Hey there — Tom here.

If you’ve ever held a piece of raw timber in your hands and imagined what it could be — a table passed down through generations, a shelf that supports your favorite books, or a hand-carved keepsake box — then you already get what this is all about.

Woodworking is more than a hobby. It’s a tradition.

And that’s exactly what Timber Traditions is here to celebrate.

In a world obsessed with speed, convenience, and mass production, it might seem a bit unusual to slow down and make something with your hands. But here’s the truth: there’s something deeply satisfying about it. There’s something grounding about cutting dovetails by hand, fitting joinery without screws or nails, and hearing the whisper of a sharp plane against wood.

The Heart Behind the Grain

I started Timber Traditions because I didn’t want these skills — or the stories behind them — to be lost. I wanted to build a space that honors the craft the way it used to be done: patiently, precisely, and with pride. Whether you’re brand new to woodworking or a seasoned maker looking to refine your skills, I’ve built this site to support your journey.

And I’ll tell you this: you don’t need a fancy workshop, thousands of dollars in tools, or decades of experience to create something truly special.

What you do need is a willingness to learn, a respect for the wood, and a few honest tools that feel right in your hands.

Getting Started with Hand Tools

Let’s start simple. A lot of folks who land here are beginners — and that’s great. If you’re new to woodworking, I always recommend starting with hand tools. They teach you how wood behaves. They help you feel the grain. And most importantly, they keep you connected to the process in a way that power tools just can’t replicate.

Here are a few of my go-to beginner tools:

• A No. 4 hand plane – Perfect for smoothing and flattening.

• A tenon saw – Great for precise cuts and joinery.

• A sturdy mallet – Because trust me, you’ll be using it more than you think.

• A sharp chisel set – Keep them honed and they’ll become your best friend.

You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics, learn how to use them well, and build from there.

The Magic of Making Something Useful

One of the first projects I recommend is a simple tool tote. It’s functional, straightforward, and gives you a chance to practice key skills: sawing to a line, driving nails or pegs, cutting dados, and applying a finish. Plus, you end up with something useful for your future projects.

But even more than the tote itself, it’s the feeling that sticks with you. That moment when you stand back, wipe the dust off your hands, and think: I made that. There’s nothing quite like it.

And that’s the point of all of this. Not perfection — but progress.

A Place to Learn and Grow

On Timber Traditions, you’ll find step-by-step guides, detailed tutorials, tool reviews, and insights from years of hands-on experience. But more importantly, you’ll find encouragement. Because I remember what it’s like to feel overwhelmed by terminology, frustrated by tricky joints, or unsure if you’re “doing it right.”

You’re not alone here. This is a community of builders who believe that making something by hand is still one of the most powerful, fulfilling things you can do.

From sharpening your first chisel to building a cabinet from scratch, I’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Why It Still Matters

Now, you might be wondering: why traditional woodworking? Why not just pick up some plywood, plug in a few power tools, and knock something together over the weekend?

Fair question.

And here’s my answer: because it teaches you to care. About your work, your tools, your process, and your legacy.

When you take time to learn traditional methods — like mortise and tenon joinery, hand-planing, or drawboring a joint — you’re not just building a project. You’re building patience, precision, and pride.

You’re also learning a skill that can’t be outsourced or automated. A skill that slows down your mind, centers your focus, and reminds you that craftsmanship still matters.

In a throwaway world, woodworking teaches us to keep things. To maintain, repair, and restore. And that’s something worth passing on.

Try It with Tom’s Timbers

Our tagline, “Try it with Tom’s Timbers,” is more than just a phrase — it’s an open door. Whether you’re working with reclaimed barn wood, rough-sawn oak, or a humble pine board from your local shop, I want you to feel confident taking that first cut.

On the site, you’ll also find a selection of my favorite timbers — each one personally chosen for its character, workability, and beauty. These woods aren’t just raw material. They’re potential waiting to be revealed.

Try it. Learn. Make mistakes. Make memories. That’s the tradition we’re building here together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re here, it’s because you’re curious — maybe even excited — about what you can create with your own two hands. That’s something special.

Whether you’re restoring an old workbench, building a custom piece of furniture, or just sanding your first project smooth, you’re part of a story that’s been unfolding for centuries.

Woodworking isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

And here at Timber Traditions, we’re keeping that intention alive — one cut, one joint, one project at a time.

So take a look around. Grab your tools. And let’s build something worth remembering.

Welcome to the tradition.

– Tom