In this course we will make three rare and fantastic woodworking tools in three days. Our emphasis will be on making unique, custom tools that perform well, not on trying to emulate commercially produced tools. These are traditional designs, but with modern improvements that make them more workable than antique examples. We will start with a low angle spokeshave, the traditional style with a wooden body and the capability to take very fine shavings. We will shape and heat-treat the blade ourselves, and adjust the cut to suit each student’s personal style of working. The second tool will be a travisher, a very effective smoothing tool for concave curves. This tool is most commonly used by Windsor chair-makers for fairing the interior of a curved seat. The last tool that we will make is a turning saw; a small and elegant bow saw using beautifully made fittings and top quality blades. This is a saw that can be quickly broken down to fit in a toolbox for travelling. It is a very pleasant alternative to the noise and dust of a band saw. Students will enjoy the process of creating these excellent tools from mostly scratch materials, using just a few parts and hardware bits to make them stronger, long-lasting, and easier to use.

You will need the following tools for this class:

-Mill files (one rough, one fine, 8 or 10”)
-Med-Fine rasps of any type are good, but hand cut rasps work especially well.
-Carving knife that you feel comfortable using.

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.