Thread: Shingle Froe

On our recent trip down south I visited David Whyte at Gizmo in Adelaide.We were busy chatting so I didn’t get a good look at his extensive selection of tools for sale but I think he may have had a froe on offer. (My missus after looking thru the retro fabrics David’s wife sells got a sniffy nose so we had to go)
David was a regular seller at the sales I used to hold here in Sydney, he’d come all the way from SA for them. I recommend him as an honest trader.You may find a web contact address he’s at 187a Magill Rd. Maylands. SA.On his card he’s got David Whyte-aged tools. the address and 0437933301.Good luck, I’ve had a very rusty froe foe years but don’t remember seeing any in over 30 years of sales.H.

Originally Posted by rosewood

Have spent the last 10 odd years walking around markets and the second hand tool stall etc at the wood show looking for a shingle froe to no avail.

You must be knackered!

I didn't spend so many years hunting for a froe.
Despite the fact that enormous lorry-loads of shake blocks are exported (?) from a local western red cedar mill.
I buy those shake blocks, about 12" x 8" x 24", for carving and like to split out the piece sizes that I need.

As my luck would have it, this was just in the window of time when Lee Valley stopped selling froes.
So I had a local blacksmith hammer out exactly what I wanted.

Clear Out.
Than you x 1000 for the lead. Not only was Dave a great bloke to chat to, he had exactly what I was looking for and at more than a fair price.
Now comes the freaky part. The froe is in Adelaide and I am in the Hunter Valley.Worst case, thought would have to do a bank transfer and cover some freight to get it here. Low and behold, my best mate is on a three week road trip with his missus and when I checked in with him the other afternoon to see how he was going, he informs me that he was just heading into Adelaide for the weekend. Must be a Karma moment.
Anyway , froe has been collected and is on its way to its new home.Once again thank you. This forum rocks.

PS My mate reckons his store is a must visit destination with heaps of amazing stuff on display.