We make great use of hand tools especially planes, chisels, files and saws but also specialty tools. These can be made by the builder or made to our specifications by local metal-workers. One example of the latter is this cutting gauge which can be used to mark the binding cuts which are then chiselled out. It has a curved side for the waist and a flat side which works well for registering against the top or back. Even with more modern methods it is still often useful for achieving uniformity in the waist area.