Forty plus years ago I bought some rifflers. They were Caselli (Italian) handmade rifflers and seemed ridiculously expensive. I used them for miniatures that I made in those years. Today I “re-discovered” those rifflers and found out that they are no longer made and are still sharp as razors. Those things have cut a lot of wood.
The only tools that are really fun are hand tools and band saws. At least to me. In view of my old rifflers still cutting “scary-sharp” and of Snap-On Tools enthusiasm to rebuild all three of my ratchets for free (two of which I bought in 1958) and other isolated stories I tend to buy the very best I can afford if the item has to function. There are many times when 3rd rate and even junk are the way to go, but in terms of hand tools (that I use for fun—- relaxation—-retirement amusement) those cutting tools should be first-rate.
This works out well for me. That said, I have begun laying aside money for one of those elite handmade planes. Don’t have the money yet, but in a couple of years …… It just seems to me it would be nice to own one Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. But the other shoe is this: I’m supporting an artisan. I believe we are in one of those rare periods of time when really great tools are being manufactured. A war, a plague, a tidal wave, or a severe depression could wipe out this trend. Whatever the case, I believe they (artisans) are making the world a better place and I’d like to think I helped the process along.
And here’s the rub. I don’t give a bleep if they are measureably superior to manufactured products. I will be happy if they seem to be superior and make me happy using them. Lord knows those folks don’t make a killing, but they can sure add a happy day to my calendar. Am I alone here?
Mel, jump in here. :>) Be cranky. But deep in your LN loving heart you know I’m right.
And so does Purple Heart Roc who is sleeping with his #4 bronze.
Replies
Artisan planes
"one of those elite handmade planes"
Keep your eyes (at least one of them...) on Ron Brese planes.
Best wishes,
Metod
BINGO !
And how did you know?
There are so many beautiful tools out there made by so many folks. But Ron Brese makes the one that captures my heart. The infill jobbie. I have my eye on the kit because to the extent I can finish it, it will be unique. That allows all kinds of silly ideas to become reality. But I do so like his infill plane.
Of course, it would be best to determine exactly what I would do with it. :>)
Brese Planes
"what I would do with it"?
Just get one, and ask this question later <g>
Ron has been around Knots for several years. I happen to have a good impression of his workmanship. Listen to your heart.
A tool should work well - but if it captures yiour heart, the better.
Best wishes,
Metod
I hear that assembly will go much faster if all the joints are Brese'd. ;-)
special plane
of course you're right Profiler,
if in your opinion you can afford a bespoke plane, you should buy one. People spend a helluva alot more money on cars that they trade in two or three years later at a considerable loss, certainly much more than you'll ever spend on a plane even if you bought an English plane considered to be the best currently. I love the look of Ron's infill plane and if I didn't already own a Marcou smoother and mitre plane I would certainly consider a Brese plane. Several years ago I bought a SawStop at what I thought was more than one should spend on ANY tool..never regretted that decision. I love using all my hand planes and in fact recently entered into physical therapy because I've developed tendonitis from TOO much hand planing...guess I'll have to reevaluate my technique...Sam Maloof bought an $800 shoulder plane from John Econamaki, not because it was gonna improve his woodworking but because it was a beautiful and probably performed better than his present plane and was a work of art.... this debate has been beat to death on this forum and will continue to inspire comments..no one needs a Ferarri, but damn, if you can afford one, why not? Of course, you could donate any discretionary funds to a charitable organization...something we should all do....
I love woodworking..can't wait for my shoulder to heal.
Neil
On the topic of Italian rifflers no longer being sold. I found a company recently who has them available. May be as good of quality as your old ones you cherish.
http://www.corradishop.com/
Hi, you mention Caselli, Italian tools in your post. I have a small adz that is stamped with F. W Caselli *-* Made in Italy. It's extremely well made and is incredibly sharp. I can't find anything online about the manufacturer though. Does anyone out there know any more about them?
A quick google search for "Caselli Italian tools" reveled to me they make spatulas and sculpting tools, and are widely regarded as good stuff. That's about as far as I went with it, but they are out there. Didn't find anything about a Caselli axe though.
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