I’m not into NY #resolutions because shit happens. But I’m imposing one on myself against great odds: build my first workbench by end of 2026.
I’ve decided on this Moravian style (I was given the plans) over Schwartz’s Anarchist’s bench. Main reason: The breakdown mobility. I also like the look of Moravian as a center-floor bench, which mine must be. And I will have both left and right hand leg vises (each side at one end).
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6U9I-Q1_GXaFBmH-EZGJag13vEfFmfwi&si=pndshGu5htxzZkRs
Let the wood gathering begin!
#woodworking
Interesting solution. I have this same problem. A perfectly good bench screw and no nut to receive it.
https://www.mortiseandtenonmag.com/blogs/blog/how-to-make-yourself-nuts
I can’t say I like this solution, but I’ll keep it in mind.
I have an odd few of ‘black nose’ bits (spoon bits?) and ‘bright’ twist bits for a brace, but I’ve never tried them.
The nose bits seem like a pickle to sharpen, if even possible, and the twist bits seem archaic to auger bits.
Then, after watching The Toolworks dude restore the same gouge for the umpteenth time, it finally dawned on me that he uses a twist bit to bore the tang hole in a new handle. If they’re not exactly meant for that, they could be. Tapered point ends!
(Pics from Salaman.)
Here’s someone selling ‘7 chisels’ for 15€. That might be a good deal if they were all actually chisels. One is a gouge, the smallest is unclear, and five are definitely the black nose bits I was mentioning. They need cleaned up but look in good shape otherwise. I would offer lower, though.
I see this a lot, where sellers don’t know what they have and ask too much regardless.
I have an odd few of ‘black nose’ bits (spoon bits?) and ‘bright’ twist bits for a brace, but I’ve never tried them.
The nose bits seem like a pickle to sharpen, if even possible, and the twist bits seem archaic to auger bits.
Then, after watching The Toolworks dude restore the same gouge for the umpteenth time, it finally dawned on me that he uses a twist bit to bore the tang hole in a new handle. If they’re not exactly meant for that, they could be. Tapered point ends!
(Pics from Salaman.)
Going to make this gouge sharpening board for the exercise of it. Idea found from the ‘On Wood’ YT channel.
Seems like a good backup system alongside slips and strops.
Incidentally, these CBN dowels are interesting, and probably a good investment over a lot of costly, throw-away abrasive paper.
Slips and strops, though, are, for me, most suited to an affordable and upcycled solution.
https://woodturnerswonders.com/products/cbn-dowel-set-of-4-6mm-25mm-1
#woodworking
Jayger makes beautiful bench chisels.
https://jayger.co.uk/products/wood-chisel-set-damascus-steel-hand-forged-by-jayger
I wonder if that metal piece on the butts of handles is screwed in like a bolt, and how well that takes repeated mallet blows. I like it better than a ferrule there.
#woodworking
I finally understand, fully, what the French references to ‘modeleurs’ are…
Pattern makers.
https://youtu.be/DRhih_MALHQ
These are some of my gouge. I’m pretty sure every one of these are ground incorrectly by past owners who didn’t know.
As far as I understand it, a gouge, regardless of how much curvature it has, should have a straight edge when looking down on it; otherwise it’s impossible for the tool to carve a proper scallop or use the side of the edge.
I think the only exception for rounded edges like these are for certain turner’s gouges, which none of these are.
Insights?
Gorgeous wood sculpturing of birds I don’t recognize. Said to be from about 1915. It once had a matching bowl/platter that rested on top. Long lost.
Still wonderful mantle piece.
Seller is willing to ship it, and it’s worth every euro of the 40. But I wouldn’t dare have it shipped to me. The tip of the leaf has already been broken off at some point in time. Package transport networks don’t give a fuck.
I wish I could carve that good.
‘True to the spirit of journalistic inquiry, your correspondent can attest that seawater has not degraded the taste of the bananas, with the only threats to health posed by skin slippage and by eating too many of them.’
https://maritime-executive.com/article/bananas-ahoy-as-overboard-containers-wash-ashore
This is why I wish I lived by the sea again. Booty! (And driftwood.)
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