Friday 31 May 2019

Lovely Shavings!


I planed the spalted beech panels flush with the frame using my Lie Nielsen No 7.


The coloured shavings were so nice I didn't want to throw them in the bin!



Wednesday 29 May 2019

Compound Dovetail Blanket Chest


I've been working on a large blanket chest in brown oak with compound angle dovetails. The sides are made from two boards to make up the 20" height.
Preparing the edges on my long shooting board gives a perfect fit, the boards should be dead flat and have no glimmer of light showing through the joint.


With a nice fit clamps aren't necessary (or desirable), stretched masking tape does the job very well.


Here are the four sides, one angle is cut at 7 degrees and the other at 2 degrees.


With four benches in my workshop, and three different vices, I found the superb vice on my Ulmia bench to be the best suited. The right hand side of the jaw is 'toed in' giving a firm grip without any extra clamping.

Here's some of the completed dovetails, all went very well using my Excellent Skelton Long Stroke dovetail saw.


The carcass completed with the angled feet attached, I will stain these black later on.


Monday 27 May 2019

Oliver Sparks Plane for Sale


I Have a few of Ollie Sparks planes and I've decided to let this beauty go. 
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153502936951

Designated 10 1/2 because it is half the size of a Norris No 21 upon which it was styled.
This was one of an original batch of just five made two years ago. You can view the model by going to his website.
It's 3 1/2" long with a 7/8" wide blade and has never been used, just admired. The beautiful infill is Honduras Rosewood.




Sunday 19 May 2019

Fine Quality Slotted Screws


Tony from The Vintage Screw Company contacted me about the traditional range of screws he sells.
They are new old stock made many years ago by Nettlefolds and GKN.
Although they may not look much a quick rub on some fine abrasive will have them looking like new. Of course if you are restoring antique furniture they are perfect just as they are.
Quantities start very low and prices are reasonable.
https://www.thevintagescrewcompany.com/shop/