The special tools I used were Veritas tapered tenon cutter with matching reamer. I made tapered tenons for the legs because I like the idea that every time you sit in the chair the tenons get tighter. The other special tool that I used was a 16" long 5/8" electrician's spade bit. That was for drilling the holes for the armbow spindles. That was by far the scariest part of the project. I envisioned turning the whole thing into firewood, because you have to do it by eye. There is eight spindles and 16 holes all drilled at odd angles and they have to line up. I did use a scorp for hollowing out the seat. I found a used one on ebay for reasonable.