Introduction

Woodworking is a craft that has been practiced for centuries, and over time, specialized tools have been developed to ensure precision and accuracy. Among these tools, winding sticks hold a crucial place in achieving flat, twist-free surfaces on boards. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, mastering the use of winding sticks can dramatically improve your ability to create straight and level workpieces.

In this article, I’ll discuss the purpose of winding sticks and how to use them in hand tool woodworking. By the end, you’ll not only understand how to use them but also why they are indispensable in ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.

What Are Winding Sticks?

Winding sticks are pairs of straight-edged, parallel bars typically made of wood or metal. Their primary purpose is to help woodworkers detect whether a board is twisted or warped.

This twist, commonly referred to as “wind,” can occur when one corner of a board is higher or lower than the opposite corner, creating a diagonal imbalance. Even small amounts of twist can cause problems when assembling parts of a project, especially when pieces need to fit snugly together.

Although winding sticks come in different sizes and materials, they all share some basic characteristics:

• Straight Edges: Both winding sticks should have straight edges along at least one surface.
• Parallel Orientation: The two sticks must be parallel to each other, though they don’t necessarily need to be the same width.
• Reference Mark: A contrasting bar, line, or dot is typically marked on one of the sticks to help detect any variations in alignment when sighting down the length of the board.

You can watch my video on making a pair of winding sticks here:

Purpose and Importance of Winding Sticks

The fundamental purpose of winding sticks is to ensure that a board is flat and in the same plane from one end to the other. When building furniture, cabinets, or any fine woodworking projects, ensuring that all pieces are square and free from twist is essential.

If twist goes unchecked, it can lead to significant issues during assembly, resulting in joints that don’t fit properly or a structure that isn’t square.

Since wind or twist is often subtle, it’s not always easy to detect by eye alone. Winding sticks magnify even the smallest imperfections, allowing the woodworker to make precise corrections.

How to Use Winding Sticks

The process of using winding sticks may seem a bit complex at first, but it’s fairly straightforward once you understand the steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use winding sticks to check for twist and flatten a board.

Step 1: Prepare the Board

Before you begin using winding sticks, you need to place the board you’re working on on a flat surface, such as a workbench. If the board has significant rough spots or unevenness, you may want to lightly plane the surface first to remove any major inconsistencies. The smoother the surface, the more accurate your reading will be with the winding sticks. You can see my video & article on flattening boards here:

Step 2: Place the Winding Sticks

The next step is to position the winding sticks on the board.

• Place one winding stick at one end of the board and the other winding stick at the opposite end. It’s important that these sticks are centered across the width of the board. This ensures that any readings you take are accurate.

• The winding sticks should be balanced and level, so take care to position them properly. If the sticks are unevenly placed or angled, the reading will be inaccurate.

Step 3: Sight Down the Winding Sticks

Once the winding sticks are in place, you need to position yourself at the end of the board and look down the length of the sticks. Ideally, you want to sight from eye level so that both winding sticks are in view.

• Focus on the reference bar or mark that’s usually present on one of the sticks. The idea is to compare the reveal—or the visible space—beneath the reference bar on both sides of the winding sticks.

• Move your head up and down slightly to get a good sense of the alignment between the two sticks.

Step 4: Assess the Twist

At this stage, you should be able to determine whether there is any twist in the board by observing the difference in the reveal between the two ends. Here’s what to look for:

• No Twist: If the reveals under the reference bar on both the left and right sides are the same, your board is flat, with no twist.

• Twist Present: If one side of the reference bar is higher than the other, this indicates that the board is twisted. Specifically, the corner where the reveal is larger is the “high” corner (along with it’s diagonal corner), while the opposite corner is the “low” corner.

For example, if the reveal under the reference bar is higher on the right side, this means the back-right corner of the board is high, while the back-left corner is low.

Step 5: Correct the Twist

Once you’ve identified the twist in the board, you can correct it by handplaning down the high spots. This is where judicious use of a hand plane comes into play. Carefully plane between the two high corners until the twist is eliminated.

After each round of handplaning, it’s a good idea to test the board again with the winding sticks. Continue this process until the reveals on both sides of the reference bar are equal, indicating that the board is now flat and free from twist.

The Importance of Accuracy and Precision

When using winding sticks, it’s important to note that slight variations can be difficult to detect without proper technique. Larger winding sticks are often more sensitive to smaller imperfections, but they can also be harder to focus on due to their size. Finding the right balance between stick length and your ability to sight accurately is key.

If the sticks are too long, it may be difficult to keep both reference points in view while assessing the board. On the other hand, shorter sticks may not reveal subtle twists as effectively.

Conclusion

Winding sticks may seem like a simple tool, but they offer a level of precision that is indispensable for woodworkers aiming to achieve perfectly flat surfaces. By using winding sticks effectively, you can ensure that your workpieces are free from twist and ready for accurate assembly.

From the initial placement of the sticks to the fine adjustments with a hand plane, the process of using winding sticks teaches patience and precision. As you continue to hone your skills, this tool will become an essential part of your woodworking toolkit, enabling you to produce high-quality, twist-free projects every time.

Winding sticks are your go-to tool for ensuring accuracy and flatness in your lumber. And with practice, using them will become second nature, leading to cleaner, more professional results in your woodworking endeavors.

About Bill Anderson

Bill is a handplane expert, and an accomplished maker and restorer of wooden hand planes. His workshop is full of both wood planes and metal planes, and he teaches classes on making, refurbishing, and sharpening hand planes. See Bill’s classes at our school here. Bill is also now (as of 2024) teaching small, private classes at his workshop outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. You can see his website here.

This article, and the video above, delves into a specific group of tools that are often used in conjunction with molding planes: hand beaders, scratch stocks, and hand routers. We’ll explore their uses, history, and what makes them indispensable for creating intricate moldings. Whether you are a seasoned woodworker, a collector, or simply curious, this guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of these profiling tools, and help you know what to look for when you’re purchasing them.

Understanding Hand Beaders and Scratch Stocks

What Are Hand Beaders?

Hand beaders, sometimes classified under scratch stocks, are tools designed for fine woodworking. Unlike molding planes that cut a profile in a single pass, hand beaders and scratch stocks gradually scrape a profile into the wood (usually a bead shaped profile). This method allows for greater control, especially on tricky grain patterns.

Types of Hand Beaders

1. Stanley No. 66 Hand Beader:
   • This classic model is a favorite among woodworkers for its reliability and versatility.
   • It features interchangeable cutters that allow users to create various profiles.
   • See vintage Stanley No. 66 hand beaders for sale here. 
2. Modern Versions:
   • Companies like Lie-Nielsen have produced modern adaptations of traditional hand beaders, maintaining the utility while incorporating modern materials and manufacturing techniques. Lie-Nielsen no longer manufactures their hand beader, so you’ll have to find them on the used tool market. Sometimes you can find Lie-Nielsen hand beaders here. 

Anatomy of a Hand Beader

Hand beaders consist of a body, a yolk that holds the cutter, and a fence. The cutter can be swapped out to create different profiles, making this tool incredibly versatile. The fence can be adjusted for use on both straight and curved edges, adding to its flexibility. When looking to buy a hand beader, make sure that all of the parts are present, as parts are hard to find separately. 

Using Hand Beaders

Hand beaders are particularly useful when working with complex grain patterns. If the grain reverses, you can simply move the fence to the other side and continue working. This adaptability ensures a smooth finish regardless of the wood’s grain direction.

The Versatility of Scratch Stocks

Scratch stocks are simple yet effective tools. They can be as basic as a block of wood with a metal cutter held in place by pressure or as complex as custom-made pieces with adjustable parts.

Examples of Scratch Stocks

1. Simple Scratch Stock:
   • Made from a block of wood with a slit to hold the cutter.
   • Ideal for quick, small jobs where precision is less critical.
2. L-Shaped Scratch Stock:
   • More refined, with slots and bolts to secure the cutter.
   • Allows for precise adjustments and is used for detailed work.
3. Custom Scratch Stock for Molding Planes:
   • Designed to clean up profiles created by molding planes.
   • Ensures the profile is perfectly parallel and flat.

Making and Using Scratch Stocks

Creating a scratch stock is straightforward. You can file any profile into the metal cutter, allowing for endless customization. These tools are excellent for adding details like beads or grooves to your work. You can watch our video on making a scratch stock here:

The Unique Hand Router

What is a Hand Router?

A hand router, particularly the model made by Preston in England, is a specialized tool used for creating profiles on curved work. Unlike traditional planes, hand routers have very short beds and come with profiles that are mirror images of each other.

Using a Hand Router

Hand routers excel in tasks like shaping circular window frames. As you move around the curve, you can switch the tool to ensure you are always working with the grain. This feature makes them invaluable for complex curved moldings.

Buying Vintage Hand Routers

Preston hand routers are now rare and expensive, especially in the American market. When collecting, ensure all parts are present and in good condition, as replacements can be hard to find. Make sure there are no cracks in the cast iron body. You can sometimes find a vintage Preston hand router here. 

Maintenance and Care of Antique Molding Tools

Proper maintenance is crucial to preserving the functionality and value of antique molding planes, hand beaders, scratch stocks, and hand routers. Here are some tips to keep these tools in top shape:

Regular Cleaning

• Remove Dust and Debris: After each use, clean the tool to remove wood shavings and dust. This prevents buildup that can affect performance.
• Rust Prevention: Wipe metal parts with an oily rag to prevent rust, especially if the tools are stored in a humid environment.

Sharpening

• Sharpen Cutters and Irons: Regularly sharpen the cutters and irons to ensure clean cuts. Dull blades can tear the wood, leading to rough finishes.
• Honing: Hone the blades for a razor-sharp edge. This is particularly important for scratch stocks, as a sharp cutter is essential for precise profiles.

Storage

• Dry Environment: Store tools in a dry, stable environment to prevent warping and rust.
• Organized Storage: Keep all parts, such as fences and cutters, organized and together. This ensures that you have everything you need when you start your next project.

Inspection

• Check for Damage: Regularly inspect tools for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the body or wear on the iron. Addressing issues early can prevent further damage.
• Ensure Proper Alignment: Check that all parts are aligned correctly. Misalignment can lead to inaccurate profiles and increased wear on the tool.

Conclusion

Antique molding planes, along with their counterparts like hand beaders, scratch stocks, and hand routers, are a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of traditional woodworking. These tools, whether vintage or modern adaptations, offer unparalleled versatility and precision. By understanding their uses, maintaining them properly, and appreciating their historical value, woodworkers can continue to create beautiful, intricate moldings that stand the test of time.

About Bill Anderson

Bill is a handplane expert, and an accomplished maker and restorer of wooden hand planes. His workshop is full of both wood planes and metal planes, and he teaches classes on making, refurbishing, and sharpening hand planes. See Bill’s classes at our school here. Bill is also now (as of 2024) teaching small, private classes at his workshop outside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. You can see his website here.