Last Shovel Maker

[BG_Farmer]

One of the things I like is that he doesn't care that each one is a little different from the next. That's inherent in the wood and the man. But each one will its job the same and do it well. That's all that is needed.

I agree 100%. The idea of perfection of form for everything comes about from industrialization, but it ruins hand work in my opinion.

The most notable thing about all this is; the old gentleman does not subject himself to any wood dust in making his shovels! No circular saws, bandsaws, shapers, routers or belt sanders to create the typical woodworker's environment of perpetual lung choking dust. The wood chips he created probably went straight into the stove.

I can't hardly stand woodworking with power tools any more. My last longrifle was mostly hand saw, chisel, planes and scrapers; if I used sandpaper at all, it was minimal. Im pretty allergic to fine wood dust, and it makes me miserable.

 

[300Six]

I can't hardly stand woodworking with power tools any more. My last longrifle was mostly hand saw, chisel, planes and scrapers; if I used sandpaper at all, it was minimal. I'm pretty allergic to fine wood dust, and it makes me miserable.

My buddy was allergic to White and Red Cedar dust but he loved working with the stuff and always sought out windy days so he could set up outdoors. I know this isn't the forum for this, but making the wood for a Pennsylvania or Kentucky squirrel gun is infinitely more complicated and intolerant of errors than merely roughing out an axe handle. I wouldn't mind seeing a few snaps of these next to your favoured tools. I figure it's time we rubbernecked some pretty (any bird's eye or curly maple?) "implement" handles!

 

[BG_Farmer]

My buddy was allergic to White and Red Cedar dust but he loved working with the stuff and always sought out windy days so he could set up outdoors. I know this isn't the forum for this, but making the wood for a Pennsylvania or Kentucky squirrel gun is infinitely more complicated and intolerant of errors than merely roughing out an axe handle. I wouldn't mind seeing a few snaps of these next to your favoured tools. I figure it's time we rubbernecked some pretty (any bird's eye or curly maple?) "implement" handles!

Yes, i do cut and (occasionally) route stuff outside for the same reasons. Funny, cedar was one of my main allergies, too, along with bluegrass and redtop, three plants that thrive in my area . Oh, and horses. I probably should wear some special suit or never go outside .

I'll work on posting pictures, though the rifle (in that case a chunk gun) and tools are nothing special; I had pictures figured out using Picasa, but the Google juggernaut decided I needed to be improved/upgraded, and I've not investigated a workaround .

 

[garry3]

I agree 100%. The idea of perfection of form for everything comes about from industrialization, but it ruins hand work in my opinion.



I can't hardly stand woodworking with power tools any more. My last longrifle was mostly hand saw, chisel, planes and scrapers; if I used sandpaper at all, it was minimal. Im pretty allergic to fine wood dust, and it makes me miserable.

Fine wood dust can be very bad. Some woods more hazardous than others. Then we have MDF and other particale boards that can be even worse. Don't want to be around any of it.

 

[300Six]

Fine wood dust can be very bad. Some woods more hazardous than others. Then we have MDF and other particale boards that can be even worse. Don't want to be around any of it.

You overlooked PT which is similarly rude as MDF. I don't know what they use for glue or binding agents in particle boards and OSB but the smell is stomach churning. The unfortunate part of being a carpenter these days is the materials you get to work with might as well say Caution: May also contain wood.