Lost Art Press Blog

The Turning Engine

2010-09-02T08:29:21.394-04:00

CLXIII. In this quarter is presented to your view the Head of the Turning Engine, for the turning of Oval Work, Rose Work, and Swath Work, with other kind of Work not yet named, because not found out, for no Man hath yet sought out the depth of that Instrument, or what it can or is able to perform. It hath so many parts that I know not either how to describe or tell their use; only as in other Tools I shall give you what names each Member hath, if I be rightly informed.

The parts of the Turning Engine.

The Bow, which is a strong Steel Bow fastned to the middle part of the farther side of the Puppet; having a Gut String, and to the middle of it, in a Noose is fastned another strong Gut String with a Noose at the end of it.

The Moving Collar, is an Iron Collar fastned on a Center pin on the foreside of the Puppet; this moves between the Iron Shackle and the foreside of the Puppet; though properly the Collar is only the hole in which the Axis is set. The Neck of the Collar is that part under the Shackle.

The Socket in which the Collar is moved; some term it the Shackle round hole.

The Stop Screw, which is to take out when the hollow Axis moves in the moving Collar; else it holds them together that the Collar moves not.

The Hollow Axis, which is hollow, having a shoulder on it, on which is fixed all the Guids.

The Head, or Case, or Box, in which is contained the several Guides, which is hollow, and termed the hollow in the Puppet.

The great Diameter of the Guide.

The small Diameter of the Guide.

The Axis of the Guide.

The Center head.

The Button.

The String Pulley.

The Wheel Pulley, is the Pulley to which the String comes from the Treddle Wheel, called also the Pulley of the Axis.

The Treddle Wheel.

The Guide Pulley, this is slipped to any of the Guides, as the Work-man pleaseth; it is of Brass, having a Groove in the edge of it to receive the edge of the Guide, which turning together with the assistance of the strength of the Steel Bow, forces the Guide and the Hollow Axis, to move backwards; and then an edge Tool held to the work in the Mandrell screwed in the hollow Axis, will describe the same Figure on the work, as is on the outer edge of the Guide.

CLXIV. In the chief of this quarter is the figure of a Draw Knife, an Instrument used by both Carpenter and Turner; it is a Knife with two handles turned down to the edge, much like in form to Wet Glovers Fleshing Knives, when they use it, one and off the work is set against a Wall, and the other to his Breast, and then with both hands draws Chips off the work till it be brought to their shape, and then smooth it.

S. 3 such Draw Knives A. Handle O. born by Chippering.

In the Base of this square is placed a Book-binders Plow, or cutting Knife by which the leaves of Books are cut even and smooth. It consists of these parts.

The two Stocks, one having the Knife on it, the other movable by the turning of the Screw, which hath a Groove or square hollow in the sole of it.

The two square Staves.

The Screw and Handle to turn it.

The Knife, which is held to the sole of the Stock by an Iron Pin.

The Iron Screw, and its Nut with Ears.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.Why am I reading this

A Turners Chopping Block

2010-09-01T22:27:29.581-04:00

CLX. He beareth Sable, a Turners Chopping Block, Or. born by the name of Chopping. this Block is made of Elme tree, or some other Soft wood set on three feet. Some Turners use in stead of it a peece of a trunk of a tree of a foot and halfe high or more from the flore.

CLXI. In this Square are two Instruments usefull also for Turners, for their cuting and cleaving of wood to what thickness they have occasion to worke it.

The first is that in the Chief, which they terme a Cleaveing Knife, it needs no further description then the figure; being a kind of Cleaver, with a strong and thick back, able to abide blowes of the Maule: haveing an Handle of the same mettle.

S. 3 such in pale A. is born by Cleft, or Cleave.

G. 3 such erect A. born by Peysingberg.

In the Base is the other called a Maul, being no other but a thick peece of wood, with an Handle to make it the more handy and quick to use; which is to knock & unknock the Wedges of the Puppets. Also to beat on the Cleaveing Knife, when they split their wood for their worke. Use hath made it more ready then a Mallet.

B. 3 such O. is born by the name of Maule.

V. a Cheveron betw: 3 such Handles erected O. is born by Van Maulselsheim of Bavaria.

CLXII. In such a small Lathe as this Figure expresseth, they use to work small work in Metal; it is made either of Iron or Brass; and is by Work-men termed a Turn-Bench, or rather a Vice Lathe, because when it is used, it is Screwed into the Chaps of a Vice, and having fitted the Work upon a small Iron Axis with a Drill Barrel fitted upon a square shank; with a Drill Bow and String carry it about with the Drill Bow in the left hand, and the Tool in the right hand: The Tools for these small Works are commonly a Graver, and sometimes a Scalper, both pointed, round, and flat; also great and small.

The parts of a Turn-Bench, or Vice Lathe.

The Axis.
The Drill Barrel, fitted on its square Shank.
The Drill Bow and String.
The Wrest, with its Screw.
The Puppets.
The Screws with their Pikes.
The long Bar, on which the Puppets are fastned by the Screws, or else are to slip further or nearer together, according as the work requireth.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2. Why am I reading this?

Three Other Sorts of Tools Useful for Throwers

2010-08-31T21:36:46.941-04:00

CLVI. In this quarter are three other sorts of Tools useful for Throwers both for smooth and Engine work.

The first is termed by the name of the two pointed Grooving Tool.

The second by the name of a Grooving Tool, or the sharp pointed Grooving Tool, or triangular pointed grooving Tool.

The third by the name of a Chissel, which is a Tool that follows the Gouge, making smooth the extuberancies and irregularities lying upon the work, which the Gouge hath left; from whence some term it the Smoothing Chissel: Both the Blade, Shank and Handle, are near twice the length. of those used by Joyners for the reasons aforesaid.

CLVII. In this Square are three other Tools used by the same manuall occupation, which by Artists are term-thus

The first is called a Square Hook

The Second is termed an Hook, Now as the Gouge and Chissel is used to work that which lyeth before the workman: So this tool, and the precedent, are used to work that as stands on the right, or left side of the workman, as the flat sides of Boards, which must be turned unto, and upon.

The third is termed a Chissel, or a Flat Chissel, for it is to be noted, that the edge of all Turners Chissels are Basiled away on both sides, so that the edge lyeth in the middle of the tool. Of these flat Tools there are severall sorts, from a quarter of an Inch broad, to one two or three Inches broad, according to the largness of the Work to be done

CLVIII. In this quarter is also three other Throwers, or Turners tools. The first whereof is a Gouge, or a Grooveing Gouge, with the Blade bended.

The Second is named a Hook, but is of an other fashion then the other in numb: 157. that being in a maner round, and this not above a quarter round, with the tip end a small thing bent.

The third hath the Denomination of a Throwers Round Gouge, or Groove Gouge.

All these sorts of Chissels, Gouges, Hooks, &c. used by Throers or Turners. I have caused to be engraven here, more to shew their fashion, then any use I have observed or seen them in Honorable Arms; therefore cannot say much for them, either pro or con.

CLIX. This Instrument is used by some Turners, and called a Drill-Bench, being only a board about two Inches thick, with two Stiles placed upright upon it, in the hither-most Stile is a Collar, and in the further Stile is a peece of Steele with a Center hole in the middle of it. Between is a Rowler which hath a Steele pin, and a Piercer-bit fastned therein. When it is used it is made fast in the Cheeks of the Lathe with a wedge as the Puppets are. This Drill is for the turning or boreing of an hole in wood of what length they please.

The Drill board.

The Stiles, or Standing peeces.
The Coller, is the hole in the hither-most Stile.
The Square flat Steele, with it center hole in.
The Rowler, with its Axis.
The Steele pin. and Piercer bit at the end.
The Iron Coller, at the bottom of the Board.
The Wedge, to fasten it to the Lathe Cheeks.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.Why am I reading this?

Five Sorts of Tuners Tools

2010-08-29T14:48:50.300625-04:00

CLIV. In this square are five sorts of Turners Tools, useful in their way of Turning either of soft or hard work, round or hollow, whose names are Gouges in general, but more particular.

The first is termed a Grooving Hook, or a single pointed Grooving Hook, or the Point Grooving Hook; this cuts on the side or flat of a Board a fine hollow circle or swage; these Hooks or Tools have their Teeth of different forms according to the fashion of the groove to be made on the plain of a Board; for sometimes their Teeth are flat edged, sometimes round edged, sometimes a point only, and sometimes two points, or of other forms; all which sorts of Blades are made much stronger than the Gouge or Chissel, and have the sides of their edges more obtuse to make it the stronger; also they are 10 or 12 inches long without the Handle.

The second is called a Gouge; now Gouges do the Office in Turning (as a Fore-Plain in Joynery, and the Jack-Plain in Carpentry) they serve only to take off the Irregularities the Hatchet, or sometimes the Draw Knife leaves after the work is Hewed or drawn pretty near the round; and that it may commodiously do it, the Blade is formed about half round in the edge, and the two extream ends is a little sloped off: They are in their Blades of a long Size, with long Handles (as all other Turning Tools are so long, that the Handles may reach (when they use them) under the Arm-pit of the Workman) that he may have more stay, and steadily manage them. The Blade of the Gouge is of several Sizes both for length and breadth, some as long as the Shank, others shorter, even from an inch to 3, 4, or 5 inches in the length; and from a quarter of an inch to a whole Inch; and sometimes for very large work two inches over: Most Gouges have in them these several parts, as in other Joyners Chissels and Gouges.

The Basil, is that part as is ground to an edge.
The Blade, the roundish part above the Basil.
The Shank, the long Iron Stail.
The Shoulder, that as the Haft rest upon.
The Tang, that part as goes into the Haft.
The Haft, the Wooden handle.
The Hoop or Brass about the bottom of the Haft.

The third is named a Grooving Hook or Tool; or the Triangular (or three Tooth) Grooving Hook.

The fourth is termed a round edge Grooving Hook.

The fifth is called the three pointed grooving Tool.

→ All these Tools when born in Arms are to have the edge or Basil, or working part erected, because they are so in their proper place; if otherwise, then to be mentioned, either reversed, dejected, &c.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2. Why am I reading this?

SOLD: Rockler Euro Hinge Drilling Jig

2010-08-29T14:35:07.956-04:00

SOLD: I bought this jig system for installing European (cup) hinges when we were building an addition to our house and I had a ton of cabinets to build.

The jig works great. It comes with a carbide 25mm cutter and one template (I believe it is the "A" template). I probably never will use cup hinges again. So this jig has to go. It retails for $40.

Price: $15 plus $5 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

Please read this if you are interested in buying a tool. Why am I selling these tools? Read this entry before you freak out. There is no "master list" of tools that I can send you. I am working through several piles of tools and will list them when I can.

Want to see only the tools that haven't sold? Easy. I've created a category for that on this blog. Click here and bookmark that page. When you visit that link, you'll see only the tools that haven't been sold.

While you can ask me all the questions you like about the tool, the first person to send me an e-mail that says: "I'll take it," gets the tool. Simple. To buy a tool, please send me an e-mail at christopher.schwarz@fuse.net.

Payment: I can accept PayPal or a personal check. As soon as the funds arrive, I'll ship the tool using USPS. If you want insurance, let me know. I'm afraid I can only ship tools in the United States. Shipping internationally is very time-consuming and paperwork-heavy. My apologies in advance on this point.

If you don't like the tool when you get it, I'll be happy to refund your money if you return the tool. But postage is on you.

— Christopher Schwarz

For Sale: New Freud 80-tooth Blade for a Miter Saw

2010-08-29T14:27:43.785-04:00

This is a Frued LU85R010 "Ultimate Cutoff" blade. It's 80-tooth, 10° hook, 10" diameter, 5/8" arbor, Teflon-coated. And it is new in the box.

I bought this in a moment of total stupidity. I already had a back-up blade for my miter saw and bought this one. It has sat unused in my cabinet for two years.

There retail for $85.

Price: $60 plus $8 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

SOLD: Shark Flush-cutting Saw

2010-08-29T14:21:53.253-04:00

SOLD: This is a Japanese-tooth Shark saw made by Takagi. It has a replaceable blade. I bought this saw in the 1990s and have replaced the blade a couple times (which is why the blade is unmarked).

This blade is sharp. Everything works. I just have a few of these.

Price: $10 plus $4 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

SOLD: 6" Vernier Calipers

2010-08-29T14:18:16.081-04:00

SOLD: These are 6"/15cm stainless steel vernier calipers, marked in both metric and Imperial measurements. I bought these from Lee Valley when I was trying to train myself to use verniers and wean myself off a decimal dial caliper.

That experiment failed. These retail from Lee Valley for $20.

Price: $10 plus $4 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

SOLD: Makita 3901 Biscuit Joiner

2010-08-29T14:13:51.644-04:00

SOLD: I bought this Makita biscuit joiner in the 1990s after our magazine did a group review of these tools. After using all the brands, I bought this one for myself. It is more robust and solidly built than the Porter-Cable or DeWalt models. And it is as accurate as the Lamello in my opinion.

I have mollycoddled this tool. It is in as good shape as the day I bought it. It has a nice long rubber cord, the original case, a sharp carbide-tipped cutter and a big bag of biscuits. This is a professional tool, not a toy. Built in the United States. New 3901s retail for $200.

Price: $100 plus $13 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

Several Sorts of Fashioned Collars

2010-08-27T16:53:42.144375-04:00

CLII. There are several sorts of fashioned Collars, of which these two in this quarter are apart. The first on the dexter side is termed a Round Collar, so called from the roundness of the head of it, it is to be fastned in a Lathe by a Wedge as the Puppets are under the Cheeks; Hollow Mandrels are often turned in the Collars of this form, but then the Spindle is made of Iron, and hath a Screw just at its end, upon which is screwed a Block with a hollow in it, made fit to receive the Stuff to be worked upon.

The second in this quarter hath the simple name of a Collar, without any other Addition, except you call it a Turners Collar, to distinguish it from other things termed Collars. It is also made fast in a Lathe by a Wedge, as the former is to be.

CLIII. This is termed by Turners, a Joynt Collar which is made of two Iron Cheeks, which move upon a Joynt with a Button, so that they may be set close or open, like a Joynt rule; on the inner edge of each Cheek is formed as many semi-circles or half round holes as the length of the Cheeks will conveniently bear, they are made of different Diameters that they may fit the necks or shanks of different sized Mandrels. Near to the top of one of these Cheeks is fastned with a center pin, a square Iron Collar with a small handle or button to it, which is to put it on and take it off the Cheeks when they are to be opened. This holds them so fast together that they cannot start asunder, and yet is made so fit that it may easily slip off and on. In this Instrument there are these parts.

The Cheeks,
The Joynt at the bottom.
The Semi-circles in the Cheeks.
The Diameters, circumferences or round holes in which the Cheeks are closed.
The square Collar that holds the Cheeks together.
The Handle, by which the said Collar is taken off or put on.
The Center pin, on which the square Collar turns.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2. Why am I reading this?

A Pin Mandrell

2010-08-27T13:20:35.785-04:00

CLI. In the chief is another sort of Mandrel called a Pin Mandrell. This is made with a long Wooden shank, to fit stiff into a round hole that is made in the Work that is to be Turned. These are also termed Shank Mandrels; which Mandrels with Iron Shanks are much used by Turners that turn Bobbins and such like Work; because a Wooden shank to fit the small hole through the work, would not be strong enough to carry the work about.

There is another Mandrell called an Hollow Mandrel, it is both hollow, and used to turn hollow things in it: It hath but one center hole belonging to it, which is at the Rowler end or Neck, but it hath a shank that supplies the office of another Center hole, which is put into one of the holes of the Joint Collar, described in numb. 153.

The second Instrument in this quarter is termed a Sweepe, or a Mathematical instrument called a Sweep.

It is a long Bar of Iron, and is termed the Beam of the Sweep, which hath in the center point of it (in a Center hole, made in a square Stud of Metal) a center fixed; also a Socket to ride on the Beam, which is removed at pleasure, nearer or farther from the Center; to this is Filed a Tooth of Steel with such roundings and hollows in the bottom of it, as is intended there shall be hollows or rounding in the work; then removing the Socket till it Tooth stand upon the intended place, on the Verge of the work, is there screwed fast on the Beam, it is prepared for the work, which if the Workman hold the head of the Center in his left hand, and with his right draw about the Beam and Tooth, it will cut and tear away great Flakes of Metal, till the thing worked upon hath received the whole form of Mouldings the Tooth will make.

The same Instrument with a Moulding Plain fixed on it, will do the same work on Wood, making round Mouldings.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.Why am I reading this?

Correction to 'The Essential Woodworker'

2010-08-27T10:55:22.44125-04:00

A missing "tab" character on page 56 of "The Essential Woodworker" garbled the chart that showed rough sizes and planed sizes in inches and millimeters.

While all the numbers are correct in the chart, the labels on each column were shifted because of the missing tab. The corrected chart is shown above. Also, you can download a high-resolution version of the corrected page below, print it out and stick it on page 56 if you like.

Our apologies for the mistake.

— Christopher Schwarz

CORR_P56.pdf (939.65 KB)

SOLD: Veritas Bevel-setter (Metric!)

2010-08-26T20:51:23.894-04:00

SOLD: This is a great tool. I use this tool all the time. But somehow I've ended up with more of them than I need. And one of them has metric rules on its edges.

Rest assured, the angles are all the same (there aren't metric angles in woodworking -- yet). But if you use this as a ruler (I never have) then you'll find centimeters on the edges.

This is a crazy-good tool. I should just give it to someone I like. But oh well.

Price: $27 plus $5 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

SOLD: Japanese Socket Awls

2010-08-26T20:41:23.003-04:00

I can barely remember life without these Japanese awls rolling around in my tool chest. They have Japanese white oak handles (mine are well-patinated). The steel has been filed to a point repeatedly by me -- these things have seen real use.

They are, however, in great shape. Feel good in the hand and have lots of life left in them.

Price: $18 for the pair plus $5 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

SOLD: 10" Veritas Sliding Bevel

2010-08-26T20:34:43.269-04:00

SOLD: This sliding bevel is in great shape. No rust. No dings. If you don't know about these bevels they are almost impervious to water and lock down well.

I have an embarrassment of bevels. So this one is for sale.

Price: $38 plus $6 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

SOLD: Glen-Drake No. 2 Plane Hammer

2010-08-26T20:28:34.706-04:00

SOLD: I've had this little hammer since Kevin Drake started making them. I do use it for adjusting planes, but I use it far more for small hammering tasks: tacks, driving wedges into joints and the like.

It is very comfortable to use with a hand-turned tanoak handle. It is a right-handed hammer.

Price: $55 plus $5 shipping

About Tool Sales on My Blog

SOLD: Lie-Nielsen Convex-sole Block Plane

2010-08-26T20:23:20.05-04:00

SOLD: This is Lie-Nielsen's interpretation of the Stanley 100-1/2 model-maker's plane. The curvature of the Lie-Nielsen is not as extreme as it is on the Stanley. And the Lie-Nielsen is a bevel-up plane, unlike the Stanley.

As a result, the Lie-Nielsen is far more comfortable to use (the iron doesn't dig into your palm). And you can easily raise the pitch to deal with wild grain.

I wish the sweep of the sole were a little more pronounced, but it still works for saddling chair seats. In fact, it excels at that task.

It's sharp, set-up and ready to work.

Price: $75 plus $6 domestic shipping.

About Tool Sales on My Blog

Several Sorts of Mandrels

2010-08-26T14:00:44.081875-04:00

CL. Turners have several sorts of Mandrels, and the sizes of them also differ, according to the sizes of the Work; however their Names are, yet their principal fashions are these.

The first and principal is that as lyeth in the Base, which is termed the Broad Flat Mandrel; it is set on the broad side with 3 or 4 Iron pins or pegs, near to the Verge of it flat; these are used to be fastned into the backside of a Board while the other is turning or working upon: Behind the back of this flat (and indeed in all Mandrels) is fitted a long shank or Rowler, for the String to be wound about while the Work is Turning. In the Mandrel are these parts.
The Face, or round Flat of the Mandrel.
The Rowler or Shank.
The Shoulder of the Rowler, to keep the String from slipping off.
The Pegs, or Points, or Pikes.
B. 3 such in Pale O. the middle having the Pike contrary pointed S. born by the name of Mandrell.

The second is that in the chief, which is termed the Screw Mandrell, the shank or screw is made of Iron having the two ends round, and in the middle between the round ends a square the length of the Rowler, and this square is fitted stiff into a square hole made through the middle of the Rowler that it turn not about. In each flat end of this Shank or Spindle is made a center hole, whereinto the Pikes of the Puppets are pitcht when this Mandrell is used. By this several Screws of diverse Diameters are made; that next the end of the shank is the smallest, which makes a Male screw of the finest Thread; the next aMale screw of a courser Thread; and the third makes a Screw courser than it; so that you may make the shank as long as you will, thereby to make more variety of sizes for screws.

The Sockets or Chocks belonging to the Screw Mandrels, are so many as there are several sizes of screws on the Shank; these hollow Sockets have female screws in them made before the Notch to slip over the male Screw; which being fitted one to another, are pinned with a pin, put through two opposite holes made for that purpose in the Cheeks of the Wooden Sockets that it shake not. The parts of a Socket are these.
The Socket or Chock.
The Wooden pin.
The Stay.
The Notch to slip over the Male Screw.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2. Why am I reading this?

Turners Tools.

2010-08-25T21:50:37.394-04:00

12. AS There are different Matters, and Substances to be Turned, so there is also diverse ways, & different Tooles to be used in each different Matter; As Soft wood, Hard wood, Ivory, Brass, Iron, &c. Each of which I shall successively discourse upon each of their working Tooles.

CXLIX*. The Lathe, it is the Turners or Throers Engine, by which they make all their Turned Works. This Machine Instrument is so vulgarly known, though it cannot be described in a Draught so as all its parts shall appear at one single view, yet I have set down enough of it to give you the names of its several members and their uses.

Parts of a Lathe.

The Leggs, or Stiles, are two thick Square peeces of timber about 3 Foot long, and 6 Inches broad, which are set upright, to them the other parts by mortesses are fastned; Haveing Braces at the bottom by which they are fastned to the floore.

The Cheeks, or Sides, are the two side peeces, fastned on each side the Leggs at the upper end by Tennants and so pinned; or else by a strong Iron Screw, made with a square Shank at the head, to go through the Cheeks and Stiles, and so by turning on the end of it an Iron nut, the two Cheekes will be drawn close to the tennants, or upper ends of the leggs.

The Puppets, are the square peeces of wood rounded of at the head, which have the Pikes, or Iron Pinns in, upon which the work is turned. At the lower end each hath a Tennant to slid between the two Cheeks, with a Mortess throwe them, for to put Taper wedges to keep the Puppets close to the Cheeks.

The Screw, and the Pike, are the two Irons upon the points whereof the centers of the works are fixed, & after screwed hard that the work slip not off. The Screw hath a Nut in the Puppet, and an Iron handle fited into the hinder end of the Screw by which it is turned forwards and backwards as the use of it shall require.

The Rest, is a Square peece of timber one corner of it rounded off: upon this the workman layeth his tooles in working to keep them stiddy while he is useing them.

The Stays for the Rest, are two peeces of wood fitted and fastned under the Shoulders of the Puppets, upon these the Rest is set at any distance from the Pikes, by the meanes of Wooden Screws set in wooden Nuts against the Rest.

The Side Rest, is a Rest disjunct from the Lathe, and used by Turners when they turn the flat sides of Boards, which standing athwart the Pikes they can the more conveniently rest their Tools upon it. It is a peece of Oaken plank firmely nailed on a square peece of timber standing upright, which as a tennant slideth into an Iron Collar that reacheth through the Cheeks and is wedged under as the Puppets are.

Some Turners to the square tennant set on one end of it a long round Iron Cilindrick Socket, into it is put a long round Iron Shank, on the top whereof is made the Side Rest which turneth any way in the Socket, and kept fast therein by a Screw Pin going through the side of the Socket.

The Treddle, and Cross Treddle, are peeces of Timber which are nailed to the ground with a Leather that they may rise and fall, to the other end is the String fixed which goeth to the Pole.

The Pole, is a peece of timber that will bend and go to it place againe, by this the worke is turned about in the Lathe.

The Pole Rests, are Sparrs or other timber nailed to the top of the Seiling, with an overthwart peece from them on which the Pole playeth.

The Rowler, is a round peece of wood made use of when the Rome is not high enough for a Pole to play up and down. It is moved on two Iron Pins fastned at both ends, with a Pole set either before, or behind the Lathe, with a string from it to the Rowler.

The Bow, which is an Archers Bow, and is used by some Turners that work in small, and that seldom remove the Puppets of their Lathe. It is fastned over head and from the midle of the String another hangs down & comes to the Treddle

The Great Wheel, it is used when heavy worke is to be turned, such as the Pole and Treddle will not command. The Wheel is set in a moveable Frame consisting of wooden Standards, Lying, Overthwart, & Cross peeces mortessed together. The String lyeth in the Grove of the wheel and turned cross is put into a Grove of the worke, or a Mandrileor Pulley fixed to the side of the worke, and is turned about with one or two Iron Handles.

The Treddle Wheel, is a wheel made of a Board with a grove in for a string, which goes cross to the grove in the worke. It is under the Lathe on an Iron Axis with a Crooke at one end, on it is hung the noose of a Leather thong, and the other end fastned to the Treddle, which by exact treading on, carryeth the wheel about without intermission.

The String, it is made of the Guts of Beasts as sheep &c. though the generall name of it is Cats-Guts.

The Seat of the Lathe, it is made of wooden Bearers, with an overthwart peece, with Iron pins at the ends to fasten it: against this the workman supports himselfe to stand the stiddier to his worke. In the sted of this Seat some Turners make use of a strong Gerth web, fastned to the Leggs of the Lathe, against which he stays himselfe and keep him steddy at his work.

The Horn, is the tip end of an Horn, hung on the outside the puppet, or else a round Wooden Box, pinned under the Cheek to hold, oyle or grease in, to liquour the centers of his work to make it run easie.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2. Why am I reading this?

SOLD: Early Wenzloff & Sons Halfback Saw

2010-08-24T22:59:42.249-04:00

SOLD: This is the first saw I purchased from Mike Wenzloff when he was first launching his sawmaking business in 2005 and early 2006. In many way it pains me to sell this saw, but I have lots of saws from Mike that I use a heck of a lot more than this one (including a sash and a tenon that I'll be buried with).

This halfback is a great saw for a generalist. It has a 21-1/2"-long blade, a 6"-long brass back and a 10 ppi blade filed crosscut. The handle is bubinga and obviously hand shaped -- there's not a single hard edge on it. The handle is attached to the blade using brass split nuts.

It's a fine saw. Sharp, straight and ready to go.

Price: $100 plus $8 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Spruce Mill Stair Saw

2010-08-24T22:49:52.444-04:00

SOLD: This job leads me down some unexpected paths. Several years ago as I was investigating the different historical ways to make dados, I stumbled on a technique using a stair saw and a batten.

So I bought this stair saw from Spruce Mill Toolworks. The saw works great and is wicked sharp. The technique worked great, too. But I tend to saw my dado walls freehand and don't need this tool.

The saw is walnut, the blade is 6-1/8" long and 10 ppi with the teeth fairly raked. It works like a charm. No apologies.

Price: $30 plus $6 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Kansas City Windsor Tool Works Shave

2010-08-24T22:37:13.797-04:00

SOLD: This is a small shave from the now-defunct Kansas City Windsor Tool Works company. The shave is 8-1/4" long with an 1-1/2" long blade. The shave comes with a leather cover for the blade. It is very well-finished and curvaceous.

I purchased this shave with the intent to do a group review of wooden-bodied spokeshaves, but that plan never came to fruition. As such, this shave is in as-new condition.

Price: $60 plus $6 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: French Fretsaw: Abel 160

2010-08-24T21:18:16.358-04:00

SOLD: I bought this fretsaw so many years ago that the memory is hazy. However, the tool is totally solid. It has a nicely made aluminum frame with a 9-3/4" throat. The handle is well-shaped. And the blade clamps that hold the blades are tremendous. The tensioning mechanism is also robust.

Why this is no longer available here in the United States is a mystery to me.

This tool comes with a package of about 50 fretwork blades, plus the original Allen wrench to secure the blade in the clamps.

Price: $60 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Lie-Nielsen 5/8" Shoulder Plane

2010-08-24T21:07:18.804-04:00

SOLD: This 5/8" shoulder plane from Lie-Nielsen is set up, sharp and ready to work. No apologies. Where do all these shoulder planes come from?

This plane retails for $165.

Price: $130 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Another North Bros. 30A Ratcheting Screwdriver

2010-08-23T20:36:00.102-04:00

SOLD: Here is my second 30A ratcheting screwdriver from North Bros. It is in finer shape than the other one I listed, but only finer in the eyes of a collector. This driver, like its brother, works like a Swiss watch. It comes with a No. 1 Phillips bit -- other bits are still available for these tools.

Even modern carpenters swear by these tools, and I have too many of them.

Price: $33 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: North Bros. 30A Ratcheting Screwdriver

2010-08-23T20:20:10.758-04:00

SOLD: About five years ago I went on a bender. I bought tons of ratcheting screwdrivers from North Bros. of Philadelphia. These are crazy smooth-ratcheting drivers. And they unlock to expose the Archimedian screw if that's the way you roll.

This 30A ratcheting driver includes a #3 Phillips bit. Also, the hardwood handle has been modified -- a user has planed a flat on the wooden handle so the tool won't roll off the bench. As a result, this is not for the collectors.

Price $30 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Marshall-Wells Joinery Hatchet

2010-08-23T20:00:13.102-04:00

SOLD: I didn't think I'd ever give up this hatchet, but here we are.

This is a Marshall-Wells/Northern King joinery hatchet. Sharp. Wicked. Heavy.

It is intended for right-handers. The left flank of the hatchet is flat. The right side is beveled. This is the ideal tool for dressing wet or semi-dry stuff down to size. It feels good in your hands. The handle is likely the original. I've dressed the stock for many chairs with this hatchet. But recently I received a gift of a Swedish axe.

So this one goes to you.

Price: $50 plus $9 domestic shipping (it's heavy!).

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SOLD: Groves Carcase Saw Sharpened by Mark Harrell

2010-08-23T19:47:18.18-04:00

SOLD: Here is a fine and early English saw that has been reconditioned by Mark Harrell, the owner of Technoprimitives/Bad Axe.

This tool has a 12"-long blade, a low-hanging beech tote and 12 ppi, sharpened crosscut. Thanks to its low hang and its perfectly formed teeth, this saw cuts extremely smooth. I would definitely recommend this saw for beginning sawyers.

The only apologies are cosmetic. The sawnuts are new and too small (I added them; not Mark). The blade has been cleaned a bit much for a collector. The iron back is marked: R. Groves & Sons, Sheffield. Cast Steel. Elastic Spring Warranted.

It cuts like crazy and is comfortable to your hand.

Price $40 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Stanley No. 65 Knuckle-joint Block Plane

2010-08-23T19:38:23.274-04:00

SOLD: This is a plane to make collectors soil their diapers. Just saying.

This is a Stanley No. 65 block plane, one of the best block planes I've ever had in my hands (the Lie-Nielsen 60-1/2 is the only one that bests it). Everything about these planes is perfection. The way the iron moves. The way the lever cap locks down. And the adjuster. It is the best adjuster on a block plane ever. It it large and positive.

So what is wrong with this particular plane? Nothing, functionally. But for a collector, this tool has a big scarlet "A" on its chest. The main screw of the tool is tapped all the way through the sole. This is a user modification (a past user -- not me). But it has no affect on the usability of this tool.

The hole in the sole fills with dust, but that means nothing.

The iron is sharp and ready to go.

Price: $40 plus $8 shipping.

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An Appurtenance Belonging to the Crab

2010-08-23T12:45:48.399-04:00

CXLVII. In this quarter on the dexter side, is an upright Pole of strong Timber set an end, having many Pins put through it, made of sound Wood, or else of Iron. This is an appurtenance belonging to the Crab, mentioned numb. 148. and is to hang a Pulley or Snatch Block thereon, by which heavy Timber is drawn to a considerable height. Such an Engine as this with Pins all along it, was in former times used for to scale or clime up an Enemies Wall, and thereby to surprise a Town or Fort.

A. 3 such in Bend Pale-wise S. is born by Commander.

The second is a Snatch Block, or a double Snatch Block. With this Engine, with the appurtenances belonging to it, as Ropes and Tackles, great Trees of Timber are drawn up to a considerable height.

CXLVIII. He beareth Argent, a Crab Engine, Or. This is born by the name of Crabbe. This is an Engine used in Carpentery for the management of their heavy Timber, and to ease an hard Labour: It is only a square Frame of strong Timber, with a thick Plank 4 or 5 inches thick, fastned on the top of the frame, and the like on the bottom, through which goeth a strong Rowler, which is turned in the holes of the Planks, by the help of Hand-spikes or Levers.

CXLIX. In the Dexter side is an Hand issuant, holding of a Plumb line, with a Line rowle, at the end of it. This is the coat of Arms of Plumbley, being in an Azure field. This is a way that Carpenters use to try the upright standing of Posts, or other works that are to stand perpendicular to the ground plot; by holding the end of the line between the finger and the thumb, a little distance from the corner of the post, or work, and if the line and corner of the post be parallel to each other, the work is upright, else not.

The Second figure is a paire of Great Screws, of some called House Screws, for by the help of them, an house whose sides stand crooked, or have the Wall Plates sunk, are raised up and set streight by screwing up every peece into the place from whence it is fallen. se numb. 142. are the like for form, but in these the screw goeth through but one Plank, the other plank the Screw ends, only turn in a round hole made Concave.

In the Sinister side, is an other maner of Engine, and I suppose made for the same use as that mentioned in numb. 145. though it be of an other fashion on the top. Such a Jack Engine, with a Bended Head, I find to be an ancient Badg belonging to the Earle of Oxford.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2. Why am I reading this?

Several Sorts of Engines Used by Carpenters

2010-08-22T21:51:02.695875-04:00

CXLVI. He beareth in this quarter several sorts of Engines used by Carpenters. The first are two Levers in the chief; these are square or round Poles, some call them Wayes, by which the Rowler of the Crab Engine is turned about, to draw up heavy Timber to a considerable height: They are termed also Pudlaies or Hand-spikes.

The Ten Foot Rod or Rule, is an Instrument of Wood like one of these, being no other than the Rib of a slit Deal plained streight, by which Ground Plots are measured, for the laying of Foundations of Houses; it is divided into ten parts, each containing a Foot.

The second Tool, which is set on the dexter side is termed a Ripping Chissel; it is a Socket Chissel, about an inch broad with a blunt Edge, not having a Basil, as almost all other Chissels have, and therefore would more properly be termed a Wedge than a Chissel; but most commonly Carpenters use an old cast off Chissel for a Ripping Chissel. Its Office is not to cut Wood, but to rip or tear 2 pieces of Wood fastned together from one another, by entring the blunt edge of it between the two pieces, and so forcing them asunder, by Blows with the Mallet.

The third, which is in the Fess point, and standeth Bendways, is termed a Drug; it is an Engine set upon two Wheels, made somewhat like a low narrow Cart Bottom. It is used for the Carriage of Timber, and then it is drawn by the handle by two or more Men, according as the weight of the Timber may require. Gules, the like to this in Bend Or, between two Pheons Argent, is born by Don Lazallo a Spanish Family.

The fourth in the Sinister chief, is a Pulley hung by the Hook in the Noose of a Rope out of the chief. This being single is termed only a Pully, but if it have more than one turn or little Wheel in it, for the Rope to run in, it is termed by most a Snatch Block, or double Snatch Block; but of the several parts and terms belonging to these Drawing Blocks, see chap. 15. numb. 45.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2. Why am I reading this?

The First is the Hammer

2010-08-22T21:38:18.899-04:00

CXLV. The first is the Hammer, whose chief use is for the driving Nails into work, and drawing Nails out of work. Of the several parts of the Hammer, see chap. 7. numb. 128.

The second is a Carpenters Chissel, or a socket Chissel, as most Chissels used by Carpenters are, because of strength; this is to have a Wooden Head put into it, which some call the part as goes into the socket the Sprig; of these Socket Chissels they use several sorts, yet not severally distinguished by names more than to call them an half inch, three quarter inch Chissels; inch, and inch and half, two inch, to three inch Chissels.

The third is termed a Jack; it is an Engine used for the removing, and commodious placing of great Timber: By the help of this, the side of a Timber House shrunk from its Mortesses are raised up again to their places. It is a Wooden Case with a large Mortess in it, wherein is placed a Rack, which mounteth up any thing placed upon it, by the help of a Nut Wheel on a Spindle, and turned about with a Windlasse.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.Why am I reading this?

Carpenters Tools

2010-08-22T21:31:13.74275-04:00

11. THE Rules and Tools which Joyners and Carpenters work by, are so near the same, that I need not here again to describe them; only there is this difference, the Carpenters Tools are made somewhat stronger for their use than they need to be for the Joyners: Yet there are many Tools requisite and proper for a Carpenter (especially a Master Carpenter) that a Joyner need to take little notice of. Therefore I shall here describe such Tools belonging to that Trade, which are not expressed among the Joyners.

CXLIV. In this quarter are three Instruments used by the Carpenter, two whereof are never mentioned to be any ways belonging to Joyners: The first is the Level, of these there are used several bignesses, even from two to ten foot long, that it may reach over a considerable length of the Work; its use is to try whether a Floor be exactly streight and even, and that one part be not higher than another; for if the Plumb-line hang just upon the Perpendicular line, being set flat upon the Work, then the Work is level, else not.

In the Level there are these parts. The Level. The Plummet. The Plumb-Line, and the perpendicular Line, which is marked from the top to the bottom of the Board; all which things are so common, that there needs no further explaining of their parts.

The second that lies in the Base, is called a Crow, or an Iron Crow. Some are made of this form, others directly round in the shank, only with a pike end, or a flat end: That is used by them as a Lever, to lift up the ends of great Trees and heavy Timber, when either a Bauk or a Rowler is to be laid under it. The parts, as Workmen term them in this form of Crow, are the Claws, the shank, and the Spike end.

The third in the Sinister chief is used by both Joyners and Carpenters, and is termed a Joyners Saddle It is an end of a Spar or Joyce cut into the side with an Indent or Beviled on each side, so that any square piece will lye steady in it with one of its edges up.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.Why am I reading this?

SOLD: Stanley No. 71 Router Plane -- Complete

2010-08-22T18:42:13.039-04:00

SOLD: Router planes are among my favorite tools. And this was my first one.

It has all its parts: Three cutters (spear and two straights) and the mechanism that doubles as a depth stop and to convert the tool to a closed-mouth router plane. This tool has never been the most gorgeous tool in my tool box, but it has done a ton of good work.

It's a U.S.-made tool, so it pre-dates the era when Stanley moved production to the United Kingdom.

Price: $65 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Sargent/Craftsman Rabbet Plane -- New in Box

2010-08-22T18:35:13.383-04:00

SOLD: This was my first rabbet plane -- a Sargent copy of the Stanley No. 78 rabbet plane that was made for Craftsman. This tool is like new. All the parts are intact. The iron is set up and sharp. The box is sturdy. The fence locks better than your average fence.

I've had this plane forever. I can't remember not having it.

Price: $60 plus $8 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Incra 6" Try Square

2010-08-22T18:27:46.586-04:00

SOLD: Before I had found a decent vintage try square, this was my companion in the shop. It's a 6" Incra "Guaranteed Square" tool. It is indeed totally square. I have treated this tool like it was a small wounded animal. There are no nicks in the anodized aluminum body. The square is completely square.

One nice thing about these tools is that the stock has a shelf on it that allows the tool to sit on your work without the stock swinging down. That's a nice touch.

Price: $30 plus $6 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Stanley Rosewood Gauge -- All the Bells & Whistles

2010-08-22T18:21:05.758-04:00

SOLD: This Stanley rosewood gauge has everything you need. It's a mortise gauge, a marking gauge and a marking gauge for curves.

• It's a mortise gauge. It has double pins that are micro-adjustable from the end of the stem. The brass wear plate on the head makes it a durable tool.

• It's a marking gauge. Turn the the head 90° and there is a single-pin gauge that bears against the brass wear plate.

• It's a gauge for curved work. You can mark mortises or a single scratch line off of a curved surface by rotating the head 90° and reinserting it onto the beam. That bring the brass curved plate into the mix.

All in all, this is an effective and well-made gauge. As such, it has seen a lot of miles and the edges are worn down by more than 100 years of use. It is, however, a 100-percent ready-to-go-to-work tool. I've used it for many years as my primary marking gauge.

Price: $60 plus $6 domestic shipping.

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Whetting Block & the Waving Engine

2010-08-22T14:58:04.758-04:00

CXLIII. In the chief of this quarter is an Engine called a Whetting Block, or a Block to Whet, or File a Saws Teeth in: It is an end of a Spar, or such piece of Wood, with a Bevil or taper Groove, or Mortess cut from side to side, and in depth half through the Wood; to which is fitted a Wedge answerable to the Groove or Mortess; Into this Groove the Blade of the Saw is put, which is wedged hard in, that it cannot play or quaver under the File, when the Teeth are Filing sharp with a three square File.

The Figure in the Base of this quarter is termed the Waving Engine; it is a thing wherewith Waved Work is generally made upon small Frames for Pictures and Looking Glasses, and such like work; and is in the bottom a long Plank of about seven Inches broad, and an Inch and half thick: On the middle of the Plank runs a Rabbet, and upon the Rabbet rides a Block with an Handle through it, of about an inch in the diameter; and at the further end of the Block is fastned a Vice, or a Great Hand Vice. At the other end of the Plank is erected a square strong piece of Wood about six inches high, having a square Mortess in it on the top, and bound about with an Iron Collar somewhat loosely fitted on, having two Male Screws fitted in two Female Screws, to screw against that part of the Wood unmortessed, thereby to hold the Iron that worketh the Moulding, whose lower end is cut into the form of the said Moulding you intend the work shall have. On the other side the square wooden piece is fitted another Iron Screw having a round Plate fastned at the end of it; and at the farther side is placed a Wooden Screw called a Knob, with a flat piece of Iron coming through the farther and higher side of the square piece standing edgewise with the higher edge rounded off or Filed round.

The several parts of the Waving Engin.

a the Plank of bottom of the Engine.
b the Block with a Groove on the bottom.
c the Rabbet on which the Block runs.
d the handle to draw the Block by.
e the hand screw, with its Key to wind the screw.
f the two Screws Male and Female.
g the square upright piece of Wood, with the Mortess on the top having a square flat Iron Collar on the higher part.
h the Iron which cuts the Waves, whose bottom is cut into the form of the Moulding the work is intended.
j the Wooden Screw or Knob, on the farther side of the square piece of Wood, with a flat piece of Iron about 3 quarters of an inch broad, and a quarter of an inch thick, standing an edge, coming through the sides.
k the Iron screw, with its Nut, having a round Iron Plate made fast at the end of its shank.
l the Rack, is a thin flat piece of hard Wood about an nch and quarter broad and as long as the Rabbet.
m the Mouth, is a square hole in the foreside, and through the square piece of Wood, under the Iron wich hath its end cut according to the moulding, through which the board to be mounted is drawn.

The Riglet, is the Board either Moulded, or prepared to be Moulded.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.Why am I reading this?

Forms of the Double Screws

2010-08-22T14:47:23.289625-04:00

CXLII. These are the forms of the double Screws, mentioned before in the Joyners Bench, numb. 139. they are made of Spar, the Screws are fitted with holes or Screw Boxes in the Spars fit to receive them, which being turned, the two pieces are drawn together so hard, that they hold firmly any thing set between them.

In the Sinister Base is set the form of a Plain Iron, (such Plains I mean) as are to plain Boards smooth; for other Plain Irons are cut with squares and half rounds and after the form of an [character of an "S" on its side] according to their Operations.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.

Two Sorts of Joyners Mallets

2010-08-22T14:40:19.11775-04:00

CXLI. In this quarter in the chief part of it are the fashion and forms of two sorts of Joyners Mallets, made and used by Joyners, the one square, the other Bevil wrought; Of this see more numb. 76. and chap. 9. numb. 4.

In the Base, is a thing called the Sawing Tressel, or a Tressel, which Joyners and Carpenters use to lay large and great pieces of Timber upon, when they have occasion to cut them into Tenants, or for other kinds of peecings, or if they purpose to cut it into lesser or shorter pieces: It is two pieces of Joyce set Salterwise, whose Angles will hold any thing fast being put between the two upper ends.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.

The Bench Screw

2010-08-22T14:32:27.664625-04:00

CXL. In chief lyeth that which is called the Bench Screw, it is made of Wood, the out part flat, which lieth or is nailed to the Bench side, the other part opened by degrees or steps wider and wider, to fit Boards of all thicknesses that shall be put between the Bench and it, through the higher Tang or Lip is put a Wooden Screw, the same being screwed through the hole, its end holds the Board fast to the Bench side.

That in the Base is called the Glew Pot, it is commonly made of good thick Lead; that by its substance it may retain a heat the longer, that the Glew Chill not, (as Work-men say when it cools) when it is to be used: It hath a strong Bended Wyer put through two holes in the sides of it, by which it is transported and carried from one place to another. A. 3 such B. born by Glew pott.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.

SOLD: Chester Toolworks 10" Bowsaw

2010-08-22T14:19:37.524-04:00

SOLD: This is a stunning curly maple bowsaw with a 10" blade, finely turned walnut handles and a high-style shellac finish.

The blade is a 12-point induction-hardened blade that is secured to the frame with brass cotter pins. The handles have leather washers to help control rotation. This is a very traditional and graphic tool. Dave Anderson, who makes these saws for sale, is an accomplished woodworker and toolmaker.

I purchased this saw when I was collecting bowsaws for a group tool review, which fell through several years ago. I've used this saw quite a bit, but I have just too many (thanks to that ill-fated review).

Price: $85 plus $8 shipping.

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SOLD: Japanese Fish-shaped Marking Knife

2010-08-22T14:04:57.57-04:00

SOLD: I bought this single-bevel knife from Japan Woodworker about 12 years ago. It is of laminated construction (some saw it's lined), still fairly sharp and cute, cute, cute.

It has been kicking around in my toolbox this entire time. And I have noticed that I have enough marking knives to outfit a small school.

The fish shape is comfortable and it's a fine tool for marking out everything but dovetails (as it is a single-bevel tool).

Price: $10 plus $4 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: Wenzloff & Sons Large Tenon Saw

2010-08-22T13:57:45.867-04:00

SOLD: This Wenzloff & Sons tenon saw is sold through Lee Valley Tools -- it's not one of the company's custom models.

The saw has a 14" blade and 11 tpi, which are filed rip. The handle is bubinga. The brass back is slitted to receive the blade, which is 3-7/8" deep. The saw is sharp and in perfect shape. I purchased this when I needed some extra tenon saws for some classes I was teaching.

No apologies for this fine saw.

Price: $143 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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SOLD: No. 12 Hollow and Round Planes

2010-08-22T13:49:30.789-04:00

SOLD: This pair of No. 12 hollow and round planes were made by planemaker Tod Herrli about 2004. They are made from laminated beech and are excellent user planes.

I am selling them because I finally received my half set of hollows and rounds from Clark & Williams (which I will never sell, but thanks for asking).

The irons are still in good working order and the tools are ready to go. The laminated construction Herrli used has proven to be stable and they also look fine. I don't even notice the joint lines.

Price: $100 plus $7 domestic shipping.

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The Joyners Working Bench

2010-08-20T14:14:21.945875-04:00

CXXXIX. In this quarter is set forth the form of the Joyners Working Bench, with all the Appurtenances belonging thereunto, as First, the Plank or Board for the top, in which are made several round holes for the Bench Hook and the Hold Fast, as they have occasion to hold the Work on it.

The Bench Feet, those of the Workmans side being made full of holes, in which are Pins put for the Board or other thing to rest upon, while its edges are to be wrought, either by shooting with the Plain, or otherwise, which Pins are to be removed to higher or lower holes, as the breadth of the Board shall require.

The Bench Screw, set on its higher side, to screw Boards to the Bench side, while their edges are plaining or shooting, that they shake or tremble not, but remain steady while they are in working.

The Hold-Fast, which is to keep the Work fast upon the Bench while the Joyner either Saws Tenants, or or cuts Mortesses, or doth any other Work upon it.

The Bench Hook in it, which is to stay or hold Boards, or any other Stuff that is laid flat against it, while they are Trying or Plaining.

The Double Screw, is sometimes fixed to the side of the Bench, and sometimes the farther Check is laid an edge upon the flat of the Bench, and fastned there with an Hold-Fast, and sometimes two are fastned to the Bench, to hold fast some sorts of Stuff, that are to have their edges wrought.

The Mallet, it is always to rest only on the Bench, because of its continual use.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.

Hello My Name is Randle Holme

2010-08-20T12:02:57.774-04:00

The last few days I've thrown up (probably a poor choice of words) on this blog a lot of excess tools that I'm selling. To balance the Karmic scales, as they are, I'm trying to give something back. And that something is excerpts from Randle Holme III's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon."

This enormous 17th-century three-book work is partly an explanation of healdic symbols, but it also is an encyclopedia of the 17th-century world.

Peter Follansbee introduced me to Holme a few years ago on his blog and I've read snippets of it on some academic web sites that Managing Editor Megan Fitzpatrick has access to through the University of Cincinnati.

But this week, Megan did a bad thing. She checked out the entire 1972 reprint of Holme's work by The Scolar Press Limited from the library for me, and I have been chugging through it in between 4th-grade volleyball games, editing magazine copy and waiting for glue to dry.

Here's an odd fact about me: I always learn new material better if I type it in, and I really would like to have the full text of Holme's sections on woodworking at my fingertips because I already see some interesting things in there that relate to Joseph Moxon and Richard Neve's works.

So in my spare time, I'm typing in the parts of the text that interest me. And I decided to post them on the blog because it's frustrating how difficult this information can be to come by (I cannot find this on GoogleBooks, and the 1972 reprint is difficult to find).

Why am I not providing comment or context? Because I'm still digesting things. You are getting this at the same speed that I am. But the bottom line is that it will be here for you to come back to when we're all ready to discuss it.

All of the Holme entries are tagged "The Academy of Armory" at the bottom. So you can get to it at any time using the categories on the left side of your screen.

Sorry if it has been off-putting.

— Christopher Schwarz

A Miter Square

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CXXXVIII. The first Tool in this square is termed a Miter square, of a contrary form to the following, mentioned chap. 9. numb. 17. It hath an Handle (or top part) an Inch thick, and three broad, with a Tongue of the same breadth, and for length 5, 6, or more inches, according to the breadt of the Work: it is to be Glewed into the Handle by a Mortess and Pinned. V. 3 such O. is born by Mitterall.

The second Instrument is a Gage, or square Gage, from the square piece that runs upon the Staff; but of this see more chap. 9 numb. 18. The parts of it are these, the Staff, the hinder end of it; the fore-end in which the Tooth is, the Tooth, and the square or oval, which is that as slips up and down upon the Staff. B. 3 such O. a Chief A. is born by Gagger.

The third is termed a Miter Bar, it is composed of pieces of Wood, of an inch thick each, then nailed together,the one an upright piece, and the other a bottom piece, and on the upright piece, on its upper side are the Miter Lines strucken with the Miter square, from the middle to the right hand, and on the left, which are sawed down to the bottom of the said upright piece. This is a way used by Joyners that make many Frames, to save themselves the Labour of drawing out of Squares, Miters, and several Bevils upon their Stuff.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.

An Inch Gouge, Without any Handle or Helve

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CXXXVII. The first Instrument or Tool in this square, is called an Inch Gouge, without any Handle or Helve, with these sorts and sizes of Chissels Joyners are accommodated to do all kinds of Works both big and little. S. 3 such A. Handles O. is born by Gouge.

The second Tool is termed an Auger Bit, sans Handle; it is an half round Tool in the working or cutting part of it, with the bottom edge turned inwards, one corner thereof being set a little above the other, which occasions the sinking or cutting deep into the Wood, and so by degrees cuts a hole through.

The third Tool is the Saw Wrest; it is an Instrument of Iron either set in a handle or not, for it may be used as well without; in the edge of it are made three or four, or more Nicks; with this (the Joyner having Filed the Teeth of his Saw) he sets the said Teeth; that is, he puts one of the Nicks or Notches of the Wrest between the first two Teeth of the Blade of the Saw, and then turns the Wrest, and it will turn one Tooth to you, and the other from you; and so do all along the Saw: This setting of the Teeth of the Saw (as Work-men call it) is to make the Kerfe wide enough for the Back to follow the edge; and is set ranker (that is, more bending outward) for soft and course cheap Stuff, than for hard and costly Wood.

A. 3 such B. the Handle erected O. is born by Shawrest.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.

A Skew Former

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CXXXVI. In this quarter in the first place, is a Skew Former, having the edge deeper down in one part than another: It is seldom used by Joyners, but for the cleansing of acute Angles, with its acute angles on its edges, where other angled Chissels will not so well come, and also for making of long and narrow Mortesses in Rails, Stiles and Muntons, &c.

The second in this quarter, is termed a Gouge, which is a Chissel having a round edge, and is for the cutting of such Wood as is to be rounded or hollowed: Of these there are several sorts from a quarter of an Inch Gouge, to an Inch and half, some being almost half round, others more open, as in the next Figure. G. 3 such A. Hafts O. by the name of Gouger.

— From Randle Holme's "The Academy of Armory, or, A Storehouse of Armory and Blazon" Book III, Chapter VIII, Plate 2.