Welcome to Timber Traditions – Built by Hand, Backed by Heart
Hi there – I’m Tom, the hands behind Timber Traditions. I’m a lifelong woodworker with a deep respect for the grain, the tools, and the timeless craft of shaping raw timber into something meaningful. Whether you’re a seasoned carpenter or someone who’s just picked up their first chisel, I’m glad you’re here.
Timber Traditions was born from a simple idea: to honor the old ways while embracing what’s possible today. I believe woodworking is more than just a skill – it’s a tradition that connects generations. From hand-carved joinery to modern takes on rustic design, this site is where time-honored techniques meet today’s creativity.
Everything you’ll find here – from tips and tutorials to recommended tools and handpicked timber selections – is grounded in experience. Over the years, I’ve built furniture, home accents, and even entire cabins with nothing but patience, passion, and a pile of wood. And now, I’m sharing what I’ve learned, one project at a time.
Our tagline says it best: “Try it with Tom’s Timbers.” That’s not just a catchphrase – it’s an invitation. I want this space to inspire you to roll up your sleeves and try something new. Whether you’re building a bookshelf, crafting a keepsake box, or just figuring out which wood is best for your next project, you’re in the right place.
Here at Timber Traditions, you’ll also discover guides on wood selection, tool care, safety practices, and design inspiration to help bring your vision to life. I’ll walk you through each step with the same care and clarity I’d give a friend standing in my workshop.
So go ahead – explore, learn, and build. This is more than just a website. It’s a community of makers who value craftsmanship, creativity, and the smell of fresh sawdust in the air.
Welcome to the tradition.
– Tom
Tom shares his passion and knowledge through Timber Traditions — a hub for hand tool woodworking, classic techniques, and timeless projects.
This site is rich with inspiration, how-to guides, and hands-on advice for woodworkers of all experience levels. Whether you’re just getting started with your first hand plane or you’ve already built a few heirloom pieces, there’s something here for you.
If you’re new to the craft, you’ll find beginner-friendly resources that help you get comfortable with tools, wood types, and simple projects. For those with a bit more sawdust under their fingernails, Timber Traditions offers deeper dives into joinery, furniture building, and traditional woodworking techniques that stand the test of time.
No matter where you’re starting from, Timber Traditions is here to help you build with confidence, learn with purpose, and carry the tradition forward — one project at a time.
March 22, 2022 The Year That Changed Everything – A Journey Back to the Bench Hey folks — Tom here. Exactly one year ago today, life handed me a moment I didn’t see coming. It wasn’t some dramatic accident or major announcement — just one of those quiet turning points that sneaks up on you and rearranges everything. It started with a fall. A simple misstep while hauling timber out back. I heard the snap before I felt it — a couple of ribs fractured, a shoulder out of commission, and months of movement suddenly stolen from me. But if you’ve ever been laid up when you’re used to working with your hands, you know the real struggle isn’t just physical. It’s mental. Emotional. Spiritual, even. My workshop sat still for weeks. Tools untouched. Projects half-finished. And me? I spent a lot of time staring at the ceiling, wondering what to do when you can’t do the thing that defines you. But here’s what I learned: you don’t stop being a woodworker just because you can’t lift a plane or push a saw. You just shift your perspective. During that downtime, I started sketching more. Designing from the couch. Studying traditional techniques in old books I’d collected but never had time to read. I watched the grain of offcuts like a map, tracing where I’d been and where I could go next. And when I was finally able to get back into the shop — even just to sharpen a chisel or wipe down a bench — it felt like coming home. This past year hasn’t been my most productive in terms of output. But it’s been the most meaningful by far. I built fewer pieces, but each one carried more heart. I paid closer attention. I moved slower. I listened — to the wood, to my body, and to the silence between tasks. I also had time to think more deeply about why Timber Traditions matters to me… and maybe to you too. This brand isn’t just about building furniture. It’s about building resilience. Crafting meaning. Holding onto something real in a world that moves too fast. So today, I mark one year not just since the fall — but since the rebuild. I’m back at the bench now. Not quite the same as before — maybe a little stiffer, maybe a little stronger. And I’m more committed than ever to sharing what I know, what I’ve learned, and what’s still ahead. Thanks for walking this journey with me. See you in the sawdust. – Tom
June 10, 2021 Chairs: A Legacy Worth Sitting On Lately, I’ve been thinking about chairs — not just how we build them, but what they say about the hands that made them. My latest blog post digs into the quiet history of chair making, where craftsmanship met comfort long before factories took over. Mass production may have made seating cheaper, but it also stripped away a lot of soul. At Timber Traditions, we’re putting that soul back in — one joint, one curve, one solid seat at a time. Pull up a chair and have a read. – Tom
9 March 2020
The Day Machines Tried to Steal the Craft
I still remember my first taste of machine woodworking at sixteen — all noise, dust, and repetition. It felt less like craft and more like clockwork. The soul of the wood? Lost somewhere between the crosscut and the conveyor belt.
That experience shaped my love for hand tools. At Timber Traditions, we believe in slowing down, feeling the grain, and keeping the craft alive — one mindful cut at a time.
– Tom
At TomTimbers.com, we believe in honesty, hard work, and sharing real skills that can make a difference. Any income examples or success stories shared on this site or in our training materials are based on personal experience and years of hands-on learning. These are meant to inspire — not guarantee results.
Everyone’s journey is different. Your success depends on your effort, consistency, and commitment to learning. Like anything worth doing, woodworking — or turning your craft into income — takes time, practice, and patience. If you’re not ready to roll up your sleeves and put in the work, this probably isn’t for you.
We don’t promise quick wins or overnight results. We’re here to help you build real skills, not chase hype.
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