New wedge stop

Up until now I have been securing stock for planing using a toothed bench stop and holdfasts. The rails on this settle are over 7' long. I roughed them out a while ago and now the surfaces have dried a little, I need to clean them up. I have been watching these fellows' research into Dutch and Scandinavian workbenches at Hovelbenk and the side wedged stop looks right for my bench.

And I had best make some holes in the legs for my new holdfasts. With them and the wedge stop, this rail is held firm for shooting its edge.

I picked up this interesting tool at a sale yesterday.

I must admit to not knowing what it was at the time, but now I do.

Does anyone else know?

Ten little muntins hanging on the wall

Ten little muntins hanging on the wall, ten little muntins hanging on the wall....

And if one little muntin should accidentally fall,....

We'll not recount the language, cos Jon was wearing sandals.

Hadn't really appreciated why this saw clamp was painted white until I came to set my tenon saw.

But now its obvious, its easier to see with small teeth.

I went to see a job in Ashburton the other day and caught site of this chest in an antique shop window.

Does what it says on the tin

I have to re-bore the holes on my bench to 1"

The new holdfasts hold, and fast.

Hold on tight

I have been getting by with a makeshift holdfast and bench hook for some time now. Sometimes its good though to have things especially made. Justin Fletcher has made me these fine holdfasts and bench hook, which will be getting immediately pressed into service on my bench tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in spoonworld.

The viking longships invaded from the north.

But it was not genocide. The longships bred with the local spoon population. and soon both tribes lived as one.

In peace..... and impracticality!

Country seat at a country seat

In situ

Off she goes.

Blessings to all who sail on her!

Reluctant fledglings

My new scraper plane arrived. I tried it first with a straight cutting edge, which wasn't very succesful! Then I gave the edge a crown and it was marvellous.

Perfect for scraping the shallow curves of the settle arms. Where it wouldn't go, I resorted to a spokeshave.

With the fine weather, I decided to do a bit of homework and shave the pegs by my fishpond at home.

Accidentally producing lots of s-scrolls in the process!

In with the pegs.

And on with the first application of custard.

And its nearly time for you, my young fledgling, to go to your forever home.



But what's this, this settle doesn't want to leave. Its trying to climb back onto the nest.

But go you shall, young settle, for I have more settles to hatch.