Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Isaac Smith, Saw Maker, etc.




As new saw makers come on the scene I take notice of their work and I started taking note of the work of Isaac Smith a while back. As of late his work has started showing the attention to detail that is unique among only the best and most particular of craftsman.

As some of you know I have quite a collection of dovetail saws all made by contemporary saw makers. Recently I commissioned Isacc Smith to make a saw for my collection. I sent Isaac a piece of my prized Macassar Ebony for the tote and what I got back is a saw that I’ve been enjoying immensely.

Isaac’s work is impressive to say the least. To say the most, the saw functions as good as it looks.



When people have the opportunity to try all of my saws side by side they typically come to the conclusion that my Eccentric Saw, made my Andrew Lunn, is without a doubt the top saw of the bunch. Bear in mind all these saws are wonderful tools so I’m not dismissing the work of any of these fine craftsman. Nevertheless the saw I recently received from Isaac Smith is possibly the equal of the Eccentric saw.

Let me qualify something here. I’m in no way an authority on saws. But I am one picky individual when it comes to tools and this saw has impressed me. My methods for testing were nothing more than all these saws compared one to another on the same piece of wood. It could very well be that some might perform better in differing woods. Like I said it was not exactly a scientific test. It was more a test of feel and reaction.

Moreover every detail on this saw is pleasing and the tote feels wonderful in the hand and the areas that have defined crisp lines are not the areas that contact your hand. The tote embodies precision, comfort and beauty



I’ve also noticed that Isaac is making some other tools as well and I have one of his carbide Scrawls that I’ve been using for everything from marking for screws holes to turning burrs in tight corners on my plane bodies.

He also has introduced a saw filing aid called a RakeMaker. It has the same attention to detail as his saws.

Like I said, I’m not an authority, just a very pleased customer. You can find out more by following this link,  Blackburn Tools.

Ron


Friday, April 5, 2013

HandWorks Plane

In less time that we can imagine a lot of us will be gathering in Amana, Iowa for the HandWorks event. If the unique venue and the stellar gathering of tool makers were not enough to get you there then take this into consideration.

THERE WILL BE FREE STUFF!

Many of the presenters at this event will be donating tools to be given away in a drawing at this event. I'm happy to participate because this stands to be the hand tool woodworking event of the year.

I've wanted to make a version of the Norris #31 plane for quite some time and just never could find time to develop the process for this tool. This event was the perfect excuse to make time and I have to admit it's been an interesting endeavor. I've enjoyed using this plane for the last couple of weeks since it was completed and I'm looking forward to passing it on to whomever becomes the new owner at HandWorks.

The sole of this plane is 5" long and the bed angle is 20 degrees, bevel up, the infill is cocobolo.





If you are interested in learning more about the HandWorks Event click on the banner below, it should take you to the HandWorks page.


Ron