Israel Martin’s cover story in this year’s Tools & Shops issue (FWW 279) provides an intriguing view into his hand-tool-only shop in a tiny village in northern Spain, and into his life as a woodworker.

Israel took all the photos in the article (a rarity with Fine Woodworking articles, which are nearly always shot by one of the magazine’s editors), and the hardest part about putting the article together was winnowing down the huge number of beautiful shots he sent in to arrive at the handful we had room for.

This post is our way of sharing some of the wonderful details, texture, and quirks left out of the article.

Traditional stone buildings and a lush landscape surround Martin’s shop.

But if Martin’s surroundings are inspiring, so is his furniture.

Garrett Hack’s books, furniture, and teaching have all been influential for Martin. The design of this chest of drawers indicates a close reading of Garrett’s work in its elegant proportions and in fine details deftly handled.

Martin’s low back chair is a fresh design with a character of its own.

Martin has built several of these cabinets, one for dishes in his own kitchen.

Another cabinet that pays homage to Hack with its refined lines, contrasting colors, and inlaid black slippers.

This sideboard, like all Martin’s furniture, is classically constructed and made entirely with hand tools.

Is there a greater pleasure than planing pine? This bed of shavings was produced planing pine back panels  for the sideboard.

Martin has been teaching hand tool woodworking his his shop for several years.

Other visitors to the shop come on a more erratic schedule.

Using hand tools provides Martin’s core inspiration in woodworking.

At the end of the workday, he puts all his primary hand tools back in his tool cabinet, closes up the shop and walks to the adjoining house–his home.

Jon Binzen