Winding sticks consist of two straight edges that can be placed on a plank or board to assess if, or how, it is twisted. Continue reading “Winding Sticks #1”
Winding Sticks #1
Electrolysis
A while ago I posted about some beat up old planes I had been given, and how I was trying out a de-rusting method that I had not used before. I said that I would write a post about it, giving more details, and so, true to my word, here is that post. Continue reading “Electrolysis”
Woods Used in Saw Handles
Fascinating post about saw handles and apple wood, from the Lost Art Press
Free wood
Yesterday, my brother decided to borrow my chainsaw and prune the hell out of a willow tree. I asked if I could have a couple of the logs.
Coincidentally, I needed to slightly prune a camellia tree yesterday, as it was interfering with a fence panel. Here are the results. The willow is on the left, the camellia on the right.
I’m planning on throwing them up into the shed’s rafters and forgetting about them for a year. I’m not sure what I can do with them. They are branch wood, and I’ve recently read that branch wood is notoriously difficult to work as, by its very nature, it often contains lines of tension that are released, and therefore distort it, when it is cut.
It might be good for turning tool handles, or perhaps for inlay. Any suggestions?
Plane restoration #7 – Reassembly
Well, here we are. All the parts ready to reassemble. I’m reasonably happy with the way it turned out, but if anyone has any advice on how I could have done better, please let me know in the comments. I’ve got several other planes that could do with an overhaul, so any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
Plane restoration #6 – Iron and cap iron
The iron and cap-iron cleaned up pretty well. There wasn’t a great deal of rust, just some patina, and that can stay as it does no harm.
Dabbling in the black arts – watch this space…
Just as I was finishing off the plane restoration (more posts on that project to follow), a friend gave me two Stanley hand planes that had belonged to his father – a #4 and a#5½. He had no use for them, and since he knew of my fondness for hand tools he thought they might be useful for spares. They had been quietly rusting away for a few years in a shed and, as you can see, they are in pretty bad shape. Continue reading “Dabbling in the black arts – watch this space…”
Harry Lawton – Legend
I hope I am still working wood at his age. It might take me that long to master it!
I was interested to note that he is a fan of walnut and, if you look closely, of George Orwell. A man after my own heart…
…not sure about operating a lathe with no eye or head protection whilst wearing a neck tie though.
Plane restoration #5 – Bits and pieces
The screws, washers and fittings of the plane are also in need of a bit of TLC. The steel components had a fair amount of surface rust, as well as a build up of wood dust and grease, especially in the threaded areas. I put them in a bath of white spirit to loosen things up a bit, and I used a small wire brush to clear out the debris. Continue reading “Plane restoration #5 – Bits and pieces”
goatboys woodshop 