If you are interested in traditional tools you should be a member of The Traditional Tools Group Inc (TTTG).<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
TTTG is dedicated to the study, conservation, collection, and use of tradesmen’s tools of all kinds. To support this object the organisation promotes the preservation of traditional tools and skills, and the dissemination of knowledge about Australian toolmaking history and the use of tools across all industries.<o></o>
Members are interested in understanding the traditions and skills of the people who used the tools of many different trades from the earliest times to the present day. <o></o>
Membership of TTTG is open to all. The cost is $30 pa or $25 for pensioners and those living outside of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comffice:smarttags" /><st1lace w:st="on"><st1ity w:st="on">Sydney</st1ity></st1lace>.<o></o>
TTTG meets at 7:15 pm on the second Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December in the <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Annie</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Wyatt</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Room</st1:PlaceName> of the National Trust Headquarters on Observatory Hill (the old <st1lace w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Fort</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Street</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">High School</st1:PlaceType></st1lace> building). There is ample free parking (where else in the centre of the city can you get free parking?). <o></o>
At each meeting, a guest speaker makes a presentation on traditional tools, their use and history. And there is an interesting tool auction with a knowledgeable and very funny auctioneer.<o></o>
TTTG publish a newsletter six times per year, which is sent to all members in advance of meetings. In addition TTTG publish, and distribute free to members, special publications. Recent publications include the only Carter catalogue; early Record catalogue; Benn’s Glossary of Technical Terms; a collection of writings from the Newsletter – “John’s Pages”; Nock & Kirby catalogue. Publications planned for 206 include – two booklets involving original covering “Metal Screw Threads” and “Stanley Plane Threads”; one or two CDs of instruction booklets, early magazines, catalogues and other material. These publications are more than worth the membership cost.<o></o>
TTTG conducts around ten workshops a year, with the members’ cost for one day workshops being only $20. Workshop topics include - Sharpening Edge Tools, Plane Tuning, Saw Sharpening, Metalworking for Woodworkers, Dovetails Demystified, Wooden Planes, the whole picture, Spokeshaves, Scrapers and Drawknives, Shooting Boards, Winding Sticks, Hide Glue, Shellac, Moulding Planes, Fillisters and Ploughs, Planing Techniques, Combination Planes, Making Chisel and Plane Handles, and Making Workshop Jigs. The workshop brochure for the first half of 2006 is available at http://www.tttg.org.au/Content/TTTG%20Workshop%20Brochure.pdf
An interesting innovation for 2006 is an Open Workshop Day, where members can utilise the workshop facilities of a school. Guidance will be provided to members in use of machines and specialised tools.<o></o>
If you are interested log onto to www.tttg.org.au, explore the web site and complete the membership form. New members welcome.
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Cheers<o></o>
Peter Evans<o></o>
TTTG Committee