Our Q&A issues have proven to be quite popular! This one focuses on Morgan Reed and his recently acquired antique yet bench worthy Stanley #8. He and I worked through some flattening issues typical of all plane soles but that require certain measures with metal ones.
You'll also find some excerpted tips in our Advancing Handtools column that address the basics about cap irons, frogs, and plane soles from my book, The Perfect Edge; The Ultimate Guide to Sharpening for Woodworkers.
Also, a milestone for Hock Tools: our first official retirement! Julie Burns, who has been running our shipping department for 12 years, has decided to spend time with her grandchildren, quilting (she is considered one of the coast's master quilters!) and her husband, woodworker Michael Burns. These are the reasons to leave a life of packaging and shipping for Hock Tools? Go figure!
We'll miss Julie for every possible reason. She is a lovely person; wise and good humored and doesn't leave until that last blade is wrapped, labeled, and set for delivery. Linda says Julie has civilized us, which is probably true. I feel fortunate for everything Julie has brought to Hock Tools.
Mark Taylor is stepping in with all sorts of background and enthusiasm. He's been training and learning the details of keeping inventory straight, packing and shipping blades and kits and the other things we sell here at Hock Tools. Please help me welcome Mark to our company.
And, of course, let me know if there is anything you need from Hock Tools.
Mark Taylor, right, is taking over the shipping department and is packaging and labeling as this is being written. Please help us welcome Mark.
