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
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
Why New Tools are Second Hand within 30 seconds
I understand the desire around buying new tools but you can't negate the fact that after 30 seconds of use that same tool is now deemed as second hand and considerably less valuable than when you purchased it. In many cases if the manufacturers brand isn't desirable the value is instantly lost and is only worth its capabilities until it is disposed … [Read more...] about Why New Tools are Second Hand within 30 seconds
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
How Many Tools Are Enough For One Person?
I've been asked this question by my wife 'why do I need more tools?' on multiple occasions and wanted to write this post to quantify my passion for tools and thought the best way of doing this was to show how this makes her life better. As you can appreciate this may well need a liberal amount of humour to also help my cause but i'm going to try … [Read more...] about How Many Tools Are Enough For One Person?