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Classic Handtools
00/00/0000, 00:00 | David's blogI made a grave mistake by ...
The Beast...
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Philsville
Hi Folks
For quite some time I've been considering upgrading my milling machine (Yes, sorry, it's a metalwork machine). I have finally taken the plunge, thanks in part to an Axminster "10% discount" voucher. Received a phone call from them on Friday to arrange a suitable delivery time and the van turned up on time first thing this morning.
I was expecting the packaging to be "sturdy" and just a little bit big. But I was still quite surprised at the size of the thing! Still, the delivery guy was kind enough to deposit the beast where I wanted it and left me to it.
Getting it into the workshop is going to be a squeeze, but, with the help of an engine hoist I should be able to get it in and sorted tomorrow.
More pics then....
Philly
Bury My Bursa Sac at Broken Heart
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Skiving OffI often wake up at night with the same nagging question… If I could trade my voice with anyone else, would I choose Sam Elliot, Alec Baldwin, or the Allstate guy from The Unit?
Was the four bulb rotating cube the last big development in the flash bulb industry, or did I miss any? That is a technology that continues to move so fast it is sometimes difficult to stay up.
Friends, I cannot stress this enough. Remember to roll in a ball whenever you jump from a moving car. Don’t get so caught up in the moment you forget to “ball up.”
All my life I have heard some silly expression about a million dollar smile. “She’s got a million dollar smile.” So, yesterday it occurred to me that perhaps there is some truth to that. Specifically I am wondering if she can use that smile to get chips at a casino. How would the dealer/pit boss exchange go? “Smile changing a million….” “Change a million.” Does she have to give up the smile when she receives the chips? Does she have to get the full million dollars in chips, or can she just change a portion of the smile for a lesser amount? Perhaps she can just use the incisors for $10,000 at the baccarat table.
Did Debra Gibson go back to Debbie or not? Ricky Schroeder went full circle, passing through Rick, and is back to being Ricky… maybe Deb’ can do the same.
I was thinking about The Great Space Coaster. Did anybody ever get onboard? I never got onboard? Surely somebody had to pay attention to the song and follow the instructions to get onboard, but I just never met any of those folks.
I keep meaning to ask one of my Indian friends… what exactly was the injury at Wounded Knee? Was it an ACL or a meniscus problem, or what?
新年度恒例、すりこぎすりばち/turning mortar and pestle
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Masashi's woodworking diary
森林文化アカデミー・ものづくり研究会に入ってきた６人の新入生たち。
今週はさっそく木工旋盤（ろくろ）の実習で、すりこぎとすりばちを作りました。
これは新年度の恒例プログラム。まずは楽しむことからものづくりを始めてほしい、というアカデミーならではの実習です。
We welcomed six freshers to the Craft and Furnirure Making Dept. this year.
We start our lesson by wood turning. Wood turning is easy and fun, so it gives a good impression on woodwork to the freshers.
アカデミーならではといえば、このグリーンウッドワークもそうですね。
斧（おの）や銑（せん）を使い、生の木を人力だけで削ります。木工を学ぶ教育機関で、こうして生の木を削るところはおそらく他にないでしょう。
The first lesson includes green woodwork. Shaving on the horse and turning on the pole lathe. We are probably the only woodworking college in Japan that teaches green woodwork like this.
できあがったすりこぎとすりばち。
これでさっそくスパイスをすりました。
Each student made a mortar by electric lathe and a pestle by pole lathe.
シナモン、クローブ、カルダモン、ジンジャー、そしてミルクをたっぷり入れたインドのチャイを飲みながら、１年生と２年生の交流会。今年は教員３人を入れてぜんぶで１７人！賑やかになりそうです。
At the end of the lesson we ground spices with those mortars and pestles to make Chai, the Indian spice tea.
All the member of the Craft and Furniture Making Dept. enjoyed chai while introducing each other.
A New Door has been Discovered!
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Woodworking Dungeon
A new door has been discovered. And a note has been left at the first door that reads:“Thank you for the gift. You have been so nice to us, we have invited our friends to move in as well.”
Apparently the fairies in the new fairy door prefer a room with a view as this door is located a few steps up from the original.
It looks like this door is constructed of Jatoba with a Cherry frame and finished with Boiled Linseed Oil.
Episode 144 - Pallet Maker of the Month September 2008
09/30/2008, 09:00 | T Chisel - The Rough Cut Show!Old Tools and Hollow stones
00/00/0000, 00:00 | David's blog287 More July Giveaways
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastIt's near the end of July and it's time to give away some great schwag to some even greater listeners!!
This week we have another set of 2-1/2" Whiteside Brass Height Gages for one lucky winner and another great title from Sterling Publishing for a second lucky listener.
If you're interested in getting a set of your own gauges from Woodcraft click here, Whiteside Brass Height Gauges
WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!! If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.
If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.
Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
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Halloween Challenge with Lee Valley #1: Announcement
00/00/0000, 00:00 | LumberJocks.com :: woodworking showcase
Halloween Challenge: LumberJocks | HomeRefurbers | GardenTenders
That’s right. You’ve been challenged!. You have until the end of the month to build a Halloween decoration for outdoors and enter it in our very first Halloween LumberJocks Challenge. What’s the size? That’s up to you. What’s it made of? Wood, of course (and, yes, you can add non-wood objects to it as needed). We have all seen those cemeteries and skeletons in people’s yards, well we are LumberJocks and we can’t be outdone! Get your tools out and start building. We will be looking for creativity and for something that fits with the season.
PRIZES
Lee Valley will provide 3 random winners with the following great prizes:
Get your Project in by Saturday November 1st and the winners will be announced on November 2nd. Are you up for the challenge?
HOW TO ENTER
- SUBMIT your challenge entry as a project and tag it with challenge07 (of course you may add any additional tags too):
Note that you don’t need to use ‘challenge07’ in the project title (use the meaningful title instead). - You can submit only one entry – give it your best shot.
- Describe your entry and how it inspires you to enjoy the Halloween season
- The entry deadline is November 1st.
- Winners will be announced online at LumberJocks.com on November 2nd.
The Challenge is on. Let the games begin!
———————————————————————————————
We are also holding special Halloween challenges at HomeRefurbers.com and GardenTenders .com. This is the right time to use our new single access feature to join in all of our holiday fun ;)
Halloween Challenge: LumberJocks | HomeRefurbers | GardenTenders
Telescoping Drawer Gauge
00/00/0000, 00:00 | WoodworkingONLINE.comYou can sharpen your woodworking skills with helpful tips and techniques from the editors of Woodsmith and ShopNotes magazines. Get a FREE tip sent to your email address each week! Go to WoodworkingTips.com and sign up today.
Here’s last week’s tip from ShopNotes online editor Phil Huber:
Measuring the width for a drawer bottom can be a challenge. I usually measure several times just to make sure I get it right.Then I made the simple drawer gauge shown in the photo below. Now, I don’t have to worry about the “numbers.” The gauge always shows me the exact distance.
It’s made from two pieces of aluminum angle joined together by a small wood block (see end view below right). The telescoping arms are two pieces of flat aluminum bar stock set side by side. A knurled knob, pressed-in threaded insert, and a penny sets and adjusts the arms.
It’s easy to use the gauge to set up your table saw for the cut. Just slide the arms until each one touches the bottom of the groove in the drawer sides. Then tighten the knob to secure the arms.
Next place the end of one arm against the blade and the other arm against your rip fence. Lock the fence in position and make the cut.
Good Woodworking,
Phil Huber
Online Editor, ShopNotes
Router Bit of the Month - April, 2008 - Whiteside's Cove & Bead Bit the Video
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastIt's the beginning of a new month and that means it's time for Router Bit of the Month!! For the entire month of April, 2008 Woodcraft is featuring Whiteside's 1/4" radius Cove and Bead Edge Profiling bit.
This little decorative edge profiling bit is like getting two bits in one. The combination of a 1/4" radius cove profile and a 1/4" radius bead give plain old square and chunky edges a beautiful decorative look that's very pleasing to the eye.
The great thing about Whiteside's cove and bead bit is that when you use it in your router table it's like getting four profiles for the price of one. By running your stock flat against the router table you get an edge with the bead leading the profile, but by standing the stock on edge and running it up against the router table fence you get an decorative edge with the cove leading the profile.
Or, if you're just looking to use the cove or the bead profiles by themselves it's once again a matter of adjusting the height of the bit and moving the fence back and forth. In a matter of minutes you're making separate profiles from this one combo bit.
If you're interested in ordering this month's Router Bit of the Month from Woodcraft.com just click on the picture:
Congrats to Frank Bylo, this month's winner of a Whiteside router bit!! If you haven't entered your name for free schwag or just have a comment, question or feedback, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com.
For anyone interested, coming up on April 11 & 12, 2008 there's a great little tool demo and woodworking school openhouse going on at J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture in Chicago. The details can be found at Lie-Nielsen. There will be some great demos by a number of well known woodworkers and I'm planning on checking it out myself.
Don't forget to get your questions in for Hendrik's next visit in April, we're talking lumber defects and how to work around them.
293 More of the Workbench
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastOn Monday I shared with you some great follow-up questions from some listeners of the show.
Well there were a couple more that I thought were important to share with all of you and the best way to do these was to explain them in a video.
Thanks to Donna and Shawn for submitting them!!
WIN AN iPOD TOUCH!! If you have the time, please take the new listener survey, and when you do you'll be entered to win an iPod Touch.
Hendrik is back in September so get your questions in as soon as possible. This time around, it's an open question and answer session so send them in!! And if you're visiting the IWF in Atlanta, Hendrik will be there too, so say HI if you see him.
If you'd like to enter for free schwag or just have a comment, question or suggestion drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or head over to my website at www.mattsbasementworkshop.com or call our Skype Voicemail at 231 354-2338.
To download directly to your computer Right Click on direct download, choose "Save Target as"
Wooden Wedding Rings in Costa Rica
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Wooden Rings from Touch Wood Rings
I have attached photos to convey how amazing this day was for us, and your part in it.
After we returned, we found the rings to be such a bind between us, knowing that we shared the same trees, the same meaning, and the same spirit that created our rings.
Thank you again for brightening our lives."
Holiday
00/00/0000, 00:00 | David's blog
There is ...
椅子づくり講座2/ chair class 2
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Masashi's woodworking diary
椅子づくり講座前半の最後は、後脚の曲げ木です。
脚を４５分ほど蒸してから、上の写真のように曲げ、型にはめて固定します。
We steam bent rear legs at the end of the first half of the chair class.
A participant is limbering the steamed rear leg before putting it in a form.
うまく型にはまって嬉しそうな森林たくみ塾師範・庄司修さん。
Mr. Osamu Shoji, the master craftsman of Shinrin Takumijuku woodworking college, with a successfully-bent rear leg.
しかし今回の材料では、曲げの内側にシワがよるなどの不具合が多く出ました。
クリが柔らかすぎたためか、ずいぶん手こずりました。
But many rear legs had wrinkles on the inside of the curve. Green chestnut might have been too soft for this purpose.
型にはめた後脚と、八角形に削ったその他の部材は、後半が始まるまで乾燥器に入れて含水率を下げます。
Those rear legs and octagonal-shaped posts and rungs were then put into a kiln to dry until the beginning of the latter half of the class.
A Trip to the Spa
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Skiving OffSee, I slept in Sunday morning and I forgot to watch the Belgian Grand Prix. Then, because I missed it, my friend Terry told me to not even read anything about the race until I was able to watch the replay (that I finally recorded this afternoon on Speed Channel).
So tonight I watched the Belgian Grand Prix that was run this past Sunday at Spa (a mere 35 miles from Genk, where I used to work on occasions). The race was the normal excitement, but with 3 laps to go it went CRAZY when the rain began to fall.
With almost none of the cars on wet tires, the finish of that race came down to which driver could feather the throttle and get around the track while only using about 25% of the car’s available horsepower.
Sometimes it’s not a matter of how much power you have…it comes down to the skills of the one wielding that power. None of the guys on the podium at Spa finished that race with his engine pushed anywhere close to 19,000 rpms.
Hmmmm….I started out writing this thinking the Belgian Grand Prix might be a great metaphor for the using hand tools, but now that I think about it, the race at Spa wasn’t about the tools. It makes a better argument for the importance of always monitoring the moisture content.
cheated out of the win by the corrupt Ferrari team.
The Guitar Shop
11/29/2006, 08:07 | The Wood Shop
Photo Courtesy of PhatTone Electronics
How to Find Discount Window Blinds
11/03/2008, 11:35 | Wood Shutters
If your searching for a discount window blinds company, find a good company that offers a heavy selection of blinds to choose from, they must have horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb or cellular shades, roman shades, roller shades, and a selection of the very popular choice of bamboo products, the more choices you have, the better the chance is of finding the right discount window blinds your looking for. Search for a discount window blind company that offer's and affordable and stylish window covering solutions, whatever your choice or budget. It's best not to have a such narrow selection of horrible or low quality blinds just because the amount you want to spend is limited.
Discount window blinds should be inexpensive, not cheap in quality,you should be able to purchase them with confidence that these blinds you have chose will satisfy your tastes and stand up to the abuse they might receive over the years of use, and other conditions they might go through.
Search for the discount window blinds company that guarantee's all their products with lifetime warranties. Generally if there is a great warranty, it means the manufacturer is pretty confident in their product, and you won't need to use the warranty. Also, another great way to ensure that your discount window blinds are not going to be a purchase you regret is by finding a store that does not say that all sales are final. You should get the satisfaction of knowing that if the blinds aren't working out for you, that you can return them.
If you decide to order a set of discount window blinds, be sure that your order arrive's on time. If you save thousands of dollars on discount window blinds, then you don't get them for eight months, then you have eight months of loss privacy, lots of sun where you don't need it, so all that money you just saved wouldn't feel worth it.
It's also probably a good idea to consider price. Just because the company or store claims they are a discount window blinds provider, does not mean they are really giving you a discount. Shop around for the competitors, look at quality and how it compares, and ensure that you are not just being told you are getting a good price, but to make sure you know you are getting that good price your looking for. Quality is going to be the most important decision, and the more you shop around, the better chances are your going find the high quality blinds at a discount price that your looking for.
Another thing you should be aware of is alot of discount window blind stores pay their sales people on commission, so they are going to try and talk you into an expensive set of blinds even if something less expensive can satisfy your taste. This means that you will need to find someone that is ready and willing to provide professional advice about the window blinds you need and the cash you want to save.
At Window Blind Dealers you can find detailed information on Discount Window Blinds, faux wood blinds,fabric window blinds, Metal Window Blinds and more. Window Blind Dealers is an affiliated window blind dealer.
Stanley's new premium handplanes
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Norse WoodsmithThe Stanley Tool company is legendary in hand tool circles... It is their planes that a large majority of us woodworkers cut their teeth on. They have been making the most popular line of woodworking planes since the late 1800's - at least until the quality of their product began to suffer after WWII, ultimately reaching their low point in the 60's and 70's where the level of quality has remained until today. Yet there are so many examples of Stanley planes out there remaining from pre-WWII days still in use today that they are still setting the standard by which others are graded even to this day. It wasn't limited to just bench planes either - one only has to look at Patrick Leach's pages on Stanley planes to see the breadth of their product line from the day. The sheer extent of their product offerings is testament to their popularity. Only recently have independent toolmakers - as a collective - even begun to breach a portion of it.
USA Report #1
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Philsville
HI Folks
Well I'm here. After a long and slightly painful journey I arrived in Lexington, KY - it was real late, thanks to a missed connecting flight. So I stopped at a local hotel for the night before heading down the next morning to Berea.
The first day was spent talking. No real surprise, as you know what I'm like. A good few hours (and lunch) was spent with Larry Williams and Don McConnell - It was a great pleasure to chat with two giants of the planemaking world!
Later on Mike Wenzloff and his lovely wife Dina arrived and we set up the benchs ready for the next day.
The evening was spent with Brian Boggs, Michel Auriou and Mike Hancock - Brian said he knew a great place for "fish and chips". So we ended up in a Irish pub - and a great night it turned out to be. TLN, Deneb and crew turned up, John Econmaki and crew and the Pop Wood crew also turned up as the night went by. It was spoiled only bag-pipes. No, don't ask ;)
Today was the first day of the show - the atmosphere was electric! Everyone was beaming and it was such an amazing day. I'm almost hoarse from talking to people so another hour and I'll be off for a cold drink.
Thanks to everyone that called by to say hello - I never knew so many people read this blog :)
'Til tomorrow,
Philly
Ep 10 Carlo Mollino 01
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Furnitology ProductionsSo welcome to the world of Carlo. Carlo Mollino that is. This is the first Episode of interpretting a glass top coffee table, inspired by Italian Designer Carlo Mollino.
It's a bent plywood piece that we'll produce with a finished surface of Bird-eye Maple and maple trim.
Furniture design moves forward and stalls then forward again only to stall, Carlo Mollino was a Furniture Designer always in forward position.
Come along for the ride as we investigate the life and interprret one of his famous pieces. It's a complex build but Carlo wouldn't have it any other way.
So hop in the Bisiluro and lets go!!!!!
Brandywine River Museum
00/00/0000, 00:00 | The Village Carpenter
N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth's paintings figure prominently in the galleries at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA.Photos of the artwork are not permitted, however I was allowed to photograph this elaborately carved coat of arms which originally adorned the pediment of the Dauphin County Court House in Harrisburg—Pennsylvania's capital city.
The carving, created in 1861 by E. Omensetter, was constructed with four horizontal pine boards used as a backing for the pine relief carvings that were attached with nails. Originally painted, the coat of arm's colors were worn away by weather and age.
The state's motto, "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence," is deeply carved into the banner, and the other design elements are also representative of Pennsylvania. The ship symbolizes the state's ports and vast commercial network; the American eagle is the traditional symbol of liberty;
the horses protect and honor the motto; the plow represents coal and mineral resources; and the wheat and corn depict Pennsylvania's agriculture.I love the chunky gouge marks and stylized eagle and horses. The beefiness, the deep shadows, and the folksiness of the design seem to accurately portray PA, which is replete with farmland and steeped in history.
While I enjoyed the Wyeths' and other artists' paintings, I found myself lingering in front of this piece longer than any other.
Guitar wood ring (Handcrafted Wooden Wedding & Engagement Rings)
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Wood Rings by Simply Wood RingsBuilding a Bookcase Part II
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Woodworkers ResourcePart II of our Building a Bookcase video series covers the topic of face frames. We talk about ways to construct face frames (mortise and tenon, and pocket hole joinery) along with things to consider when figuring out what size your face frames need to be.
We'll even show you how to make sure your face frames fit your bookcase perfectly every time.
For more information on woodworking and to be alerted to future videos podcasts, go to our website and sign up for our newsletter.
www.WoodworkersResource.com
Thanks for watching!
Craig Stevens
Chisel Use DVD
00/00/0000, 00:00 | David's blog
I am excited about the latest DVD as it concentrates on techniques for chisel use.
Chopping and paring ...
316 Preferred Sandpaper for Lapping Handplanes
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Matt's Basement Workshop PodcastListener Doug wrote in about using Aluminum Oxide sandpaper vs Wet/dry for lapping hand plane soles. Doug had some concerns about the fact that he couldn't find Wet/dry in coarser grits than 400 and was worried that using an AO with water would ruin the sandpaper.
My answer for Doug was...
If you'd like to enter for free schwag, have a comment, question or suggestion, drop me a line at mattsbasementworkshop@gmail.com or head over to the website. Or...leave a voicemail at 231 354-2338.
Listen to today's show by clicking on the player below
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Wesonbirt 2008 - still the perfect woodworking show.
00/00/0000, 00:00 | Sauer & Steiner
I had the good fortune to attend the Festival of the Tree again this August, and like last year - was not disappointed. The format was the same - camping on the grounds of the Westonbirt Arbouretum, large scale sculptures in a picturesque setting and very fine food prepared by “cheffie” (pictured below drying some tea-towels).
One of the most enjoyable things about traveling is the incredible people - and this year's adventure was no exception. There were many familiar faces to catch up with and just as many new ones. We were set up in the Classic Hand Tools marquee again - situated off to the side of the display area. But judging from the well worn pathways inside - we were certainly not out of sight.
There was a new demonstrator at the show this year - and for all intents and purposes - he stole the show. Steve Woodley specializes in supplying hand hewn timbers for restoration work and provided four days of inspirational demonstration.
He was supplied with 3 oak logs and over the course of the 4 days, managed to square up two of them. I found myself stopping to watch every time I walked by - with several additional deliberate trips to watch his progress. I was struck with the simplicity of the process - and the incredible skill and precision required to execute it properly. Steve taught me two very important lessons about axes. First - he taught me how to sharpen them - and yes - they should look like the backs of your plane irons. Secondly - a mediocre axe is not worth the struggle. He had at least 8 axes with him - all made by Gransfors. These are available in the UK from Classic Handtools or in North America through Lee Valley. Not only is he highly skilled - he is a fantastic guy. His brother lives less than an hour from my house and I am hoping to figure out a way to get him over to this side of the pond. I am working on it Steve.
It was great to see Jolyon Reynolds again this year - he was set up around the corner from Steve. Between the two of them - they had an amazing demonstration.
Mark Hancock and his charming wife Karen were at the show again and were a crucial part of the good natured fun and frolic in the classic handtools compound. There were only a few “safe” seconds for me to capture the above photo before Mark shifted his gouge and showered me with shavings. Typical : )
I was thrilled to see my good friend Michel Auriou again - it had been far too long since our last visit. I always enjoy Michel's insight into toolmaking, steel and business. The best piece of news was that Auriou is back in business. Hopefully some more left handed rasps will be in my future...
David Charlesworth and Pat stopped in on Saturday - it was great to see them again. They were set up beside me which gave us a chance to catch up a bit and talk shop. Here we are discussing one of Bill Carters planes (nice segue, eh?)
That same day - Bill and Sarah Carter arrived. It is always a thrill to see them. Bill had over a dozen planes with him - from wee little 1/2" boxwood smoothers, to an incredible 28-1/2" jointer. Bill was kept very busy with a steady stream of admirers and Sarah kept the three of us content with coffee and homemade cake.
If I had the money - this pair of mitre planes would have come home with me.
Another fine planemaker stopped in for a visit - Christopher Martyn. I met Christopher at last years show and was very impressed with his instrument planes. Some of his planes were featured in Fine Woodworkings 2007/2008 Tools & Shops issue.
My friend Tony stopped in to try a few planes - here he is testing out a No.4 smoother.
I also met Mike Riley and had a great visit with Phil Edwards. The Romanesque fellow is Alex Primmer - he works for Classic Handtools.
It is amazing how much changes in a year. Last year, Phil was contemplating making a few planes - and this year he had his own line of tools and was conducting a brisk business. A few days before I left for England, Phil sent me an email asking if there was anything he could bring along to help reduce my luggage. It was an extremely thoughtful offer and as it turned out - I did use many of his things over the course of the event. My deepest thanks Phil for taking good care of me during the show. I hope I can return the favour in Berea.
Mark Bennett was a new demonstrator at the show and I have to say I was quite impressed. He is a very kind, soft spoken fellow and we found ourselves discussing the finer points of plane design, our respective wood stashes (I suspect his will knock my socks off when I see it) and design in general. I thoroughly enjoyed his company. He was also a wealth of knowledge and passed on several great insights. One of the more interesting one was tree warts. I have to admit I was a little skeptical until he showed me one. He handed me a holly wart. He said they are very tight burls and cuts them into disks and uses them for inlay work. So I now have a Holly wart to add to my growing pile of timber.
Fun & games
The show was not just work - there was tremendous play as well. I sometimes feel guilty about it - and there were two instances where I found myself beautifully derailed.
The other derailment was Mark and I cleaning up a large piece of boxwood (with an Auriou rasp of course).
Philly and Mike Riley planting some vile shavings.
Chris Pye being majestic even when he is trying not to be. Chris was set up about 30 feet away but I was able to watch him transform a rather non-descript bit of wood into a very fanciful beast. I only wish I was able to pay closer attention - I know he has a lot to teach and I have a lot to learn.
I also had great visits with John Lloyd and Rob Cosman but did not manage to find them when I was collecting photos.
And last but certainly not least... a rather tuckered member of the International football team who was sadly defeated at the third annual “Billy Hancock Birthday showdown”. The Brits won 3/0. Mark shared a very funny comment on the last day. He was telling a few of us how surreal it was to be the keeper for the British team and seeing all these faces he recognizes from magazine head shots rushing at him. The quote went something like this... “and there was Rob Cosman - with the ball... rushing towards me. Bloody hell!”
I would also like to express my thanks to Mike Hancock, his lovely wife Mary, and their kids Alex and Billy. The Classic Handtool marquee is not the focus of Westonbirt - but it has become a very important part of it - and clearly inspires people to work with wood. Mike has done an outstanding job, and has proven that a vision of something different and a little creativity can make something very special happen. Congratulations Mike.
I Could Spit Nails!
00/00/0000, 00:00 | The Village Carpenter
These phrases have been around for a while and are as worn out as 30-year-old band saw tires, so I feel it's our duty to coin some new ones for the good of the craft. If you come up with one, feel free to share. I mean, surely we couldn't have exhausted all possible woodworking clichés.(Knock on wood.)