New Tools Available Page

All Awls are sold. 

The awls featured in the last post sold quite quickly so I set about making another small batch of these tools in various woods. I also thought this might be a good time to create a page specifically for the tools that I have available for sale at any given time. Tools Available link.

When looking at group pictures of these tools I can't help thinking that they look a lot like lollipops in a candy store.  Such an array of color courtesy of Ma Nature and some judicious shaping and polishing.

I decided to see how an awl made from Desert Iron wood would be. There is a large variation of color in this material and this case it's a very earthy color of orange. I was instantly smitten.

As mentioned in the last post these awls have a feature that allows for removing the blade so as to re-grind, or sharpen if you may, the tip. These are furnished with the appropriate allen key and an extra set screw.

The Tools Available page is available at this link or from the page listing at the top of the main blog page.

Ron

Awl Issue Resolved

I have more awls than any one person needs. That's because I have an issue with awls. When the tip of an awl becomes less than sharp it will skid and not hold locations as compared to a sharp tipped awl. This is especially a problem on end grain when marking centers in preparation for turning blanks. Because the blades are permanently fixed in those awls it's not an easy thing to regrind a perfectly symmetrical tip.

I guess if I really wanted I could fashion a jig to accomplish this task but as of late I've just made a new awl.

The obvious solution is to make an awl with a removable blade that is then easily chucked into a drill and spun against an abrasive to create a newly sharpened tip. This past week I've made a prototype of such an awl and have also made a small production run of removable blade awls.

Tools that have replaceable features can easily become clunky and awkward to look at so it was important to me to retain elegance while incorporating this feature. I'm quite satisfied with the result.

The only difference is a small 6-32 set screw recessed into the ferrule opposite the side with the "B" makers mark. In use your hand never knows it's there but when you need to sharpen the tip......well there you go.

Of course it will be necessary to supply these awls with an allen key and extra set screw. A 6-32 x 3/16" long set screw can go missing pretty quickly if dropped. Don't ask me how I know.

Once removed and sharpened one just aligns the small notch in the blade with the set screw hole, slides the blade all the into the top until it bottoms out, and then tightens the set screw and once again it's solid as a rock. The set screw has an extended tip that engages the slot and locks the blade.

The three awls that I have in this offer are Macassar Ebony on the left, 

Olivewood in the middle and resin infused curly maple on the right.

These awls are $78 each, plus $7 shipping and handling to anywhere in the lower 48 states. Basically $85.00 shipped.

If interested contact me via email at:

ronbrese1@gmail.com

It's Hot!!! (Chisels are Sold)

It's mid summer here and too hot to be outside much after mid morning these days. Luckily we're having afternoon thunderstorms and that cools things off in the evening. Makes for better porch sitting time in the evenings.

I've suspended outdoor projects for a while and have retreated into the shop to resume tool making.

I've recently completed another set of the diminutive Dove Tail chisels. This set features resin infused very curly maple handles. My friend and saw maker Ron Bontz is set up to do this infusing work and has a good bit of experience in the process. The maple turns much nicer after being infused and the figure is dazzling.

Sizes are 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2".

I've used Presco 0-1 tool steel for the blades on this set. It's a very high quality tool steel. It's the same tool steel I've used and enjoyed for plane irons.

The edges have near zero land and the side bevels are 20 degrees. 

Enjoy the rest of the summer, stay cool and safe,


Ron