Showing posts with label in. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
the worms crawl in the worms crawl out
wormy recycled chestnut ... i love it ... were currently working on three or four projects where we will be using it ... a snatch of a childhood song came to mind today as we were cutting a log that will be used for a mantle in one of those upcoming projects .... when we cut it to length, we happened to hit on an extra wormy cross section. for some reason, you can see the tracks where the worms went in and then round and round in the log ... ive never noticed it before, and i thought it was cool enough to share ... kind of made me think of a brice marden painting ... click the photos to enlarge them ..
the mantle log .. 7 x 9 x 72"
brice marden
the hearse song
Monday, February 10, 2014
It Would Be Nice To Keep It In The Family
Fascinating, yet frustrating stuff, this tool-collecting thing.
I was walking through the first tool fair I ever attended two springs ago and came across a beautiful little fret saw that I fell in love with immediately. For 35 bucks, it was mine and I was thrilled to death to have it, as it really was a beautiful little thing.
A while later, I came across its big brother on eBay. It had the exact same turned handle, the exact same metalwork and the exact same thumbscrews that hold the blade and the sliding adjuster. Man, I thought I died and went to heaven, especially when it became mine for the mere sum of $9.99 plus postage.
I have seen other exact matches to these two since, but none seem to be in as good of condition as mine, so I let them pass. There have also been a couple that had the same frame, same handle, same thumbscrews, but have the added feature of a blade tensioner at the font of the frame. The first one I missed, forgetting about the eBay listing ending while I was out spending money on other silly things with my wife; dumb things like food and gas for the car. There is a match to it listed currently, but the seller has it at one of those, “give your head a shake” Buy-It-Now prices.
Have a look at "me boys" granddaddy…
I was walking through the first tool fair I ever attended two springs ago and came across a beautiful little fret saw that I fell in love with immediately. For 35 bucks, it was mine and I was thrilled to death to have it, as it really was a beautiful little thing.
A while later, I came across its big brother on eBay. It had the exact same turned handle, the exact same metalwork and the exact same thumbscrews that hold the blade and the sliding adjuster. Man, I thought I died and went to heaven, especially when it became mine for the mere sum of $9.99 plus postage.
I have seen other exact matches to these two since, but none seem to be in as good of condition as mine, so I let them pass. There have also been a couple that had the same frame, same handle, same thumbscrews, but have the added feature of a blade tensioner at the font of the frame. The first one I missed, forgetting about the eBay listing ending while I was out spending money on other silly things with my wife; dumb things like food and gas for the car. There is a match to it listed currently, but the seller has it at one of those, “give your head a shake” Buy-It-Now prices.
As an update to this, I emailed the seller of this saw asking if we could work out a better price, walking on eggshells throughout it so not to insult the guy. What I got back could only be described as disgustingly rude and arrogant, so much so that I was happy we couldnt come to terms because I wouldnt want to deal with the likes of the eBay seller; Milikis Shed from Southwest Iowa.It is ok, though. I have the little guy and his big brother, and I am happy with that, or at least I was until my morning constitution yesterday, it being a cruise through jimbodetools.com to see what his daily listings were. My God! There, in all its warm tones of browns, peering back at me from my monitor, was these two guys’ great-great grandfather. It blew me away.
Have a look at "me boys" granddaddy…
Now have a look at “me boys”…
Pretty similar, aren’t they.
I immediately packed off an email to Jim asking if there were indeed related, and he came back at me with the affirmative, stating that the gens were the same, mine being how the design for the saw evolved over the years to bring down the production costs and his being the original.
This saw design keeps popping up in my life over and over again. The Lee Valley Collection has one and so does the Sindelar Museum, their site, I just discovered, no longer being accessible. Many of the examples I have seen lately were made by different American manufacturers, although the original producer is believed to be German. Most of the early 20th century examples by the original manufacturer, like mine, have no markings except for some have a number cut into them in odd places. Later versions have either “Made in Germany” or “W. Germany” stamped on them. Other “knock-offs” have different and assorted manufacturers’ names stamped on them, even Brookstone getting in on this act.
Rob Cosman, of the dovetail fame, offers a fret saw for removing waste when cutting these joints in 3 minutes or less, and his saw is based on Jim’s granddaddy saw. I asked Rob about it a week or so ago and he stated that he brings them in from a manufacturer located here in Ontario, Canada, but that was all the information about them he could give.
I have run into a number of these saws over the past two years, and asked each one if they know the name of the manufacturer. Sadly, no-one knows and only answer, “I believe it is German”. It is too bad that such a fine toolmaker has to go down as being an unknown.
You can bet your sweet petunia that I want that granddaddy saw. I have been salivating on my monitor since first seeing it, as that image you see above is currently my desktop wallpaper. The problem I have is that over the last couple of weeks I have purchased a few planes, a float and a couple of squares, and they have blown my tool budget for this month. FRUSTRATINGGGGGGGGGG.
Peace,
Mitchell
I immediately packed off an email to Jim asking if there were indeed related, and he came back at me with the affirmative, stating that the gens were the same, mine being how the design for the saw evolved over the years to bring down the production costs and his being the original.
This saw design keeps popping up in my life over and over again. The Lee Valley Collection has one and so does the Sindelar Museum, their site, I just discovered, no longer being accessible. Many of the examples I have seen lately were made by different American manufacturers, although the original producer is believed to be German. Most of the early 20th century examples by the original manufacturer, like mine, have no markings except for some have a number cut into them in odd places. Later versions have either “Made in Germany” or “W. Germany” stamped on them. Other “knock-offs” have different and assorted manufacturers’ names stamped on them, even Brookstone getting in on this act.
Rob Cosman, of the dovetail fame, offers a fret saw for removing waste when cutting these joints in 3 minutes or less, and his saw is based on Jim’s granddaddy saw. I asked Rob about it a week or so ago and he stated that he brings them in from a manufacturer located here in Ontario, Canada, but that was all the information about them he could give.
I have run into a number of these saws over the past two years, and asked each one if they know the name of the manufacturer. Sadly, no-one knows and only answer, “I believe it is German”. It is too bad that such a fine toolmaker has to go down as being an unknown.
You can bet your sweet petunia that I want that granddaddy saw. I have been salivating on my monitor since first seeing it, as that image you see above is currently my desktop wallpaper. The problem I have is that over the last couple of weeks I have purchased a few planes, a float and a couple of squares, and they have blown my tool budget for this month. FRUSTRATINGGGGGGGGGG.
Peace,
Mitchell
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
woodworking in an apartment
Popular woodworking in an apartment Best choice
How to start woodworking in a basement or apartment, How to start woodworking in a basement or apartment so you want to start woodworking, but don't have the space in a garage or shed where you can saw and sand to your. Mother-in-law apartment plans | ehow - ehow | how to, Mother-in-law apartment plans. so your mother-in-law is coming to live with you? make the transition as easy as possible by creating her own living space. in many.
Woodworking projects | ebay - electronics, cars, fashion, Find great deals on ebay for woodworking projects in books about nonfiction. shop with confidence.. Bedroom, living room and office furniture — sauder furniture, Sauder offers an impressive variety of affordable style in your home or office with the latest in bedroom, living room and office furniture.. 10 furniture makers keeping woodworking alive | apartment, The understated luxury of hand-crafted wood furniture does more than serve a basic function. it makes a statement, tells a story, and adds to the beauty. Apartment 4a - the big bang theory wiki, Apartment 4a is the primary setting in the big bang theory, and is the apartment where sheldon and leonard live. it is situated in an apartment complex at 2311 n. los. We, Best answer: http://www.justgaragekits.com/ http://www.abshomes.com/html/panel_optio… http://www.cabins.ca/ http://www.steelmasterusa.com/garages/in…. Texas a&m real estate center - newstalk texas, Newstalk texas is our database of news stories on real estate deals both big and small from all over the lone star state. stories cover real estate, apartments.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
In the Eyes of the Beholder
Perfectly Executed...Ask yourself why.
"A perfectly executed, hand cut dovetail joint..." Oh yeah? It seems lately when I open up woodworking magazines or watch woodworking video clips everybody is talking about their perfect way to cut dovetails. Half-blinds and hounds tooth, better saws and better jigs. Doesnt matter if you use a hand saw, band saw or even some cross-cutting sled on your table saw, all youre going to hear is: "the perfect joint", "the best way to cut this or make that" perhaps even a "better way" in some ones eyes. What is perfection but some un-achievable measure of proficiency, skill, or excellence. Now dont get me wrong, Im as guilty as the next guy. When I take the time to cut half blind dovetails I want them to be as near perfect as my hands will allow. Ill use contrasting woods so when you open up a drawer theyll jump right out at you. Why? Well lets go further back.
Its kind of ironic that when we think of some of the greatest craftsmen in todays society names such as Sam Maloof or James Krenov immediately come to mind. Sam Maloof who takes 4" metal screws and drives them through his Chair legs to hold them in place. Now look at some of the most famous pieces by Krenov, dowelled together glorified butt joints; and dont get me started about Norm Abrams techniques...Now before you start sending me hate mail for bashing these great masters of the craft, let me start by saying that I admire them to the outer most limits; I find inspiration in all that they do and have studied anything and everything written on their works. But here lies the irony, todays young woodworkers are inundated with teachers pushing them towards excellence. No, their isnt anything wrong with striving towards excellence, but remember to stop every now and then and to ask yourself why. Is Sam Maloof wrong or any less a craftsman for using metal screws in his furniture? Is James Krenov cheapening his work by using a dowel to hold two pieces together instead of some elaborate joint? Go to an antique dealer or walk into a museum and look at the fine examples of hand crafted furniture. Pieces that have stood the tests of time and are the proof we need to justify the joinery in furniture construction. Take a close look at the dovetails if you can find any; in most cases they were covered by mouldings or hidden out of sight from prying consumers eyes. When you look at the joinery in these classic pieces youll probably uncover rough cuts with loose fitting cheeks, perhaps the saw lines extend down further than the witness marks; Oh..the horror, I know. When contrasting woods were used it was probably due to a cheaper secondary wood and not for the fashion sense were constantly reminded of. Were these craftsmen unskilled? Is it simply coincidence that these pieces are around for you to see a hundred years later? No. These skilled workers in wood simply didnt feel the dovetail was so much of a design feature as they felt it was the strongest possible joint they could execute for a particular application. In todays face-paced, fashion world where trends can come and fads can go, the joinery being marketed by your favourite wood workers can sometimes feel like thats all it is. I think its great to practice cutting a joint and honing your skills; making a piece you can truly be proud of. But stop sometimes and ask yourself are you taking the time to cut those half blind dovetails so you can give that chest of drawers to your grand childrens grandchildren, or is it to fetch an extra buck at the craft fair this Sunday?
RECENT COMMENT:
Hey Tom,
I really appreciate your blog, thanks for taking the time……………It was only a couple of months ago, I thought “blog” was a typo.
Well, I’m a novice woodworker and completely relate to your entry, “in the eyes of the beholder”. I’ve read a lot of woodworking articles, books and watched DVDs on dovetails. It always comes back to the same thing, how much time do you want to take? As you know, there is no substitute for time: the more time you spend the more proficient and skilled you become. I am satisfied with learning to cut dovetails by hand because I know my perfect dovetail will take time. Time to develop my own set of techniques and skills …………………I guess some people are just satisfied with the journey and some people need to arrive. For me, the art of working wood is not a means to an end but a quest to learn a skill that satisfies my soul. Could I make a living for my family building period furniture? Probably not but maybe someday I’ll the chance to cross that bridge too. It sure would be nice.
Thanks again,
James
Read More..
"A perfectly executed, hand cut dovetail joint..." Oh yeah? It seems lately when I open up woodworking magazines or watch woodworking video clips everybody is talking about their perfect way to cut dovetails. Half-blinds and hounds tooth, better saws and better jigs. Doesnt matter if you use a hand saw, band saw or even some cross-cutting sled on your table saw, all youre going to hear is: "the perfect joint", "the best way to cut this or make that" perhaps even a "better way" in some ones eyes. What is perfection but some un-achievable measure of proficiency, skill, or excellence. Now dont get me wrong, Im as guilty as the next guy. When I take the time to cut half blind dovetails I want them to be as near perfect as my hands will allow. Ill use contrasting woods so when you open up a drawer theyll jump right out at you. Why? Well lets go further back.Its kind of ironic that when we think of some of the greatest craftsmen in todays society names such as Sam Maloof or James Krenov immediately come to mind. Sam Maloof who takes 4" metal screws and drives them through his Chair legs to hold them in place. Now look at some of the most famous pieces by Krenov, dowelled together glorified butt joints; and dont get me started about Norm Abrams techniques...Now before you start sending me hate mail for bashing these great masters of the craft, let me start by saying that I admire them to the outer most limits; I find inspiration in all that they do and have studied anything and everything written on their works. But here lies the irony, todays young woodworkers are inundated with teachers pushing them towards excellence. No, their isnt anything wrong with striving towards excellence, but remember to stop every now and then and to ask yourself why. Is Sam Maloof wrong or any less a craftsman for using metal screws in his furniture? Is James Krenov cheapening his work by using a dowel to hold two pieces together instead of some elaborate joint? Go to an antique dealer or walk into a museum and look at the fine examples of hand crafted furniture. Pieces that have stood the tests of time and are the proof we need to justify the joinery in furniture construction. Take a close look at the dovetails if you can find any; in most cases they were covered by mouldings or hidden out of sight from prying consumers eyes. When you look at the joinery in these classic pieces youll probably uncover rough cuts with loose fitting cheeks, perhaps the saw lines extend down further than the witness marks; Oh..the horror, I know. When contrasting woods were used it was probably due to a cheaper secondary wood and not for the fashion sense were constantly reminded of. Were these craftsmen unskilled? Is it simply coincidence that these pieces are around for you to see a hundred years later? No. These skilled workers in wood simply didnt feel the dovetail was so much of a design feature as they felt it was the strongest possible joint they could execute for a particular application. In todays face-paced, fashion world where trends can come and fads can go, the joinery being marketed by your favourite wood workers can sometimes feel like thats all it is. I think its great to practice cutting a joint and honing your skills; making a piece you can truly be proud of. But stop sometimes and ask yourself are you taking the time to cut those half blind dovetails so you can give that chest of drawers to your grand childrens grandchildren, or is it to fetch an extra buck at the craft fair this Sunday?
RECENT COMMENT:
Hey Tom,
I really appreciate your blog, thanks for taking the time……………It was only a couple of months ago, I thought “blog” was a typo.
Well, I’m a novice woodworker and completely relate to your entry, “in the eyes of the beholder”. I’ve read a lot of woodworking articles, books and watched DVDs on dovetails. It always comes back to the same thing, how much time do you want to take? As you know, there is no substitute for time: the more time you spend the more proficient and skilled you become. I am satisfied with learning to cut dovetails by hand because I know my perfect dovetail will take time. Time to develop my own set of techniques and skills …………………I guess some people are just satisfied with the journey and some people need to arrive. For me, the art of working wood is not a means to an end but a quest to learn a skill that satisfies my soul. Could I make a living for my family building period furniture? Probably not but maybe someday I’ll the chance to cross that bridge too. It sure would be nice.
Thanks again,
James
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)