Replies

1. 
   EdHarrison | Feb 28, 2009 07:45pm | #1

   That's very nice, Derek.

   All of the "which one is better?" tool discussions on knots seem mind-numbingly boring to me, with only a little nugget of wisdom or a well-turned phrase achieved in pages and pages of blather. My perspective is different than most since I bought all the hand tools I'm ever going to need during the period from 2000-2005, and would not buy any more, I don't think. Maybe another molding plane or two,...There is a bottom, flat, slow down area at the bottom of the slippery slope,...Some folks may not know that it's there, but it's there,...

   I could consider making a hand tool or two,...

   I can recognize a very cool and classy hand tool when I see it - you've set a good example. My hat's off to you.

   By the way, would you believe I'm making a desktop out of jarrah right now? Yep, bought in Perth in 1991, shipped across Australia in a RAN conex box, then shipped back to the USA with my household goods. The jarrah glued-up panel was part of a coffee table which I never really liked the design of so now it's being recycled into a desktop. I plan to try to take the finish close to the french polishing point, but I've never been a skilled finisher so we'll see what develops.

1. 
   derekcohen | Feb 28, 2009 07:58pm | #2

   Thanks Ed.

   You know, although I have some really amazing manufactured tools, I really prefer to use those that I make for myself.

   That Jarrah you have is going to be interesting (!) to French polish. The grain is quite open and will need a filler.

   Looking forward to seeing the completed item.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

   Edited 2/28/2009 11:58 am ET by derekcohen

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Mar 01, 2009 12:16am | #3

   Very nice, Derek. Do you consider yourself a furniture maker first or a toolmaker first?

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com
   (soon to be www.flairwoodworks.com)

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

1. 
   derekcohen | Mar 01, 2009 04:13am | #5

   Do you consider yourself a furniture maker first or a toolmaker first?

   Hi Chris

   I consider myself to be a "woodworker". Sometimes I built tools and sometimes  I build furniture. I build more furniture than tools, and usually the latter when the former is taking a long time and I am looking for a quick fix to see something finished. And, as Philip says, there is a buzz creating something with tools also created by oneself. I loved watching "Alone in the Wilderness" (Richard Proenneke) for this reason. At the same time, I don't see why tools must only be utilitarian - they are a great opportunity (for a hobbiest such as myself) to be creative and produce something that is artistic as well as functional.

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

3. 
   philip | Mar 01, 2009 12:26am | #4

   Derek,
   "They" can say what they like, but the satisfaction of making ones own tools is great and only matched by the added pleasure of using them .Again, they can say what they like, but the woodworking project itself is enhanced by use of fine tools-even if there is an element of imagination there and you especially would know.
   Good idea with the "chuck", and what about considering adapting a ratchet mechanism ?

   Philip Marcou
4. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 01, 2009 08:05am | #6

   Derek.. Very nice!

   Now you need to make a set of those old spoon bits to use with it!

   I had no idea what a ahe-oak was. Look like a North American long needle Pine tree?

   Allocasuarina torulosa
       Forest Oak or Forest She-oak

   http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.anbg.gov.au/bonsai/bonsai-anbg-2007/08_2007_2967.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.anbg.gov.au/bonsai/bonsai-anbg-2007/bonsai-anbg-2007.html&usg=__8jpV7SYWp3MpzZn1yJE07Z3PNWY=&h=258&w=219&sz=19&hl=en&start=120&tbnid=rmokyr7U55bS4M:&tbnh=112&tbnw=95&prev=/images%3Fq%3DWest%2BAustralian%2BSheoak%26start%3D100%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

   OK so not big enough to make a tool with. Or maybe a Jewelers tool?

    

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/1/2009 12:23 am by WillGeorge

1. 
   derekcohen | Mar 01, 2009 03:31pm | #7

   Hi Geirge

   I think that She-oak is the same as or very similar to Lace Wood.

   http://www.exoticwood.biz/lacewood.htm

   Regards from Perth

   Derek

    

1. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 01, 2009 07:28pm | #8

   I posted the Bonsai picture because I tried to do one of an old American Elm tree. I had it for about 20 years and it died? Maybe I did not talk to it as often as needed? And I am sure I watered it?

   OK, so I just love trees IF they are NOT trying to destroy my home! I had to cut down several old Maples I planted when I first moved into my house. Those roots are something!

   I use to be able to get some really nice Lacewood from my local supplier but it is way overpriced these days as most other woods I usually use.

   OK, so they said it was Lacewood, but a middle darkish brown color or is that colour? Almost like American Walnut in color.

   Most of it was about 8 inches wide and about 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick. My last 'stick' sort of looks like Fish or Dragon scales.. I love it! I could get it in much thicker but I first bought it for a Archery Bow I was making. I used it for something else.

   I used most of my Lacewood for trim, as on top, as a lamination. I have one long 'stick' left, about 8 inches wide and 12 feet long. It sits above my head (I have wood storage hanging from the rafters of my little shop) Maybe some day the whole thing will come down crashing on my head? A good way to die I would think...

    

   Edited 3/1/2009 11:51 am by WillGeorge

1. 
   C_R_Miller_Planes | Mar 02, 2009 10:56pm | #10

   Most she-oak is bright orange, reddish orange or yellow orange -- depending on where in the country you get it. I used to get 12" by 12" and 12" by 8" slabs from Western Australia a decade or so back. It's great stuff and quite stable.I still have a supply of leftover lace she-oak which I occasionally use to make pre-fabbed transitionals.Nice brace by the way, Derek.

   Handplane Central
   Record Planes

5. 
   Gretchen | Mar 01, 2009 07:40pm | #9

   Your tools are eye-wateringly beautiful!! I do hope you sign them.  ;o)

   Gretchen
6. 
   George L | Jan 24, 2011 07:53am | #11

   Finding she oak
   Hi guys

   Interesting subject and a beautiful tool.!!

   I am in need of a small amount of she oak for an inlay project and can't find any source to purchase that. Does anyone have an address of a supplier, you could share ?

   Any response is greatly appreciated. I'm located in the US, but the source could be world wide.

   Thanks George