Recent content by beechman

I have bought separately two saws in the past three weeks. A 22" and a 24" traditional saw. You can imagine the approximate size, volume and shape. I would venture to suggest that this is not the best way to package them. This is not an exaggeration. Both arrived individually packaged in a...

I reckon your best bet could be to make a poor man's router plane a la Paul Sellers. It's ridiculously simple to make and brilliantly effective. The depth would be infinitely variable (within reason) and it would be a great way of using up an old chisel that's tucked away somewhere!

That probably isn't too far gone as long as you don't force it to turn/unscrew. I agree that electrolysis is probably the most effective way of cleaning and freeing it up - low impact etc. I bought a Stanley 71 last week on ebay and was pleasantly surprised that my bid of £62 won. The price is...

Time was when you could pick up a set of 4 Aldi chisels for £8, initiate them and have a set of outstanding chisels for life. Now one Rob Cosman fishtail chisel will set you back the best part of £150. You know things have got out of hand when even the Lie Nielson equivalent is 50% cheaper...

Mmmmmm. Here's the thing that so many organisations don't seem to get or just don't want to get because it's too much trouble and too much money. A company's quality is not judged by the quality of its products. That is a given. If we order and pay for a table saw, we expect it to work and...

Silicone guns are a pain. I've tried tape, matchstick, nail etc etc. Usually this has proved unsuccessful. The one weird way that has worked for me is to allow a small bead of silicone to protrude when you've finished the job and let it harden off. Leave it there until you re-use the gun. Pull...

Super Glue is to CA what Hoover is to vacuum cleaner. Ie. a brand name that is often mistakenly used to describe the generic product. Think I'll go and lie down - that was too intellectual for me. (hammer)

That's a very impressive bench Nick. Well done indeed. It's amazing what can be achieved with minimal investment in woodworking tools. Paul Sellers has a great philosophy as well as a very pleasing delivery style.

A word to the wise about the Veritas mortise chisel adaptor for the Mark 11 honing guide which I own and like very much. The advertising states that the adaptor is compatible with both Veritas standard and narrow blade clamping heads. The issue is the definition of mortise chisel. I bought the...

I guess there is no definitive answer. My experience has led me towards the Gorilla products - glue and duct tape. I've made two outdoor projects using the "foaming" Gorilla external glue. I think it's outstanding. The more traditional Gorilla yellow wood glue has always worked well for me and I...

I've been through a refurbishment thing with a vintage Stanley 4 1/2. It is now my favourite plane. Love the balance afforded by the extra weight. Anyway, back to your very first post. Sacrilege is in the eye of the beholder. Do with it whatever gives you the greatest pleasure and satisfaction :D

I'm as guilty as many, getting caught up in the auction mist and buying at too high a price. There is a solution and a very successful one. Decide on your maximum spend. Don't change it! Download Gixen sniping app onto your laptop or phone. Enter the relevant details of your target tool etc...

I have the "cut-down" student Starrett 6"/150mm combination square. It is the most affordable in their range, brilliantly accurate and can fit into an apron pocket easily for quick access. I use it all the time with absolute confidence.

Pencil and paper, ruler and a glass of wine for me :) I gave up on sketch up when I couldn't download it properly (my fault I'm sure)

I am quite convinced that Paul Sellers and all those who have a down-to-earth, non-elitist and all-embracing view of woodworking will absolutely agree with you!!! After all he's only had 50 years of experience in woodworking. What does he know?