Tools or builds?

[Derek Cohen]

When I am in my workshop and building a piece of furniture, I gain inspiration from all types of objects, some in the garden outside my garage/workshop, and some of the tools inside. Tools inspire me as much as anything else. I love looking at them. I love using them. Simple objects, such as a chisel handle, can be beautiful … elegant … And when this elegance comes together with functionality, then working is a pleasure.

It does not matter whether the tool is new and shiny or old and worn. Everyone is different in their appreciation and perception of beauty.

These chisels by Blue Spruce, purchased when Dave Jeske was starting out, bring a smile to my face every time. A2 steel is not my favourite, but they get sharp, hold an edge long enough, and have these wonderful, thin blades.

https://i.postimg.cc/zJSrVKmn/Underbench-Cabinet-Drawers567-html-m6137eeae.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I’ve been known to modify perfectly excellent tools to get what I want. Can you guess what this started life as?

https://i.postimg.cc/9mftsHF5/BUSMOD1.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

It does sadden me that the reason for tools - the builds - appear to have disappeared from this forum owing to disinterest, as along with it have gone hand tool techniques on demonstration. I moved my Nightstand build to the Projects forum because of this. Here is how it turned out …

https://i.postimg.cc/hcy6b12J/M22.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Ben Ellenberger]

I’ll second that. I joined the forum because I like to see what people are making and to discuss techniques/approaches to building things.

I appreciate tools as objects, but I’m not a collector and don’t find them very interesting to talk about.

[Edward Weber]

Build along projects like Derek's night stands are very time consuming.
I often take photos of my works in progress but usually just for myself and they don't always flow in a manner that can be easily understood.
I may have enough photos of a few projects that I could cobble together into something one could follow, if there is interest.

I honestly wasn't aware this was something that was missed.

[Gary Focht]

“ I’ve been known to modify perfectly excellent tools to get what I want. Can you guess what this started life as? ”

Did you grind the sides of a Veritas bevel up smoother? And maybe modify the handle?

[steven c newman]

Currently running a "Build-along" thread....I have been known to show of a tool, now and then....

been trying to get at least one such project each month....
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Hang these over your bench..

[Mark Rainey]

Good point Derek. There are a few Neanders that show detailed builds including Mike Allen and yourself. But we need more. Let's work on this issue.

[Christopher Charles]

Derek,

Thanks for the nudge to all of us. Build threads have long been my favorite and the one's I still enjoy the most.

Best,
Chris

[Richard Coers]

I’ll second that. I joined the forum because I like to see what people are making and to discuss techniques/approaches to building things.

I appreciate tools as objects, but I’m not a collector and don’t find them very interesting to talk about.
Could you send a link to some of the projects you have done and shown here? I'm kinda new here and am not familiar with your name.

[James Pallas]

It’s a sign of the times. It is a difficult job for moderators or owners to keep up. Everyone just seems to post whatever they want on any thread. It’s my opinion of course. Neander threads with machine tool work, electrical questions just what you want. I gave up about a year ago on posting much although I’ve continued to do projects. I don’t need to be told to use an orbital sander or jointer or router on a neander thread. I occasionally look in to see how some of you are doing but not several times a week like I used to do.
Jim

[Richard Coers]

It does sadden me that the reason for tools - the builds - appear to have disappeared from this forum owing to disinterest, as along with it have gone hand tool techniques on demonstration.
This is not the time of year in the United States when hobby woodworkers are building. I garden and go cycling. I don't want to be stuck in my basement,

[Derek Cohen]

“ I’ve been known to modify perfectly excellent tools to get what I want. Can you guess what this started life as? ”

Did you grind the sides of a Veritas bevel up smoother? And maybe modify the handle?

Gary, yes, it started as a BU Smoother …

https://i.postimg.cc/ZZGsTTVR/The-Veritas-Lee-Valley-Bevel-Up-Smoother-html-f8097fd.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

I used a belt sander to shape the plane to (my version of) an aesthetic. :)

A few years later, three of the Veritas team (on tour of Australia) visited my workshop. They came across the plane. One commented, “Did we design that .. was it a prototype”. Lots of photos taken :)

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Derek Cohen]

It’s a sign of the times. It is a difficult job for moderators or owners to keep up. Everyone just seems to post whatever they want on any thread. It’s my opinion of course. Neander threads with machine tool work, electrical questions just what you want. I gave up about a year ago on posting much although I’ve continued to do projects. I don’t need to be told to use an orbital sander or jointer or router on a neander thread. I occasionally look in to see how some of you are doing but not several times a week like I used to do.
Jim

Jim, the difference between builds on a forum and those on YouTube is that those on the forum are not financial, and the audience has an opportunity to interact more easily with the presenter. Most of the YouTube variety are copies of each other, just something for clickbait. If we permit this forum to descend to tools-only, it is the equivalent of YouTube show-and-tell. I love tools, but they need a context ro have meaning. The context is that they are used, and how this is done.

Let’s get it back! I do not expect others to emulate my builds - I’ve many years of practice here. Just post some selections of what you have done. Crop away the unnecessary information - we do not need to see a workshop when it is a joint up for discussion.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Bruce Mack]

Yes, less tooling and more output. Show what you have done or are doing. It should be mostly hand work and mostly wood, but may be stained, painted, useful, or or simply entertaining. Whimsy is desirable. Think like an artist. Inspire me or entertain me. I am not going to follow your build diagrams or decision-making any more than you are going to follow mine but I would like to see stuff that I wish I had made.

[Edward Weber]

Yes, less tooling and more output. Show what you have done or are doing. It should be mostly hand work and mostly wood, but may be stained, painted, useful, or or simply entertaining. Whimsy is desirable. Think like an artist. Inspire me or entertain me. I am not going to follow your build diagrams or decision-making any more than you are going to follow mine but I would like to see stuff that I wish I had made.

Those are some strict conditions to follow. I personally don't work like that.

IMO, If build threads are what people want, just ask them and you get what you get.
While I have no desire to see people milling lumber to size (like most YT videos), the project should be what ever the woodworker/artist wants it to be and how they want to build it.
The C&C usually comes after the project is done, sometimes during, but not before.

[David Carroll]

Okay here's a project.

My son was married a couple of years ago in the middle of the pandemic. The wedding was small and socially distanced. The following year, on the same day, they had a second "proper" wedding with all of the people. But the first in a tent in their back yard was a sweet, intimate affair that I thought worthy of commemoration. So I decided to make them a special keepsake. I had pocketed a couple of champagne corks and cages and wanted to work them into a design. Here is a photo of the day itself:

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Then I worked out a sketch, this usually involves pasting up and reworking tracings and drawings (hence the blue tape):

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Then it's traced onto basswood, cut out with a coping saw that I've had since 1975 (Obligatory old tool content) and the carving begins. incidentally I carve by hand, no Dremels, no burrs, no skinny sanding tools. Just carving tools:

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Then I added a base, and made the champagne cork cages into cafe chairs, and the cork itself into a cafe table base and it was done!

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Sorry about the sideways pictures...

But this was a really fun project. I hope you enjoyed it. This happy couple had a baby boy this past April!

DC

[Edward Weber]

Very cool little project, great Job.
Out here, the wine tourists would eat that sort of thing up.

[Phil Gaudio]

Sorry, late to the party. I was busy using tools to make furniture: LN LAJ with O1 iron set to take a .005 shaving while creating chamfers on the underside of a table top, which is curly cherry. That is all the time I can afford to spend online: back to WWing.
https://i.postimg.cc/QxLgWCdQ/IMG-3892.jpg (https://postimg.cc/JtqHf1J0)

[steven c newman]

One of the things about being Retired....IF I want to spend an hour or three IN the shop BUILDING some Project, I just head to the shop.....with a Camera in hand. I am NOT on any sort of Time Clock....and this is a Hobby. IF I don't feel like being in the shop that day...not a biggie....I can do other stuff.

I have been posting "Build-along" Project for a few YEARS on this site, and others. I don't mind, keeps me out of the Bars. Yes, I do take the time to "record" that shop time, except..I have never bothered to do videos...as I am not set up for such things.

I also like going out, and shopping for Vintage Tools...and rehabbing those back to usable status....as I usually will put them to work. Sorry, I just happen to believe it is not the tool's fault, but usually the operator trying to use a tool.....and a Poor Craftsman will blame his tools, rather than just look in a mirror.

Yep, I'll keep posting my projects as Build-alongs...and post photos of any tools I happen to rehab....you can look if you like, if not...oh well....

[Bruce Mack]

My son was married a couple of years ago in the middle of the pandemic. The wedding was small and socially distanced. The following year, on the same day, they had a second "proper" wedding with all of the people. But the first in a tent in their back yard was a sweet, intimate affair that I thought worthy of commemoration. So I decided to make them a special keepsake. I had pocketed a couple of champagne corks and cages and wanted to work them into a design. Here is a photo of the day itself -
David Carroll

David, you caught the "sweet and intimate" Lovely carving.

[Kevin Adams]

Sorry, late to the party. I was busy using tools to make furniture: LN LAJ with O1 iron set to take a .005 shaving while creating chamfers on the underside of a table top, which is curly cherry. That is all the time I can afford to spend online: back to WWing.
https://i.postimg.cc/QxLgWCdQ/IMG-3892.jpg (https://postimg.cc/JtqHf1J0)
Phil, is that an original LN iron or aftermarket? I prefer the O1 on that plane, too. Looking forward to seeing the finished table!

Kevin

[Phil Gaudio]

Phil, is that an original LN iron or aftermarket? I prefer the O1 on that plane, too. Looking forward to seeing the finished table!

Kevin

Kevin: Original W1 blade. I've been making steady progress on the table lately: good chance it will be done this year:D

Speaking of builds: Kevin is an amazing chair-maker: would love to see one of your chair builds chronicled! Best, Phil

[Kevin Adams]

Kevin: Original W1 blade. I've been making steady progress on the table lately: good chance it will be done this year:D

Speaking of builds: Kevin is an amazing chair-maker: would love to see one of your chair builds chronicled! Best, Phil

Well seeing I have 3 chairs right now in various stages of completion, I’m not sure people can wait what seems to be years to complete!!

[Chris Parks]

Derek, one of the major factors is the reduction in forum participation world wide and the move to FB etc and the end result of that is going to be the loss of the searchable data base that is created by forum users as they take part. Right now there is a huge change taking place in the prominent WW fora around the world where long term participants have simply stopped posting and I could list several from this forum who do not post as they used to. The Australian form has experienced the largest change and except from a few notables the old guard has simply disappeared to be replaced by a new generation of forum users. Forum admins might try and disagree but forum use is slowly reducing unfortunately.

[Bruce Mack]

Derek, one of the major factors is the reduction in forum participation world wide and the move to FB etc and the end result of that is going to be the loss of the searchable data base that is created by forum users as they take part. Right now there is a huge change taking place in the prominent WW fora around the world where long term participants have simply stopped posting and I could list several from this forum who do not post as they used to. The Australian form has experienced the largest change and except from a few notables the old guard has simply disappeared to be replaced by a new generation of forum users. Forum admins might try and disagree but forum use is slowly reducing unfortunately.
Chris - I think we are aging out. Many young(er) men are not tempted by woodworking. I can speculate but I don't know. Even demos of hand planing in attempts to find guys to inherit my stuff got no bites.

[Chris Parks]

Bruce, I am calling it a generational change because that is what it is and those who are entering the hobby don't have the rich knowledge base to draw on due to the older guys withdrawing from forums such as this but the point being missed by new WW's is the searchable data base in all the forums. The only reason I come to SMC is because this forum had the largest number of sliding saw users I know of but that has just about disappeared these days. My primary interest in Australia was always commercial selling and advising on dust extraction and now I no longer do that I don't have any reason to visit that forum any longer either.

[Jason Buresh]

Chris - I think we are aging out. Many young(er) men are not tempted by woodworking. I can speculate but I don't know. Even demos of hand planing in attempts to find guys to inherit my stuff got no bites.

Not all of use are a lost cause. I'm 31 and I got my 16 year old cousin started in hand tools. So hopefully there is some hope. I know it takes more than two but I'm willing to share my shop with anyone who is interested

[Bruce Mack]

Not all of use are a lost cause. I'm 31 and I got my 16 year old cousin started in hand tools. So hopefully there is some hope. I know it takes more than two but I'm willing to share my shop with anyone who is interested

Jason - I live in west metro Minneapolis. You may have become my inheritor. We should meet at Fitger's Inn in Duluth this fall or next spring for the transfer of some of my LN regalia. Seriously. I'm not dead or dying yet but I am on a moving stage.

[Adam Knutson]

Jason - I live in west metro Minneapolis. You may have become my inheritor. We should meet at Fitger's Inn in Duluth this fall or next spring for the transfer of some of my LN regalia. Seriously. I'm not dead or dying yet but I am on a moving stage.
Jason and Bruce - I am also in the west metro with 4 teenage boys that have each shown some varying levels of interest in woodworking including hand tools. The thing I have learned from them is they want to know the best way to the desired output, not necessarily the fastest way. In their tiktok generation they just want to cut to the chase and not waste time with methods that dont perform as they want. They see hand tools as the right path and sometimes power tools which is fine by me as long as they stay with it.

[Edward Weber]

As I view it, there is a bit of truth in all of these posts.
Yes, forum usage is down accross the board. It is partiall generational, partially seasonal, partially...

When I started using tools, there was no internet of cell phones or any direct ability to get instant answers to any and all the questions I might have. We had to figure things out on our own and come to our own conclusions. Our only database back then was relying on a shop teacher or parent if they themselves knew, if not we went to the library. Later on maybe an employer or mentor.
All of this took patience and attention, qualities that seem to be in rare supply these days.

Fast forward 40+ years and people have access to answers instantly, on virtually anything.
The thought of reading/searching a forum and deciphering what was said and how it applies to you work is an antiquated practice to many. Just google it and there's you answer, no work or thinking involved.
People are far to often choosing speed over quality when it comes to their information gathering. Let's face it, forums are slow, videos are quick.
This leads to a noticeable lack of depth in their new found knowledge. Watching a video or getting a quick answer from a search engine is great but without context, it looses much of it's meaning.
Following along a build thread (hand or power) provides the necessary context.
Breaking down a project into individual, deliberate steps and procedures. Understanding the decisions that were and weren't made at each step and how they fit into the whole of the project. This approach provides the insight and decision making that produce a greater depth of knowledge into the overall build. This is nothing new, it's basically the formula Norm used for all those years.

And as Derek said, build alongs on a forum are a labor of love, not done for financial gain like many YT videos. Not to mention the direct interaction with the builder.

I'm glad to hear that there are some younger woodworkers out there.
JMHO

[John C Cox]

Somewhere in the mid 2010's, the internet changed from community to consumption oriented. It is not just here. Not just woodworking. It is all hobby stuff including amateur fiction, video production, etc. Before then, people would comment and compliment, if only to keep creators creating. Now, only the best stuff gets commented unless you're posting to some place like Facebook, and then your work friends and your dad can see what you made and like it.

Here specifically, I have zero sympathy for the loss in traffic. (L)users like me can't even see the pics we posted back before they changed the picture privileges. So yeah, there's pretty much zero chance I'll post another project here.

[steven c newman]

There IS a third category....Tool articles...Build-along articles...and...SHARPENING Articles....
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What I have been spending my time doing...and taking photos of, and writing here about....

But....YMMV, of course...

[Edward Weber]

There IS a third category....Tool articles...Build-along articles...and...SHARPENING Articles....
505415
What I have been spending my time doing...and taking photos of, and writing here about....

But....YMMV, of course...
You had to say it, didn't you.

Here's the sharpening tutorial:
Take dull tool to abrasive material at proper angle, remove metal until sharp.

Can we lose that one now, please.

[Bruce Mack]

Jason and Bruce - I am also in the west metro with 4 teenage boys that have each shown some varying levels of interest in woodworking including hand tools. The thing I have learned from them is they want to know the best way to the desired output, not necessarily the fastest way. In their tiktok generation they just want to cut to the chase and not waste time with methods that dont perform as they want. They see hand tools as the right path and sometimes power tools which is fine by me as long as they stay with it.
Their interest likely reflects their esteem for you, Adam. You give them a guided start in woodworking and they can have fun for life.

[steven c newman]

Once you let the Genie out of the bottle..it is hard to get it back in...

[Derek Cohen]

...

Here's the sharpening tutorial:
Take dull tool to abrasive material at proper angle, remove metal until sharp.

...

Has anyone made a jig to do this? I'm thinking something which would hold the chisel at the ideal angle for you. Perhaps send this idea to FWW shoptips?

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Jim Koepke]

Has anyone made a jig to do this? I'm thinking something which would hold the chisel at the ideal angle for you. Perhaps send this idea to FWW shoptips?

Regards from Perth

Derek

Sort of, years ago a honing guide was made with a blade holder from the Veritas MKII Power Sharpening System.

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The roller was made on my lathe. It worked pretty well with the wood roller. I scrounged a piece of Delron or other plastic and cut a roller from that. Using this on my four foot granite surface with some 220 or 330 grit pressure sensitive abrasive paper can heat up a blade by hand.

jtk

[Edward Weber]

Has anyone made a jig to do this? I'm thinking something which would hold the chisel at the ideal angle for you. Perhaps send this idea to FWW shoptips?

Regards from Perth

Derek

Sarcasm, I like it.

I think the idea may be too advanced for some, most tips from users are on the lines of how to store you glue bottle. This is on another level, don't tell anyone.

[Jim Koepke]

Sarcasm, I like it.

I think the idea may be too advanced for some, most tips from users are on the lines of how to store you glue bottle. This is on another level, don't tell anyone.

If it is a good idea, it might get published. One of my ideas got published in the old Popular Woodworking.

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If your vise is a simple wood bodied vise racking is a common problem. This helps to control any racking.

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It is especially helpful with thin stock being held by bench dogs. The stack helps to prevent applying too much pressure and bowing the stock. It can be set to any size between 1/8" to 1-7/8" by 8ths of an inch. in use all parts of the device are below the level of the bench so it doesn't get in the way of planing or other operations.

If my memory is working it got me a check for seventy five bucks > https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?183743

jtk

[Aaron Rosenthal]

I'm going to return to the original question regarding tools or builds.
Derek, my time in the shop is limited; my phone is with me so in theory I COULD take pictures, but I don't. Besides time, here are a few reasons why I don't photograph and annotate for everyone to see.
1) The majority of my builds are mundane items for around the house; little do-dads that aren't complicated but fulfill a function - a Resonite (plastic wrap) dispenser, a cradle for my iPad. I don't feel noteworthy. I DID post in the Projects forum, my podiums.
2) I have 3 professions in my "workshop", which is half the garage. That, plus the motorcycle, plus storing the stuff for my daughter when she moves out, etc. Nobody needs to se that background.
3) I'm convinced that before any build pictures are posted, most of you posters clean and tidy surfaces and clear the clutter from the space. I'm happy if I can dedicate an hour once a week to put things right. I won't publicize my shavings and tools everywhere.
Many of the "residents" of these forums have a tougher road than do I, time-wise and family issues, so I'm not using those circumstances as an excuse.

Right now I'm building a non-standard height entry door for my basement. Every surface is filled with shavings, tools not yet put away, off-cuts and hoses. The rains are coming, and I have a ton of work and (my abysmal skill level) finessing to do. I would post including my mistakes, but, really, I'll be bashful until I get a broom at it.

[Jim Koepke]

3) I'm convinced that before any build pictures are posted, most of you posters clean and tidy surfaces and clear the clutter from the space. I'm happy if I can dedicate an hour once a week to put things right. I won't publicize my shavings and tools everywhere.

This made me want to say you have never seen any of my build posts. Then it was noticed you said, "most of you posters clean and tidy… ."

There hasn't been much tidying in my shop for a while.

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The floor is a mess with shavings. Tools do get put away often.

jtk

[Edward Weber]

I'm going to return to the original question regarding tools or builds.
Derek, my time in the shop is limited; my phone is with me so in theory I COULD take pictures, but I don't. Besides time, here are a few reasons why I don't photograph and annotate for everyone to see.
1) The majority of my builds are mundane items for around the house; little do-dads that aren't complicated but fulfill a function - a Resonite (plastic wrap) dispenser, a cradle for my iPad. I don't feel noteworthy. I DID post in the Projects forum, my podiums.
2) I have 3 professions in my "workshop", which is half the garage. That, plus the motorcycle, plus storing the stuff for my daughter when she moves out, etc. Nobody needs to se that background.
3) I'm convinced that before any build pictures are posted, most of you posters clean and tidy surfaces and clear the clutter from the space. I'm happy if I can dedicate an hour once a week to put things right. I won't publicize my shavings and tools everywhere.
Many of the "residents" of these forums have a tougher road than do I, time-wise and family issues, so I'm not using those circumstances as an excuse.

Right now I'm building a non-standard height entry door for my basement. Every surface is filled with shavings, tools not yet put away, off-cuts and hoses. The rains are coming, and I have a ton of work and (my abysmal skill level) finessing to do. I would post including my mistakes, but, really, I'll be bashful until I get a broom at it.

I can certainly relate to many of your concerns. I also believe you situation is not uncommon.
Personally I don't have enough room to work sometimes, let alone cleaning up for others to see more than a macro shot.

[Eric Brown]

I'm obviously in the tool camp. I already have a house full of furniture and really don't need more. On the other hand, I have a ton of tools that I'm getting ready to sell. Also doing some writing about them. Today I am cleaning up a Siegley combination plane, Type 10 of the first model. Then I will do a Type two of the Improved model. Might build some boxes to hold them and sets of cutters in.

[steven c newman]

That Package arrived here, safe and sound...THANK YOU!

Issues with the card reader, otherwise..there would be photos..