A new Windsor - and sharpening drawknives

[John Keeton]

Thanks, Robert!

[James Pallas]

Nice work John. Really like your drawknives. They are truly magical tools when prepared correctly. Even in very hard materials you can barely feel the pull.
Jim

[John Keeton]

Thanks, Jim! I had a serious addiction to drawknives for a couple years. After going through 4 or 5 dozen I ended up keeping 10. But, the 6" knives are my favorites. All of my knives are bevel down, which I feel provides a much better level of control for the work I do. I also like a very small rounded "bevel" on the back side as it helps start a cut and also provides a bit of "lift" when peeling off heavy slices. Kind of keeps the knife from digging in too much.

[James Pallas]

John I don’t do the type of work you do, windsor chairs and such. I used drawknives when I lived in the Southwest to do trim for houses. I still do carvings some and in the course of furniture work I find them useful in places where others may use a plane. Much easier for me to take off a 1/4” then with a plane. I also like them for roughing raised panels and various bevels.
Jim

[Ron Brese]

That's a fine looking chair John

Ron

[John Keeton]

Thanks, Ron! A welcome comment from such a craftsman as you.

[Mark Rainey]

John, that could be an ornament on a tree - Merry Christmas!

[John Keeton]

Thanks Mark!

[Phil Mueller]

Very nice, John! It’s fun to see someone take a specialized passion for a particular piece and refine it to perfection. I think each of us have a love for certain styles/projects that inspire us to get into the shop. Don’t know if I’ll ever get around to trying a chair, but really enjoy seeing your work.

[John Keeton]

Thanks, Phil! I like the term “specialized” - my wife seems to prefer obsessive.

[Cameron Wood]

I'm guessing you have a shaving horse- could we see a pic?

[John Keeton]

Cameron, I do have a shavehorse. It was built from Tim Manney’s plan- https://www.timmanney.com/work/shavinghorseplans

I won’t be back in the shop for a couple days, but if you want to email me I will send you a pic.

[Vince Shriver]

Lovely chair John. At one time I worked for an English antique restorer who made Windsors (little ones for his small grandchildren, along with normal size). He used yew wood. Your chair reminds me of those days.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Beautiful chair John! Well done, Sir!

[John Keeton]

Vince, thanks for the kind words!

Ken, I appreciate you following along on Facebook with the assembly of this chair. And, I am humbled by your comments here as well. Thanks!