First off, a definition. A Galoot is someone who favors the use of antique or antique-styled hand tools over the use of power tools. Often times Galoots go in for the collection and restoration of hand tools as much or even more than woodworking, though this is a matter up for debate. Think of Galoots as the “historic reenactment committee” of woodworking and you’ll be on the right track.

Before we launch into the essential tools for the Galoot woodworker we’d like to offer a few tips that could indicate that you’re a Galoot in training. So in case you ever had any doubts, here are four ways you can tell:
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If you’re a new woodworker then the chances are good that you’ve heard the term “biscuit joint” but had visions of grandma baking up a piping hot tray of buttermilk biscuits. You’re on the right track if you’re thinking “a method for joining two pieces of wood,” because that’s precisely what a biscuit joint is. Not only that, it’s one of the simplest methods of true joinery and a great place for beginning woodworkers to get started with learning the basics.

1) What Is A Biscuit?
A biscuit is a thin, ovular piece of compressed wood - typically birch. They are remarkably strong because they’re constructed with a diagonal grain pattern, meaning they’re tough along the length and the width. Biscuits are also designed to be porous. Biscuits come in three sizes: the #0, which is 5/8″ x 1-3/4″; the #10, which is 3/4″ x 2-1/8″; the #20, which is 1″ x 2-3/8″.

2) How Does The Biscuit Work?
Biscuits are the connecting pieces between the two pieces of wood you’re seeking to join - think of them as the dowels in a dowel joint. But in a biscuit joint you’re cutting holes in your pieces that are more like trenches, made to accept the biscuit as a toaster accepts a piece of bread. Once you glue your biscuit in it absorbs the water in the glue and expands, making your joints rock solid.
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Because of their accuracy, versatility, convenience and speed power miter saws have become one of the most popular saw types on the market. Just because you’ve read about them in forums and your woodworking or DIY buddies have one doesn’t mean you should rush out and pick one up though - use this guide to make sure that you’re actually in need of a miter saw, and to help you pick out the right specs for your purposes.

Miter saws, also called chop saws, drop saws and cross cut saws (among others) quickly and accurately cut angles in wood, making them the preferred tool for finish carpenters cutting molding. Their accuracy makes them excellent saws for projects like framing, installing flooring systems, decks and siding.

(Search for Miter Saws on ToolCrib!)

This guide will help you get the right tool for the job and - we hope - save you money… in six easy steps.

1) Know Your Projects
2) 8 Inch Miter Saws vs. 10 Inch Miter Saws vs. 12 Inch Miter Saws
3) Miter Saw vs. Compound Miter Saw
4) Compound Miter Saw vs. Sliding Compound Miter Saw
5) Digging Into Other Miter Saw Features and Accessories
6) Other Valuable Miter Saw Buying Resources

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