how to sing his “Les Anarchistes” song.
Ha ha! Glad you enjoyed.
I love this video, and I love the ideas he discusses, BUT the whole "does it fit in the box, if not, I probably don't need it" talking point is a bit at odds with the very large tool wall at the back of the shop.
So he also teaches some woodworking classes and most of those are tools for the students in the classes.
Just what I needed this morning. Thank you.
Aww, so glad. Thank you for saying so. I really appreciate that.
Thanks for sharing and explaining.
You can make your own tools. I think it's more about decision making process. I could spend the day thinking all day and be just as happy. What I get is the peace that comes with working with tools and living in the moment. Enjoying the journey and the destination. Coming up with a plan and seeing it through to the end, even if it's not the same end you envisioned when you started.
Good for you. So glad you've found your system purpose for the craft.
I go through "phases". Sometimes I want my early tools, my wood bodies. Some times I want my later tools, my metal bodies. And sometimes I use modern tools, power tools. I cant just pick one.
Good point. And each appropriate in its own way if you are self-aware.
I donated a copy of "The Anarchist' Tool Chest" to a local library. The book was rejected as a donation for lending to patrons, presumably due to the title. The book was lost after it was rejected and I had to buy another copy for myself, and I don't see myself ever loaning this book out.
Beautiful shop. I relate to your minimalist principals quite a lot, as well as the attraction to the anarchist ideal of "let me just do my thing."
Dont get me wong, I think minimalism can be a helpfull and healthy concept, but there is a danger of it beeing elitist, which is shown through its history of cultural erasure and even fascism.
@@schwarzeasche7538 True, for sure.
Glad you enjoyed.
@@schwarzeasche7538 "Minimalism" can be applied quite broadly, and is often used quite loosely. I don't think you and I disagree at all. I think we're talking about minimalism as a individual lifestyle choice, and not a societal ideal.
I would like to add, that while elitism and minimalism can be a bad combo, "elitism" is a problem well beyond the scope of minimalism. My basic point is, out of all the tyrannical elitists you or I will end up interacting with throughout life, I don't think a statistically significant portion of them will be minimalists.
I disagree with the take that tyrannical elitists are not likely to be minimalist. It's true that the figureheads like Mussolini or Hitler were themselves not necessarily minimalist, fascism has a very interesting interaction with minimalism, that we also can observe in modern neoliberal and right wing movement, of which some have fascist tendencies. The minimalism doesn't come from the point you are propably approaching it, of reduction as a tool to declutter and consumption reduction or something similar, it comes from the wish to distance themselves from "dirty" culture. this has a racist aspect, for example distancing from "wrong christianity" with "tacy" saint statues, like some mexican catholics or eastern european orthodox, but it's also against youth or sub culture, that is alive and creative like punk, hiphop and even hillbillies in the US or Gravity culture, in all thir diversity, colours and world wide influences. they are seen as a danger to the hegemony in society, and so they become demonised@@GonkyWonkler
Calipers, compasses, story sticks and straight edges only; no rulers!
I can easily aspire to this philosophy. Thank you for a great video!
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it!
“Dropping bombs on McDonalds and melting down ATMs” Are these actual things or just products of Chris’s mind? Love the video.
Ha ha! Who knows. Thanks so much. Glad you liked it.
I am a woodworker (bowl turning) also and anarchist!! Yes I get the same result when I tell people that I am- "So you want the wild west?" I respond by saying anarchy simple means, without the government...
Nice!
I like the definition "recognizing no central authority, self-determined"
For me anarchism is about community. No suffocating government, no greedy companies, just working towards a thriving community. Giving people ownership of the companies they work for and the communities they live in. I sadly don’t think it’s possible to have an anarchist society in today’s world, with large-scale international trade, huge states, and rampant consumerism, but we can work towards those anarchistic goals nonetheless. We need a shift in mentality.
@@DanDanDoe Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree.
Very Nice Video, Thanks
I think These Days many People forgot that Anarchy is not Anomy... And perhaps to follow the course of the Grain
Thank you so much. Ha ha, nice pun.
A really great video advice , sadly i learned it the hard way by purchasing a lot of tools with out using them 😅 devolping skill is the key 🗝️.
Thank you so much. Hey, better "late" than never.
What it is, is freedom from government interference.
I bet your shop smells wonderful
It smelled great. One of the five best smells in the world. Unfortunately, Chris and Megan said they can no longer smell it.
I’m genuinely baffled at how many people seem to have had their nerves touched by this.
Ha ha. That's ok. At least people are being provoked to think.
Chris Schwarz is a true treasure
Isn't he though?
Had I had the workshop, I would go all hand tools. I have a primary ground course as a cabinet maker, so I know I don't need a whole bunch of tools to make pretty furniture. And powertools really only speed up certain procedures. They aren't necessary for those who aren't in a hurry. I am in a hurry, albeit a hurry to get a workshop so I won't have to use my kitchen and my living room as a place to plane wood shavings, spread dust, clean, glue and either paint, oil or stain. So I'm buying a few powertools to make certain processes faster, but there are plenty of hand tools I'd rather use than power tools or fancy jigs. I've always found the dovetail markup jigs useless. You don't need a jig, you just need to know how to draw them with the tools you already got. Save those money for the wood you need to love your craft.
Totally makes sense and seem very appropriate. Best of luck on getting your own workshop ASAP!
I love the tools, the wood, the furniture, the solitude and the next project that awaits.
Indeed!
Came to call you a freak for your politics, stayed for the woodwork
Ha ha! Whatever it takes.
some people like to walk, but there are still distances that r easier covered by a bike or a train. thats all
Tools are invented for a reason. Obviously, Chris and Meagan are not anti tools. They use them every day. We all do.
3:01 blow out much?
😂
I am my own Master, and I am worth as much. ❤
(said I in the well-shod boots!)
Very inspiring video indeed!
Just a remark: do all the additional tools hanging on the wall fit in the tool chest? Don't take it bad, but it is a fact that, for example, clamps alone become usually very numerous in a workshop... keep good work going!
So in Chris's case, he teaches woodworking workshops and the tools on the wall are generally for those students. I don't think he keeps his clamps in his chest. Not 100% sure. Good question.
nice video...sound advice, thank you
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for saying so.
socialism does not deny personal property and is perhaps the only way to grant individuals access to the fruits of their labor. there is not a clear understanding of anarchism that would position itself so distinctly opposed to socialism along the lines laid out at ~ 3:00.
Seems like a nice guy and probably pretty pretty cool to hang out. but I want to know who told him that socialism and communism mean you’re not entitled to the fruits of your own labor?
Because like that’s the driving factor of both economic modes. He might be thinking of capitalism you know where you actually have to work for the wealthy people, and they keep the majority of the value created through your labor.
Because other than that, he seems like he’s got his head on straight and would be a pretty rad dude to hang out with.
Mentions the box more than once and what doesn't fit, you don't need.... but there's a whole wall of tools there that aren't in the box. Also, i love my "gizmotastic" line of tools lol
Yeah, so that location he also teaches woodworking classes and the tools on the wall are for the students to use more times than not. Obviously, he did dig around on the shelves for some glue and such, but he largely uses only what's in his tool box.
Right and a huge rack of clamps right beside the tool box.
Fantastic.
Thank you.
“Occidental Leather” makes a beautiful craftsman’s tool bag, worthy of passing down to your grandkids.
I have filled mine with almost 50# of tools. I have an accompanying “Trusco GL470” japanese tool box to hold another 25#.
-efficiency
Cool! Good for you.
I love it. I need to dive into anarchist theory, where is the best place to start?
Perhaps Chris's book?
Interesting approach. I admit to being a bit a tool fanatic, maybe I need to rethink my approach
Glad it was thought provoking. Thanks for sharing. Also, it's ok to be a tool collector if that's what you love most about this work. But if you love the craft and the projects themselves, focus your time, energy, and attention to that rather than another tool.
Love it
Viva Libertad!
I don’t disagree that we can have/ desire too many tools. But if they are in it “for the furniture “ all they showed was tools. In this they parallel Cosman. He has lots of tools and instead is all about the processing of wood, but the things he builds are blah. One should buy the tools that let you accomplish the object you envision. One person may be able to do that with 10 tools. Another with 20. It’s the resulting craft, beauty and utility that we should put our attention to.
That is very true. Ultimately, isn't that the definition of a tool? A resource that helps you accomplish a task better than you could do without it?
Do what makes you happy, buy/make the stuff that supports what makes you happy in the doing.
Nice video
Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed.
I sometimes think I am more of the tools guy than the finished product. i love what makes the product as much as I love the craft itself.
And you know what? That's great too. You know what you enjoy and are able to pursue it. There's nothing wrong with being a tool guy too!
@@magnumveritas9526 I am not one of those Festool or die types either, but I have some Lie Neilson planes that I swear are priceless to my endeavors, and I sharpen them on a WEN station which is the cheapest low speed on the market. So, I thank you for seeing things from my perspective. I just love my tools, even though I bet it is nice to have just a chest of them instead of a cramped shop of tools and no organization like I have. its maddening sometimes.
Beliving his own lies so deeply, he cannot experience the world in front of him, thus keeping his eyes shut most of the time.
Nah, jk, great video man, just teasin. Cheers from a fellow woodworker
Ha ha. Thanks so much.
Buy everything you can afford, pull timber off the side of the road and break down broken furniture just to mess around with and practice. The more you do the better you are. It’s not about like “oooh I only have the tools that fit in my chest and I do just fine” buy everything you want and use it
Looking at tools this way implies a narrow focus on how we perceive rewards. Does a hand sawn wood joint hold better than a power machine result? Certainly hand working wood requires more training, patience and practice; it's challenging and costly. I commend your argument for a single chest and the skills to use those tools.
Thanks for your short, concise and reaffirming vid! Well done. BTW, this can apply to every trade or part of life. My passion is cooking, not professionally. And I love cook books, esp. with pretty pictures. More than 20 years ago I made a "rule" for myself: until I have cooked at least 1 thing out of each and every book I have I don't buy not 1 more. .... haven't bought 1 and gotten rid of many in this time... less clutter, expenses, etc. And more time cooking... Another not-molotov-throwing anarchist ;-)
So true. I'm a videographer and I immediately saw the connection to my industry with cameras and gear. There's always a newer and "better" piece of gear hitting the market tempting me to be discontent with what I have and think that the tool makes a piece better than the skill of the craftsman. Case in point, most of this video was shot with an old 10 year old camera that can't even film 4K. It can still hold its own.
My joy in woodworking is simply to creat objects of desire and value. I would not want for one minute to add politics to it or any other meaning to detract or distract from the work. Politics and beauty - they just don’t mix. Achievement is beauty in its self.
There is certainly some truth to that. On the other hand, everything in life has meaning and purpose behind it. Everything communicates something. More of just a question as to how overt it is.
Mike, I disagree. The vid has, for some reason called your attention and you watched (part of) it. While doing so you, hopefully, got a little education. Because many ppl don't know what Anarchists really are. Most are not bomb throwing terrorists, they are peaceful human beings. And each one has his ideas, I think. Non-consumerism seems to be one of the common traits shared by many, at least in my experience. Its about sharing ideas and views of the world, not about convincing you or anyone else how to vote. JMHO
Sal from "Homeland" is making an anarchist workbench.
But medieval pre-capitalism was feudalism. You were ruled over by your lord, and your lord was ruled over by nobility, and nobility were ruled by a king. It was all extremely structured. Suffocatingly so. And kingdoms were pretty large organizations. Well, depending on the kingdom. The amount of control the king had varied by time period and by region, but all of this is to say: where are you getting anarchism from that?
Indeed, landowners couldn't even decide how many tenants they wanted to live in their land in most cases. Someone from Court that worked with the Royal Treasury would come survey the size and quality of your land, access to fresh water, whether there was a lot of good timber or fodder for herd animals etc. They would then set a number of tenants that THEY felt could all comfortably live on and off of your land. They would then estimate how much of all resources you as landowner would receive from those working your land and from that they would figure out how much you should pay to the Crown in taxes. There's literally nothing in common with any definition of anarchy in the feudal system.
The key problem with anarchism is if you don't have a third party to protect your private property and tools (i.e. government), the local bully will just take them away from you. Thus anarchism results in might is right. This is why individualism protected by minimal government (i.e. laissez-faire capitalism, or Objectivism, or Lockeian classical liberalism) is the essential step.
Yes, I believe Chris is talking about aesthetic anarchism, not political anarchism.
Beautiful!!
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed.
2:14 Ha! So true! 😊
I must say, all anarchism is socialism! mutual aid, cooperation and community is anarchism and is very well a part of the aesthetic anarchism!
Otherwise great video
Remarkable that someone feels confident to describe themselves as an 'anarchist' yet not understand the difference between property and possessions.
So Chris describes himself as an aesthetic anarchist, not a political anarchist. He outlines a little of this in this piece, but there's only so much one can cover in six minutes and it wasn't the main focus I wanted for this piece. This form of anarchism has more to do with one's own mindset about workforce structure; corporation vs. individual. Hope that helps. I'm new to all of it, but my main focus was on the mindset we should have regarding tools, our craft, and contentment.
@@magnumveritas9526 When he says "I'm not a communist or socialist, you have a right to your tools" it's pretty hard to imagine he is referring to some hypothetcial 'aesthetic communism' which dictates against owning tools.
So I do believe it to be a broader political statement, and not just about approach to individual craft.
I don't have a problem with the guy having whatever politics he prefers, but it is a bit incoherent to conflate two of the (admittedly annoying) meanings of 'property' here.
@@grief_hammer Sure thing. Again, I'm new to all that, so I'd have to have a deeper conversation with Chris to understand it. As a videographer who loves gear but also uses "outdated" gear to achieve industry standard results, I was pursuing his perspective on what one's mindset to tools vs. the craft was.
@@magnumveritas9526 I understand that- it's not a criticism of your good work with these vids. In fact it's just genuine response- I found it interesting but of course posted with the typical internet vernacular.
If Chris sees this I would like to understand what the difference between his vision of 'aesthetic anarchism' and 'minimalism' or even 'voluntary simplicity' is...
@@grief_hammer Sure thing. Thanks for the comment and conversation. Certainly appreciate it!
At first I thought it said “Antichrist”. And for a very short time I was curious about what would be in his toolbox. A Dirt Devil, perhaps.
Ha ha. That would have been a very different video.
Liked and sub'd. Cheers from Tasmania. $0.02
Thanks so much!
"You're entitled to your tools and you're entitled to the fruits of your labour, so it's not socialism, it's not communism" - Man you just described communism and the distinction between personal property and private property.
i really like the cat flag sticker !
thank you
Ha ha! Thanks.