A man I once knew wrote a book about craft work some years ago. I read it many times and I liked what it said, particularly the quotes by philosophers describing the value of work; and I suppose the meaning too. As I passed along the pages, reading the words carefully and considerately, I saw…
Sorry for neglecting everyone the past few days. Yesterday we filmed all day and the prep time is usually a couple of days minimum and then there is lots of thought that goes into it too. You are important to me. I’ve reached a point in my life where I think I know what works…
Lord Bill Morris came through the workshop today. We talked for a while, but to tell the truth I didn’t know who he was because A, I’m not too politically savvy and B, I haven’t watched the TV since about 1987. Supposedly my loss.But anyway, not knowing who he was made the conversation free from…
Is this a competition? Well in some ways it is and some not. As a paid amateur, I’ve earned my living from working with wood for 47 years. My designs are in prestigious places now, I suppose, like in restored mansions, President Bush’s home has some of my designs and as some of you now…
Virginia creeper colour changes I thought these pictures might be nice for you to see. Virginia creeper covers the castle walls and changes from lush green in the late spring to a lovely yet unbelievable deep red in September. In October it falls and we see only the hard grey stone of the Penrhyn Castle…
Next level in the saw shaping. Another hour and you will complete your saw handle. I use the saw across the grain to shape the underside of the handle as I did for the underside of the handle yesterday. Then I cut in toward the saw cut from both sides to shape the…
I designed this tool box as an apprentice project for training them in door making , box making construction, drawer making, raised panel construction. From fitting recessed hinges to lock fitting, this tool box has it all. Remember last week’s blog when John Winter, my friend and apprentice, started his tool box. He’s really progressing well…
This is how the handle was from the maker in the 50’s. Watch what happens. See my slightly earlier post on saw handles previously. Well, saw handles are more than just grips on a pair of dumbbells. I have owned many saws with handles made from strange substances ranging from crushed pecan shells cast in…
Just really quick and short. Thought you might like to see what i saw this week. I imagine you in New York City or Singapore. You may never have seen the leaves turn red on Penrhyn Castle walls where I have my workshop… …or a fly atop a thistle overlooking the sea below.
There is more to the saw handle than you might realise. Yes a good grip is important.Comfort too. And having it fit your hand with enough heft to it so that your finger nails don’t cut into your palm makes it about the right size. Sometimes we have little choice on such things, but usually…