Just e-mail:
Linda will get back to you soon!
|
HOCK TOOLS'
PHOTO ALBUM: Tim Endsley's Straightforward Kit Build 'n Hammer & The Large
Elf. Yes, you did read that correctly. The Large Elf.
|
Tim Endsley purchased our Krenov Style Wooden Handplane Kit sometime last fall and sent us photos of his interpretation. It is apt in its straightforward approach to the plane, and looks as though it already has a patina of use and built-in self-confidence. Plus, Tim's made himself a hammer.
 You just gotta have an adjusting hammer if you use handtools. And, as Tim Endsley so proficiently demonstrates, making one yourself is a good exercise regarding types of wood, balance, integration of materials, being one with the stone age, you name it...Also, as we stand on the threshold of summer it may be tough to even consider the gift-giving season, a season the name of which shall not be allowed here in the Sharp zone this day in June. And yet, wouldn't you know, there is one Large Elf who gets ready year-round with the little carvings he gives as cheer filled offerings to children during that unmentioned time. These offerings are filled with tradition. Kindness resides at their core, which has its own inspiration any time of year.
 |
Tom Winner is The Large Elf, carver of these wood spirits bound as gifts for children. Using Hock Tools carving knives, Tom deftly sketches spirit faces in soft wood, each one just a bit different than the next.
|
So, a bit of encouragement for the DIY gift giver. Plus, we're happy that this elf uses Hock Tools as a helper in his woodshop. |
|
WOODWORKING HANDTOOLS:
The Proud & Unplugged
| |
The best surface
is produced by a handplane.
You can see it.
You can feel it.
And, there is nothing
like that satin touch
under your fingertip.
No plug.
No noise.
A single woodworker,
a well-tuned handtool
and the rhythm of work
on a nice piece of wood.
|
|
|
Greetings!
 | |
Ron Hock
|
At lunch today, Julie Burns (she is our entire shipping department) and I were just asking the well worn question, "Where does the time go?"
I am sorry to have missed HandWorks in Amana, Iowa. Everyone I've spoken with had a great show. My May 28th blog post explains why we were unable to make this landmark trade show.
Even though we couldn't make it, I am thrilled with HandWork's success. It's a testament to Benchcrafted's Jameel and his brother Father John Abraham's grit and tenacity. They got woodworkers from all over the map to throng to a cornfield over a cold and rainy weekend! This achievement speaks loudly to the value woodworkers like you place on the small, independent handtool maker. You know that the small independent is the toolmaker who speaks directly across the bench to customers, one-to-one.
Please make sure to read Dave Jeske's Guest Contributor article below about transitioning from being a virtual to a real woodworker on his way to becoming a toolmaker. Dave is one of the Proud & Unplugged who has been hard at it making extremely fine handtools for over 12 years. I've always admired his work.
Again, thank you for keeping us busy here at Hock Tools. If you haven't read The Sharpening Blog, you may know that Linda and I spent some time in Europe, including a visit to "our factory" in France. Sharp Since the Crusades should be a motto there (although Dièse Depuis les Croisades doesn't have quite the same ring). Plus, the operations manager is a fellow Petanque player. Petanque is a national pastime in France that has amassed thousands of followers organizing themselves into clubs all over the U.S., including here in Fort Bragg, California. The wonders of globalization, I tell you!
We have to make up for lost time so I'm going to simply ask that if you need anything from Hock Tools, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Ron Hock
Hock Tools
(888) 282-5233
(707) 964-2782
|
|
|
|
G U E S T C O N T R I B U T O R :
Owner and operator of Blue Spruce Toolworks, Dave Jeske is not only known for his chisels and other gorgeous, precision woodworking handtools, he is known as a consummate toolmaker. 
Dave's research and knowledge, humble dedication to the learning of his trade,as well as his reverence for the history of woodworking and those tools necessary to the craft, make him a mighty worthy toolmaker. Below, Dave speaks to us about his transition from being a virtual woodworker to a producing woodworker on his way to becoming a toolmaker.
My journey into woodworking and hand tools began about ten years ago. Before that I had been a virtual woodworker, faithfully watching Norm Abrams as he seemingly created masterpieces in mere minutes.
 | |
Dave Jeske Making a Presentation about chisels in Port Townsend, Washington.
|
His arsenal of tools was impressive by anyone's measure. Then there was that other show with an eccentric Roy Underhill who expended vast amounts of energy using antiquated tools to produce objects that were functional, and beautiful in their own handcrafted way. But I was an engineer and in my mind, precision came from machines. So I bought a table saw and a router. I was now a woodworker. I could rip, and cross cut and dado and......my work looked boring. I obviously needed more tools!
|
| on
A D V A N C I N G H A N D T O O L S:
By the Book -- Chapter 7 of The Perfect Edge
; Chiselsflat back so that the edge can clen
A Set of Dovetail Paring Chisels from
Chisels make up a large and important part of the woodworker's tool kit. The apparent simplicity of a chisel -- a blade on a stick -- belies the numerous variations on that theme. At the very least, a well-tuned chisel will help you do the work intended with a minimum of effort. And a well-tuned chisel, performing the task for which it was designed, is a truly pleasant and confidence-building experience.
|
|
