This past Saturday turned out to be a good one for me; first off I finally made it out to A & M Wood to pick up my order of Quarter Sawn White Oak. Terry Johnston did a fantastic job finding some of the nicest Oak I've seen in awhile. I now have a shop full of planks in the neighborhood of 1 3/4" thick by 8" wide by 8' long. Some serious weight there indeed. On my way out to Cambridge, where A & M is located I made a quick pit stop in the Ontario Carpenters Training Center. That's where I hooked up with Dan Barrett of DL Barrett and Sons toolworks.I had contacted Dan earlier about an old plough plane I had and was in need of some irons and a wedge. I had never met Dan before but he's one of those guys that when you do meet him it's like you've known him for years. He said he had some old irons for me and also a wedge I could have. I dropped by with my plough plane for him to see and he ended up fitting the wedge for me and sharpening up an iron to take it for a test drive! Way beyond the call of duty he really helped me out by taking the time out of his schedule.
Now if you don't know about Dans work he makes amazing wooden bodied planes here in Southern Ontario. Chris Schwarz wrote a review on one of their ploughs at his Lost Art Press blog. I'm putting one of these at the top of my wish list.
As a side note, while I was there visiting Dan he had some of his tools on his workbench. I quickly noticed two backsaws and asked him where they came from. He said they were custom builds from Ed Paik of Medallion Toolworks. One was a small dovetail saw and the other a larger backsaw fitted with an ebony handle. Dan being the kind of guy he is quickly said "Here Tom, take 'em for a test drive." I did indeed and can say I was blown away. They looked and performed great although I did only make a handful of cuts with them. Again the wish list grows longer and my wallet is getting nervous! It's nice to know that here in Southern Ontario, we have some of the finest craftsmen making truly incredible hand tools.
Cheers!
Brilliant connect to Medallion Toolworks. I have never heard of them, and was about to drop $ for a LN panel saw. I am thinking quite otherwise now that I know they are in the neighbourhood.
ReplyDeleteBy the way... they actually link to your blog too!
Patrick
Thanks for the comment Patrick,
ReplyDeleteare you in 'the neighborhood'?
Yup, T.O. baby!
ReplyDeleteKnowing that Mr. Paik is nearby I would much rather support locally than abroad (certainly though I do love the LN line of products), and judging by the connection I am sure quality of workmanship is impeccable.
There goes my allowance!
Patrick
Patric,
ReplyDeleteEd's saws are a joy to use, and as Tom mentioned I own 2 and I am already talking to Ed about a set of Kenyons.
Dan
Thanks for the comment Dan...a SET of Kenyons you say.?
ReplyDeleteDamn, that carpentry gig really is a sweet one!
:)
Cheers...we'll talk soon.
Patrick,
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more...
keep it local and grow 'yer own!
Hey Tom, What can I say it all started with Lee Valley Osis, progessed to tool mania and has developed into all things shiny, I myself think the latest affliction is the most dangerous.
ReplyDeleteDan
Would that make you "Dangerous Dan" then? Don't hold out, the DL Barrett and Son tool line is as equally volatile - and my belated congrats on a most fitting award in the Woodcentral contest, every kudo is deserved.
ReplyDeleteTom, when the door is all said and done would it be impertinent/intrusive to ask the address after installation? (Only for a drive by viewing!)
Cheers
Patrick
Well I guess that it "wood". I made a funny. No seriously I like to think of my self as the strong silent type. You know the one that rules the household from the street. As a friend of mine says you can be right or you can be happy. I choose happy, and sleeping in the house. Tom show us the door.
ReplyDeleteDan