There used to be a saying regularly used in the workplace 'a bad tradesman always blames his tools' but after many years experience I came to the conclusion those who did make excuses generally were the real problem and they all had the same in common, they just lacked pride in their work. They just lacked the dedication to excel in their trade … [Read more...]
Petition to Remove article 15 of the Offensive Weapon Bill (HC Bill 232)
If you find it convenient and easy to buy your tools online please take time to read this article in its entirety, also share and help gather support for this bombshell being slipped into the UK Offensive Weapons Bill. My pennyworth: I have been made aware of an important petition to remove article 15 off the offensive article bill. What is … [Read more...]
Is the time right for another Arts & Crafts Revolution?
Is the time right for another Arts & Crafts Revolution? Or are we seeing the shoots of new growth in distinctive unquestionably handmade objects and a return of appreciation for skilled creative workmanship. Most people in the UK will have heard of Drew Pritchard in 'Salvage Hunters' and his quest to open peoples minds to salvage and … [Read more...]
Why Practical skills stimulates the mind for a higher IQ
Remember the slogan Education, Education, Education, it sounds great doesn't it? But let's step forward 30 years and imagine if you will, a world where all youngsters followed the pied piper education system which brainwashed them academia is the only way to prosperity. A world where those educated young people couldn't bring themselves to fix a … [Read more...]
Norris Planes – Planes to Collect or Use?
Use a Norris? Am I mad, they are surely only a collectors item! Well let's examine some things about the market for these planes and try to compare them to plane makers of today before we make a judgement. Firstly there are models of the planes made by Norris that will be rare which collectors highly prize and desire which will take those planes … [Read more...]
Vintage Old Natural Honing stones and Oilstones
The main thing with oil stones is to maintain their flatness and this is best done on a regular basis through different means. Leaving them only makes the process less appealing and often results in stones not living out a full life. Man-made oil stones are generally best preserved with a steel diamond plate but as you can appreciate although … [Read more...]
The Stanley No: 4 or Equivalent True Value
I wanted to cover the most common and arguably the most important tool in a woodworkers kit and try to explain how to value these when the opportunity arises. The same equation and rules should apply to other sized planes in the range. Prices are current 2018. Below shows how we value a particular tool such a Record or Stanley No: 4 prior to … [Read more...]
12 Top Woodworking one liner Jokes, Tips & Quotes
On a lighter note, i'm sure you guys have more workshop jokes, tips & Quotes that could make this page more fulfilling but here's 12 one liners or ditty's for a starter to lighten your day. Of course any good one liners you have to share with us are welcome via our contact form. One mans rubbish is another mans gold and the same can apply to … [Read more...]
Tooltique News 2018
It's been a hectic year behind the scenes but not necessarily something that can be seen through the website, so I thought i'd take some time to update those who visit us online. Stock levels have always been an issue in the website due to productivity, this is because we refurbish our tools so they are truly fit for purpose, it's not just a … [Read more...]
10 Beginners tips – How to think like a tradesman
If you ever wondered why some tradesmen make things look so easy you are not alone but here are a 10 helpful tips to hopefully help you understand their approach when tackling projects. It's something that generally comes in time but when you grasp these pointers into your approach when undertaking projects they soon become second nature and … [Read more...]
