Woodworking
In the Woodworking exhibition, hundreds of hand tools yield up their secrets.
Wood was and still is a hugely important raw material. The diversity of hand tools used for working with it is a constant source of surprise. As well as the many familiar tools, there are also hundreds of specialised items of whose existence most people are unaware. A number of the exhibited tools are still used, but many have been replaced by machines.
The tools are grouped by family (axes, chisels, saws) or by operation (cutting, grinding, bending). In addition, a closer look is taken at three crafts: making wheels, clogs and tubs. To illustrate the cultural diversity in this area, there is a display dedicated to the Japanese carpenter.
In July 2013, the MOT received a visit from a special guest: the "saw doctor" Nagakatsu San, who is reputed to be the best saw sharpener in Japan. This doughty fellow, now in his eighties, gave a demonstration to an international audience at the MOT. He explained about grinding and setting the teeth, and also about the function of the different tooth shapes. A short documentary was produced about this aspect of the intangible cultural heritage, which is shown in Woodworking.
Roll up your sleeves!
Woody the Woodworm takes the kids on a journey to the wonderful world of wood. Find out more in The Play Attic.
Look out for our activity boxes in the Woodworking exhibition and find out what it’s like to be a carpenter or a wheelwright, or go sleuthing with Molly the moth.
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