A Sad Spot, Overcome

Years ago, I found myself in the unenviable position of realizing I didn’t need any more tools. Just this morning, during Dave Fisher’s class, I had to admit that the number of drawknives I’ve owned probably exceeds 100. I used to buy them all the time when they were $25. Now, I only have around 25 drawknives, but they all spark joy, so make of it what you will. I think as woodworkers we are caught in a bit of a conundrum. We want skill to be our marker, but need some tools to express it. Of course, this slippery slope can lead to a glut of tools. I’m no different. I’ve bought plenty of tools that underperform or gather dust. As a tool maker, I try to keep the tool and it’s goals simple, hoping to have it find an open spot to fill in the users toolbox and more importantly, reached for often.

As I veer into the topic of machines, things change a bit. My affection turns to tolerance, and occasionally neglect. I just want the damn things to work, and every minute fiddling (some call it maintenance) with them is like I’m standing on hot coals. My bandsaw is probably the most used machine in the shop and it has an impossible job. Cut smooth curves around my seat blanks one minute and cross cut logs the next. You can imagine how it suffers. I’ve had an older Delta bandsaw with a riser block for 20 plus years. It’s fine, does the job and I thought probably the saw I’ll die owning and using. But Tim Manney has been teaching at my shop, and he told me, as only an expert and good friend can, “you need a better bandsaw”. The old Delta bogs down unless the blade is fresh out of the box and I’ve just gotten used to bandsawing as a slow, contemplative activity. Tim happened to hit me at just the right time. I’ve been eyeballing the siding we are pulling off the barn, considering resawing it for the interior wall sheathing. There is no way my saw can handle that task, I would take months.

So Tim, in a truly kind act, found a larger saw that can handle resawing and more. We went and picked it up yesterday

It’s a 16” Walker Turner. The continuous casting allows more tension to be put on the larger blades. The image shows the body with the parts removed for easier transport. I gotta say, I’m pretty excited to get this thing going, and Tim has pledged to help get it humming. I’m sure it will be a joy to use. I am hoping to have more time to tend to these things once the barn project is over. I’m actually excited to see what this new capability added to the shop.

Here’s a video and a few shots of Dave’s amazing class. Check out those passes he makes with the number 5, it’s magic.

He just added one next year, so check it out below

Upcoming Classes

If a class you want is full, please contact us to be put on the waitlist. It is very common for folks on the waitlist to gain admittance. To enroll or get on the waitlist, contact info@petergalbert.com. For more info, visit petergalbert.com/schedule

Oct 14-19 Temple Chair with Peter Galbert Full

Oct 26-27 Sharpening with Tim Manney Space Available

Nov 3-10 Modern Rocking Chair with Peter Galbert Full

Nov 17-22 #14 Chair with Bern Chandley Full

Dec 1-6 Lowbow Armchair with Bern Chandley Full

Dec 14-15 Spoon Carving with Tim Manney Space Available

Jan 6-11 Temple Chair with Peter Galbert Space Available

Jan 20-25 #207 Chair with Andy Glenn Space Available

Feb 10-16 Continuous Armchair with Peter Galbert Space Available

Mar 8-9 Turning Intensive with Peter Galbert Space Available

Mar 10-15 Bowl Carving Exploration with Dave Fisher Space Available

March 24-30 Helix Armchair with Peter Galbert Space Available

April 6-11 17th Century Style Carved Oak Box with Peter Follansbee Full

April 26-27 Turning Intensive with Peter Galbert Space Available

May 5-11 Side Chair with Peter Galbert Space Available

June 15-22 Modern Rocking Chair with Peter Galbert Space Available