I've written a lot about the wasteful society and throw away age over years and as predicted the devious nature of modern manufacturing is slowly but surely being exposed. In recent papers we are seeing evidence of sweatshop labour being used on our own shore where people are expected to work thought this pandemic is close confinement and paid what … [Read more...] about Fast Fashion, Cheap New Tools being exposed
Plain Crazy for Vintage Planes
Our plane stock levels in the website are currently low because they are simply selling faster than we can refurbish them at present, we do have good stocks but not enough hours in the week to keep up with demand. It's important to us that standards are maintained and every plane has the correct attention needed to ensure it is suitable for fine … [Read more...] about Plain Crazy for Vintage Planes
It’s not just the vintage tool that you are buying.
There are many craftsmen and hobbyist's who don't really get what we do here, probably down to lack of research into how the used tool market has changed or because of lack of experience of relatively new woodworkers. Whilst we appreciate there are many online trying to explain how to maintain tools, it's highly recognisable how limited and often … [Read more...] about It’s not just the vintage tool that you are buying.
The Vintage Stanley No: 95 Butt Gauge
A tool that is often overlooked by woodworkers is the Stanley USA No: 94 or 95 butt gauge. Here are a series of of old literature and diagrams that will help with the workings and uses of this rather handy tool. These are made from solid cast steel and usually nickel plated although this is common to be worn. … [Read more...] about The Vintage Stanley No: 95 Butt Gauge
We Are Open For Business – COVID-19 Important Steps Taken
We want to make clear the steps that have been taken for the past 3 weeks in preparation for the Coronavirus (Covid-19) and why we will continue trading and are open for business, working in a safe considerate manner. As a small family business we do have considerable control over our environment and we are not open to the public. We have enough … [Read more...] about We Are Open For Business – COVID-19 Important Steps Taken
Self Isolation And How Hobbies Can Help
Those who already have hobbies will undoubtedly have more to keep their minds occupied and bodies active through what looks to be a torrid time ahead with the COVID-19 outbreak. I know that we are grateful to have a large workshop and plenty to do during this time. After the initial preparations are made, there are going to be a considerable … [Read more...] about Self Isolation And How Hobbies Can Help
China Crisis – Shortage of hard point saws
So what's going to happen when the world has a shortage of disposable hard point saws from China? Will many woodworkers in the UK start stockpiling and compound the effect of the shortages like people are doing with toilet rolls and hand sanitiser? I wonder if anyone then using these disposable throw away saws will inevitably wish they didn't have … [Read more...] about China Crisis – Shortage of hard point saws
Setting teeth on old vintage saws
One of the main aspects of sharpening saws is setting the teeth but I thought this article may be of help to highlight an important aspect rarely shared with woodworkers when it comes to setting the teeth on some old saws. Much depends on the maker and age but in general many, but not all, old saws can be sharpened, however all the effort in doing … [Read more...] about Setting teeth on old vintage saws
Saw Sharpening and shoulder injury
Unfortunately I've had a muscle tear in my back shoulder for the past month which has really hindered me with sharpening saws, this has been very frustrating to say the least when I see a great big pile of saws to refurbish and dwindling stocks of completed saws ready for sale in our stock room. I've had injuries and muscle tears in the past … [Read more...] about Saw Sharpening and shoulder injury
Brexit – European Buyers of old used tools.
As the Brexit date of 31st of January passed we have spoken to a few customers who seem concerned about what is going to happen in the future. It's understandable now that they have found a reliable supplier of quality old tools. Firstly there will be no changes for the rest of the year whilst negotiations between the UK & EU are ongoing, … [Read more...] about Brexit – European Buyers of old used tools.
