Lost Art Press

Common Woodworking Tools—Saws

Posted on by fitz

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It often occurs that an amateur, with a taste for mechanics, determines to go in for a small set of tools, and after having laid out four or five pounds at an ironmonger’s, finds by-and-by, to his sorrow, that his judgment has been at fault in two respects—first, in not selecting the tools most suitable for his purpose; and next, in selecting tools of inferior quality.

A few practical hints on these matters may therefore be of use to such as are not trained artisans, but who simply seek, in their workroom, the means of recreation from the real occupation of their lives. Yet even among that former class, of which I am proud to acknowledge myself a member, I trust there will be many who will derive both pleasure and profit from the perusal of the following papers.
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This is Not Your 15th-century Ancestor’s Table

Posted on by Lost Art Press

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Though it might seem like it, I’m not writing a book about medieval furniture. I’m leaving that task to the capable hands of Derek Olson at the Oldwolf Workshop. Check it out here, it’s going to be cool.

The stuff in my book, the “Furniture of Necessity,” has its roots planted in the past, but the leaves are new. The writing, which is about halfway done, is more in the vein of “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest.” Yes, the book is about one thing, but also another thing. Which means the Lumberjocks will hate it.

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I am drawing inspiration from early furniture because the rules for what was acceptable – “Indeed, Burlington Cockletit, that’s a table and that’s a chair” – were much looser than they are today. And they would use joints in ways that proper furniture makers today do not.

As to the aesthetics of the individual pieces, I want them to look comfortable in an artisan’s home. Simple. Sturdy. And not trying to be a social steppingstone.

More later. I have to pack my truck for Handworks.

— Christopher Schwarz

The Tiniest Tool Chest at Handworks (Natch)

Posted on by Lost Art Press

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This photo is kind of difficult to interpret. The big chest is 1:4 scale (about 9” long). The small one is 1:10. It is Marco Terenzi’s work, of course.

Both will be at Handworks this weekend, along with so much other cool stuff that I won’t be able to see it all.

By the way, Marco makes micro tools for sale, so follow him on Instagram. You never know when you might be zapped by a shrink ray and need a 1:4 scale hammer to fight rabid chipmunks.

— Christopher Schwarz

A Reminder About Studley Tickets

Posted on by Lost Art Press

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With the exhibit of the Studley tool cabinet and workbench only days away (May 15-17, 2015, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Don Williams is fielding a lot of questions about tickets. Here are some frequently asked questions about tickets, books and art prints:

Will you be mailing my tickets?
No. The ticket purchases are recorded electronically. Don will print the entire list out, then check you off the list and hand you your timed ticket when you check in at the Scottish Rite Temple. You will show it at the door of the exhibit hall and be ushered in. Just to make sure, it would be a good idea to bring your PayPal receipt with you just in case something gets missed.

I ordered my copy of ‘Virtuoso’ to be picked up in Amana, can I pick it up at the exhibit?
No. You need to pick up your copy at the Lost Art Press booth in the Festhalle Barn. John will have a list of everyone who ordered a book and asked to pick it up in Amana. It would be a good idea if you brought your receipt with you, but if you don’t have it, we’ll work with you.

How can I get my book signed by the author and photographer?
There are three book signings scheduled at the exhibit in Cedar Rapids:

Friday at 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday at 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday at noon to 1 p.m.

More details are here.

If I ordered ‘Virtuoso’ before Handworks, will I receive a commemorative postcard?
Yes, you will.

Where can I get a Studley poster?
There will be 100 commemorative art prints for sale at the exhibit only. None at Handworks. Details here.

— Christopher Schwarz