Huckleberry

The commercials are a nice touch FWW. . .

Gateway skill is a good term for sharpening. I am getting better at it. I recall my first breakthrough was when I realized the value of a hollow grind, then next came the secondary bevel. I always think I can do better though.
I will be watching your blog for sure.
I came up with a similar tool holder for my electric grinder, but the thing can move if you press too hard and the table had to be narrow for butt chisels. I find it a bit of a challenge to sharpen tapered chisels (like my Marples) close to 25 deg because the reference surface is not the back of the chisel.
Much appreciated. . .

John

Sure Annie -
Not sure if this is OK with FWW, but feel free to contact me at eldamatic@gmail.com.

First of all I have been to just about every WoodCraft store in the midwest and have always been treated well. I did notice a lack of knowledge in the store employees, but all of them seem to progress as they continue work in the stores. I am not sure about WC instructors since I have never attended a WoodCraft class.
Not long ago I had decided to purchase all my Lie-Nielsen tools directly from their website. I found Deneb and others online to be better informed than even the top folks at the stores. I feel comfortable buying direct because I trust the folks there. They exceed expectations in quality and you really do get exactly what you pay for.
I have test driven other brands of handplanes in the store (including LV) and have found them too dull to provide a useful experience. However, I am willing to bet that the tools at the LN events will be sharp and I plan to find out in 2010. (I hear their working on a No.45/55)
I have no ill will toward either company and besides, LN doesn't sell glue. . .yet!

Really nice work, inovative thinking and a beautiful result. Including the saw sharpening tools was a nice touch. Thank you for sharing it.
Forgive me if I am leary of the water drawer. I am concerned about two issues:
1) (the obvious) Will there really be no cracks/leaks with a fibre glass layup on top of a plywood bottom and sides of solid wood?
2) With all that water in the drawer, are you concerned at all with collateral damage to the surrounding wood? (I am thinking uneven moisture content, mold formation etc.)

Perhaps you could do a follow up to this blog in 6 months or so and let us see it after it's broke in?

Very nice work!
I like the corner splines.
I am going to attempt to install quadrant hinges. Do you have any pointers?
Thanks!

Howdy Nate,
The thing is made from 1" thick stock and nearly a foot long stem to stern. . .
P.S. that's a walnut in it's jaws. . .

Look folks they're talking about cost savings, brands, returns and growth, not tools or quality. This is corporate policy all the way and corporations put money into three main catagories:
1) executives
2) audit trails/financial reporting
3) brand building
I predict we'll see some really slick comercials about some really mediocre tools!

Anyone know why the pre-war Stanley tools are better than the modern versions? Corporate policy. It's the reason why a brand new No.4 has plastic knobs and totes.

I own quite a few Stanley 'Pre-War' tools, a 2006 Stanley No.4 and a lie-Nielsen No.164. Lie-Nielson is a better tool than the bunch. The new premium Stanley planes ain't close either.
I'll try to keep an open mind, but a definitely a closed wallet for the time being. . .

Wow, the video is awesome.