Name: The Anarchist's Tool Chest
ISBN: 9780578084138

What Hacker News says

IsaackozAug 2026

Find a hobby that'll scratch that creative itch. I recently got into woodworking and its been a blast! The Anarchist's Tool Chest might be right up your alley [1]. Christopher just released the revised edition a few days ago. There's a link in the description to a free pdf download.

On a similar note... the whole idea behind making your own furniture is similar to hand rolling code. You can go ahead and buy a dresser or bed at ikea and call it a day, but the quality is complete shit. Or you could build something that will last a life time and be praised for it's quality.

[1]: https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest

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lemonberryNov 2024

I own Kreg's track saw and table. It's great if you're doing a lot of sheet cutting. But if you're just getting started I'd recommend a regular circular saw. You can always clamp a straight board or level to a sheet to simulate a track.

A couple of tips: You'll need a lot of clamps. Don't spend much money on tools until you know what you're going to build. It's really easy to get caught up in precision and having everything cut perfectly. This is important in finish work, but for everyday stuff you don't need to worry about it.

If using hand tools is of any interest to you, I highly recommend the Anarchist's Design Book, Anarchist's Tool Chest. All by Christopher Schwarz and available from his press Lost Art Press. I discovered them via a comment here a few years back. His basic philosophy is woodworking for regular people to make stuff that are going to last and usable. Lost Art Press' website has a lot of book samples and full books in PDF form. It's worth checking out.

Good luck!

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ne8ilMay 2024

You can download a book called "The Anarchist's Tool Chest" by Christopher Schwarz free as a PDF here: https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-tool-chest

You can also download his follow-up, "The Anarchist's Design Book", free here: https://lostartpress.com/products/the-anarchists-design-book

Between those two, they will teach you what tools you need and how to build simple furniture by hand. Start small.

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BrianYeshApr 2021

If you enjoyed Shop Class as Soulcraft you'll love The Anarchist's Tool Chest by Christopher Schwarz.

https://lostartpress.com/collections/getting-started/product...

This book is very practical and will give you specific ways to start making. With hand tools and wood. Mr Schwarz writing style is funny and very accessible.

You do not need to join anything to be satisfied by making real things with your hands. You do not need to speed a lot of money doing it. You can do it in your tiny apartment. Watch free Youtube videos when you need a new skill.

Don't buy a bunch of power tools. Skip that and go straight to hand tools. Even a pocket knife and a good piece of wood. I love my power tools. But sometimes wish I had spent my money on hand made hand tools and spent more time learning how to use use them.

I am a front end web designer that got a university degree in sculpture some twenty years ago. Immediately after graduation I got jobs in graphic design using early Photoshop. Years later I missed making physical things. So I made myself a little workshop and build on nights and weekends.

Respect! Good luck!

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panzaglJun 2020

Check out "Anarchist's Tool Chest" from Lost Art Press. It's basically an intro to hand tool woodworking through building a tool chest and what you need to fill it.

Not that hand tools can't get just about as expensive as power tools.

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deberonJun 2020

Chris Schwartz (of Popular Woodworking fame) wrote and printed "The Anarchist's Tool Chest". Goes through building an actual tool chest and filling it with basic tools needed to accomplish most anything a hobbyist would be building. These are all hand tools and a great resource (it's one of a handful of books on my shop bookshelf). https://lostartpress.com/collections/books/products/the-anar...

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