jhl.verona Posted July 25, 2013 Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 Ah, what the sophisticated woodworker is using this year! Wear an apron and carry a Blue Spruce mallet (to paraphrase Theodore Roosevelt). Must be me, but I keep admiring that gorgeous Jack - the one made last century. There are only a couple of problems here, one, you have to explain to the family why you're publishing a photograph of a ... well, a mallet, and two, we have to explain to our families why we're looking at a photograph of a ... well, a mallet. I received a carver's mallet from a fellow woodworker - which makes it pretty special. It's very easy to use with a mortising chisel or normal chisel, you don't need much force, or thoughtful precision with the hit. Close to centre is good enough. You'll enjoy the BU Jack - I had the chance to try one last year on some Beech (not steamed). The Jack struggled, but the BU Jack sailed through without a hitch. I await the next arrival ... boots perhaps? John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted July 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2013 I am fortunate to be married to a wonderfully tolerant woman. She is happy that I am happy. She was amused that I posted a picture of the mallet on Facebook. Possibly more amused to see the two jack planes side by side, while my friends were reciting lyrics from AC/DC's "The Jack". She is aware of my passion for nice things. You should see my pool cues I enjoy having nice things. I especially enjoy working with nice tools. Tools that make me smile every time I see them. I still grin like a child on Christmas morning when I walk into my shop and see my tools as I open the door. To me, that makes the cost well worth it. As for the boots, I usually were sandals in the shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhl.verona Posted July 26, 2013 Report Share Posted July 26, 2013 As for the boots, I usually were sandals in the shop. Can't argue with your philosophy on tools - and I can certainly appreciate the feeling you get learning to master them, but as for the footwear... You've probably already read about mishap, and I've had a chisel roll off the bench - once. Temperatures here are running at nearly 35°C right now, but I always wear a pair of sturdy boots. They might cause me to lose friends, but hopefully I won't lose anything else in the workshop... Plus there's the 'looks the job' factor, like your apron. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wilkins Posted July 26, 2013 Report Share Posted July 26, 2013 I'm going to have to find some steel toed birkenstocks. I'd actually forgotten about that possibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted July 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2013 That is very good advice. In all of my years as a millwright and machinist I have been injured once. I am fortunate that it was a very minor incident, but nonetheless it happened. A large part of my love for hand tools is that it is inherently safer. I sometimes need a reminder that accidents can happen at any time. Thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhl.verona Posted July 26, 2013 Report Share Posted July 26, 2013 I'm going to have to find some steel toed birkenstocks. I'd actually forgotten about that possibility. Fortunately, the Australians have come up with something in that line. Bless 'em. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Wilkins Posted July 26, 2013 Report Share Posted July 26, 2013 Fortunately, the Australians have come up with something in that line. Bless 'em. John Well throw another shrimp on the barby and call me Nancy, I'll be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted August 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2013 My large router plane arrived yesterday. I haven't had the chance to use it yet... It is larger than I anticipated. I've used small ones in the past, bit this is a first for the larger one. It has a very good weight, making it stable. The adjustments are excellent. Very precise depth stop. Mallet update: Wow! If you're on the fence with this mallet, don't wait another second! I know the price may seem rather steep considering those green ones are less than half of the price of this one, but once I grabbed the Blue Spruce mallet I felt much more comfortable. The hit require less effort than other mallets I've tried. I attribute this to the balance. Very well made, I spent some time making square holes, and the work was rather pleasant. And it's just a beautiful tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Here are some pics. I need some more storage This plane makes shooting edges a breeze! wow! I love this thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 A very fine collection your building up their Mel. They all look wonderful but I have a real soft spot for that Stanley Jack, the lack of bright nickel and brass (like my refurbished record #4 shown below) makes it seem very noble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 I still use my Stanley planes too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G S Haydon Posted August 4, 2013 Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Mel, I saw this and though of you. Man that looks good! You might like the rest of the images toohttp://pinterest.com/inner_section/tool-porn/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted August 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2013 Thanks for the link. Now I need some Bridge City stuff. Thanks alot! I've been after the old style Bridge City shoulder plane for some time now. They just released a new version that I "need". Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pghmyn Posted August 5, 2013 Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 All I see is "tool-porn" in the end of that link. LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChetlovesMer Posted August 5, 2013 Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 All I see is "tool-porn" in the end of that link. LOL. Ha, that's just plane funny. .......... "See what I did there?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted August 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 All I see is "tool-porn" in the end of that link. LOL. And that title is appropriate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Prunier Posted August 5, 2013 Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 I ordered a #49 and was told that there would be a 3 week delay, ie, they had to make another batch. Tomorrow will mark week 5 with no #49!!!! I would think that a company of their size would keep a dozen rough castings on hand, so these type of things don't happen. That way, when they get low on a tool inventory they don't have to wait on the foundry to cast new ones. Plus having the tool in a rough state wouldn't effect their bottom line as bad as a finished tool on a shelf. Still love my L.N. Tools, Just getting a little/lot P.O. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted August 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2013 I've been waiting for a mortising chisel for a couple of weeks. It is odd... It is in the mail now, but I wasn't happy at first. On the other hand, you can add items to your order and effectively get free shipping. My router plane was also delayed, but it was perfect when it arrived. Things happen. I agree they should have some in stock in various states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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