What to see in Sheffield, England... 'CUZ I'M GOIN'!

[Todd Burch]

Yes, I believe it might be called a trip to Woodworking Mecca, perhaps.

What's a must see? I think I'll be there ~2 weeks, during the Olympics.

[Peter Kelly]

Sheffield is a bit grim. Hire a car and drive out to Peak District National Park if you've got time.

[harry hood]

I haven't been there in 20 some years but it's a depressing place. It's a Mecca the same Detroit is, lots of empty and unused manufacturing capacity.

[anthony wall]

the best thing that i remember about sheffield was seeing it get smaller in my rear view mirror,i suppose that could be called the hi'light of my visit

[Todd Burch]

I emailed Thomas Flinn & Co. (Sawmaker). They poo-poo'ed my request for a tour, but did suggest:


There is a great tool museum here in Sheffield though if this would interest you - it's called the Kelham Island Museum and is very close to our factory. This is an industrial museum but also houses a tool collection by a man who has collected many interesting tools.

Well, of course they also suggested I order now so I could collect my order when visiting as well. :p A bit presumptuous! Or, are these good saws?

[Caspar Hauser]

You might try Abbeydale industrial hamlet. http://www.simt.co.uk/abbeydale-industrial-hamlet/plan-your-visit .

[Brian Ashton]

You might try Abbeydale industrial hamlet. http://www.simt.co.uk/abbeydale-industrial-hamlet/plan-your-visit .

I agree with the Abbeydale industrial estate. I've bought a few stainless steel tools there. My family grew up near there - love the area. Also if they're still around get in touch with Sorby Tools. I used to visit Sheffield a couple times a year and went a couple times to their factory. At that time they were a great bunch of folks. Also, it's a bit of a trip, but Ashley Isles is over on the east coast. Haven't been but Hamlet Tools is somewhere in Sheffield.

[John Coloccia]

I emailed Thomas Flinn & Co. (Sawmaker). They poo-poo'ed my request for a tour, but did suggest:



Well, of course they also suggested I order now so I could collect my order when visiting as well. :p A bit presumptuous! Or, are these good saws?

They make the Garlick, Pax and Lynx brand saw and scrapers. Some of their products are very nice. Some of them are eh, at best. They seem to have a schizophrenic brand profile, with no obvious differences to me between brands but large differences between products within each brand.

[Jim Matthews]

I would take a drive up to the Scottish border to see Adrian McCurdy (http://www.cleftoak.co.uk/index.html).
He builds things in a VERY different way from what we nominally consider woodworking.

I learn the most interesting things from people who have a different approach.
(Lots of "Why didn't I think of that?" moments)

Museums are nice, but I'm more interested in the living than their relics.

<http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/42136/adrian-mccurdy-furniture-riven-from-the-log>

[Don Morris]

You should see the first few minutes of the movie: "The Full Monty" you'll get a better appreciation for the loss of jobs and present condition of Sheffield. England isn't such a large country that with a little practice driving "on the wrong side", in hours you can get around and see some wonderful sites. The "Lake Country District" and others are worth the trip. Try staying in B & B's. You can meet the locals and get a feel for their country. Staying in Marriotts, or other named places you lose that opportunity. We've met some wonderful people there.

[Chris Parks]

There should be a cricket match on somewhere.:eek: