David Charlesworth 3-Part Series

Reviewer: Paul W B.

I rented Vol. 1 and was pleasantly surprised. David KNOWS his planes and sharpening them. This was one of the best instructional video's on the subject I have watched so far. It was easy to understand, to the point, and it works.

Reviewer: Mark S.

This video series is the holy grail of hand planes know-how. I have spent more time reading and trying to understand how to use/maintain/sharpen planes and plane blades. This is THE definitive set to acquire that knowledge. At times, the video can seem a little slow, but it's only to ensure that the viewer understands why his steps are so important.

Reviewer: David e.

David Charlesworths videos are excellent for the first time user or even the experienced woodworker.He goes in to detail and explanation of the how and why of his method of sharpening. I followed his instruction and on my first try. I improved the sharpness of my planer blade and rabbit blade to a near honed perfection. I took off a whisper thin shaving, to my surprise, with an old and somewhat abused Stanley hand plane. I also made a beautifully formed 1 mil thin shavings with my Lie Neilsen - All in all, if you need some help in understanding sharpening and technique this is the DVD. Also, his other videos are excellent in setup and use. Highly recommended! Rent the whole set.. I did and it was worth every penny!!

Reviewer: Michael P.

I recently viewed the three part series from David Charlesworth, Sharpening, Using hand planes, and Using a shooting board. I would like to encourage anyone who wants to take their woodworking to the next level, to view these lessons. I learned a great deal about getting the accuracy I've been looking for from my hand planes. Check them out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Reviewer: Ron B.

There is no doubt that David Charlesworth knows more about the anatomy,preparation and use of a hand plane than almost anyone. His three videos are the most detailed presentations on the subject that I have seen. Sometimes the detail gets so involved that you might come to the conclusion that his desire to keep things simples doesn't quite reach completion. It is amazing how Charlesworth, Rodriquez, Dunbar, Conover, and others take such a different route to the same destination - a well tuned tool. I think Charlesworth would have to be considered the main guru of the hand plane world and I think any of us who do not take advantage of his expertise as shown in these videos is missing a great opportunity.

Reviewer: Jameel A.

Not a bad series for a beginner or intermediate woodworker who is really into hand planing. I found Charlesworth to be a little difficult to listen to, and quite slow in his presentation. His techniques are extremely precise and meticulous, but his presentation was too tedious for me, and I found myself bored, even though the subject matter is interesting to me. If you can get through Charlesworth's manner, there are some nice techniques here.

Reviewer: Rex B.

Excellent info for anyone who really wants to become familiar and focused with planes and hand tools. There is so much info involved you should be prepared to take notes. David's delivery and style is good. Probably not for the casual woodworker.

Reviewer: John W.

Overall extremely helpful and easy to follow. Took my planing and sharpening abilities to a new level! You'll need the sharpening instruction in Part 1 to take advantage of the precision planing methods described in Part 2. I wasn't too impressed with Part 3, especially since the planing aids suggested depend on having a bench you can clamp to from the rear. David, if you're reading this, how about a complete plane overhaul video including flattening the sole and fine-tuning the frog?

Reviewer: Joseph G.

Not very good. Too elementary. Wood be good for a 12 year old, not adult. Very old fashion, high labor techniques and methodology

Reviewer: John C.

Well done. David is articulate with a good feel for teaching wood butchers such as I.

John

Reviewer: James M.

This 3-part video is definitely worth renting.

Mr. Charlesworth explains sharpening and the use of hand planes in painstaking detail. I have tried various methods of sharpening and planing for many years and have never been satisfied with the results until now.

I withheld judgment on the DVD series until I had tried the techniques for myself. I am very please with the results I get now. I am able to get shavings less than a thousandth of and inch! And I can do this consistently. I now use my power tools for what I would call rough cuts and use my bench plane to get precision results.

I don't know if Mr. Charlesworth reads these reviews, but if he does, I would like to say "thanks!".

Reviewer: Rick E.

The David Charlesworth 3-Part Series is Top Notch. Each disk is very thorough and very entertaining.