Making a billhook case in Wanstead 14-08-16

I only had a paper pattern for this commission so I had no option but to make a mould. Normally I would use plywood or MDF but this was around 1/8” thick so I used Perspex (not the easiest material to cut bevels on!)

I used an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc and then filed it my hand.

 

Next step was to make templates using thick cardboard.

I stapled the welt to the outer pattern and then tested on the mould.

For rough finishing of the leather sandwich I use a sanding board.

I have a range of these with different grids 80 - 320 Stuck onto some lamin-board. A type of block board using flat strips – very expensive (I salvaged some posh library shelving some years ago).

 I have changed how I use my stitching pony (back problems), I now clamp it to a bench and stitch standing up – far more comfortable.


I have also mounted my wooden slicker on my lathe which really speeds things up.













Once I had done all the hand stitching and made the strap, then just a final fitting (suits you sir?)

The completed case just needs a jiffy bag and posting.

Holiday in Crete 25^th July – 8^th August

I found a great taverna on the coast at Plakias on the south coast. It is a beautiful drive from the north coast through a choice of gorges.

My first Dorado with lemon sauce, cooked to perfection on the charcoal grill. 

The lady cooking has been there for 28 years! Think she may be an expert.

 

Her Sea Bass was also very good…

As was the Red Snapper!

 

Have always enjoyed the squid as well.

There are lots of Olive trees over 6,000,000 so they burn and make lots of things from Olive.

However most is imported from Tunisia. I was very disappointed to see that the napkin holder was laminated to MDF – completely ruined my lunch!

Our stick maker is still in business on the same lay by on the road to Spili (famous for textiles). Unfortunately his English is about as good as my Greek so I’m not sure what he thought I wanted apart from an updated picture.

Unlike our convention - he uses a blowtorch on wet Oak branches, hence no bark and no drying time. Crude but effective.

I have visited Crete a few times and always call in on Nicos Siragas who is well known in the wood turning world for carving and decoration as well as tool design.

He runs courses in the winter at his home in the hills as well as demonstrating in

Europe – check out his website.

Coopers Wood Keston Kent 9/10th July

Keith Leonard making more goblets for the Worshipful Company of Turners competition in October. 

The details are on the APTGW website as well.

 

Carole Leonard needle felting animals – in this case Llamas – she does use a metal set from IKEA but the patterns can be made of anything really, note in this instance MDF.

 

Damien Goodburn making a large spoon, he must of finished all his adze handles.

 

Robin Etheridge mass producing shrink pots.

 

Phill Piddell splitting hazel for a rather large hurdle. 

I thought it was for his llamas but no, it is for a screen to hide his bins.

 

 

Harry Rogers in belt production.

Harry uses bridle leather that is traditionally pit tanned and hand curried to ensure that the fibres are strong and the leather is smooth.

The leather is from the world renowned J&E Sedgwick and Co.

He also uses Ritza Tiger thread.

 

John Burbage busy on handle production.

John Burbage has twice monthly meetings at his place in Benenden on Mondays and has quite a crowd! 

Please go along and help him make his fire shelter.

This was Richard Bingham’s (Herstmoncaux Ball host) first visit to Coopers Wood. I think he may be thinking about setting up something similar to this on his farm.

This of course is Graham's post shaving machine.

 

 

The locals were very interested in our activities but were confused as to how my shave horse worked.

 

I have plans to build my own campervan. So I am taking a close eye on how things are laid out and asking lots of questions. So I took a few pictures of the Leonard campervan.

Great to see such a range of skills and so many focused craftsmen. Very many thanks to the owner of the wood who was there and thanks to its custodian Graham Aslett.

Scything completion at Wimpole 25/6^th June at the Folly Field

It would not be a proper bodging weekend at Wimpole without the presence of the dynamic duo – Simon’s naughtiest dogs. This time instead of getting in the 4x4 they decided to dig up bunnies.

Austerity measures due to the Brexit is having an immediate effect ,  Jim’s manservant is making things go further by frying kitchen paper as it is now cheaper than eggs.

David Owen has far too much time on his hands and is now producing his own food. This is a collaborative piece with his daughter.

Chris Riley from North Dorset who run scything courses and does contract scything Chris@pratensis.net

The Morris dancers apparently used to lead the scythers into the fields to start their work.

 

I presume they were a local group and no doubt I will be put in my place.

Great to see some youngsters getting involved, he was not the only one.

Jim McVittie taking part in one of the team events, I have never seen anything moving so fast!

It was the aftermath of Magnus’s 60^th birthday – hence the family made tent.

 

He was running an archery school with a few bouncers;  longbows with 160lbs draw weight, repeating crossbows, PVC longbows..

 

Another homemade present - the cake and what a cake!

David Owen AKA manservant stripping Elm Bark from a very familiar tree.

 

The Blue Peter moment – one he had done earlier.

  

Well my third scything event at Wimpole. It was certainly the wettest. That however did not put anyone off; perhaps some members of the public who missed a great weekend. Always good to meet old friends. Thanks to (who I thought) were the organisers – Simon and Jim. See you all next year.

Wildwood festival at Wakehurst Place 28/29/30^th May

Clau has been busy making this new Viking style demonstration shelter.

The canvas was hand stitched.

A very impressive setup. With some excellent entertainment round the fire in the evenings.

 

A chainsaw caver / charcoal burner’s flake? Basic tepee frame with sods over.

This shelter was standing the day before the event.

He might get 50 out of this one.

John Burbage was at the shingles again! He is getting rather expert at this. Should write a book I think. 

Mark on his Viking style pole lathe.

The Green Man joined us on Saturday night – good company.


He was drawing crowds during the day.












 Sean Helman eat your heart out!  there are whispers that Mike Church is also developing shave horses.

Mike doing something more worthwhile – papadom grilling.

 My first go at a circular plate in Alder, and with a chisel – not an adze in sight.

This first cut made an instant bracelet.

My second attempt at carving a bowl with a chisel.

Damien Goodburn adzing adze handles, almost a production line.

   

 This was our second year at this event. All in all a very pleasant weekend. The organisation was excellent, plenty of signs and great showers! A big thank you for all their staff on the ground.

Wanstead 19^th May

Got my clogs from Jeremy Atkinson –

I had a fitting at the Ball and am now a proud owner. These are  my first hand made shoes. Very comfortable.

The moral of the story is that unless you use scarce tradesmen we will lose them and their wares.

A few days after this I found out we have another clog maker in the bodgers – Michael Cahill Yorkshire – check out his website.